Chapter 57: The Leap Forward
Three Years Later… The Strongest Rise
The world of Eldoria Academy had not stood still. Three years of relentless training, brutal duels, and ever-growing competition had forged the first-years into true warriors.
No longer were they the fresh-faced initiates who had once fought in the Entrance Duels. Now, as fourth-years, they were among the Empire's most promising future champions.
Kael's Journey – From Prodigy to Contender
At 15 years old, Kael Veyrin had transformed.
He had grown taller, his once-boyish features now sharpened into the face of a warrior. His crimson eyes burned deeper, carrying the intensity of someone who had spent three years pushing his limits in battle after battle.
Eldoria Academy was no longer just a school—it had become a battleground.
Dueling had become a way of life.
The strongest fought so often that challenges became rare.
The Top 10, once constantly tested, became legends even before graduation.
Cedric Voss, once a proud swordsman, had fallen from the ranks—defeated too many times to remain among the elite.
Even among the Seven Strongest Families, only the best survived.
And Kael was still at the top.
But now, missions awaited them.
Real battles. Real danger. Real consequences.
And Kael was ready.
The Growth of His Siblings
The Veyrin Family had not remained idle either.
Elira Veyrin had become the Student Council President in her 6th year, standing as the most powerful student in the academy. At 18 years old, she was untouchable in both combat and politics.
Rheon Veyrin had graduated and now fought alongside Duke Veyrin, hunting powerful beasts beyond the empire's borders. He had grown into a warrior worthy of their lineage.
For Kael, this meant no more relying on his family.
He had to forge his own path—to become their equal, not their shadow.
The Strongest Fourth-Years – The New Top 10
Three years of intense battles and duels had refined the rankings.
Some students rose higher than expected.
Others fell into obscurity.
But these were the ten who ruled Apex Hall.
Top 10 Fourth-Year Rankings
1. Lucian Eldoria (Royal Family – Draconic Heritage, Crown Prince)
Still unmatched. Still undefeated.
He rarely fought anymore—only when absolutely necessary.
His power had only grown, and now? He barely needed effort to dominate.
2. Kael Veyrin (Veyrin – Arcane Sigilist, Rune Master)
The closest anyone had come to matching Lucian.
No longer a mere tactician—his power was now raw, destructive, and precise.
Still fights duels, but most refuse to challenge him.
3.Mira Valcroft (Commoner – The Underdog, Balanced Fighter)
The only commoner to stay in the Top 3 for this long.
Refined her combat style into a deadly mix of speed, endurance, and raw skill.
Challenges nobles constantly—and keeps winning.
4️⃣ Selene Duskbane (Duskbane – Eclipse Sight, Strategic Combatant)
Her foresight ability had grown—she could now predict seconds ahead with terrifying accuracy.
Her spear technique was so fluid that some believed she had precognition.
Rarely spoke, but when she did, people listened.
5. Evelyne Grimthorne (Grimthorne – Titan's Resilience, Unbreakable Defense)
She was no longer just 'strong'—she was an unstoppable force.
Her durability was absurd; she could outlast almost any opponent.
Still fiercely competitive, especially with Kael and Mira.
6. Darius Zephyrion (Zephyrion – Stormcaller, Lightning Mastery)
Lightning-fast and even deadlier than before.
Developed new techniques that let him fight multiple enemies at once.
Still reckless, still aggressive—but now, nearly unstoppable when serious.
7.Cassian Duskbane (Duskbane – Tactical Duelist, Rapier Specialist)
Still the smartest duelist, still the laziest fighter.
Rarely fights seriously unless forced.
Even so, no one wants to challenge him. His losses are always intentional.
8. Damien Nocturne (Nocturne – Veilcraft Illusionist, Master of Deception)
Mastered the art of illusions, now able to warp an entire battlefield.
Few could even touch him—most fights ended before they began.
His arrogance had only grown, but so had his strength.
9. Leonel Faelwyn (Faelwyn – Beast Tamer, Summoner)
Bonded with more creatures, now commanding multiple beasts at once.
His strength came from teamwork—his summons fought beside him as extensions of himself.
✔Still Kael's rival, still determined to surpass him.
10. Rael Varros (Lesser Noble – "The Phantom Duelist," Void Step, Elusive Combatant)
The best assassin-style fighter in the academy.
His Void Step made him untouchable, striking from the shadows.
Few could land a hit on him, let alone defeat him.
Kael's New Stats – Three Years of Growth[Kael Veyrin – Level 9 Arcane Sigilist]
Age: 15
Rank:Master Sigilist / Elite Knight Trainee
🛡 Core Stats (After +25 Growth Boost)
Strength: 46
Dexterity: 46
Endurance: 49
Mana: 72
Intelligence: 67
Charisma: 55
Abilities (Enhanced & New Skills)
Arcane Sigil – Level 9 (Advanced Sigilist) – Can store nine active runes for immediate casting.
Arcane Resilience (Enhanced) – Absorbs 30% of mana-based damage.
Berserker's Ascent (Improved) – Grants +20 to all stats for 3 minutes; usable three times per day.
Crimson Sigil (Evolved Blood Runes) – Can now infuse blood runes into weapons for devastating effects.
Healing Rune (Advanced) – Regenerates serious wounds in seconds.
Arcane Sever (Upgraded) – Disrupts enemy sigils, runes, enchantments, and magical artifacts.
New Skill – Arcane Chains – Summons binding runes that can suppress enemy magic and movement.
Apex Hall – The Final Battlefield Before the Real World
They had outgrown the academy's simple duels.
Now, missions awaited them.
Monster exterminations.
Border skirmishes.
Artifact recoveries.
Political conflicts between noble houses.
The world outside Eldoria Academy was waiting.
And Kael was ready to claim it.