Kael sat on the edge of his new bed in Valarus, running his hands over the coarse wool blanket. It was a world away from the orphanage's thin cot. A sharp knock at the door broke his reverie.
"Yeah, come in," he said.
The door opened to reveal a peon, a young man named Walmer Walker. "Sir, you are required in the main training ground. Sir Jaxon wants to meet everyone. In Valarus, we conduct duels on this day. All Marions must train properly."
Kael nodded. "Yeah, okay. I'm coming."
As the peon left, Kael's mind raced. Training. That means I might have to fight Brad and the others. To see how powerful I am. Yes. That's exactly what I want. They left me as a loser. Now they will see how much I have changed.
He stood up, his new frame filling the doorway, and headed out.
The training ground was already abuzz with students. Brad stood slightly apart, not talking to anyone. Maria was nearby, stretching. They were the two stars, the only Zairo ranks among a sea of Barwo-level students.
Jaxon Alfred watched them from the sidelines, his arms crossed. These two. They were the only Zairo ranks, and they are taking so much time to level up. Today's training will be different. And I've seen that new student... the one who feels different. I suspect he is on their level. The others are just Barwo.
A hush fell over the crowd as Kael arrived. All eyes turned to him. Girls whispered, boys stared with a mix of envy and awe. Brad only glanced up, then quickly looked down, a storm of conflicting emotions on his face. I don't care if he has become powerful, handsome, and has a unique personality. I don't care. He was the loser and he will be. I know he has struggled so much, but I don't care.
Kael felt the weight of their gazes. Why are they looking at me like this? Am I kind of weird?
Jaxon saw Kael and a faint smile touched his lips. So, he has come. Let's begin this.
Maria watched Kael approach, her own heart beating a little faster. This person... why am I feeling like this?
Kael merged with the crowd, but a silent bubble formed around him. No one dared to speak to him directly.
"Attention, all of you!" Jaxon's voice boomed, echoing across the grounds. Brad, Maria, and Kael focused on him immediately.
"Today, I have planned something special for you all," Jaxon announced, his eyes glinting. "All of you... will have to fight me. One versus all. I will be the only one fighting from this side, and all of you have to work together to defeat me. You don't have to knock me out. You just have to land a single touch. A single punch. That's all."
A wave of stunned silence washed over the students.
Kael's mind reeled. What the hell is he telling us? He is a Vario-rank Marion! We can't defeat him... but... no. If this is for my power-up, I will do it. I will get new skills and abilities from this fight.
Brad's thoughts were pure panic. What the hell? What the hell is Jaxon sir telling us? Doesn't he know we are Zairo and Barwo rank Marions? This is impossible!
Maria simply smirked. Is he telling a joke?
The Barwo-rank students began to voice their fear. "Sir, what are you telling? We can't fight like this!" one shouted. "Yes,we can't!" cried another.
Jaxon smiled, a predatory expression. "Okay, okay. I know you can't defeat me. So, let me think... tell me, who is brave enough to volunteer? Only they have to fight me. If there is even one."
The students began murmuring. If we all aren't fighting, who the hell would fight him alone or with a few others?
But then, all movement stopped. Every eye turned to one figure.
Kael had raised his hand. Calmly. Confidently.
Brad stared, shocked. So you think you can defeat a Vario-rank Marion all by yourself? Your arrogance knows no bounds. Fueled by a competitive fire he couldn't extinguish, Brad also thrust his hand into the air. "I will never let you surpass me!" he muttered under his breath.
Maria looked at the two boys, a new determination in her eyes. If they can do it, I can too. They are the same rank as me. She raised her hand as well.
Jaxon's smile widened. "Very brave. Are you guys? Three Zairo ranks, huh? Okay. This will be fun. All other students, go to the seats. Sit on them and enjoy the match."
The other students quickly scrambled to the bleachers, a chorus of disbelief following them. "Hah!They think they are Zairo rank and can defeat a Vario rank? What a joke!" "They will learn their lesson when they get beat up!"
Now, in the center of the vast training ground, only three figures stood against the towering presence of Jaxon Alfred.
Kael, Brad, and Maria.
The three Zairo ranks.
All three thinking the same thing, their eyes locked on their impossibly powerful opponent: We will win.
(Chapter 8 Fin)