Chapter Ten.

'I think I'm done for now.' Jack silently cleaned his bloody hands in the ITR. Later, he would have to dispose of the remains of the rodents he had brought earlier today. 'Any further testing will have to be done on the Dream Realm.'

Over the last week, he had spent his days isolated in his ITR, slowly progressing with his control of both his Aspect Ability and his intrinsic form. Even though tremendous progress was made, the tests were becoming more conspicuous and dangerous. 

'I'm also at my limit.' The constant battering by the voices - terrible and unwavering - was taking a heavy toll on his mind, no matter how firm his resolve was. So, he decided to focus on his secondary objectives.

'I'm already encountering daily with Cassie and Sunny at the cafeteria, and our partnership is relatively stable. If we were to meet in the Dream Realm, a cohort would be formed naturally. Now, the only one left to recruit is Nephis. And I know exactly where to begin...'

-x-

The Sleepers were in a large dojo, awaiting the start of the day's introductory combat class.

During their first week of training, Awakened Rock had tested their general competency and abilities and assigned them to different groups based on their level, such as novice, advanced, or expert, as well as their weapon of choice.

Other than drills and the occasional strength test, what they had done the most was one thing only: Sparring.

Awakened Rock's booming voice signaled the beginning of class. "Today, we have a new student. Usually, such a thing wouldn't change our schedule. But I see most of you are itching for a fight with our newest trainee, so I'll give you the chance."

He turned to look at Jack. "Would you mind a few rounds of sparring?" 

Typically, only the first day of combat classes allowed free sparring. From then on, Sleepers only fought within their own group, to avoid accidental injuries. Permitting battles across groups was not protocol, and in this situation, there was just one reason...

Jack gave him a knowing smile. 'If you want to assess me, just say so.'

"That's why we're here, isn't it?"

"Good answer." Awakened Rock smiled and clapped once. "You lot already know the rules! Make your opponent's back touch the floor or throw them out of the ring. Use whatever abilities and techniques you find appropriate." With a nod towards Jack, Rock made way for him to enter the ring.

In a few steady steps, Jack took centerstage of the ring, eagerly awaiting his first opponent. A couple of seconds later, a tall and extremely muscular Sleeper followed and faced him. In his eyes, Jack could see a fire to prove himself.

'Probably had some unexpected losses over the week, and is now trying to regain face.' Jack smirked. 'Let's see how that goes for you, buddy'

Without waiting for any signal, the challenger attacked. His muscles bulged, threatening to tear the soft fabric of his white kimono. He advanced like an unstoppable mountain, sending a vicious kick flying. 

...A second later, he was lying on the floor with a dumbstruck look on his face. Jack didn't even change his stance. He had merely grabbed the challenger's ankle in midair and adjusted his course to force a headfirst collision with the ground.

Instructor Rock grinned.

"Next."

One after another, Sleepers readily entered the ring and were put to the tatami with no visible effort. They all seemed awfully predictable. 

Even the mightiest of them fought with rigid moves, most likely borne out of a strict education in martial arts.

The crux of the matter wasn't that Jack's power and experience were greater than theirs, although that played its part, too. The most impactful difference was...

'They are duelers... These Sleepers don't understand the struggle of a real battle.'

Martial arts were simply what the name implied. Arts. They were well-suited to the Olympic games, with stringent sets of rules. But once on the battlefield, they had no place. From scuffles to wars, all of them were won with tactics, preparation, and flexibility. Knowing your opponent was half of the battle, and using that knowledge against him was the other.

'Their forms are good. The richest ones were probably taught by Awakened veterans and the rest are at least talented enough to have survived their first nightmare. But they haven't had time to adequate that proficiency to real combat, so...' Jack shrugged, moments after downing the tenth challenger. 

To say it in simpler words: they never had a chance.

It didn't matter whether the opponent was poor, rich, or a Legacy. Everyone would end up dealt with in a matter of seconds.

Finally, Caster and Nephis were the last ones remaining. 

With a soft smile on his lips, Caster stepped into the ring and locked eyes with Changing Star. "Lady Nephis. I'll do the honors if you don't mind."

Nephis made no indication she heard Caster, as she silently watched the ring and awaited the coming fight.

-x-

In a corner of the dojo, a slightly deeper shadow flickered.

'That guy is a monster!'

Since he discovered the utility capabilities of his shadow, Sunny had made a habit of watching the combat classes of those he felt were some of the most prominent Sleepers: Nephis and Caster.

Watching Sleepers fight each other was not only entertaining but could also provide Sunny with knowledge of their powers. And since the first day, he had not been disappointed.

Sunny only had a vague understanding that Caster's Aspect was speed-related - and very potent - while Nephis' still thoroughly eluded him. But most other strong Sleepers with combat-related Aspects had already shown at least part of their skill set.

There was only one that - despite being among the contenders for strongest Sleeper - hadn't shown himself. Ironically enough, he was the one that Sunny was the most familiar with: Jack.

It even led Sunny to theorize that he had a more utility-focused ability, like himself, and would not be attending the combat classes. 

...How wrong he was.

In Sunny's mind, what transpired could only be described as a massacre. One after another, Jack managed to defeat almost every single Sleeper present in the dojo. What's more, with no fancy moves or even a fraction of his Aspect revealing itself.

'Now there are only Nephis and Caster left... I guess the real show is about to start.'

Caster soon made his way to the ring and turned to face Jack. In such close proximity, they made for a stark contrast. 

Caster had brown hair and a gentle, handsome face. His eyes were green, with a hint of friendly humor. His posture, figure, and attentive gaze betrayed someone who went through extensive training. 

Jack, on the other hand, had dark and sleek hair that went down to his shoulders. He had deep onyx eyes and his face was run through by a series of small scars, not uncommon among orphans of the Outskirts. More often than not, his was a smiling countenance. Though taller and more well-built than Caster, his longer arms made him seem gangly. Most characteristic of all: he constantly displayed a relaxed stance, that, as he had already shown, hid a terrible strength.

While everything about Caster seemed tailored to state nobility and strength, Jack...

'Is like a feral beast, playing with its food.' The young man pondered. 'Caster is definitely a killer, but Jack... He feels dangerous.'

If Sunny had to choose who to fight, there was no doubt in his mind who he would pick. 

There was a palpable tension in the ring. Caster and Jack's eyes locked for a few seconds. 

And then, it seemed like Caster had suddenly ceased to exist.