Chương 22: First duel!

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Astral Profile

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Name: Hank Hirohami

Age: 18

Rank limit: SS-

Nexus Affinity:

Grav hammer: ★★★★★

(the user can control gravity on its will, the user can change its body's gravity on its own will, the user can change artifacts and items gravity on it own will, the user is 50% stronger when holding a hammer.)

Nexus Affinity Mastery(Grav hammer): E+

Nexus Affinity Skills:

-Gravity touch (Active): The use can control items gravity once touching them

-Gravity area (Active): The user can create area where he dominates gravity (the bigger the area the bigger the mana cost)

- {LOCKED}

- {LOCKED:

Overall Rank:E+

Strength: E+

Defense: E+

Stamina: E+

Endurance: E+

Agility: E

Intelligence: E

Charm: A-

Mana Power: D-

Mana Control: E

Mana Capacity: E+ (200)

Bloodline Abilities: {LOCKED}

Soulbound Abilities: none

Skills: none

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I had decided to take a moment's rest, it was currently 10:20 am and my upcoming duel was just 40 minutes away. Being ranked first, the honor of the opening duel was mine to claim. Frankly, I hadn't invested much thought into these duels; they seemed to offer little benefit to me. The initial month at the academy was projected to be relatively uneventful, but whispers in the air hinted at a dramatic shift in the following months.

While wandering the grandeur of the academy grounds, I felt an all-too-familiar thud on my back. It was Luka, a character as predictable as the sunrise, who greeted me with his usual exuberance. "Hey there, my good friend! How's it going?" Could I not have a moment's peace? "I'm well. And how about you? Have you settled on a duel opponent?" Luka's face lit up like a lantern, his enthusiasm practically tangible. "I'm great, thanks! As for the duel, I've left it up to fate. Whoever ends up facing me is in for a swift defeat."

Ah, that indomitable spirit. "By the way," i continued, "remember that advice i gave you?" A noticeable shift occurred in his expression; the cheerfulness dimmed. "I tried, really. But the damn phobia just won't let go." Luka's demeanor was as confounding as ever. "Don't give up," I encouraged, trying to inject some conviction into my words. "With enough effort, you can overcome that fear." Unexpectedly, his eyes welled up, and he moved as if to embrace me. "Thank you, my friend! You're a lifesaver. Let me give you a hug!" Inwardly flinching, I managed to slip away from his embrace, feeling more like a fugitive than a friend.

Having distanced myself from Luka's emotional turmoil, I found solace in the academy's awe-inspiring architecture. The campus was a masterpiece of design, every building standing as a testament to both elegance and grandeur. The pristine white structures reached skyward like modern monoliths, effectively forming a harmonious microcosm reminiscent of a bustling city.

In this meticulously crafted academy, perfection was omnipresent, a visual feast for the eyes. The surreal beauty of each building was a reflection of the aspirations harbored within these walls, a promising prelude to the transformative journey that awaited beyond the first month's facade.

Waking up to a disconcerting realization, I glanced at my phone's display: 10:40 AM. "Oh, damn it, I overslept." Panic surged through me as I sprang out of bed, a cold shower jolting me awake. Swiftly, I brushed my teeth, scarfed down a meal, and wrestled into suitable attire—all completed within a frenzied 15-minute blur. My duel was slated for 11 AM, and I had no time for leisure.

I dashed towards the designated arena location, my heart pounding in my chest. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the sight of two fellow students already standing within the arena's bounds. A pang of realization struck me, "Oh, right... I'm not the protagonist..." Self-derision crept in, my face flushing with embarrassment. Regaining my composure, I reminded myself that there was no harm in spectating. After all, it was time to witness the real stars of this show.

The majority doubted Kean's strength due to his lack of noble lineage. Only the instructors had any inkling of his latent power, his affinity abilities cloaked in mystery. Today marked the day he would shatter these doubts, proving his true prowess. I reached for my mobile phone, curious to see what was brewing in the messages. "Cian Eldwood vs. Jab Abitch duel scheduled for 5 PM." Ranked at 1586, I hardly expected much attention.

The academy's duel rules were straightforward—nearly anything was permissible except for artifacts items and lethal actions. Additionally, selecting a random opponent meant embracing the unknown, as your challenger's identity remained concealed. This institution boasted exceptional healers, capable of remedying any ailment, be it physical, mental, or even supernatural. Their prowess eliminated the need for excessive regulations.

As the arena's contenders stepped forth, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The first match was set: Kael Blackthorn, ranked 1, against Hank Hirohami, ranked 5. The stage was primed for an engrossing display of skill, strategy, and perhaps even an unexpected outcome.

Ascending the steps toward the arena, a cacophony of screams enveloped me. Every seat was taken, the fervent crowd divided in their allegiance—some fervently chanting Hank's name, others roaring mine. Amidst the din, I couldn't help but notice Luka's voice, strained to its limits, as well as the spirited cheers of Erica, Elowen, and other acquaintances rallying for my success. Amidst the crowd, an enigmatic figure stood out. This individual had been absent for the past two days, leaving me intrigued by their mysterious pursuits. Their quiet observation hinted at knowledge that remained elusive to everyone else.

Hovering above the arena, the second-year student took center stage. A hush fell as he spoke into the microphone, "The battle will commence in three, two, one... begin!" Instantly, Hank charged forth, his massive hammer leading the charge. Swiftly evading, I countered with a sword thrust. Yet, Hank's defense held firm, the clash of our weapons resounding through the arena. A sudden weight bore down on me, everything growing oppressively heavy. My limbs and sword seemed to resist every movement, dragging me toward defeat.

Hank's assault came swift and unyielding, his hammer arcing downward with brutal intent. Instinct fueled my response, and under my breath, I whispered the words, "Protective Skin." In an instant, a transformative energy enveloped me, turning my form as fluid as water. The hammer's descent became a dance with danger, passing through me harmlessly. Hank's initial strike had depleted his balance and left him momentarily exposed. This was the moment I had been waiting for.

Exploiting his vulnerability, I surged forward in a rapid counterattack. My blade found its mark on Hank's neck, a testament to my precision and skill. Triumph surged through me, but the battle was far from over.

A cryptic smile played across Hank's lips as the world around me seemed to warp. Gravity itself grew in strength, pinning me to the ground. The revelation hit me — Hank's abilities exceeded my expectations. This was no ordinary opponent.

Straining against the intensified gravity, I attempted to activate my "Protective Skin" once more but i couldn't open my mouth because of the gravity!, my sword suddenly as heavy as stone.My movements were restricted, and panic tightened its grip.

Seizing the opportunity, Hank's hammer descended in a resounding blow. My body absorbed the impact with the resilience of the mythical dragon's skin I possessed. The pain was nonexistent, but the frustration was palpable.

In a flash of desperation and cunning, I threw away my sword and channeled my energy into an unexpected punch. Hank, caught off guard, tried to block it, but my fist became a water and went through his defenses. The satisfaction of connection to his solar plexus reverberated up my arm as his form crumpled before me. in the entire battle we didn't spoke anything but i am feeling like we had a entire conversation.

With the battle won, I took a moment to survey the scene. Hank lay defeated, his once-confident demeanor shattered. But what caught my attention was the glint of mutual respect in his eyes. A smile tugged at my lips. Fighting against Hank had been a challenge unlike any other, and the thrill of such a unique duel was an exhilarating reminder of my own strength.

In the end, victory was mine, but the experience was the true prize.

The arena was silent, jaws collectively dropped at the unexpected turn. The exception, as ever, was the enigmatic observer. Then, as if to break the spell, the second-year's voice resonated, "Ah... haha first year's are monsters, what a perfect fight! The battle's victor is Kael Blackthorn!" A whirlwind of emotions swept over me—triumph, disbelief, and a tinge of satisfaction.

The crowd erupted, Hank's supporters stunned, my own cheering section jubilant. Amid the jubilation, I couldn't shake the feeling that the enigmatic figure knew something others did not—a secret that was about to unravel, altering the trajectory of my journey through the academy.