Chương 17: BEAT DOWN

"Are you that dumb for you to figure out who am talking to?" The same boy asked with a mocking look on his face as he walked closer to Kaelen along the two boys beside him.

"Shit! Daimon is here"

"Seems like he's about to do same thing he did to the new internal students to that new kid"

"Well am not surprised, he has been doing it for two years now so I don't see why he will stop"

"But it might be different today. I heard the person who took first in the rankings didn't come along with the others, height be the one"

"I don't think it will be different this time, let me tell you that Daimon had a spare with the person at the bottom of the Power ranking and drew with him"

"What!!? Then there is no suspense here"

When the passerbys saw what was going on between Kaelen and the nonchalant looking boy who is named Daimon, they quickly began a discussion amongst themselves.

But Kaelen didn't seem to care about them as he looked right into the eyes of Daimon and asked calmly.

"And what exactly do you want from me?"

"Isn't it obvious? The item our Venerable gave you. You aren't worthy enough to hold such a grand item so you should give it to someone more worthy of it" Daimon answered with an obvious look on his face.

"Pfft..." The moment Kaelen heard what Daimon said, he immediately let out a short burst of laughter while covering his mouth.

"Our boss is talking to you and you are laughing!!?"

"It seems like you have a death wish!" The two boys beside Daimon suddenly flared up as they dashed towards Kaelen. As for Daimon, he just stood there with a displeased look on his face.

Kaelen sighed inwardly, recognizing this familier scene of those who sought to prove themselves by challenging others. He didn't want trouble, but he also wasn't about to back down.

"I honestly don't want any trouble," Kaelen said evenly, his gaze steady. "But if you insist..."Before he could finish his sentence, one of the two boys lunged at him, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. Kaelen sidestepped effortlessly, his reflexes honed from countless hours of training.

As the boy stumbled past, Kaelen extended a foot, tripping him and sending him sprawling to the ground.The other boy growled in anger and charged, fists swinging wildly. Kaelen dodged the punches with ease, his movements fluid and precise. He waited for an opening, then delivered a swift, controlled strike to the boy's solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him.

The boy collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.The first boy scrambled to his feet, rage contorting his features. He swung at Kaelen again, but Kaelen caught his wrist mid-air, twisting it just enough to make the boy yelp in pain and drop to his knees. With a final, fluid motion, Kaelen released him and took a step back, his expression calm and unperturbed.

Both boys lay on the ground, groaning and clutching their injuries. Kaelen looked down at them, his gaze steady and unyielding."I told you, I didn't want any trouble," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Next time, think twice before picking a fight."

Clap! Clap!!

The moment Kaelen defeated the two boys, he immediately saw Daimon clapping with an indifferent look on his face.

"It seems like you really are the one who placed first in the internal students examination rankings this year" he suddenly said with the same indifference on his face.

"Do you have a problem with it?" Kaelen asked with a calm look on his face. While shaking his head, Daimon answered with a strange smile now on his face.

"Oh no, it's just that I now have a reason to thoroughly beat you to a pulp". The moment Daimon said those words, he suddenly vanished.

'He is fast!' Kaelen thought with an urgent look on his face.

With initial burst of speed, Daimon lunged forward, a dagger which is now in his hands flashed towards Kaelen in a blur of motion. Kaelen who is now holding the blade of eternity sidestepped just in time, his body moving with fluid grace as he narrowly avoided the blade.

Daimon's speed was impressive, but Kaelen's reflexes and instincts were finely tuned.Daimon pressed the attack, his strikes quick and relentless. Kaelen ducked, dodged, and parried, his movements precise and economical. He could feel the air crackle with the energy of Daimon's rapid assaults, each one more aggressive than the last.

"Too slow!" Daimon jeered, his dagger slicing through the air with lethal intent. "You can't keep up with me!"

Kaelen's eyes narrowed, focusing on Daimon's rhythm. He knew he had to find an opening, a split-second opportunity to turn the tide. As Daimon made another lightning-fast strike, Kaelen shifted his weight, allowing the dagger to pass just inches from his side.

In the same motion, he countered with a swift, controlled kick to Daimon's midsection, sending him stumbling backward.The crowd gasped, watching intently as Daimon regained his footing, his smirk replaced by a scowl of frustration.

"Lucky shot," he spat, his eyes blazing with determination.Daimon charged again, faster this time, his dagger weaving an intricate pattern as he aimed for Kaelen's vital points. Kaelen's concentration was absolute, his movements a seamless blend of defense and counterattack.

He blocked Daimon's strikes with calculated precision, each deflection pushing Daimon closer to the edge of control.Then, Kaelen saw his moment. As Daimon overextended in a particularly aggressive lunge, Kaelen sidestepped and delivered a powerful, sword hilt strike to Daimon's wrist, disarming him. The dagger clattered to the ground, and in the same fluid motion, Kaelen swept Daimon's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.

Kaelen stood over Daimon, his breathing steady, his expression calm. The area they were in fell silent, the onlookers watching in awe. Daimon lay on the ground, staring up at Kaelen with a mixture of shock and anger.

"Next time, you should mind who you mess with" Kaelen suddenly said in calm and cool tone before he sheathed his blade of eternity and began to walk towards the orientation building.

"This isn't over!!" But before Kaelen could pass through the crowd which have formed In front of the orientation building, Daimon immediately exclaimed with a furious look on his face. But Kaelen didn't seem bothered by him entirely as he finally walked into the building.

"Shit!! I can't believe the person who took first in the internal students entrance examination rankings would be this strong"

"And did you notice he didn't use any magic just like Daimon?"

"Yes that's true!!"

"If he used magic then, what could have been Daimon's fate?"

"Seems like things are about to get heated up in this Academy"

'I will surely make you pay' While listening to the discussion that is carried out amongst the other internal students, Daimon thought bitterly as he stood up and slowly walked away along with his lackeys.

As for Kaelen, he has completely forgotten about Daimon or the battle he just had as he was busy observing the internal design of the orientation building with a awed look on his face.

'What luxury!!' Kaelen thought in awe while he feasted his eyes on the internal beauty of the building he just walked in.

The interior of the Orientation Hall at Pace Setter Academy was nothing short of breathtaking, a blend of opulence and timeless elegance that immediately captivated anyone who stepped inside. As new students crossed the threshold, they were greeted by a grand foyer with high ceilings, intricately painted with scenes from the academy's storied past. Crystal chandeliers hung majestically from above, casting a warm, inviting glow over the polished marble floors that gleamed underfoot.

The walls were adorned with rich, dark wood paneling, intricately carved with patterns that seemed to shift and move in the flickering light. Tapestries depicting heroic figures and magical beasts added color and texture, their vibrant threads shimmering as if woven with enchantment.

To the left of the foyer, a sweeping staircase with ornate wrought-iron railings led to an upper gallery. The balustrades were adorned with garlands of fresh flowers and magical lights that twinkled like stars, guiding the way to the mezzanine level where students could look down upon the grandeur below.

The main hall itself was a vast, open space designed to accommodate large gatherings. Rows of plush, velvet-upholstered chairs were arranged in a semi-circular formation, facing a raised dais at the front of the room. The dais was framed by tall, arched windows that allowed natural light to pour in, highlighting the exquisite detailing of the room. Behind the dais, a massive mural depicted the academy's founder, surrounded by symbols of knowledge and power.

Off to one side of the hall, a series of tall, elegant doors led to smaller rooms and lounges where various functions could be carried out while a counter could be seen right beside each room with a person behind it.

Each room was furnished with luxurious sofas and armchairs, their rich fabrics and deep cushions inviting comfort and conversation. Coffee tables crafted from rare woods and inlaid with intricate designs held delicate porcelain tea sets, ready for impromptu gatherings.

The dining area, located further within the building, was a marvel of design and function. Long, banquet-style tables were set with fine china and crystal, while towering arrangements of fresh flowers added a burst of color to the refined setting. The ceiling here was a masterpiece of stained glass, depicting scenes of magical learning and discovery, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room as the sunlight filtered through.

Throughout the Orientation Hall, the air was filled with a subtle, pleasant fragrance, a blend of fresh flowers and a hint of something magical that was both calming and invigorating. Soft music, played by unseen instruments, created a serene ambiance, adding to the sense of wonder and welcome.

"That must be the place I need to go first" Kaelen muttered when his gaze landed on one of the door that was labelled "Welcome" on it.