Steam filled the quiet locker room. Droplets rolled down Ryan's forehead, his muscles still slightly tense from the previous battle.
That's when Ryu Nox walked in with his usual relaxed grin.
— "Man, you're doing great in this Draft…" he said, sitting beside his friend. "Even without aura, that nerd side of yours — always one step ahead — is showing."
Ryan smiled, a bit embarrassed.
— "Thanks, Ryu… but to be honest, I don't care about rank, fame, or the media. I just want to become a real hero… someone who saves lives."
Ryu's expression softened, visibly touched.
— "Then we're the same... Though in my case, I want to save the world in style," he laughed. "But think about it: you with the brains, Ethan as the striker, me with seal versatility... We'd be unstoppable in a guild — like the next legendary trio."
Ryan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
— "That would be cool…"
Leaning against a nearby wall, a dark-haired, serious competitor listened silently. Hant furrowed his brows.
"That kid… he really has the soul of a hero."
Suddenly, the locker room door opened. A man in a suit with a golden Committee badge entered and called out:
— "Hant. Hant Yurein?"
— "That's me, sir. What's going on?"
The man kept a formal posture, but his voice was cold:
— "I regret to inform you that the Evaluation Committee has decided to disqualify you from the Draft. Illegal aura-enhancing substances were detected in your training flask."
Hant turned pale.
— "W-What? No! There must be a mistake — I would never use that!"
The official didn't respond. He simply turned and left. Hant trembled. His eyes searched for answers, for justice… but all he found were indifferent stares.
At the back of the room, Williem Forst watched with a faint smirk.
"One less in my way."
Hant turned and locked eyes with him.
— "Williem... You set this up, didn't you? I'LL EXPOSE YOU, YOU—!"But before he could finish, security dragged him away.
🌧️ Outside the Arena – Under Drizzle
Hant stumbled through the cold rain, disoriented. The angry crowd threw objects and screamed:
— "Cheater!"— "Fraud!"— "Trash of the new generation!"
He dragged himself to the statue of Ray Stormbreak, collapsing to his knees before it.
— "I worked so hard… trained like crazy… fought myself every day… I gave up bad habits, disciplined my body and mind… all for this?!"
Tears fell onto the wet marble of the square.
— "And now… they treat me like garbage?"
He took off his glasses and crushed them in his hand.
— "Williem Forst… you'll pay for this. And so will this rotten society that worships celebrities instead of heroes. I'll spark a revolution. And this time, you'll hear the name Hant Yurein… as the symbol of the ruin you deserve."
⚔️ Back at the Arena
In the command center, Ryan walked determinedly toward Lorien Valtier, interrupting calmly:
— "Mr. President, may I have a moment?"
Lorien, surprised by the boy's boldness, nodded:
— "Of course, Ryan. What can I do for you?"
— "Competitor Hant was expelled… but I believe he was framed. This is unfair. He… he's a true hero."
Lorien looked at him for a moment, then handed him a tablet. On it was an image: Hant's flask, with aura-enhancing substances clearly visible.
— "This image was submitted by Williem Forst. The analysis also confirmed the illegal content."
Ryan's eyes widened.
— "But… what if that image was edited?"
Lorien sighed.
— "Anything's possible, Ryan. But this wasn't his first offense."
Another image appeared — this time… something was off.
Hant was shown from behind, his face hidden… but the same ring Williem wore in other photos was visible.
— "Trust the system, Ryan. And if you truly believe something's wrong… win. Rise to the top. When you're up there, your voice will echo louder."
Lorien placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
— "Win this Draft. I'm rooting for you."
📺 Meanwhile...
News outlets around the world repeated the same headline:
"Competitor Eliminated for Cheating: Video Reveals Illegal Aura Use!"
— "A disgrace to future heroes!"— "Hant Yurein: The biggest disappointment of the Draft!"
And in a dark alley, Williem Forst watched the coverage with arms crossed, smiling.
"One less. Now, I just have to keep the mask on until the end."
To be continued in Chapter 15…