And just like that, two months had passed, and it was the day of the combat challenges.
Atticus, Nate, and Lucas walked together to the location where it would take place. They had just come out of their room after freshening up following the morning training session.
During the two months, the trainees had adapted spectacularly. While none had managed to make it to the finish line apart from Atticus, they had become more adept at spotting and avoiding the traps. Most of them were now capable of making it past the mountain.
"Finally! I've gotten so tired of my 5th rank. It's time for a change!" Nate exclaimed happily. Changing one's rank could only be done during the combat challenges, which took place every three months. Nate had been eagerly waiting for this opportunity to upgrade his rank.
"I know for sure you're not going to challenge me. If you're planning on challenging Erik, I'd be more cautious if I were you," Lucas advised. Erik was one of the trainees Atticus had noticed during the test when they were falling, the one who wielded daggers.
The first-year trainees numbered only 20, after 3 months spent together, knowing each other's names was expected.
"Don't worry! It'll be an easy fight!" Nate replied confidently. He had absolute faith in his strength. He was among the very few Novice+ ranks in the first years, a rank achieved by only the most exceptional first-year trainees.
'Apart from Atticus and Aurora, I can defeat anyone,' Nate thought.
Atticus simply stared at Nate without saying anything, having guessed his thoughts. He knew Nate was a simple-minded fellow.
Atticus could gauge the strength of each first-year trainee easily, with his perception and given that he held a higher rank than them. He knew that Erik and Nate had similar power levels, but Erik was much more reserved and silent.
Atticus could see that he was not the type to rush into battles like Nate. He could have warned Nate, but he believed that one should learn from their mistakes, especially when his life wasn't in danger.
Plus, with how confident Nate sounded, he doubted that he would listen to him anyway.
Lucas smiled and shook his head, having come to the same conclusion as Atticus. The trio continued walking towards the venue.
They each followed their device's navigation, which led them towards the massive mountain situated in the middle of the camp. After walking for a while, they noticed a procession of trainees heading in a certain direction, so they decided to follow them.
Not far from where they had initially done their morning training session, they stumbled upon an extraordinarily large opening leading into the mountain. They saw other trainees entering it and followed suit. After walking inside the opening for a while, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight.
In the heart of the mountain, they saw a massive arena with rows of chairs encircling it, leaving an empty stage in the center.
The arena was divided into three distinct areas, each marked with a huge sign bearing the numbers 1, 2, and 3, representing the first, second, and third years, forming a triangle around the central stage.
The chairs were meticulously arranged, with the highest-ranking individuals enjoying more luxurious seats positioned at higher elevations. For the first rank in each year, their chairs resembled thrones, adorned with opulent gold and silver accents.
This hierarchy continued for each rank, with second-rank chairs elevated above third-rank ones, and so forth.
At the top of the arena, there stood a massive booth enclosed by tinted glass. Atticus surmised that it was likely where Rowan was situated. He couldn't help but cast a cold glance toward the booth.
After taking in the spectacle for a few moments, they made their way to their seats. The arena was nearly full, with most trainees already occupying their designated spots.
Atticus spotted Ember sitting on the throne for the first rank of the third year. She wore her typically aloof expression, with a cold and regal demeanor that seemed to suit her well in that position.
Seeing her, Atticus couldn't help but smile. As she noticed him and their eyes met, Ember smiled and waved, her gesture a bit more subdued, with her hand raised just above her chest.
Although it wasn't an exuberant wave, it still seemed to surprise the boy sitting just below her.
The boy with the distinctive white hair and one sharp, thin eye was the second rank among the third years.
He was utterly shocked by what he was witnessing: Ember smiling? He had never thought such a thing was possible.
Ever since he first laid eyes on Ember during their first year, he had been immediately attracted to her. He had tried everything in his repertoire to get her to like him, but it was all in vain. It didn't help that he was constantly defeated by her during competitions.
He didn't care that they were cousins; he was irresistibly drawn to her beauty and desired her above all else. After losing countless times to her, he had resorted to hiring a second-year student to harass her.
Seeing Ember smile at someone other than him filled him with rage. He had been hearing rumors about Ember and Atticus always hanging out together, but he didn't think it was true. He gritted his teeth and shot Atticus a murderous glare.
Atticus waved back at Ember and continued to his seat, oblivious to the intense hostility directed toward him.
As he passed through the crowd, many people watched him with mixed reactions. Some viewed him with discontentment, feeling he was too arrogant. The fact that Atticus always drove away those who tried to approach him left many dissatisfied.
Some, who hadn't given up hope of getting close to him, still harbored aspirations. And the majority were curious about his strength and eagerly anticipated the upcoming match between Atticus and Aurora.
Who was stronger?
The arena was filled with hushed whispers as Atticus made his way to his seat.
Aurora was already seated in her designated spot, and she didn't even spare a glance in Atticus's direction as he passed her.
Atticus noticed that today she appeared energetic, unlike her usual frail and worn-out look. 'Looks like Rowan wanted her to be at full strength before our fight.'
He brushed it off and took his seat casually, unfazed by the dramatic atmosphere.
After a few minutes of anticipation and whispers in the crowd, a man with an aura of master-rank walked onto the stage.