The academy grounds were filled with tension.
Newcomers stood in lines, eyes sharp, fists clenched. Everyone knew what today meant.
Rankings.
Above us, floating crystal screens displayed names and empty slots.
"Today," an instructor announced, "your real value will be measured."
The first trial was announced.
"Combat Simulation."
Mana constructs rose from the ground—humanoid figures glowing with dull red light.
"Defeat as many as you can. Rankings will be assigned accordingly."
The moment the signal sounded, chaos erupted.
I stepped forward calmly.
The first construct charged.
I sidestepped and struck its core.
It shattered.
[Strength +0.1]
Another came.
Then another.
I moved without hesitation.
[Agility +0.1]
Time blurred.
Pain, impact, breath—everything merged.
Across the field, Kael moved like a storm.
Blades of wind tore through constructs.
Cheers erupted.
"A-rank talent!"
"Look at that control!"
I didn't look his way.
Comparison was useless.
Minutes passed.
My body screamed for rest.
But the system stayed active.
[Continuous Combat Detected.]
[Growth Efficiency Increased.]
I smiled faintly.
This was my battlefield.
A larger construct emerged.
Its presence was heavier, its core protected by layered armor.
Others retreated.
I stepped forward.
The construct swung.
I took the hit head-on.
Pain exploded.
But I didn't fall.
I struck back.
Again.
Again.
Cracks formed.
With a final blow, the construct shattered.
Silence fell.
The crystal screens updated.
Arin — Rank: 27
Murmurs spread.
"That high?"
"He has no talent!"
Across the field, Kael glanced at the screen.
His eyes narrowed.
The instructor's voice echoed.
"This assessment is not over."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Higher-ranked candidates," he continued, "will now face… each other."
Names began to rearrange.
One pairing flashed brightly.
Kael vs Arin
My heartbeat steadied.
I clenched my fists.
"So this is it."
The Endless Growth System pulsed.
[Combat Opportunity Detected.]
I stepped onto the arena.
Kael stood across from me, smiling coldly.
"Try not to break," he said.
I met his gaze.
"I don't have limits."