CHAPTER THIRTHEEN

The First Ranking Competition

Six months had passed since Kaïdën had entered the Silver Fist Martial Studio.

The training had been relentless—grueling physical conditioning day in and day out. Muscle pain had become a constant companion, sweat had become his second skin, and exhaustion a daily battle.

But today was different.

Today was special.

Because yesterday, Apprentice Thorne had made an announcement that shook everyone to their core.

---

FLASHBACK: The Announcement

The training session had just ended. Kaïdën and the rest of the students lay sprawled on the floor, gasping for air, their bodies aching from the relentless drills.

Just as Kaïdën was about to close his eyes for a brief moment of rest—Thorne appeared out of thin air.

Literally.

His sudden materialization startled everyone, causing some students to jolt upright. Kaïdën, still trying to catch his breath, furrowed his brows.

"How the hell does he even do that?"

It made no sense. No sound. No movement. Just... there one moment, gone the next.

But there was no time to ponder it.

Thorne's piercing gaze swept over them, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"Tomorrow," he said, "there shall be a martial contest among you."

A murmur spread through the students, but no one dared to interrupt.

"This will serve as your first challenge since entering this studio," Thorne continued. "A ranking system will be established. Your position will determine the amount of resources we invest in you."

At this, everyone perked up.

"The top ten will be our primary focus. They will receive the best training, the best martial arts, the best instructors. The rest of you?" His lips curled slightly. "Well… you will simply have to prove yourselves worthy."

Kaïdën clenched his fists. Top ten. That was the goal.

"But do not get comfortable," Thorne added. "A ranking competition will be held at the end of every month. Meaning, even if you make it to the top ten, you will have to fight to remain there."

He stepped forward, his voice carrying a subtle challenge.

"So… train hard, fight harder, and may the strongest rise to the top."

With that, he vanished as mysteriously as he arrived, leaving behind a tense and charged atmosphere.

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BACK TO THE PRESENT

And now—here they were.

Kaïdën stood in the center of a massive hall, surrounded by fifteen large arenas, each with instructors dressed in black uniforms with silver stripes.

He adjusted the gray uniform given to all newcomers, his fingers brushing against the headband wrapped around his forehead.

Number 7.

Beside him, Renji was grinning like an idiot, boldly walking up to random competitors and provoking them. His arrogance was both reckless and ridiculous, but it was impossible to ignore his confidence.

Selena, seated quietly near Kaïdën, let out a sigh of irritation.

"Idiot," she muttered under her breath.

Kaïdën smirked slightly but said nothing.

Before they had time to dwell on it, Apprentice Thorne entered.

"Thank life he didn't appear out of thin air this time," Kaïdën thought, exhaling slightly in relief.

But following him was someone new.

A man—dressed in the same black attire with silver stripes, yet with a distinct difference. His fiery orange hair stood out, but what was even more striking was the sheer pressure that radiated from him.

It was subtle—but undeniably heavier than Thorne's.

Who was he?

The man said nothing, merely walking to a nearby stool and sitting down with an uninterested expression.

It was Thorne who stepped forward to address them.

He climbed onto the center arena, scanning the gathered students with an amused smirk.

"Today," he began, grinning foolishly, "is a special day."

The students remained silent, but tension rippled through the crowd.

"Well, I see you all look… prepared."

Kaïdën couldn't tell if that was sarcasm.

Thorne continued, his voice growing sharper.

"Let's not waste time. You have all been given a headband with a number on it. That number represents your starting position."

Then—he dropped the bombshell.

"The competition will have three stages."

And with that, the first ranking battle was about to begin.