Kael walked through the polished halls toward the Combat Simulation class, hands in his pockets, eyes thoughtful.
"I wonder if any of the main cast picked this course..."
The class was optional for most streams some students focused on crafting, politics, or support roles but Kael wanted to master all forms of combat. So this was a must.
As he entered the room, he blinked in mild surprise.
Rows of sleek futuristic seats lined the floor, each one equipped with an integrated VR interface. Neon lines ran along the floor panels, and soft ambient lighting gave it a tech-heavy but calming feel.
Kael walked over and picked an empty seat at the back his usual style.
The murmuring around him shifted tone as the door opened.
Click.
In walked the instructor: a stunning woman with long purple hair, eyes to match, and a confident gait that pulled attention like a magnet.
Some students immediately started whispering.
"Yo, that's Sylvia Elarquist..."
"She's from the main house... an S+ ranked breaker."
"And she's gorgeous…"
Kael sighed.
"So Cynthia has family here too... makes sense."
Sylvia stood at the front, her voice smooth but commanding.
"Welcome to Combat Simulation. Today we'll be testing your performance in an isolated environment designed to simulate real pressure. This is synced with the academy's mana flow monitors so don't try anything stupid."
She flicked her wrist, and the VR pods lit up.
"Put on your headsets. When ready, you'll be dropped into your test."
Kael slid on the device, and the world shifted instantly.
White. Endless. Familiar.
Just like during the academy entrance test.
Suddenly, a blue system window floated in front of him:
> Kael Vernier
Age: 16
11th Ranked
Weapon: Longsword
Before he could blink again, the world twisted and he found himself standing in a massive coliseum with high walls, roaring crowds, and a gate creaking open.
Monsters began to flood in wolves, ogres, wyverns, shadow hounds.
Kael's sword gleamed in his hand.
"Well... might as well enjoy myself."
He moved fluidly, slicing through enemies with efficiency and rhythm. Shadow Arts footwork, mana-infused strikes, and pinpoint dodges.
Minutes turned to tens. Tens turned into nearly an hour.
Most would've collapsed from mana exhaustion long ago but Kael?
He was built different.
His mana, even though cloaked from detection, was borderline bottomless. He moved without pause, adjusting strategies mid-fight, never wasting more than necessary.
Finally, as he skewered the final beast through the chest and stepped back.
Black. Silence. System prompt.
> Kael Vernier
Ranked: 1st
Monsters Defeated: 215
Kael chuckled softly in the dark.
"Guess that'll get their attention..."
He removed the headset, blinking back into reality.
The simulation room was buzzing.
"He killed two hundred and fifteen?!"
"What core does he even have?!"
"He didn't look tired at all…"
Kael leaned back in his seat, unfazed.
Sylvia Elarquist's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than the others. Then she smiled slightly and turned to the class.
"That concludes today's simulation. For those wondering how to improve refine your mana control, learn to move without wasting energy, and always have a strategy."
The bell rang. The class began filing out.
Kael rose with his usual calm.
"First day of combat... not bad."