Chapter 20

The journey to the arena was a solemn one. Vince felt the weight of Instructor Kazuki's expectations, and his friends walked alongside him in silent support. The arena itself was a grand sight to behold, resembling the colosseums of old. Rows upon rows of seats surrounded the circular battleground, giving it the aura of a gladiatorial spectacle.

Vince's friends took their seats among the spectators, and he couldn't help but notice the anticipation in the eyes of some of the students who had gathered. Word had spread about the new transfer student who was set to spar with Instructor Kazuki, and curiosity hung in the air.

As Vince scanned the audience, his gaze fell upon a familiar face—Daren Arie. It was the same person he had encountered at the mall, and he couldn't help but wonder what had brought Daren to Vehemence Academy.

Vince "Didn't know she attends here too."

Meanwhile, Instructor Kazuki stood at the center of the arena, his gaze fixed firmly on Vince. He seemed unaffected by the crowd's murmurs and the anticipation in the air, his expression as stern as ever.

Instructor Kazuki: "Vince, remember that this is a test of your combat abilities and adaptability. I will not hold back, and neither should you."

Vince: "Understood, Instructor Kazuki."

With those words, the stage was set. The arena was a battlefield, and Vince was about to face the ultimate test of his strength and skill. The spar would begin when both he and Instructor Kazuki were ready, and Vince couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and nervousness as he waited for the signal to begin.

''BEGIN!!''

As Instructor Kazuki charged towards Vince with surprising speed, the crowd in the arena fell silent, their eyes fixed on the impending clash. Vince, on the other hand, had little time to react. He quickly assessed the situation and knew that he had to match Kazuki's speed.

With a burst of Cursed Energy, Vince activated his Cursed Energy Body Reinforcement at maximum output, channeling it into his legs and arms. His muscles tightened, and he felt a surge of power coursing through his body. It was a race against time as he met Kazuki head-on.

Kazuki's Hand Chops sliced through the air, aiming to strike Vince's body with precision. Vince reacted with incredible agility, ducking and weaving to avoid the deadly strikes. He could feel the wind generated by Kazuki's attacks, a testament to the instructor's incredible speed and precision.

The arena seemed to blur around them as the two clashed, their movements a dance of strength and finesse. Kazuki's Hand Chops were like deadly blades, and Vince had to rely on his enhanced speed and reflexes to evade them.

In return, Vince launched his own attacks, utilizing his Divine Devil Low Output and the techniques he had learned. His punches and kicks were infused with Cursed Energy, delivering powerful blows. The clash of their attacks sent shockwaves through the arena, and the audience watched in awe.

The battle continued, neither giving an inch. Kazuki's expression remained stern and focused, his Hand Chops relentless. Vince's determination burned brightly, his every movement calculated and precise. It was a test of strength, speed, and adaptability.

As the fight raged on, Vince knew that he had to find an opening. He observed Kazuki's patterns and movements, searching for a weakness to exploit. The audience's murmurs filled the air, but Vince remained focused on the battle.

The arena became a battleground of wills, with Vince and Kazuki pushing their limits. It was a spar unlike any other, a test of Vince's mettle and his ability to stand his ground against a formidable opponent.

And in that moment, as they clashed with unparalleled intensity, Vince knew that this fight would determine his fate at Vehemence Academy.

Seeing that vince has only been in the defense, it dissapointed kazuki as he tried ending the fight quickly by using a small percentage of his vandal to enhance his strike but to his surprise vince countered with

Redirection Kata: Weeping Willow - Alters the trajectory of their opponent's attack by redirecting their flow of power. In this manner, the user can make their opponent's attacks miss as well as make an opponent lose their balance, allowing an opening for an attack, shocking kazuki not expecting this as his hand struck the ground

Vince's quick thinking and precise execution caught Instructor Kazuki off guard. The redirection of Kazuki's enhanced strike left him momentarily disoriented, and Vince wasted no time capitalizing on the opening.

With the stance he had observed Kai use in the arcade, Vince delivered a solid punch, channeling his Cursed Energy into the blow. But he didn't stop there. As his fist was just about to connect with Kazuki's midsection, he activated the Adamantite Kata: Indestructible, clenching all of his muscles at the moment of impact. The combination of techniques created a devastating force.

The arena seemed to tremble as the shockwave from the punch rippled through the air. Kazuki's eyes widened in surprise and pain as he was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the arena floor with tremendous force. The impact created a deep crater, and dust and debris filled the air.

The audience erupted into a chorus of gasps and cheers. It was a move that no one had expected, a display of both skill and raw power. Vince's determination and adaptability had turned the tide of the battle in an instant.

Vince remained on guard, his senses alert, ready for any counterattack from Kazuki. The instructor slowly pushed himself up from the ground, his expression one of both surprise and respect.

Instructor Kazuki: (Breathing heavily) "Impressive, Vince... However, this is far from over."

As Kazuki charged in once again, Vince attempted to use the Weeping Willow technique to redirect the attack. However, the sheer force and strength behind Kazuki's blow proved too much for the redirection technique to handle. Realizing the danger, Vince wisely abandoned the attempt, avoiding the potential devastating consequences.

Instructor Kazuki acknowledged Vince's decision.

Instructor Kazuki: "Good decision. If you were stubborn enough to try and redirect it again, this fight would've ended."

The battle raged on, and Vince knew he had to adapt. Drawing from his experiences with Zane and the Shadow Fist Style, he incorporated the techniques he had learned into his own combat style.

Vince's movements became more fluid and unpredictable as he melded the Shadow Fist Style with his existing skills. He executed rapid strikes, focusing on precision and agility to keep up with Kazuki's relentless assaults.

Instructor Kazuki was equally determined, his Hand Blade strikes coming in a relentless flurry. The arena echoed with the clash of their attacks, creating shockwaves of energy that rippled through the surroundings.

Vince: (Gritting his teeth) "I won't back down!"

Instructor Kazuki: (Serious expression) "Good. Show me your resolve, Vince."

Vince began with the Eclipse Strike, his signature move. It was a deceptive series of attacks that seemed to materialize from thin air. Feints, misdirection, and sudden bursts of speed characterized this technique. Vince's strikes came from unexpected angles, making it nearly impossible for Kazuki to predict their trajectories.

Kazuki, however, was no slouch. He countered Vince's Eclipse Strikes with his Hand Blade technique, blocking and parrying the strikes with his enhanced strength. The arena echoed with the clash of their attacks as they tested each other's skill and determination.

Vince smoothly transitioned into the Umbral Dodge, a technique that allowed him to evade Kazuki's retaliatory strikes with incredible agility. He moved like a shadow, slipping past Kazuki's attacks with minimal effort.

Instructor Kazuki was relentless, launching powerful Hand Chops with the intent to break through Vince's defenses. However, Vince's agility and precision allowed him to parry and evade these strikes.

Midway through the intense duel, Kazuki's Hand Blade came crashing down, but Vince used the Midnight Counter to turn the instructor's momentum against him. With a swift and precise movement, Vince redirected Kazuki's strike, exploiting a vulnerability, and countered with a devastating punch.

Instructor Kazuki staggered back, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected counter. The spectators in the arena watched in awe as Vince showcased his mastery of the Shadow Fist Style.

Vince: (Breathing heavily) "I won't let you underestimate me, Kazuki!"

Instructor Kazuki simply stared at vince

As the fight between Vince and Instructor Kazuki raged on, Kazuki grew more serious, pushing himself to a higher level. He activated 3% of his Vandal's power, causing his aura to surge with increased intensity. His Hand Blade strikes became even faster and more formidable.

Vince, sensing the rising threat, knew he had to respond in kind. With determination burning in his eyes, he made a critical decision. He increased his Divine Devil output to Medium, unleashing a surge of power that heightened his physical strength, speed, and reaction time.

The transformation was palpable. Vince's movements became more fluid and dynamic, and his strikes carried a newfound force. His agility and precision matched Kazuki's, surprising the stern instructor with his rapid improvement.

The spectators in the arena watched in awe as the two combatants clashed, their movements a blur of speed and power. The intensity of their battle continued to escalate, with neither giving an inch. Vince's mastery of the Shadow Fist Style, combined with his enhanced abilities, made him a formidable adversary for Kazuki.

Instructor Kazuki: (Impressed) "You've certainly improved. But don't think you can win so easily."

Vince: (Focused) "I won't underestimate you, Kazuki."

The arena crackled with tension as Vince and Instructor Kazuki faced off, each determined to prove their worth. The battle had reached a fever pitch, and the spectators were on the edge of their seats, watching in rapt attention.

Instructor Kazuki, despite his stern demeanor, couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. He rarely encountered students who could challenge him to this extent, and Vince's rapid progress was nothing short of impressive.

With his Medium Output Divine Devil activation, Vince was now matching Kazuki's strength, speed, and reaction time blow for blow. His strikes carried incredible force, and his movements were infused with the fluid grace of the Shadow Fist Style.

Instructor Kazuki's Hand Blade techniques were formidable, and his hand chops could cut through barriers with ease. He continued to press his advantage, aiming to test Vince's limits. Their clashes sent shockwaves through the arena, causing the spectators to marvel at the display of power and skill.

As they exchanged blows, Vince's Shadow Fist Style allowed him to strike with deceptive speed and precision, keeping Kazuki on the defensive. Kazuki, in turn, relied on his enhanced strength and the Hand Blade techniques to mount a relentless offense.

The battle had become a high-stakes contest of skill and willpower, with neither combatant willing to yield. The outcome remained uncertain, and the arena resounded with the clash of their Vandals and the thunderous cheers of the spectators.

As Instructor Kazuki elevated his Vandal's output to 5%, the entire arena seemed to crackle with electric energy. Vince, despite his valiant efforts and the enhancements from his Divine Devil, suddenly found himself at a severe disadvantage.

Kazuki's strikes became blurs of motion, and the sheer force behind each hand chop was overwhelming. Vince struggled to keep up, his evasive maneuvers barely allowing him to dodge Kazuki's relentless onslaught.

Instructor Kazuki: (Determined) "It's time to end this, Vince."

Vince: (Gritting his teeth) "I won't... give up."

Vince's determination burned bright within him, even in the face of adversity. He knew he had to dig deep and find a way to turn the tide of the battle. But with Kazuki's increased power, the odds seemed insurmountable.

The spectators watched in awe as the clash between these two formidable fighters reached its zenith. Vince's Shadow Fist Style allowed him to evade some of Kazuki's attacks, but the difference in power was palpable. Kazuki's Hand Blade strikes crackled with electricity, and each hit sent tremors through the arena.

Vince's thoughts raced as he searched for an opening, a weakness he could exploit. His friends in the stands watched with bated breath, their support unwavering.

Takashi: (Anxiously) "Come on, Vince. You can do this."

Rina: (Nervously) "He's fighting with everything he's got."

Aiko: (Resolute) "Vince, you've got to find a way."

Vince knew that giving up was not an option. He had come too far, and he had friends who believed in him. With every ounce of strength and determination, he continued to face Kazuki's relentless assault, searching for that one opportunity that could turn the tide in his favor.

Instructor Kazuki- You've done well so far.. But sadly, this just isnt enough.

Instructor Kazuki's final strike landed with brutal force, and for a moment, it seemed like the fight had reached its conclusion. Vince's form crumpled, and he was sent sprawling to the ground, blood trickling from a gash on his cheek.

The arena fell into a heavy silence as the spectators, both students and instructors alike, watched with bated breath. Even Kazuki himself believed the fight to be over, and he lowered his guard, taking a step back.

But then, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Vince, though battered and seemingly unconscious, had one last ace up his sleeve—the secret technique known as Demonsbane.

As the dust settled and the tension hung thick in the air, Vince's body began to stir. His breathing was ragged, but there was a fire in his eyes. With a surge of inner strength, he executed the complex sequence of movements required for Demonsbane.

The arena seemed to come alive as Vince unleashed the technique. The four katas of the Niko Style—Redirection, Water, Flame, and Adamantine—blended together seamlessly, creating a powerful and formless move. It was a counter that allowed Vince to ward off the impact of Kazuki's attack and then redirect it back with even greater force.

The moment Demonsbane was unleashed, Kazuki, who had thought the fight was over, was caught off guard. The sheer power and speed of Vince's counterattack were beyond his expectations. He was sent hurtling through the air, crashing into the wall of the arena with a thunderous impact.

The spectators erupted into cheers and applause as Vince stood victorious, his chest heaving with exhaustion. It was a hard-fought battle, and he had pushed himself to the limit. But in the end, he had demonstrated his strength and determination, earning the respect of both his friends and the skeptical Instructor Kazuki.

Takashi: (Excitedly) "He did it! Vince actually did it!"

Rina: (Amazed) "I can't believe what I just saw. That Demonsbane technique is incredible."

Aiko: (Proudly) "Vince, you've proven yourself beyond a doubt."

Vince's friends rushed to his side, offering their support and congratulations. It was a defining moment, one that would be remembered in the annals of Vehemence Academy's history.

As for Instructor Kazuki, he slowly picked himself up from the rubble, his expression a mix of surprise and begrudging respect.

Instructor Kazuki: (Muttering) "Impressive... I didn't expect that level of skill. You've earned your place, Vince."

The battle was over, and Vince had passed the ultimate test, securing his enrollment at Vehemence Academy.

However. Vince had made a mistake, after performing Demonsbane he immediately passed out, but before passing out he had an insane amount of determination to defeat Kazuki. Which is the requirements to activate ultra instinct.  1

As Vince stood up, something had changed within him. His injuries, which should have left him in excruciating pain, seemed to have vanished. His eyes underwent a dramatic transformation, the sclera turning pitch black while his pupils became pure white, with a striking red line running through them, resembling the ghoul-like kakugan.

The aura emanating from Vince was no longer the determined and focused energy from before it was something different, something filled with intense malice. It sent shivers down the spines of those who witnessed it, including his friends and even Instructor Kazuki.

Hiro and the others, concerned and bewildered by this sudden change, cautiously approached Vince. However, before they could reach him, an unseen force lashed out, attacking them. It was so swift and unexpected that they barely had time to react.

Instructor Kazuki, displaying his exceptional reflexes, intervened just in time, blocking the attack and protecting Vince's friends.

Instructor Kazuki: (Demandingly) "Vince, what are you doing?"

In the spectator's seats, Daren observed the situation with keen interest, her expression betraying a sense of intrigue.

Daren: (Murmuring) "Interesting..."

Vince's transformation and the mysterious aura that now surrounded him had left everyone on edge, and the true nature of this change remained a puzzling enigma.

Vince's calm expression remained unchanged, even as the aura of malice continued to radiate from him. It was a stark contrast to the determined and passionate young man they had known just moments ago.

As the tension in the arena thickened, no one was aware of Vanessa's presence. She had appeared at the scene just when Vince had unleashed the Demonsbane technique. Her heart was torn between wanting to help Vince and the fear of her grandfather's potential retaliation.

Vanessa watched in bewilderment as Vince's friends attempted to approach him but were met with a mysterious force. She couldn't fathom what had transpired, and seeing Vince in this altered state filled her with unease.

Vanessa couldn't contain her worry any longer and called out to Vince, her voice trembling with concern.

Vanessa: "This isn't like you... What happened, Vince!"