The courtyard was buzzing with energy as students gathered for the mid-level dueling exercises. Today, the instructors had paired students for controlled sparring matches—an opportunity for them to test skills and strategies under observation.
Ken Xeno walked calmly among the crowd, his permanent smile in place. Taron and Elyas trailed behind him, whispering nervously about the upcoming duels.
"You really think this will be safe?" Taron asked.
Ken tilted his head slightly, his black eyes scanning the dueling grounds. "Safe isn't the point. Observation is. That's how you learn. That's how you grow."
---
The instructor, a tall woman with short silver hair, raised her hand. "Today's matches are not about winning or losing. They are about control, strategy, and understanding your opponent. Pair wisely."
Ken's sharp eyes immediately noticed a commotion across the field. Kaelen Draven—the silver-haired upperclassman—was talking with another top-tier student. Their aura pulsed with confidence and a hint of arrogance, clearly sizing up the first-years.
Interesting, Ken thought, smiling slightly. A quiet challenge seems to be forming.
---
Before he could act, one of the instructors approached him. "Ken Xeno," she said, voice calm but firm. "You'll spar against Kaelen Draven. A first-year against a top-tier upperclassman. Let's see how you handle this."
Ken's permanent smile never faltered. "Of course," he said lightly. Observation first, action second, he reminded himself internally.
The sparring arena was a circular platform with elemental runes etched into the floor. The platform floated a few meters above the ground, the perfect height for midair maneuvers.
Kaelen stepped forward, smirking. "I hope you're ready, first-year," he said. "I don't plan on holding back."
Ken's smile remained calm. "Neither do I," he said softly.
---
The duel began. Kaelen immediately unleashed a flurry of wind and lightning attacks, fast and precise. Most students would have struggled to react, but Ken simply observed, his system calculating trajectories, mana expenditure, and timing.
A faint black glow surrounded Ken's hands as he subtly manipulated the battlefield. Platforms shifted slightly under Kaelen's feet—not enough to be obvious, just enough to offset balance subtly. The attacks slowed almost imperceptibly, as if reacting to Ken's presence rather than Kaelen's intent.
Kaelen frowned slightly, sensing something unusual but unable to pinpoint it. "Huh…?" he muttered mid-attack.
Ken tilted his head, his smile unwavering. He moved with fluid grace, letting Kaelen's attacks flow past him. Not a single strike landed. To any observer, it looked like effortless skill.
This is entertaining, Ken thought quietly. And he doesn't even know what I'm doing.
---
Minutes passed, and the duel drew attention from nearby students. Whispers spread across the courtyard: "The youngest Xeno…" "He's facing Kaelen Draven…" "No one can hit him!"
Kaelen's attacks grew more aggressive, yet Ken remained calm, always smiling, always in control. He subtly tested his "Overwrite" power in tiny ways: adjusting mana flow, enhancing his own movements, and countering Kaelen's attacks without ever appearing to fight seriously.
Finally, Kaelen stopped mid-attack, breathing heavily. His blue eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and fascination. "I… can't read you," he said.
Ken tilted his head politely. "Perhaps observation comes before action," he replied softly.
Kaelen's frown deepened. He didn't know whether to respect Ken or be annoyed at being bested so easily.
---
After the match, Ken bowed lightly to Kaelen. "Thank you for the duel. I learned a lot just by observing."
Kaelen's piercing gaze lingered on him. "You're… unusual, Xeno. Calm, polite, and impossibly precise. I'll be watching you."
Ken's smile never wavered. "I look forward to it."
---
Back in the dormitory, Taron and Elyas stared at Ken in awe. "You… you didn't even break a sweat!" Elyas exclaimed.
Ken tilted his head, still smiling calmly. "Winning isn't the point right now. Learning is."
He gazed out the window at the training grounds below. Students continued practicing, dueling, and growing. Kaelen's eyes lingered on him from across the courtyard—a silent promise that their paths would cross again.
This world is full of challenges, Ken thought softly, smiling. And I intend to handle them all… calmly.