The academy was in uproar.
Ethan had crushed Leonhardt Aldric without breaking a sweat. The implications of this fight rippled through every faction, every noble house, and even the academy's top-ranking officials.
The students were divided.
"Ethan just humiliated one of the strongest noble families…"
"But isn't that a good thing? The Aldrics have been untouchable for too long."
"Are you insane? They'll retaliate! He's doomed!"
While rumors spread like wildfire, Ethan remained calm. He sat in the academy's training hall, casually stretching his arms while Sylvia and Eline stood nearby, both watching him intently.
"You really don't care at all, do you?" Sylvia sighed, crossing her arms.
Ethan smirked. "Should I?"
Eline chuckled, spinning a dagger between her fingers. "I think it's kinda hot."
Sylvia shot her a glare. "That's not the point! The Aldrics won't just let this slide. You destroyed Leonhardt in front of everyone! That's not something they'll ignore."
Ethan shrugged. "Then let them do something about it."
Sylvia groaned. "You're impossible."
Just as she was about to continue, the heavy doors of the training hall slammed open.
A group of armored knights stormed in, their presence suffocating. Each one bore the emblem of the Aldric family, their golden armor gleaming under the dim light of the hall.
At the center of the group stood a tall, imposing man with deep crimson eyes.
He exuded power—the kind that made even the strongest hesitate.
The hall fell into silence.
Eline narrowed her eyes. "Well, this just got interesting."
The man stepped forward, his boots echoing against the stone floor. His gaze locked onto Ethan.
"You're Ethan Cross," he stated.
Ethan remained seated. "Depends on who's asking."
The man's expression didn't change. "I am Julius Aldric. The eldest of the Aldric family. And I am here to reclaim our family's honor."
Sylvia's breath hitched.
"Julius Aldric…? He's an S-rank Awakened! He's stronger than both Lucian and Leonhardt combined!"
Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Finally. Someone interesting."
Julius unsheathed his sword, a massive greatsword that radiated pure destructive energy.
"You will kneel," Julius declared.
Ethan stood up, his smirk widening.
"Make me."
The Battle Begins
Julius vanished.
BOOM!
In an instant, he reappeared before Ethan, his greatsword swinging down with the force of a mountain.
Ethan barely dodged, the blade carving a deep scar into the floor where he had just stood.
The force of the attack sent shockwaves through the hall, shattering windows and knocking back several students who had come to watch.
Julius didn't stop. His attacks were relentless, precise, and devastating.
Each swing of his sword carried the weight of his S-rank strength, the sheer pressure enough to make even seasoned warriors falter.
But Ethan was unfazed.
He dodged. Countered. Deflected with his bare hands.
Julius's eyes narrowed. "You're faster than I expected."
Ethan grinned. "You're slower than I expected."
Julius's aura flared. "Then let's change that."
He raised his greatsword, and for the first time, unleashed his true power.
The entire hall was engulfed in golden flames, the air crackling with overwhelming energy. The sheer intensity of it made even Sylvia and Eline take a step back.
"Is this… Divine Flame?" Sylvia muttered in shock.
Eline whistled. "Now this is getting fun."
Julius shot forward, his sword now wreathed in golden fire.
Ethan smirked.
The real fight had begun.
Clash of Titans
Julius attacked with blinding speed, his greatsword slicing through the air like a streak of light. The golden flames danced with each strike, scorching the floor, the walls, and even the very air itself.
Ethan dodged effortlessly, weaving between the deadly attacks as if they were nothing.
But then—
BOOM!
Julius feinted, shifting his grip mid-swing and catching Ethan off guard. His blade slammed into Ethan's side, sending him crashing through the training hall wall.
CRASH!
Dust and debris filled the air.
Sylvia gasped. "Ethan!"
But before anyone could react—
WHOOSH!
A figure shot out of the rubble, completely unharmed.
Ethan dusted himself off. "That actually hurt a little."
Julius's eyes widened. "Impossible."
Ethan rolled his shoulders. "My turn."
Then he attacked.
The Power of the Unranked Monster
Ethan vanished.
Julius barely had time to react before—
BAM!
Ethan's fist slammed into his stomach, sending him flying through three walls.
The spectators could only watch in stunned silence.
Julius barely managed to get back to his feet, coughing up blood. His golden flames flickered, dimming.
Ethan cracked his neck. "You done?"
Julius's hands trembled. He was losing.
Badly.
This… this wasn't supposed to happen.
He was an S-rank Awakened. The pride of the Aldric family. A warrior who had fought in countless battles.
And yet—
Ethan Cross was playing with him.
Julius gritted his teeth. "I won't lose!"
He poured everything into one final attack, his greatsword burning brighter than ever before.
"Celestial Judgment—"
BAM.
He never finished.
Ethan's fist collided with his face, sending him into unconsciousness before he could even swing.
Silence.
Julius Aldric—one of the strongest S-rankers in the academy—was defeated in under five minutes.
Ethan let out a sigh. "That was disappointing."
The Aftermath
The Aldric family had suffered three crushing defeats.
The academy would never be the same.
Ethan Cross was no longer just a rising name.
He was a monster.
And now, even stronger enemies would come for him.
But Ethan just smirked.
"Let them try."
To be continued…