My only rival

As they made their way back to their rooms, Gary suddenly pulled Ray aside, whispering in his ear.

"Hey, Ray, do me a favor. Before we go back, wait for me on the roof of our dormitory."

Gary rarely asked for favors, so Ray nodded in agreement. Whatever this was about, it seemed important. Gary rushed ahead of the others to meet him there.

Instead of returning to his room, Ray climbed to the roof as instructed. Strangely, when he arrived, there was no sign of Gary. It was odd, considering Gary had run ahead—he should have arrived first.

Ray wandered to the edge of the roof, taking in the view. The city stretched before him, its tiny lights glowing in the dark. Once, flames from torches would have dotted the streets, but now, bright crystal-powered lights illuminated the cityscape.

To his right, he could see the towering structure at the heart of Avrion Academy, standing at least a hundred meters taller than the dormitory. One day, he'd have to climb up there and take in the view. If there was one thing he missed, it was the ability to fly. The sky had once been his domain, offering a vantage point no human could match. Still, the beauty of the night was something he could appreciate even now.

A door creaked behind him, followed by a soft thud. Gary had finally arrived, holding two wooden training swords in his hands.

"Hey, what are those for?" Ray asked, stepping forward.

Gary's face was serious—an expression Ray hadn't seen in a long time.

"You know, today Slyvia asked me a question," Gary said. "She asked who was stronger—me or you. Do you know what I told her?"

"We haven't fought in a long time."

"I said you. But that was just a guess. Since coming to Avrion Academy, everyone's called me a genius. If I'm a genius, then what does that make you?"

Gary tossed one of the wooden swords toward Ray, who caught it effortlessly, still unsure where this was going.

"I'm not an idiot. I knew I'd probably get a white sash tonight, and you'd most likely get red. That meant we might never get another chance like this. So I ask you—fight me."

Gary's intensity was hard to ignore. Even if Ray had wanted to refuse, he knew he couldn't. Besides, he wanted to fight Gary just as much. He needed to know how far he had come since that day on the hill.

Gripping the sword, Ray met Gary's gaze.

If he wanted a fight, he was going to get one.

Ray initiated the first attack, dashing forward and bringing his sword down toward Gary's face. Gary blocked the strike but stumbled back a few feet. A grin spread across his face.

"So powerful. You would have easily passed the Gem of Strength test," Gary said.

Gary retaliated with a flurry of strikes, each precise but not as fast or strong as Ray's. However, his movements were calculated, targeting difficult angles that made Ray shift awkwardly to counter.

The fight continued, back and forth, both blocking and dodging with increasing speed. Gary's skill with the sword was undeniable.

"Come on," Gary urged. "Show me how you defeated that wolf in the Black Forest. I know this isn't everything you have."

Gary was a natural swordsman. Even though Ray's swings were faster and more powerful, Gary could still block and evade. Ray, in contrast, was barely hanging on.

Ray wanted to win without relying on his beast form. But he could see that Gary was tiring, and if the fight continued, Ray would eventually overpower him. The crystals had given him an unfair advantage—his stamina far surpassed Gary's. If Gary was going to lose, Ray wanted him to lose against his full strength.

Clenching the hilt of the wooden sword between his teeth, Ray dropped to all fours. His posture mimicked that of a wild beast. Most people would have laughed at such an animalistic stance, but not Gary. He remained steady, carefully observing every movement.

Ray lunged. Gary swung downward, but Ray sidestepped, grabbing Gary's foot and using it to pivot himself behind him. In an instant, he struck Gary in the back with his sword, sending him to his knees.

Gary turned toward him with a grin, breathing heavily. "I guess you're still my only rival, Ray."

Ray helped him up, and together, they made their way back to the dormitory.

When they entered the room, they were met with an unexpected sight. Their roommates were gathered around the table, deep in conversation. But sitting among them was someone new.

The girl quickly noticed their arrival, stood, and approached them.

"Hi there. I'm your new roommate, Martha."

Ray recognized her immediately. She had performed well in the archery test. That explained why her name had been on their room assignment. Yet, there was something oddly familiar about her.

"Martha, I don't remember you being at Renny School," Gary said.

"I wasn't. My mother is one of the leaders of an adventurer's guild. They gave me special permission to take the test and placed me with you guys since there was space."

It clicked.

Ray finally understood why she looked so familiar. She bore a striking resemblance to the woman they had met ten years ago on their way to Renny Town. That woman had been an adventurer as well.

Martha had to be related to her.

Before Ray could ask, an announcement echoed through the room, projected by the academy's system.

"Will all students please make their way to the dining hall? The awarding of ranks and sashes will now begin."