The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Raizen spent the next few days in careful observation. Leon's words had stuck with him—power alone wasn't enough. He needed connections, influence, and leverage if he wanted to survive against the growing storm of enemies he was attracting.

The academy was split into several factions, each led by a dominant family or group of elites. The most powerful were:

House Valen, led by Darius's father, a high-ranking military official with deep political ties.House Veyron, Leon's family, known for their strategic maneuvering and economic influence.The Independent Guild, a collection of high-ranking students who rejected noble rule but functioned as a force of their own.

Raizen had unknowingly declared himself a contender by defeating Darius. Now, he needed to decide his next move.

The system chimed.

[New Task Generated: Investigate the Academy's Power Structures]

Objective: Gather intelligence on each faction and identify potential allies.

Reward: Tactical Combat Insight (Passive Boost)

Raizen exhaled slowly. Information first, then action.

His first stop was the Independent Guild's underground arena. Unlike the academy's official duels, this was a place where money, wagers, and influence determined the fights.

The air was thick with tension as Raizen entered. Students from all backgrounds gathered, shouting bets and cheering for their chosen fighters. At the center of the chaos stood a young woman with short black hair and sharp green eyes, her stance radiating confidence.

Ayaka Renji.

She was the de facto leader of the guild, and by far the strongest among them. If Raizen wanted allies outside the noble houses, he needed her on his side.

She turned, spotting him immediately. A smirk crossed her lips. "Well, well. If it isn't the commoner who made an enemy of House Valen."

Raizen crossed his arms. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

Ayaka chuckled. "Depends. If you're looking for trouble, you've already found it. If you're looking for power, you might just be in the right place."

She tilted her head toward the fighting ring. "But we don't just let anyone walk in here and make demands. You want to talk? You fight first."

The system chimed.

[New Challenge: Prove Your Worth to the Independent Guild]

Objective: Defeat Ayaka Renji in a one-on-one combat match.

Reward: Guild Recognition and Potential Alliance.

Raizen sighed, rolling his shoulders. Another fight it was.

Ayaka grinned. "Let's see if you're really as good as they say."

She stepped into the ring, motioning for him to follow.

Raizen cracked his knuckles. If this was the price of gaining influence, then so be it.

The fight was on.