"What is Talent?
In the simplest sense, it's the measurement of one's connection to Khaos Energy, how much you can store, how fast it replenishes, and how perfectly your body can wield it.
And then there is Battle Talent?
Battle Talent is the true reflection of one's mastery over Khaos Energy in high-stress conditions. How quickly can a Khaos welder efficiently manipulate Khaos in its body? Until now, you have all been displaying. Your technique without the use of Khaos energy, you have to learn how to do this, so that I will be conducting a test," instructor Arin said.
The student all looked at themself, this was a sudden surprise to them, they never expected this.
Instructor Arin worked with the middle of the class and instructed them to spread out.
The student left a big hole in the middle, and they sat around the edges of the battle class; some were sitting while others stood watching the instructor.
I will pick two people who will battle with khaos energy without the use of protection, because in battle, there is no friendly fire."
Instructor Arin stared at them as she said this, and the student gave a worried expression.
"What if someone dies or gets injured badly?" some student murmured between themself.
"Not to worry, I will be here in the battle, I will make sure no life-threatening event happens, you can all rest with ease," instructor Arin said.
The worried expressions decreased somewhat, particularly among the A-rank and B-rank talented individuals, but the D-rank individuals remained anxious.
"What is she planning?" Daichi wondered as he observed instructor Arin, sensing she was up to something.
"Ryu, come fort," instructor Arin said, smiling slightly. The tall giant stepped forward, his aura causing the D-ranked talent student to shiver.
"She called the top student in class F, my god, who is going to be the Victim," some said
"She is definitely going to be one of my OPs if she calls me outside." Others said
"Please, grandfather, watch over him," a D-rank talent student said. He almost started crying.
"Can't even have the guts to face him just because he has an A-class talent. This whole talent ranking system is really messed up," Instructor Arin thought, sighing deeply.
"Well, they are still young; when they grow, they will realize that without talent, as long as you have resources, being an S rank is definitely achievable," she thought.
As she glanced around, some students were already praying that they shouldn't be picked, and some hid their faces.
"Kurogami," step out.
The entire class was shocked, and even Kurogami gave a shocking expression.
"The top student vs the bottom student." Student Murmured
"A class talent vs D class talent, the result is obvious."
"This is going to be fun," some smirk.
"I see," Daichi thought. He immediately understood what instructor Arin was after; she wanted to see kurogami skills.
Kurogami stepped outside as instructed.
The instructor smiled as she looked at Kurogami, who was out,
Kurogami could tell instructor Arin was on to him.
"Instructor Arin, I don't think I'm qualified for this. I only have a D rank talent, how am I supposed to go against an A rank talent?"
"Yes, instructor Arin, he has a point. The battle outcome is very obvious," a D-rank Talent student said.
Other D-rank also spoke out, trying to get instructor Arin not to go on with the test; they were covering up for Kurogami, not because they were friends with him, but also to protect their own insecurity of having a D-rank talent.
"Hmmm, you will have to do better than this to get me to stop," instructor Arin thought internally.
"Kurogami, you are more than qualified for this; in fact, you won't be using khaos energy, because he has the Obsidian body physic."
"What?" some student said who knew about the 12 heavenly physiques was extremely shocked.
Daichi wasn't because he already knew, and Kurogami had conveyed it to him. Murmurs about kurogami having one of the 12 heavenly physiques flood the air.
"Haa, this will get annoying," Kurogami thought.
"Like I said, this is going to be a friendly fight, and I will be here to stop any fatal attacks," instructor Arin said, then continued.
"This will be a privilege for you all to learn, the capability of one of the 12 heavenly physics and how to utilize the khaos essence in battle."
Kurogami and Ryu were seven steps away from each other. Ryu gazed intensely. He looked eager to start the battle immediately.
"How can I escape from this?" Kurogami thought his expression looked sad.
Kurogami glanced at instructor Arin; he knew she was trying to gauge his skill. "Sorry, but I think I will be disappointing you today," Kurogami smirked internally.
Instructor Arin was about to speak when a figure appeared at the entrance. Many students turned their gaze and stared. The student who had been sitting stood up, greeted him with a firm stance, and bowed their head.
The bald instructor smiled slightly and instructed them to raise their heads and sit. All attention was focused on him.
"He's here to stop this," instructor Arin thought as he gave a wary look.
"Ahhh, I'm saved," Kurogami thought internally, excited to see the baldy, he was already cooking up a story in his mind.
"Don't mind me, I'm just here to watch."
Instructor Arin had a relieved expression when she heard this, but Kurogami was shocked. He felt betrayed internally, he sighed out, "Alright, it seems I just have to go through with the first plan."
Kurogami and Ryu faced each other. Ryu took a battle position while Khaos' energy flooded into his body, enhancing his strength tremendously.
Battle wasn't something new for him, countless times he had fought in the swamps, underground matches, the slashes and wounds around his body, tho covered by his wear was a living proof of this.
Ryu's eyes flash, remembering the battle he had fought that got him to this point, "Even if you are stronger, I will overcome you," he thought.
As Ryu heard the word "start," a booming sound echoed. Ryu leaped forward and swiftly closed the distance between himself and Kurogami.
His right fist, engulfed in khaos energy, aimed to strike Kurogami's chest. Kurogami reacted swiftly, bringing his palms together to block the punch. However, the punch shifted slightly downward.
8 couple art techniques, first form, roaring fist.
Ryu's big fist hit Kurogami's stomach, making a big bam. Wind burst out of Kurogami's back.
Ryu's fist is enough to shatter borders three times bigger than him. With this fist, he had won countless underground battles, even battling with the Ironfang heir Raiden Stormfang, pushing him to use his family techniques to win; that was the only loss he had suffered. 30 wins and just 1 loss, he his truly a genius.
At this moment, the attack has only pushed Kurogami five steps into the air, away from him.
Ryu stood there, his face expressionless, but he was in shock.
Kurogami fell to the ground, grinning in pain, "That attack was strong, I lost," Kurogami said, closing one eye, smiling to Ryu, admiring how strong he his.
"That was one serious punch," the bald instructor thought as he observed from afar.
Instructor Arin was shocked. She was somewhat able to gasp at Kurogami's strength now, from seeing that clash, she knew to her core that what Kurogami was doing now was fake.
Even Kaia and Shin couldn't hide their shock; they knew about Ryu's strength.
"Will they buy this?" Kurogami thought to himself internally, "Either way, I already admit defeat, so I'm good to go."
It's to your win Ryu Kurogami said. He stood up pretending to feel hurt,"
He turned his back and took several steps heading towards Daichi, who clearly saw everything.
Ryo looked up at Kurogami. His calm expression shifted into something more serious.
"Why are you hiding your strength, Kurogami?" he said. His voice echoed across the hall, quiet but heavy.
Kurogami paused. He didn't look back.
"Don't play dumb. I felt it when I struck you; that wasn't some weak defensive stance. You're holding back."
Kurogami said nothing, only dusted his sleeve.
Ryo exhaled, his tone deepening.
"You don't need to tell me your reasons. Maybe you think this class is beneath you. Maybe you're just trying to stay out of trouble. But I know this, we didn't crawl our way into Sentinel Academy just to pretend to be ordinary."
He stepped closer, his aura flaring slightly, his bare feet grinding into the cracked floor.
"Some of us fought our way out of the dirt, out of hunger, pain, just to stand here. Every drop of sweat, every scar, every sleepless night was to become something more. To become Sentinels, the wall that stands between humanity and extinction!"
Ryo clenched his fist and pointed at Kurogami.
"So if you've got that kind of power, then stop burying it like it's something to be ashamed of. Show me. Because strength that hides in the shadows is no different from weakness."
He spread his arms wide, smiling boldly.
"Please show me your strength."
Kurogami stood there, his eyes lowered, the words Ryo spoke echoing in his mind.
"Strength that hides in the shadows is no different from weakness…"
His gaze drifted to the floor for a moment, thoughtful. I didn't come here to stand out. I just wanted to pass quietly… But maybe… what's the point of hiding strength if it means living as someone else?
He exhaled slowly. A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips, the kind that carried both mockery and quiet resolve.
"Ha…" he let out a dry laugh, shaking his head slightly. "The battle cries of a young lad… how can I say no?"
He turned back toward Ryo, eyes now gleaming with quiet intensity. The entire class could feel something change, the air growing heavier.
Kurogami took a step forward, then another, until he stood across from Ryo once more. He lowered his head slightly, his tone calm but sincere.
"I'm sorry for faking it earlier," he said, clenching his fist over his chest. "That was disrespectful, not just to you, but to me."
Ryo stared at him for a moment, then a slow grin spread across his face.
From the corner of the room, Instructor Arin crossed her arms, her expression unreadable, but deep down, she was relieved; she wanted to see more of Kurogami's capability.
"Are you both ready?" instructor Arin.
The aura they both were giving was a clear answer to her; she gave the signal once more.