One week passed after the duel, and the news of Ash defeating Ray spread through the entire academy like wildfire.
At first, many students didn't even believe it. How could Ray, the prodigy who had always stood at the very peak of their generation, be defeated? It sounded absurd, almost like a bad joke. But disbelief only lasted until the video of their battle began to circulate within the academy's inner circle.
The footage didn't spread beyond the academy walls, though—such was the strict control of the academy. They made sure no one outside could witness the overwhelming and destructive power displayed that day, because if they did, it would shake far more than just the academy's reputation.
