Ethan's body ached from the relentless training, but he refused to rest. The echoes of his battle with the Titan-Class Golem still reverberated in his mind. He could feel the changes happening within him—his body adapting, his endurance evolving. Every hit he endured, every bruise he accumulated, was a step toward greatness.
The Cost of Strength
As Ethan exited the training hall, Cain watched him with an unreadable expression. "You're pushing yourself too hard," the instructor muttered. "Your body isn't unbreakable, no matter how strong your will is."
Ethan wiped the sweat off his brow, his smirk unwavering. "If I stop, I'll fall behind. That's not an option."
Cain let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "At this rate, you'll end up in the infirmary or worse."
Ethan shrugged. "Then I'll just get back up again."
Cain shook his head, but there was a hint of approval in his gaze. "Suit yourself. Just don't die before proving them wrong."
Ethan turned away and walked down the academy corridors. His footsteps were heavier than usual, his muscles burning, but he felt something new coursing through him.
Passive Ability Reminder:
Never Give Up (Progress: ???)
Iron Stride (Progress: 72%)
Bloodforged Tenacity (Progress: 40%)
Enduring Will (Progress: 25%)
Unyielding Flesh (Progress: 30%)
Every ability was progressing, proof of his struggle. But he needed more.
A Night of Restlessness
Ethan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His body was still recovering from the intense battle, but his mind was already planning his next steps. The academy was nothing but a stepping stone—he needed to go beyond.
'Survival isn't enough. I need dominance.'
He clenched his fists. The world outside the academy was vast, filled with Awakened warriors leagues above him. If he wanted to stand at the top, he had to push harder, train smarter, and never stop moving forward.
Suddenly, a knock echoed against his door.
"Ethan."
The voice belonged to Serena. He sat up, opening the door to find her standing there, arms crossed, her usual confident smirk in place.
"You've been making waves," she said, leaning against the doorway. "Darius told me you fought a Titan-Class Golem. Are you insane?"
Ethan chuckled. "If I was sane, I wouldn't be getting stronger."
Serena sighed but didn't argue. "Look, just don't go dying before we get to have a real fight."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You planning to challenge me?"
"Someday," she said, turning on her heel. "Try not to disappoint me."
Ethan watched her leave, a small smile forming. The path ahead was uncertain, but he knew one thing—he wouldn't stop until he reached the top.
The Vice President's Wrath
Unbeknownst to Ethan, his actions had drawn the attention of someone dangerous.
Inside the academy's administrative office, Vice President Aldric sat in his dimly lit chamber, fingers tapping against his desk. His sharp, hawk-like eyes glowed with resentment as he reviewed the recent reports on Ethan's progress.
"The President is taking an interest in that boy…" Aldric muttered, his voice laced with contempt. "A talentless, mana-less fool gaining recognition? Ridiculous."
Aldric had always harbored ambitions of taking the academy's highest seat. But President Elara, a woman known for her keen judgment, had always overshadowed him. And now, she had begun to notice Ethan.
'She's intrigued by him,' Aldric thought bitterly. 'If this continues, he could rise beyond my control.'
His fingers tightened into a fist. He refused to let some low-ranked insect disrupt the academy's hierarchy—and more importantly, his ambitions.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter."
A shadowed figure stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Sir, orders?"
Aldric's lips curled into a sneer. "Watch him. And if the opportunity arises… eliminate him."
The figure nodded before vanishing into the darkness.
The Dawn of a New Challenge
The next morning, Ethan arrived at the academy's central plaza, where a notice board was surrounded by students. His eyes narrowed as he saw what had caught their attention.
New Dungeon Raid Event Announced!
Participants must form a party and explore the new B-Rank dungeon discovered outside the city. Rewards include rare mana cores and enhancement elixirs.
Ethan's heartbeat quickened. A dungeon raid meant real combat, real danger. It was exactly what he needed.
He ignored the whispers around him and stepped closer. The path to strength was brutal, but he had already made up his mind.
This was just the beginning.