Elian ran across the training field and from afar saw Kai and Caelan fighting—or rather, one of them was trying to.
Caelan tried to use a water dome to defend himself, but it was easily cut through. He retreated, clasped his hands together, and sent a slicing stream of water toward Kai, who simply cut through the attack and dashed at him. Caelan turned to flee.
'To think that guy used to talk about having a higher rank back in the day…'
Elian watched him with a blank expression.
They were all there because Enrico had given each of them personal advice and asked them to practice combat to see the results. But Elian thought it was quite unfair to pit two Circle Zero students against someone from the First Circle.
Elian picked up his pace. Ever since he absorbed Azure's core, he'd become a little faster, and with Enrico's guidance, he felt he had improved.
His magic was still at Core Zero, but it was at 90%—he was close to evolving.
From a distance, he saw Liam on top of a wooden beam doing push-ups with just his fingertips.
'It's amazing how he lost an arm and keeps going. If that had happened to me…'
Elian shook his head to get rid of the thought. He had to keep running. Today would be the rank battle in the afternoon, so they decided to train for 30 minutes and then rest.
"Guys, you should rest"
Silvia appeared carrying a basket of fruit and looked around, searching for someone, Elian noticed and explained.
"Enrico, Serenya, and Valença arrived last night, Sunday night, so they're probably sleeping. Not gonna lie, it was weird seeing the three of them leave together. Since when are Enrico and Serenya friends with that girl?"
She looked at Elian in surprise and put her hand on her chin. Silvia was looking for Enrico to ask for more tips—he'd been sending her letters on how to better train her magic, and they worked. She wanted to thank him because the pressure in Class B was heavy. But with his tips, she improved so much that she reached Rank 58.
Elian felt a hand rest and squeeze his shoulder. Silvia looked at him with tears in her eyes, remembering the whisper Tolen had told her about the two of them.
"I understand you're jealous. I know it's hard, but don't give up"
Elian looked confused—and somewhat scared by what she was thinking.
"What are you talking about?"
She blushed and placed her hands on her cheeks, clearly imagining something that made him even more nervous.
"Seriously, just tell me"
Before the conversation could continue, Serenya arrived from one side and Valença from the other, both tired. Last night, Enrico had suddenly started talking about each of their training. Valença wiped her eyes and sat on the ground.
"Great, now that genius is giving me tips… I mean, not that I'm complaining, because it helps"
She felt that if she accepted advice from someone she considered a rival, it would undermine her own results. So to return the favor, she planned to do the same in the future. She looked around at everyone chatting so friendly, and suddenly stopped.
'Wait... aren't Kai and I being a bit too friendly with the people who used to annoy us?'
She looked at Kai, who was smiling while training. Well, truthfully, only Kai was really being friendly—she was still quite wary of them.
As she seriously questioned Kai's foolishness and how weird it was to forgive those four, time passed. By afternoon, the arena was filled with students and teachers. Serenya stood tall as she saw her mother watching from above. Elian and Caelan looked at her with concern. Serenya pretended she was fine while scanning the crowd.
"Enrico isn't here yet?"
Everyone looked around, but Enrico was nowhere to be found. The teachers approached with serious expressions, and Sir Drenholm was the first to speak.
"Very well, students. I hope you're ready. After this month, I believe many of you will advance in class"
Borem waved from the back while Virelle searched for Enrico. She was treating them less coldly than before, but the one she paid the most attention to was clearly Enrico—and they noticed.
"He must be planning something. I'm excited"
Virelle turned and walked over to the Class B teachers.
"Hello. I'd like to challenge Professor Sairus for the position of Class B teacher"
The three teachers were shocked, and Sairus now saw her as a threat. He had fought hard for that position, and a rookie who had just joined this year wanted to take it from him?
"Very well, I accept. But let me warn you—if this is just to improve your image, you'll lose-"
"What are you talking about? I'm going to rise because my students will move up, and I want to keep teaching them"
Especially one. She had to see if he could surpass those two other students she was watching closely.
The three professors were stunned by her boldness. Before they could respond, the director entered through the door with another old man.
"Wait… normally, Director Hao doesn't show up for Class B and below. The S and A classes only fight tomorrow. What's he doing here?"
"Isn't that Damian, the strongest illusion mage?"
The murmurs continued until Hao stood up and everyone went silent. He looked around, not seeing Enrico, and sat next to Damian, watching everything with curiosity.
"Carry on. I'm just interested in today's fights because I'm bored up there"
The teachers nodded and resumed, giving a few more minutes for the students to arrive. Damian looked down, wanting to see that boy soon, but noticed some shadows—students from Class A.
"Some students from Class A are here too. They're probably watching those who might become threats"
Hao nodded in agreement, and shortly after, a knock came at the door—Enrico entered, stretching. The two of them watched him closely, and Damian, who had been with him a few days ago, realized he had reached the First Circle.
"That kid was at about 70% before. How did he reach the First Circle in just a week?"
This piqued Hao's interest. He tried to sense demonic energy but felt nothing unusual.
'As Angela said… nothing'
Enrico approached the students from Class C and started chatting. Then the teacher announced that students could begin issuing challenges. Enrico raised his hand.
"Can I go first?"
Professor Sairus looked at him, and Virelle nodded, pleased that he was taking the initiative.
"Of course, student. Who will you challenge for rank?"
Enrico pointed—surprising everyone. He hadn't pointed at someone from Class B, but someone from Class A.
The person he pointed to was Rank 31, Lan, the strongest in Class A and someone who would later become the protagonist's rival after being defeated—and who would also help in defeating an Evil God. Veins popped on Lan's face.
"What do you think you're doing, Enrico?"
"What's wrong? Not going to accept the duel, old friend"
And also... a familiar face from the original Enrico's past. One of the many reasons—along with his family—that led to his sense of inferiority.
Enrico raised his hand, inviting him to fight.
"Come on. I've been wanting to talk to you for a long time"