The academy arena was unusually lively that day.
Students gathered around the massive stone platform, their voices echoing across the training grounds.
Normally, sparring matches were common in the academy, but today felt different.
Because today… someone had challenged Ketlos.
Ketlos stood calmly in the arena, his expression relaxed as always. Even though he had only recently joined the academy, his name had already started spreading among the students.
Across from him stood a tall young man with sharp eyes and a confident smile.
So you're Ketlos, the young man said while cracking his knuckles.
I've heard quite a lot about you.
Ketlos tilted his head slightly and smiled.
Oh? Really? I didn't know I was that famous already.
The crowd around them laughed.
But the challenger's face remained serious.
My name is Daren, he said firmly.
And today I'll prove that your reputation is nothing but rumors.
Ketlos scratched the back of his head.
Well… if you say so.
A teacher standing nearby raised his hand.
This duel will end when one participant can no longer fight.
Begin!
The moment the signal was given
BOOM!
Daren instantly dashed forward like a lightning bolt.
His fist shot toward Ketlos's chest with terrifying speed.
The spectators gasped.
So fast!
But Ketlos simply leaned slightly to the side.
The punch missed him by an inch.
Daren's eyes widened.
What—?!
Before he could react, Ketlos countered with a swift palm strike.
BANG!
The impact pushed Daren several meters back.
Dust rose from the arena floor as the two fighters faced each other again.
The crowd erupted.
Did you see that?!
Ketlos didn't even move much!
But Daren wasn't finished.
A powerful aura burst from his body.
I won't lose!
Spiritual energy surged around him as he unleashed a powerful technique.
The ground cracked under his feet as he charged again.
This time the fight became much more intense.
Punches collided.
Shockwaves spread across the arena.
BOOM!
BANG!
CRACK!
Both fighters were now exchanging blows rapidly.
Even the spectators could barely follow their movements.
Minutes passed.
Ketlos's breathing grew heavier.
Several wounds appeared on his body.
Daren also looked exhausted, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
Finally—
Ketlos gathered his remaining strength and delivered one final strike.
BOOM!
Daren was thrown across the arena and crashed heavily onto the ground.
Silence filled the battlefield.
The teacher stepped forward and checked Daren's condition.
Then he raised his hand.
Winner… Ketlos!
The entire arena exploded with excitement.
But Ketlos himself wasn't in good condition either.
He fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
His clothes were torn and several injuries covered his body.
High above the arena stands, a certain academy teacher had been watching the entire fight.
His eyes were shining with excitement.
A Nascent Soul cultivator… mid-level already, the teacher murmured.
And his combat sense is incredible.
The teacher smiled.
That boy… I must make him my personal disciple.
Meanwhile, back in the arena—
Ketlos slowly stood up despite his injuries.
Among the spectators, the Princess was also watching quietly.
She crossed her arms and looked at Ketlos thoughtfully.
Impressive, she muttered softly.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
As expected… my future husband.
At that moment, another pair of eyes was watching Ketlos carefully.
A beautiful girl with long hair stood beside the academy elders.
She was the daughter of the academy leader.
Her gaze was filled with curiosity.
So this is Ketlos… she whispered.
Interesting.
Royal Palace – Later
Inside the royal palace, a serious discussion was taking place.
Several powerful figures sat around a large table.
The King spoke with a heavy expression.
The time is approaching.
One of the generals nodded.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Very soon… the Three-Headed Wolf will appear.
The atmosphere became tense.
That creature is the leader of the wolf beasts,
another elder said.
If it awakens, it will lead countless beasts toward the kingdom.
The King sighed.
We cannot allow that to happen.
He looked at the generals.
Send them.
The general understood immediately.
All cultivators in the Body Integration and Spatial Tempering realms…
Send all ten of them.
We must kill that beast before it becomes a disaster.
The King nodded slowly.
However, his expression was complicated.
If the beast was killed, the kingdom would gain valuable resources.
But the battle would also bring losses.
It seems, the King muttered quietly,
This event will bring both fortune… and tragedy.
Far away from the palace…
Ketlos had no idea that a much bigger storm was about to arrive.