Chapter 8: The Ascent

Chapter 8: The Ascent

Ren was surprised, he had never heard of this technique in his clan, which struck him as odd. "Is it a skill reserved only for the highest members of the clan? Or maybe a lost technique?" he wondered, but quickly decided not to give it too much thought for now.

Either way, he was in no hurry. He would keep his CPs for the time being. After all, every day he could feel himself getting stronger, both physically and mentally. There was time to think about improvements later.

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Upon reaching grade 2, he knew he had to report to the clan elders. It was no small step, and meant he would soon be put to the test. "This will also help me with my plans," he thought as he walked toward the main hall. "Besides, I'll get more daily allowance if all goes well," he concluded with a light smile.

When he met with his superiors, their faces showed reassurance. His promotion did not take them by surprise, as Ren had always proven to be diligent and steady in her progress. Asami, ever observant, took a moment to think about Ren's changes lately. "I hope this boy is more than just words..."

The special mission he was given was clear: to prove his worth in supervised combat. Without much trouble, Ren accepted the task calmly, knowing that it was not only a test of his skills, but also an opportunity to prove that he could handle more responsibilities within the clan.

After the brief chat, his opponent had arrived, an experienced grade 2 member. Ren soon felt the system activate, assigning him his own mission:

[ Mission: Defeat a grade 2 member under the supervision of seniors.

-Reward: 300 CP, 20% CE ]

"Perfect" thought Ren with an inward smile. This was no small challenge, but not something he was worried about either. this was also his chance to show his true power.

The seniors took their seats, ready to watch the battle. In front of Ren was his opponent. The two exchanged a slight nod, no words in between. Respect was implied.

The combat began immediately, without preamble. The grade 2 member made the first move, launching a sphere of cursed energy directly towards Ren. With a quick wave of his hand, Ren used his gravity technique, deflecting the attack effortlessly.

"Not bad" muttered Ren to himself, as he created a gravitational wave under his opponent, slowing his movements.

The other member tried to counterattack, lunging towards Ren with a speed increased by his own technique, but Ren was already expecting it. he easily dodged, leaning to the side, and with a series of quick taijutsu moves, blocked and deflected his opponent's attacks.

'I can't let my guard down... Let's finish this.' Ren thought. In one fluid motion, Ren caught his opponent's arm, spun him around and used his own gravity technique to increase the weight on his opponent's legs, immobilizing him for a brief moment. Taking advantage of the opening he struck with the palm of his hand and releasing a gravity wave that sent his opponent a few meters backwards, sending him crashing into one of the pillars of the dojo.

The elders watched in silence, impressed but not showing it. The fight continued. The grade 2 member stood up, showing fierce determination. He attempted one last attack, a flurry of cursed energy slashes, but Ren, with a simple maneuver, increased the gravity around him, causing the attacks to fade before reaching him.

Finally, Ren closed the distance by taking advantage of his opponent's weakening and trapping him in a gravitational field that completely immobilized him.

"I surrender" said his opponent, with a slight smile of recognition. Ren released his technique, and both bowed before the elders.

"Good job" Asami commented, more to herself than to Ren. '"It seems he is ready to take on more responsibilities" she thought.

Ren walked out of the dojo with a small smile. The fight had been intense, but fluid, luckily he had good Taijutsu techniques and fast reflexes, but above all the system that made him stronger.

[Mission completed:

-Defeat a grade 2 member under the supervision of seniors.

-Reward: 300 CP, 20% CE ]