Chapter 2: Attempt at greatness
Ki is a powerful energy that can be harnessed through meditation, deep breathing exercises, and physical training. It has the ability to enhance physical capabilities and enable individuals to perform incredible techniques and abilities.
As one's ki increases, their strength and potential to achieve great feats also increase. By mastering the art of ki manipulation, individuals can reach unprecedented levels of power and accomplish amazing things.
Zach Demetrious' discovery of ki gave humans a fighting chance against the demons, offering them a chance at survival. Despite the war against the demons coming to a halt after the disappearance of the first god, internal conflict began to rise, leading to the onset of civil war.
Eventually, three empires emerged: the Cyval Empire, the Zefron Empire, and the Lyrac Empire.
Following the creation of these empires, each emperor sought to secure Zach Demetriou, the most powerful human after the gods, as an ally. They understood that having Zach on their side would significantly increase their power, and they were willing to offer anything to have him.
However, Zach was displeased by the separation of humans and made it clear that he would not pick a side, regardless of what was offered.
After several years, Zach went to the border of the three empires to establish the Ryzel Academy. The academy was designed to nurture the most talented of the younger generation, regardless of their empire or kingdom or affiliation, and train them to become great human leaders.
The academy was named after Zach's wife, Ryzel Demetriou, who was the first human to use magic. Ryzel was also the first and only disciple of Celine, the goddess of magic, who was the fourth god.
The gift of magic was an extremely rare talent that only a select few possessed. In over a thousand years since its introduction, there have been only about a hundred mages, and currently, only four publicly known mages exist. One of them is a student ranked second in Ryzel Academy.
Since its inception, Ryzel's mission has been to create the strongest possible humans for the glory of the human race, and it continues to pursue that goal to this day.
"Okay, that will be all for this lesson. You are all dismissed," Professor Valdys said, ending the class.
As the students packed up and left the room, Azrael headed to a training hall located far from the dormitory and main classes. He could hear grunts echoing through the hall as he approached, and upon arrival, he saw Ryo sweating profusely as he trained.
"I knew you'd be here," Azrael said as he dropped his bag, which contained his sword and some clothes.
"Well, I have to train even harder. Rumor has it that my opponent is unbeatable," Ryo said, throwing kicks and punches to perfect his form.
"Yeah, only a crazy person would challenge those top ten guys," Azrael said as he changed into his training clothes.
"You're just mad that I beat you to it," Ryo retorted.
"I really wanted to be the first one to beat one of them up," Azrael admitted.
"Hahaha, now who's the crazy one?" Ryo laughed.
"If being crazy makes me stronger, I'll happily be one," Azrael said.
"Alright, let's spar," Azrael said as he grabbed his sword, but didn't unsheathe it.
"Are you not tired of getting beaten up by me?" Ryo asked.
"The result might be different this time," Azrael replied, pointing his sheathed sword at Ryo.
"I find it weird that you would want to get injured a day before your most important fight," Azrael said, taking his stance.
"No, what's weird is that..." Ryo said before disappearing from Azrael's vision.
"You think your sword could even graze me?" Ryo asked, throwing a punch at Azrael from the side.
Azrael barely noticed Ryo's movements, but was still able to slightly raise his sword and block Ryo's attack.
"Your punches are just as strong as ever," Azrael said, taking his stance again.
"Then let me get serious as well," Ryo said, rushing towards Azrael.
The two clashed again and again, with Ryo effectively dodging and countering every one of Azrael's attacks.
They fought repeatedly, with Azrael losing every time. Soon, the sun began to set and night fell, but the boys' grunts could still be heard as they continued to spar into the night.
The next day the highly anticipated fight between Ryo and Ryzel's rank ten, Zach Silverblood, drew a huge crowd. The arena was packed with students eager to witness the showdown between the undefeated top ten and the underdog Ryo, who had proven himself time and time again.
As students scrambled to find seats, two other members of the top ten, rank seven and rank nine, made a rare appearance, adding to the excitement.
Azrael arrived early and secured a good seat, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that gripped him. He worried for Ryo, who had confided in him about the unbeatable reputation of his opponent.
The entire crowd was filled with chatter on who they believed would win, many applauded Ryo's confidence and rooted for him but at the back of their mind they still thought what he planned to achieve was impossible
Clyde vandol who was Ryzel rank nine sat beside the rank seven Owen Rayner, who was also the member of the Reyner family as for Clyde he was not associated with any of the great families but other students speculated that he was the son of cyval empire's military head.
"Do you think the boy can do it?" Owen said to Clyde
"Zach is an idiot but I doubt he would lose to weaklings" Clyde responded
Owen looked back at the arena after staring at Ryo "Well I have a feeling things might change at Ryzel today."
Finally, it was time for the fight. Both students stepped onto the stage, and the crowd roared with anticipation.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone