---
Shrek Academy's Grand Arena was silent.
No roars of spirit beasts. No cheering students. Just silence. The kind that presses down before a storm.
Two figures stood at opposite ends of the dueling platform.
On one side: Fuyue Tsukari—second-ranked in the academy's first year, bonded with the Moon Serpent, and known for her precise, deadly tactics.
On the other: Kiyanotoka Ash—ranked unknown, bonded with three beasts… yet shrouded in mystery.
This wasn't just a duel.
It was a test.
---
🎴 An Official Challenge
> "Sanctioned by Instructor Kaelus," the arbiter declared, "as a skill assessment duel. Non-lethal, but no holds barred."
> "Both parties have accepted."
The crowd leaned forward.
Not many knew the reason behind this match. Most assumed it was rivalry.
But beneath the surface, instructors were watching with sharpened eyes.
> They want to see if I'm a body cultivator, Kiyanotoka thought.
> And they want Fuyue to confirm it for them.
He cracked his knuckles slowly, keeping his energy suppressed. No system notifications. No glowing marks. No outward signs.
Just calm breath. Inner fire.
---
🐍 The Moon Serpent Strikes
"Summon," Fuyue said coldly.
A ripple of silver light flashed, and the Moon Serpent coiled onto the battlefield—its smooth scales reflecting starlight even in daylight. Its gaze was hypnotic. Its body silent.
> "Let's see what you've been hiding, Ash," Fuyue said, eyes narrowed.
Kiyanotoka didn't reply.
He didn't summon any of his beasts.
Just raised his fists.
The audience stirred.
> "Is he serious?" "No summon? Against a Moon Serpent?"
Fuyue didn't wait.
The serpent lunged, venomous mist following its trail.
Kiyanotoka slid low, barely evading, and struck the ground—redirecting force to launch himself back. No spirit arts. No command rings.
Just speed. Control. Power.
> Don't give them proof. Don't glow. Don't pulse too brightly.
But Fuyue's eyes were sharp.
> His stance changed… his weight's shifted… he's faster than before.
---
🔥 Contained Fire
She pressed forward, sending the serpent in a feint.
Kiyanotoka sidestepped—but Fuyue anticipated it. A blast of lunar energy burst from her ring. He was caught off guard and knocked back.
Dust scattered. The crowd gasped.
> "He's down!"
But from within the smoke—
Kiyanotoka's silhouette rose. Slowly. Calmly.
His coat burned slightly at the edges.
His eyes… clear.
And his fists… still bare.
> No flame. No core pulse. Good.
> [ SYSTEM – Core Charge at 80%. Auto-pulse suppressed. Duration left: 00:42 ]
He dashed forward—fast enough to catch Fuyue's attention again.
> He's not using spirit energy. But he's faster now. More precise. Like he's training under gravity.
She narrowed her eyes.
> "You're not normal."
---
⚔️ Close Quarters
They clashed at the center.
Fuyue used her short blade—coated in moonlight—to strike low, but Kiyanotoka blocked it with his forearm and deflected the serpent's tail with his shoulder.
She spun, kicked—and he caught it.
Just for a moment.
And in that frozen instant, their eyes met.
> You're hiding something, hers said.
> I won't show it, his replied.
He let her go and stepped back.
The crowd didn't know what they'd just seen.
But Kaelus, from the shadows, frowned.
> "He's suppressing his output. He could've countered with ease."
---
🧊 The Verdict
After fifteen minutes, the arbiter raised his hand.
> "Draw."
The crowd murmured in confusion.
But the instructors understood.
Neither had revealed their trump cards.
That alone was telling.
As Fuyue sheathed her blade, she passed by Kiyanotoka without a word. But she whispered:
> "You're not fooling me. One day, I'll see what's really burning in you."
Kiyanotoka didn't answer.
---
🔍 Backstage Whispers
Later that evening, a conversation occurred in the sealed instructor's chamber.
Kaelus stood with a sealed scroll marked with Kiyanotoka's name.
> "There's no doubt anymore," he said. "He's walking both paths."
> "Then why not expose him?" asked one elder.
> "Because if he's truly Crownless… if he's the one the ancient texts spoke of—"
Kaelus looked toward the burning emblem of the academy.
> "Then he might be the only one who can stop what's coming."
---
🔥 Alone Again, Stronger Still
Kiyanotoka stood in the same Ashroot hall where he'd trained before.
Now, he let the system release slightly.
The flame at his chest glowed—softly.
> [ Body Level 2 – Core Charge Complete. ]
Trait Activated: Pulse Guard – Absorb 1 fatal strike per day (Core cooldown: 24 hrs)
He punched the iron pillar once.
It shattered.
Not from strength.
From control.
> I must never lose this balance. Beast. Body. Secrecy.
> Until I'm strong enough… to shake this world alone.
---
📘 End of Chapter 17
---