Temporal Dominion

Lucian stood in the Academy's dimly lit training hall, eyes locked onto the reinforced combat dummy in front of him. His breathing was steady, his mind sharp. He had spent hours refining his power, testing theories, and pushing his limits.

And now, he was on the verge of a breakthrough.

The Temporal Strike—his first true technique.

By compressing time at the moment of impact, he could create an explosive burst of acceleration. But after multiple trials, he had realized something even more effective:

Controlled Temporal Amplification.

Instead of releasing the energy instantly, he experimented with layering the temporal distortions. Each layer created a fraction of a second delay, allowing the force to compound before release.

Lucian exhaled. "Focus. Control."

He clenched his fist, channeling his power—not recklessly, but with precision. The flow of time around his hand warped, twisting space as the technique took form.

Then—he struck.

For a brief moment, nothing happened.

Then—

A delayed shockwave erupted from the impact point, rippling outward in a devastating pulse. The dummy cracked open, its reinforced plating shattered in a single blow.

Lucian's eyes widened.

It worked.

A grin formed on his lips. This wasn't just a simple burst of speed or strength. It was a cascading force multiplier, an attack that gathered momentum through time itself before unleashing destruction.

He finally had a technique to call his own.

A true step forward.

But just as he was about to test it again—

A slow clap echoed through the hall.

Lucian turned, spotting a figure leaning against the doorway. A familiar face.

Darren Voss.

The same Darren who had bullied him on his first day at the Academy. The same Darren who had humiliated him in front of the class.

And judging by the look on his face, he wasn't happy.

"So, this is what all the hype is about, huh?" Darren scoffed, arms crossed. "Lucian Vale, the 'nobody' who suddenly got the Academy's attention. Looks like your luck hasn't run out yet."

Lucian remained silent, studying him.

Darren had always been strong—a brute with an enhanced physique, his power amplifying his strength beyond normal human limits. He thrived on intimidation, especially toward those he considered beneath him.

But now, Lucian wasn't beneath him anymore.

"Did you want something, Darren?" Lucian asked, voice calm.

Darren smirked. "Yeah. I don't like how everyone's been talking about you. Like you're some kind of rising star." His eyes gleamed with challenge. "I think it's time someone put you back in your place."

Lucian exhaled. He had expected something like this. His fight with Dorian had made waves, and with it came jealousy. Resentment. Fear.

"So, you want a fight."

Darren's grin widened. "That's right. Unless you're scared?"

Elara, who had been quietly watching from the training deck, sighed. "Really, Darren? This again?"

Darren ignored her, stepping forward. "What's wrong, Vale? You were all fired up against Dorian. What about now?"

Lucian's gaze didn't waver.

Darren wanted a fight? Fine.

He'd show him just how much had changed.