Kael left the registry office with a smile, as they walk towards the training ground Kael kept thinking on how to use Kyron’s power to its full potential. As Kael and Kyron were at the front of the training, they heard a loud shout emanating inside.
“Spirit Drive!”
A few moments later, a man went flying out of the training ground, full of bruises and wounds. He then stands up even if he is limping.
“to hell with this, none can compete with that monster.”
With such curiosity, Kael entered the training ground, as he was entering the door, another man was sent flying. That’s when he saw, a teen inside of a boxing ring, same age as him, engulf in grey aura, fighting three adults with red auras, all at once. Kael approached the ring as he was curious on how strong is this teen. Right there and then the system notified him who that teen is.
[SYSTEM SCAN: SUBJECT – CAIN SMITH]
?? Initiating Full Spirit Scan…
… …
Scan Complete. Displaying Data.
[SUBJECT PROFILE]
Name: Cain Smith
Rank: Spirit User – Elite Trainee
Affiliation: Aurora Academy
[COMBAT READINGS]
Level: 41
EXP: 920 / 1080
HP: 1575 / 1630
Spirit Energy: 990 / 1020
Status: Stable
[NOTES]
[WARNING]
Subject’s spirit signature is powerful. Proceed with caution.
Kael was shock of how powerful this person is, yet, he returned to his senses after a few minutes.
“Venom Strike!”
The adults were sent flying. As Cain finally ended his onslaught, he looks at Kael with determination and pointed at him, Kael not sure who he was pointing at, starts looking right and left, after not seeing anyone, he pointed at himself with confusion look.
“Me?”
“You came here to train, right?” Cain asked.
“Yes, but I’m not sure if I-.” Kael said but was stopped Cain.
“Then get on the ring and show me how you fight.”
With that a new notification popped up on in front of Kael.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
?? NEW CHALLENGE INITIATED ??
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
A challenger has appeared!
Spirit resonance detected within proximity. Combat trial commencing.
?? Objective: Win against the Challenger in the Training Ring
?? Reward: Spirit Energy +10 | EXP +20
“True strength is not proven in peace, but in the clash of spirits.”
[Begin Battle?]
? YES | ? DECLINE
Kylon told Kael to accept the proposed challenge. It told him that this will help him measure how strong he currently is and how he can use his spirit drive. With no hesitation, Kael choose to agree, and the new objective is made
[SYSTEM CONFIRMATION]
? Challenge Accepted.
?? Combat Protocol: ACTIVE ??
Opponent: Cain Smith (Subject’s spirit signature is powerful. Proceed with caution.)
Environment: Aurora Academy Training Ring
Conditions: First to fall or forfeit loses.
?? Spirit Energy detected flowing through your veins…
“Remember, Kael… control the flow, not the fury.”
[BATTLE START]
?? Spirit Drive — ENGAGED!
Kylon then turns to a card and dissipates. Kael now flowing with energy feels power surging through his body. He enters the ring and assumed a fighting stance.
Cain smiles because although Kael is emanating blue aura, he can feel a strong surge of energy coming from him.
“The name is Cain, Cain Smith, remember it, because I can feel that this is not the last time we will meet.” Cain said as he assumed a fighting stance.
Cain’s grey aura flared violently, the air crackling with static energy.
“Spirit Manifest: Thytaris!”
From behind him, the spectral form of a massive Pulmonoscorpius emerged, its obsidian shell gleaming with venomous light, tail arching above Cain’s shoulder.
Kael’s heart pounded.
“So that’s his spirit creature…”
Cain darted forward, faster than Kael could react. His first punch came like a bullet; Kael barely managed to block, sliding back several feet.
Cain blocked each one, his movements sharp and fluid.
“Not bad,” he said. “But you’re holding back.”
Cain’s eyes glowed faintly grey.
“Venom Rush!”
He moved in a blur, striking Kael in the stomach with an open palm before sweeping his leg. Kael crashed onto the mat, gasping for breath.
“Come on, stand! You’ve got more in you,” Cain called out, his tone challenging yet genuine.
Kael wiped the sweat from his face, smiling faintly.
“Flash Strike!”
He vanished for a split second, reappearing behind Cain with a clean strike aimed at his ribs. The impact landed, Cain stumbled but quickly recovered, spinning and catching Kael’s shoulder with a counterpunch.
“Good,” Cain said, smirking. “You’ve got reflexes. But you’ll need more than speed to beat me.”
He raised his hand, venom aura intensifying.
“Venom Rush!”
Cain darted forward in a zigzag, fists glowing dark green. Kael blocked one blow but the second caught him in the gut, sending him sliding across the mat.
Kael coughed, clutching his stomach.
“This guy’s power, it’s ridiculous!”
“You’re adapting,” Kylon encouraged. “Now, condense your energy. Focus it into your fist. Flow it… then release.”
Kael stood, closing his eyes for a second as his aura pulsed brighter.
“Alright… let’s try this.”
He raised his right fist, light compressing into it like a burning star.
“Flash Fist!”
He lunged forward, striking with a punch so fast it left an afterimage. The air cracked, and a wave of spirit energy erupted from the impact. Cain barely managed to cross his arms in defense, the shockwave blasting him backward.
For a moment, the room fell silent.
Then Cain lowered his guard, his lips curling into a grin.
“You actually got me. Hah! You’re something else.”
Both boys were panting now, equal parts exhausted and exhilarated.
Cain raised a hand, signaling the end of the spar.
“That’s enough for today. Any more, and the floor might give out.”
Kael chuckled weakly, rubbing his arm.
“I thought you were trying to kill me.”
“If I wanted to, you wouldn’t be standing.” Cain smirked, extending his hand. “But you’ve earned my respect. You’ve got the instincts of a real fighter. What’s your name?”
Kael took his hand firmly.
“Thanks. Guess I’ve still got a lot to learn. Kael Santos by the way.”
A familiar notification shimmered in front of Kael.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
? Challenge Complete (Draw Achieved)
+10 Spirit Energy
+20 EXP
?? Skill Unlocked: Flash Fist (Basic Form)
As they exited the ring, Cain glanced back at Kael.
“I’m under General Ryker’s training program. You should apply when you’re ready, he doesn’t take weaklings.”
“General Ryker?” Kael repeated, surprised.
“Yeah,” Cain said, with a small grin. “Maybe next time, you’ll be strong enough to fight beside me instead of against me.”
As Cain walked away, Kael watched him go, determined, inspired.
Kylon’s voice whispered softly in his mind.
“A powerful ally… or a worthy rival. Either way, your path has just begun.”
