Chapter 27: Pls stop with the challenges!!(you are weak)
Author here, sorry for late publishing birthday and had ro study for an exam but I should be able to upload atleast 4 times at week now.Hope you enjoy this chapter.
P.S.: Witer block doesnt Help EITHER
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After concluding the weapon lecture, Aiden wasted no time and headed straight for the Gate area of the academy. His purpose was clear, and he summoned Noctis from the shadows with a muttered command. The grey wolf emerged smoothly from the darkness, approaching Aiden to receive a pat of affirmation. Noctis had honed his [Shadow Manipulation] skill, becoming adept at concealing himself within living or non-living shadows alike.
"We're going to raid—" Aiden began, but before he could complete his sentence, a voice called out, interrupting his thoughts.
"Aiden Ouroboros! I, Zekke Gullian, challenge you to a rank battle!"
Aiden turned around, his gaze falling upon a boy with striking golden hair, a black headband securing his hair neatly. The boy's expression exuded confidence, a challenge unmistakably evident.
{Why is it always me?} Aiden's exasperation was palpable. For some reason, he found himself continuously challenged during this time of growth. Normally, his [Battle Maniac] trait would have reveled in such confrontations, but the constant influx of challengers, all of them disappointingly weak, had dampened his enthusiasm.
It had become an unenjoyable routine.
"And what might be your rank?" Aiden inquired, his curiosity piqued by the newcomer's boldness.
"I hold the 4th rank," the boy replied.
Aiden's interest deepened upon hearing the boy's rank. He wasn't just another inconsequential challenger. "Very well, I accept," Aiden conceded, realizing that, whether he wanted it or not, he couldn't simply decline.
As Aiden agreed, the environment shifted. A magical arena construct materialized around them, enveloping both contestants in its ethereal embrace. The stage was set, and they awaited the signal from the referee to commence their duel.
Aiden, however, was ready before the referee's call. Focusing his energy, he channeled the power of [Hellfire], summoning forth a magnificent sight. A scythe made of swirling black flames materialized in his grip. The fiery weapon exuded an aura of raw power and imminent danger.
Observing Aiden's action, Zekke's lips curled into a knowing smile. {My assumption was correct.}
With the referee's command, the match began. Aiden's [Battle Maniac] trait flared up, a surge of exhilaration coursing through him. His opponent, Zekke, seemed confident, and for a moment, Aiden appreciated the prospect of facing a worthy adversary.
Zekke's choice was deliberate. He believed that using metal, particularly steel, renowned for its resistance to fire, would provide him an edge. What he didn't know, however, was that Aiden's flames were far from ordinary.
As the two engaged, the arena crackled with anticipation. Aiden's movements were calculated, each swing of his scythe a symphony of deadly precision. His [Hellfire]-infused weapon left trails of smoldering darkness as it cut through the air. Flames licked at the ground with every step he took, leaving behind scorched imprints.
Zekke was confident in his metal manipulation, conjuring metallic barriers and projectiles to fend off Aiden's assault. Steel clanged against the black flames, the dichotomy between fire and metal igniting the arena with energy.
Aiden, however, was a tactician. He noted Zekke's reliance on steel and capitalized on his presumption. With a fluid motion, he executed a spin, the scythe's blazing arc creating a smokescreen that enveloped them both.
As the smokescreen dissipated, Zekke's eyes widened in astonishment. The steel he had conjured had melted, liquefied by the intense heat of Aiden's [Hellfire]. What he thought would give him an advantage had turned against him.
Aiden's expression remained unyielding, a fusion of concentration and determination. The scythe's fiery arc cut through the melted metal, unimpeded. It closed the distance between them in a fraction of a second, the black flames roaring with impending doom.
Zekke's instincts kicked in, and he moved with swiftness, barely evading the attack. His breath was ragged, and beads of sweat formed on his brow. It was clear that Aiden's flames were not ordinary; they possessed a destructive potency that exceeded expectations.
The battle raged on, the arena witnessing a symphony of fire and metal. As they clashed, Aiden's [Battle Maniac] nature surged, an intoxicating euphoria accompanying each strike. Aiden reveled in the challenge, the satisfaction of facing an adversary who pushed him to his limits.
The match continued, both fighters refusing to yield. Flames and steel clashed in a dazzling spectacle, an exhibition of power and strategy. It was a battle that would be etched in their memories, a testament to their determination and strength.
And in the midst of the fiery chaos, Aiden's [Battle Maniac] nature burned brighter than ever, embracing the exhilaration of the fight, as he danced on the edge between victory and defeat.
Their clash echoed through the arena, drawing the attention of onlookers who marveled at the intensity of the battle. Each strike, each dodge, painted a tapestry of skill and determination that held everyone in awe.
As the duel intensified, Aiden's thoughts shifted. He recalled his journey from a mere novice to the formidable combatant he was today. The challenges, the victories, and even the setbacks—they had all shaped him into this moment. He felt a surge of gratitude for his Gift, his companions, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
Zekke, too, was a reflection of this spirit. Despite the adversities he faced, his control over metal manipulation was masterful. His swift reactions and calculated defenses showcased a mind dedicated to honing his abilities. Aiden couldn't help but respect his opponent's tenacity.
Aiden's scythe of [Hellfire] swung with unerring precision, arcs of black flames creating a mesmerizing display. Zekke's tactics shifted, no longer relying solely on steel. He began to manipulate other metals, crafting intricate constructs that danced through the air. The arena transformed into a battleground of elements, where fire met metal in a dance of power.
The spectators watched in amazement as the battle unfolded, the clash of abilities and strategies captivating their attention. Aiden's [Battle Maniac] trait surged, pushing him to explore the limits of his Gift. Each swing of his scythe exuded a ferocity that spoke of his unyielding determination.
Zekke's eyes blazed with equal resolve. His manipulation of metal became more intricate, forming complex patterns that deflected Aiden's attacks. Yet, the relentless assault of [Hellfire] eventually began to take its toll, weakening Zekke's constructs as the intense heat eroded their integrity.
With a final surge of effort, Aiden executed a daring maneuver. He propelled himself forward, scythe raised high, flames swirling around him in a fiery vortex. The scythe's blade collided with a shimmering metallic barrier Zekke had erected, causing a cascade of sparks and a burst of intense heat.
The barrier held for a moment, but the combination of [Hellfire]'s unrelenting heat and Aiden's determination proved too much. The metal melted and twisted under the pressure, collapsing in a shower of molten fragments. Aiden's scythe continued its path, closing the distance between him and Zekke.
Time seemed to slow as their eyes locked, a mutual understanding passing between them. It was a silent acknowledgment of the effort, the growth, and the camaraderie shared in that moment of battle. In the end, Aiden's scythe of [Hellfire] connected with a resounding impact, dispelling the remains of Zekke's defense and leaving a trail of scorching flames in its wake.
Zekke staggered back, his expression a mix of exhaustion and admiration. The referee's voice rang out, signaling the end of the match. The magical arena construct dissipated, returning the surroundings to normal.
Aiden's breathing was ragged, his body humming with the aftermath of the intense battle. He lowered his scythe, the flames dissipating as he looked at Zekke, his expression a blend of respect and camaraderie.
Zekke's lips curled into a tired smile. "You're even more formidable than I anticipated, Aiden Ouroboros."
Aiden grinned, a genuine sense of accomplishment washing over him. "Likewise, Zekke Gullian. You're no ordinary opponent."
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Zekke Gullian Gift:
[Metal Genesis]
Rank: A
Description: Metal Genesis is an A-rank Gift that grants its bearer the remarkable ability to create various types of metal at will. With mastery over metallurgy and materialization, the user can summon different metals, each possessing unique properties and applications.
P.S.(Create not manipulate)
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone