The training arena quickly filled with students.
Word had spread across the academy that a new student had destroyed the energy measurement crystal. That alone was enough to attract attention.
But when people heard that Leon Varkas had challenged the newcomer, the crowd doubled.
Leon stood confidently in the center of the arena.
He rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck as if the fight was nothing more than entertainment.
Across from him, Ren Akatsuki stood silently.
His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were focused.
Several instructors gathered near the arena walls.
Instructor Varis raised his voice.
"This is only a sparring match. No killing strikes."
Leon smirked.
"I'll try to control myself."
Some students laughed.
Everyone knew Leon's reputation.
He was the strongest among the first-year students. His strength and speed had already defeated dozens of challengers.
Lyra stood beside Captain Kael outside the arena.
"Do you think Ren can win?" she asked quietly.
Kael watched calmly.
"We're about to find out."
In the arena, Leon cracked his knuckles.
"I'll give you some advice, new guy."
Ren said nothing.
Leon continued.
"Most people here spend years training before they challenge me."
Ren finally spoke.
"Then finish talking."
The crowd reacted immediately.
"He's provoking Leon."
Leon's smile disappeared.
"Fine."
He lowered his stance.
"Let's begin."
Instructor Varis raised his hand.
"Start."
The moment the signal was given, Leon moved.
His speed was incredible.
The ground cracked beneath his feet as he rushed forward like a bullet.
Several students gasped.
"So fast."
Leon appeared directly in front of Ren and threw a powerful punch toward his face.
But Ren moved slightly to the side.
The punch missed by a few centimeters.
Leon immediately followed with another attack.
A kick aimed at Ren's ribs.
Ren blocked it with his forearm.
The impact pushed him back several steps.
Leon grinned.
"You're not bad."
He attacked again with a series of rapid strikes.
Punch.
Kick.
Elbow.
Each movement was precise and powerful.
But Ren continued dodging and blocking without panic.
The crowd started whispering.
"He's keeping up with Leon."
"That shouldn't be possible."
Leon suddenly stepped back.
He looked slightly annoyed.
"You're fast. I'll give you that."
His body began glowing with faint red energy.
Some students recognized it immediately.
"He's using combat energy."
Leon raised his fist.
"This fight is over."
He rushed forward again, faster than before.
His punch carried explosive force.
The air itself seemed to crack.
Ren watched carefully.
He could see Leon's movements clearly.
Too clearly.
The attack felt slow.
Ren stepped forward instead of backward.
His hand moved once.
A sharp strike landed directly on Leon's chest.
The sound echoed across the arena.
Leon's body flew backward and crashed into the ground.
Dust rose into the air.
The entire arena became silent.
Leon lay on the ground, stunned.
Several students stared in disbelief.
"What just happened?"
"He knocked Leon down with one hit."
Leon slowly stood up.
His expression had completely changed.
The confidence was gone.
Now his eyes showed anger.
"You got lucky."
Ren stood quietly.
Leon's energy flared stronger.
"You're about to regret that."
Suddenly—
A powerful aura erupted around him.
The ground beneath his feet cracked again.
Instructor Varis narrowed his eyes.
"He's using too much energy for a sparring match."
Leon ignored him.
He dashed forward with full force.
His fist aimed directly at Ren's head.
But just before the punch landed—
Dark shadows spread across the arena floor.
Several students stepped back nervously.
"What is that?"
Ren's eyes glowed faintly.
The shadow energy appeared again.
It wrapped around his arm like living smoke.
Leon noticed it too late.
Ren moved.
One precise strike.
The shadow energy exploded outward.
Leon's attack stopped instantly.
Then his body was launched across the arena.
He crashed against the wall and collapsed to the ground.
The arena fell completely silent.
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Leon struggled to stand but failed.
The strongest first-year student had been defeated.
Instructor Varis walked slowly into the arena.
He looked at Ren carefully.
"You win."
The students began whispering loudly.
"He beat Leon easily."
"Who is that guy?"
Lyra looked at Kael.
"You already knew he was this strong, didn't you?"
Kael replied calmly.
"He's only getting started."
In the arena, Ren turned and walked away without celebrating.
But several students were staring at him with fear.
Others with curiosity.
And a few with hatred.
Above the academy towers, hidden in the shadows—
Someone else had been watching the fight.
A tall figure wearing a black cloak stood silently on the rooftop.
His eyes glowed faintly red.
He spoke quietly to himself.
"So the shadow power has awakened."
The man smiled slightly.
"This academy is about to become very interesting."