The next few days followed the same routine. In the morning, Instructor Borr made them run. In the afternoon, they sparred.
Elric never lost a match. He never used much force. He just used his opponent's momentum against them. He became the best fighter in F-class.
Garen was always his most eager partner.
Show me that move again, Elric! The one where you twist your wrist.
Elric would show him. He was patient. Garen was a fast learner. He was strong, and with Elric's techniques, he became much better.
One afternoon, three students in crisp C-class uniforms walked into the F-class training yard. Their uniforms were clean, without a single patch. They walked like they owned the place.
The student in the lead was tall and had a confident sneer. A faint red light pulsed around his fists. A Strength Core.
So this is the F-class pen. It smells worse than I heard.
Garen stopped his practice with Elric. He turned to face the newcomers.
What do you want, C-class?
The leader laughed.
We heard a rumor. A noble without a Core ended up in the trash pile. We came to see the curiosity. Which one is it?
He looked over the F-class students. His eyes landed on Elric, who was standing quietly.
Ah. It must be you. You have that empty look. No light. No power. A Blank.
Elric did not respond. He just watched.
Garen stepped in front of Elric. His face was angry.
Leave him alone. Go back to your fancy buildings.
The C-class leader smirked.
Look at this. A reject protecting a Blank. Your Core is pathetic. You probably can't even light a candle with it.
Garen clenched his fists.
You want to test that?
The C-class leader's smile widened.
I would love to.
Garen charged. He threw a punch, using one of the techniques Elric taught him. The C-class leader did not even try to dodge. He raised his arm to block. The moment Garen's fist hit his arm, a bright red light flared from his Core.
The impact sent Garen stumbling backward. The C-class leader had not moved an inch.
A nice little trick. But tricks do not beat real power.
The C-class leader lunged forward. He was not as fast as Jax, but each step was heavy with force. He threw a punch. Garen blocked it, but the strength behind the blow made him grunt in pain. The C-class leader threw another punch, and another. Garen was forced back, step by step. He could not find an opening.
The C-class leader landed a solid punch to Garen's chest. Garen fell to one knee, coughing.
The C-class leader stood over him, looking down.
See? This is the difference between us. This is the difference between power and weakness.
He then looked past Garen, directly at Elric.
Now it's your turn, Blank. Or are you going to hide behind your failed friend?
Elric looked at Garen on the ground. Then he looked at the C-class leader. For the first time, his calm eyes held a cold light. He saw a faint, red shimmering thread connecting the leader's fist to his own face. It was a line of intent. A path of attack.
Mira started walking forward, ready to heal Garen. She stopped when Elric spoke.
Elric's voice was quiet, but everyone heard it.
You want to fight me?
The C-class leader laughed loudly.
Fight you? It will be more like training.
Elric said,
Not here. An official duel. In the main arena. Three days from now.
The yard went silent. Even the leader's friends looked surprised. An official duel was a serious matter. The whole academy could watch.
The C-class leader's surprise turned into a vicious grin.
An official duel? The Coreless Blank wants to challenge me in the arena? I accept. I cannot wait to show everyone what a true failure you are.
He turned and walked away with his friends, still laughing.
Garen pushed himself to his feet. He looked at Elric, his face a mix of pain and worry.
Elric, what did you do? He has a Red Core. He will destroy you.
Elric looked at the empty space where the C-class leader had stood. He did not seem worried at all.
He replied,
He hurt my friend. I have to send a message.