You Can't Enter this Arena

The morning sun barely kissed the horizon as I finished tying my boots, gearing up for what I knew would be a long day of training. Free class days were rare, and I wasn't going to waste this one.

Master Zovran's last lesson still echoed in my mind, and I had a single goal—to unlock the first advanced form of Celestial Starfall, the mighty Stellar Cascade.

Even though Celestial Starfall alone could turn the tide of battle, I had been conservative about using it. The sheer energy it demanded—25% of my reserves—wasn't something to throw around lightly.

But what really got my blood pumping was the revelation that there were four more advanced forms. Four extra trump cards waiting to be mastered. The thought of unleashing the Stellar Cascade in battle made me grin like a kid with a new weapon, but I had to earn it first.

As I walked through the dorm, the quiet hum of cosmic nodes filled the air, the distinct way we traveled across Asclepius and beyond. My destination was clear—the AD Arena. But first, breakfast.

The dining hall was already buzzing by the time I arrived. A few members of MOR were scattered at a table, chatting away as trays clattered in the background.

My eyes caught Zephira's as soon as I stepped inside. She gave a slight wave, her raven black hair catching the soft morning light, while her electric blue eyes locked onto mine with interest.

"Hey, Avant," she called out, her voice cutting through the noise. "Join us?"

I hesitated for a moment, my eyes drifting to the table where her companions sat. Mortius Senta gave me a nod, a sharp grin already plastered on his face. Devon Sil, with his usual stoic demeanor, barely looked up from his plate, while Aurora Medoran smiled and waved in greeting.

"Sure, I could use some company," I said, returning her smile.

"Great! I'll save you a seat," Zephira replied, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

After grabbing my food, I made my way over to the table. I wasn't sure why, but I felt the eyes of half the dining hall on me. Most students knew who the MOR was, but seeing me, a member of Squad 13, sitting with them probably raised a few eyebrows.

"Morning, Prez," Mortius greeted with a grin, using his nickname for me. "Up for a spar later?"

"Not today, Senta," I replied, shaking my head. "I've got some personal training to handle. Gotta prep for my advancement trials."

His face fell, but when I added, "Tomorrow, we'll spar," the grin returned instantly.

"Where you training?" Zephira asked, her curiosity evident as she leaned in slightly.

"AD Arena," I said casually, picking at my food. The table went silent for a beat, surprised looks shooting my way.

Zephira smiled knowingly. "Ah, the perks of being Squad 13," she said with a smirk.

"Well, as a member of Squad 13 and with a Divine-rank mentor, I've got full access to all training areas in ARA," I explained. The others nodded in understanding, though I could still see some lingering awe in their expressions.

"Perfect," Zephira said. "We're headed there too. Squad 41's prepping for the Astral Arena trials."

I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you guys were competing. You were ranked first in Marfik, right?"

"Yep," Mortius chimed in, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth. "But in ARA? We're ranked 230. Gotta climb that ladder."

The mention of Squad 13's ranking—first in all of ARA—sat heavy in my chest. I wasn't part of the initial team that earned that reputation, but now the pressure was on me. I wasn't about to let them down. I couldn't afford to be the weakest link.

When we arrived at the AD Arena, the atmosphere was different—thicker. The high-ranking squads were already gathered, some running simulations, others engaged in sparring matches that sent shockwaves across the grounds. As we walked through the entrance, I could feel eyes locking onto me, whispering.

"What's a Cosmic Rank junior doing here?"

"Must be lost."

Zephira shot a glance at me, clearly annoyed by the murmurs. Before I could say anything, a lanky senior stepped in front of us, his aura radiating an overconfidence I found hard to stomach. His combat suit gleamed like new money, and his smooth blonde hair looked freshly styled.

"You, stop right there," he barked, pointing directly at me.

I raised an eyebrow. "Who's asking?"

"The rules ask, junior," he sneered. "You can't be here. This arena's off-limits to anyone below high rank."

Mortius stepped in front of me, his muscular frame towering over the senior. "And who made you the rule enforcer, pretty boy?" he growled, pushing the guy's finger away.

Zephira crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "He can be here, Reeds. So move aside before you make this a bigger problem than it needs to be."

Reeds' eyes flicked to her, then back to me, clearly debating whether to back down. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as my friends stood their ground, but something in me stirred. The old me, the one who avoided confrontation, would have let this slide. But I wasn't that person anymore.

"Step aside, Mortius," I said, my tone calm but commanding.

Mortius gave me a questioning look but moved back. I locked eyes with Reeds, unblinking.

"First, it's rude to point. Second, introduce yourself before you bark orders. And third," I said, my voice dropping slightly, "you should know better than to challenge someone from a higher-ranked squad."

Reeds chuckled, his friends laughing along with him. "Higher rank? You mean them?" He gestured toward Mortius and the others.

"No," I said, holding his gaze. "I'm talking about me."

Before he could react, another voice rang out. Cedrik, one of the seniors from an advanced squad, stepped forward, his expression one of pure dread.

"H-hey Avant," Cedrik stammered, bowing his head slightly. "Reeds… show some respect."

The laughter cut off abruptly. His face paled as the realization hit.

"Y-you're Avant Dekus?" he stammered, his voice dropping. "From Squad 13?"

I gave him a slow nod.

Reeds' face blanched as he finally understood who he was dealing with. Without another word, he stepped aside, muttering a hasty apology before disappearing into the crowd.

Mortius couldn't help but grin. "Well, that was satisfying."

Inside the AD Arena, I stood before the kiosk as it scanned me for verification. The system chimed in, "Welcome, Avant Dekus. Room assignment complete. Would you like to begin your session?"

"Yes," I replied, feeling the familiar hum of energy coursing through the arena.

Moments later, I was standing in the heart of the simulated galaxy—the stars twinkling like tiny beacons of challenge and promise. The AI's voice echoed around me, "Celestial Convergence simulation initiated. Dual energy training commencing."

The vast expanse of stars was nothing short of breathtaking. But I wasn't here to admire the view. I was here to master Stellar Cascade and push my Celestial energy to its limits. I inhaled deeply, feeling the power of the stars surge through me.