Temporal Dominion

Lucian sat at the edge of the academy's central training grounds, his muscles aching from another brutal session under Instructor Kael. The past few days had been relentless—honing his reflexes, refining his control over time, and reinforcing his physical combat skills.

He had improved, without a doubt. His ability to manipulate time was no longer just instinctive—it was deliberate.

But with growth came consequences.

The moment he stepped into the mess hall for a late meal, the shift in atmosphere was undeniable. More people were watching him now. Some out of curiosity, others with quiet hostility.

"That's the guy, right?" someone whispered.

"Yeah, the one who defeated an advanced construct. Apparently, even some of the upper ranks have taken notice…"

Lucian ignored the murmurs. He had expected this. The academy thrived on competition. Strength dictated status, and he had begun to disrupt the established order.

Still, he had no idea just how much attention he had attracted—until a voice called his name.

"Lucian Vale."

The hall fell into a hushed silence as a figure approached.

Reynard Duskbane.

Lucian recognized him immediately—the #4 ranked student in the academy, a member of the prestigious Top Ten Seats. He was tall, lean, with an effortless air of confidence. The golden glow of his eyes hinted at his Celestial Dominion ability, a power that manipulated gravity itself.

Lucian set his tray down and met Reynard's gaze. "You need something?"

A smirk played on Reynard's lips. "You're interesting, Vale. And when someone interesting appears, it's only natural that we take an interest."

We.

Lucian's stomach tightened slightly as more figures stepped forward. Selene Virelle (#5), Lyra Everhart (#6), and Dorian Ferros (#7).

Four members of the academy's top ten were standing before him.

Selene gave an unimpressed glance, arms crossed. "You look ordinary. I wonder if the rumors are exaggerated."

Dorian cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Only one way to find out, yeah?"

Lyra studied Lucian carefully, her emerald eyes gleaming. "You've become quite the subject of discussion, Vale. And when someone catches our attention, we like to see for ourselves whether they belong among us… or if they'll break under pressure."

Lucian understood immediately.

This wasn't a simple conversation. This was a test.

Reynard tilted his head. "So, what do you say, Vale? Want to join us for a little 'training session'?"

The challenge was clear.

And from the way the entire mess hall had gone silent, it was obvious—this was an invitation he couldn't refuse.

Lucian exhaled slowly, then stood.

"Fine. Let's see if you guys are as strong as your rankings suggest."

---

A Test of Strength: Facing the Elite

The training arena was far more crowded than usual. Word had spread fast—Lucian Vale had been challenged by four of the Top Ten.

Among the spectators, many watched with eager anticipation. Would the rising prodigy be crushed, or would he prove his strength?

Lucian stood in the center, stretching his fingers. His body was still sore from Kael's training, but this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

Reynard, Selene, Dorian, and Lyra formed a loose circle around him.

"We won't overwhelm you all at once," Reynard said, amusement flickering in his gaze. "One at a time, just to see what you're capable of."

Lucian rolled his shoulders. "Who's first?"

Dorian stepped forward, grinning. "That'd be me."

The moment the words left his mouth, he moved.

Lucian barely had time to react before a massive force collided against his guard.

Dorian Ferros—Titan's Might.

His strength and durability were monstrous. The air around him shimmered from the sheer force of his presence. He wasn't fast, but every movement was like a natural disaster.

Lucian skid backward, his arms stinging from the impact. I can't match him in pure strength.

But I don't need to.

As Dorian lunged again, Lucian's Chronokinesis activated.

His perception sharpened. Time slowed.

Dorian's next punch came in sluggishly, giving Lucian enough time to react. He pivoted, narrowly avoiding the strike before countering with a sharp kick to Dorian's ribs.

The attack connected—but barely fazed him.

Dorian grinned. "Not bad! But—"

Lucian's instincts screamed.

He barely ducked in time as Dorian's fist whistled past him, shattering the stone floor behind him.

He exhaled sharply. One hit from him and I'm done.

Time to fight smart.

Lucian's eyes flickered.

He activated Flow Acceleration.

For an instant, his body moved faster than normal. His speed increased, his reactions sharpened, and he dashed behind Dorian before the larger student could fully turn.

A precise strike—targeting a joint.

Dorian staggered.

Lucian didn't let up. He slowed Dorian's movements—Flow Deceleration.

For a brief second, Dorian's motions became sluggish.

Lucian capitalized on the moment, launching a series of quick strikes aimed at weak points.

The crowd gasped.

Even the other Top Ten members watching from the sidelines raised their brows in interest.

Dorian, however, just laughed. "Damn, you're fast."

Then—his body glowed.

Lucian's eyes narrowed.

He's activating his full ability.

The pressure in the air doubled. The ground beneath them cracked as Dorian's muscles bulged with raw power.

Lucian took a slow breath.

The real fight was about to begin.