Raven began training every day after school, using the fundamentals he learned at the academy, but he knew that relying solely on lessons wouldn't be enough. He spent hours after class honing his magical skills and combat techniques, striving to understand his energy on a deeper level.
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His training wasn’t limited to magic alone—he also focused on strengthening his body. He recalled the words of his teacher during one of the lessons:
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"You may possess powerful magical techniques, but if your body is weak and your energy runs out, you will lose. On the other hand, if you have a strong body but lack mastery over magic, you won’t last long. That is why you must be strong in all aspects."
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These words echoed in his mind every day, driving him to push his limits and refine his abilities even further.
After a month of intense training, Raven had become stronger than most students in the school. However, despite his growing power, he kept it hidden from everyone. He knew that the academy selected the strongest students to serve under the royal families, and he had no desire to become a mere tool in their hands.
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As the Martial Arts Tournament approached, excitement filled the academy. This competition was a chance for students to prove their skills, gain recognition, and possibly attract the attention of high-ranking officials. Everyone was talking about it, and expectations were high for who would emerge as the champion this time.
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Raven wanted to participate. He knew he could defeat most of the competitors—perhaps even win the entire tournament. But the thought of being chosen by the royal families terrified him. He didn’t want to be forced into loyalty or used in power struggles.
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As the battles raged on and the roaring crowd filled the arena, the announcer’s voice boomed with excitement, fueling the energy in the air. Most of the fights had ended, and now only the final showdown remained.
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"It’s time for the ultimate battle!" the announcer shouted, his voice echoing through the stadium.
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On one side of the arena stood Shin, Raven’s classmate, radiating confidence. He knew he wasn’t an ordinary fighter—he had trained relentlessly for this moment. But his opponent was no weakling either.
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On the opposite side stood a mysterious warrior known as Kyle, a fighter renowned for his blinding speed and his ability to end battles within seconds. His long black hair swayed with the wind, and his piercing eyes gleamed like those of a predator eyeing its prey.
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The match began. In the blink of an eye, Kyle vanished, moving so fast that only the wind left in his wake could be seen. One moment, he was in front of Shin; the next, he was behind him, landing a flurry of rapid, precise strikes, each one hitting like an invisible bullet.
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Shin gritted his teeth, struggling to block the attacks, but Kyle’s speed was overwhelming. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he refused to surrender.
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From the stands, Raven observed the battle intently. Among the spectators, Ryo also sat, arms crossed, silently analyzing the fight.
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Determined to turn the tide, Shin activated his magic. His entire arm transformed into solid rock, glowing with the raw power of the earth. This was his chance—if he could land this attack, he might be able to shift the momentum! With a thunderous step, he lunged toward Kyle, the ground trembling beneath his feet.
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But just as his stone fist was about to connect, Kyle vanished.
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Shin’s eyes widened in shock. He barely had time to react before he felt a gust of wind behind him.
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"It’s over."
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A cold voice whispered in his ear before Kyle reappeared behind him, delivering a swift, cutting strike. A sharp pain seared through Shin’s shoulder, leaving a deep wound. He gasped, dropping to one knee, struggling to catch his breath.
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For a moment, the entire arena fell silent. Then, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
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But Shin did not surrender. Despite the pain surging through his body, he stood tall, his breath heavy but his resolve unwavering.
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Kyle, who respected Shin’s spirit, realized that his opponent had no intention of giving up. With a deep sigh, he raised his weapon high, flames igniting around the blade, forming a deadly glow.
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"Step back and surrender. I don’t want to hurt you any further, but I must win!" Kyle declared, his eyes burning with determination.
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Yet Shin remained silent. His gaze held no fear, only pure defiance. Kyle understood in that instant—Shin would never back down.
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"If that’s your decision… then I’ll end this now!"
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"Flaming Blade!"
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The deadly technique was unleashed! A storm of fire erupted from Kyle’s sword, spiraling around the blade in a blinding blaze. In a heartbeat, he surged forward at an unbelievable speed, aiming to pierce through Shin and end the match with a single strike!
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And then…
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"Now!"
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From the stands, Raven moved, his face hidden behind a black mask.
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Raven threw several smoke orbs onto the battlefield.
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Before Kyle could react, Raven appeared in front of Shin, his body wrapped in an intense aura of power. he reached out barehanded toward the Flaming Blade!
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"Impossible!" Kyle gasped.
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In a moment of sheer shock, the fiery blade shattered under Raven’s grip, and the flames that once roared vanished as if they had never existed.
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Before Kyle could fully comprehend what had just happened, Shin was gone.
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Kyle stood frozen in the arena, his eyes wide with disbelief. What just happened? Who was that masked figure?
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The audience, who had been watching in complete silence, suddenly erupted into murmurs of astonishment.
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"Who is that?!"
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Ryo darted out from the crowd, his eyes locked onto the masked figure who had saved Shin.
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Meanwhile, Raven moved swiftly. he had to get Shin to the nearest hospital before he lost consciousness completely.
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With quick, silent movements, he entered the hospital, placed Shin in the emergency ward, and vanished before anyone could notice him.
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But… Ryo was still following him.
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