Logan turned to the audience as Kara rushed toward him, concern evident in her eyes. His body trembled from exhaustion, adrenaline finally wearing off. He let out a breath, his muscles finally relaxing, before his vision blurred. With a weak smile of relief, he collapsed onto the cold arena floor. The impact sent a dull echo through the grand training hall, but it was quickly drowned out by the thunderous cheers of the students.
The hall was alive with energy, voices raised in exhilaration. Students chanted Logan's name, their excitement pounding through the walls like a drum. There was no greater spectacle than an underdog triumphing against overwhelming odds, and Logan had just delivered the perfect ending. The underdog who defied expectations, endured, adapted, and claimed victory.
Kara dropped to her knees beside him, her hands moving swiftly as she checked for major injuries. A faint scowl formed on her face as she pressed her fingers against his wrist, feeling the strain in his pulse. "Idiot," she muttered under her breath. "You pushed yourself too hard."
Healers rushed in, their essence-infused hands already glowing as they moved between the unconscious fighters scattered across the arena floor. The battle was intense as Kelvin, Nero and even Briggs in his transformed form went all out against a weak and frail looking opponent and still lost. Logan's tactics, his resilience—it had caught the attention of more than just the audience.
From the elevated viewing platform, the academy's principal and instructors observed with interest, their gazes analyzing every detail of the fight.
"Your instincts never fail, Principal Dvalin," Kael remarked, folding his arms. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "You knew he had something hidden up his sleeve."
Dvalin, the academy's dwarven principal, stroked his thick beard, letting out a hearty chuckle. "Aye, that lad learns from his mistakes faster than most. Those Arc-Tether tripwires? That was new. A nasty little trick, but effective."
The Arc-Tether tripwires had been the defining moment of Logan's victory. Unlike conventional rank 1 trap gadgets, they were designed to latch onto an opponent's essence flow, disrupting their movements and balance. They were lethal, and in the wrong hands, they could cause really unpleasant things to happen. Logan had integrated them seamlessly into his fighting style, predicting his opponent's reactions and using their aggression against them.
"It was his decision-making that impressed me," Agrona added, adjusting her glasses. As the academy's mana and essence instructor, she had an eye for talent. "To willingly take injuries in exchange for a counterattack requires a superior combat mindset. Most students his age would hesitate. He didn't."
Kael nodded. "That's the kind of mindset that separates prodigies from warriors. He wasn't just reacting—he was thinking ahead, shaping the battle to his advantage."
"Well, I must say" Agrona said pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose "you have quite the talented set on your hands this year" she said as she remembered a certain suspended person with a smile.
They turned to leave the hall when they stumbled upon Room B's instructor, Zara, who had her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. "I must admit, that was impressive. If only a certain someone hadn't stolen him from my room." Her sharp gaze landed on Kael, who smirked.
"Come now, Zara," Kael said, feigning innocence. "You know Room A's curriculum suits him better."
Zara scoffed. "He would've thrived in Room B too."
Agrona smiled subtly and took a step back, clearly unwilling to get involved in another one of their arguments. Dvalin raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Let's enjoy the moment, shall we?" he said before leading them toward his office.
As they walked through the academy's grand corridors, students hurriedly made way for them, bowing in respect. The hallways, carved from enchanted stone, were illuminated by glowing blue essence lamps. The academy itself was a masterpiece of architecture, blending dwarven craftsmanship with advanced mana-based engineering. Every arch, every pillar, radiated purpose and tradition. The walls bore intricate carvings of legendary warriors and scholars, a testament to the legacy that every student aspired to uphold.
Agrona turned to Dvalin. "What about your star pupil? Roy. How is his training progressing?"
Dvalin's chest swelled with pride. "Roy is everything you'd expect from a Grade A talent. He absorbs knowledge like a sponge, and to be honest, I suspect he's on the verge of another breakthrough."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "You mean he's about to reach Mid Rank 2? Already?"
Zara shook her head in disbelief. "If that happens, he'll surpass most second-years and rival some third-years."
"It's what you'd expect from someone of his caliber," Dvalin replied simply.
Agrona tapped her chin thoughtfully. "And what of his innate ability? Has he unlocked it yet?"
Dvalin let out a deep breath, shaking his head. "Not yet. He doesn't even know what it is. But I'm certain it's something rare. He's close, I can feel it. All he needs is the right push, proper motivation and we might even get to see the rise of a legend"
The potential in Roy was undeniable. His talent, his determination—he was the kind of student who didn't just grow; he transcended expectations. Yet, his innate ability remained a mystery, lying dormant beneath his steady progression. If it awakened, it could redefine his future entirely.
Just as Dvalin finished speaking, the doors to his office swung open. Standing there was Gerald, the Duke's butler, dressed impeccably in his black suit and white gloves. His presence alone was enough to make the air in the room grow tense.
Kael, Zara, and Agrona exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Gerald. Dvalin leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable.
"To what do we owe this unexpected visit?" Dvalin asked, his deep voice carrying an edge of curiosity.
Gerald gave a polite bow before stepping inside. "The Duke has important information to pass to you all."
Silence filled the office as the weight of the words settled over them. Whatever this was, it was important.