The first monster lunged.
Kael moved smoothly, blade slicing through its throat with practiced precision.
Another followed—then another.
From all sides, the beasts kept emerging. Wolves with iron-hide, simian creatures with claws crackling with mana, and even low-grade wyverns shrieking from above.
But Kael never looked stressed.
He didn't even use Vanta.
Instead, he wielded his B-rank sword with precise, fluid movements, deliberately suppressing his speed, strength, and mana signature.
Shadow Arts – Form 2: Crescent Fold.
A clean arc of motion two monsters down.
Swift Steps hummed under his skin, gradually raising his agility, but not enough to draw attention.
He fought like a veteran but a modest one.
Nothing flashy.
No explosive mana surges.
Just quiet, lethal efficiency.
After nearly twelve minutes, the arena fell silent once more. The final monster, a scaled predator with three eyes, crumbled at his feet.
Kael exhaled softly and straightened his posture.
A faint chime rang out. Then the walls of the white room shimmered as a holographic leaderboard appeared before him, names and times shining in gold lettering:
---
[Top 11 - Aetherion Entrance Combat Trial]
1. Jin Eldraven – 2 minutes, 06 seconds
2. Elira Morvayne – 8 minutes, 32 seconds
3. Samantha Solaris – 9 minutes, 02 seconds
4. Samuel Solaris – 9 minutes, 15 seconds
5. Matthew Glacern – 10 minutes, 00 seconds
6. Sylvina Solvaire – 10 minutes, 56 seconds
7. Cynthia Elarquist – 11 minutes, 20 seconds
8. Jasmine Stormquelle – 11 minutes, 32 seconds
9. Jace Pyrenhart – 12 minutes, 00 seconds
10. Elsa Sylvenmire – 12 minutes, 16 seconds
11. Kael Vernier – 12 minutes, 17 seconds
---
Kael stared at the names.
Many of them he recognized.
From the story he knew.
> "They've grown stronger than in the original timeline," he murmured to himself, eyes lingering on Jin and Elira. "A lot stronger…"
But instead of anxiety or disappointment, a quiet smile tugged at his lips.
> "Good," he whispered, eyes gleaming like scarlet glass. "That'll make things more interesting."
He sheathed his sword calmly.
The game was only just beginning.