The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Raizen barely had time to process his victory before his system interface flickered again.

[New Quest Acquired: Face an Elite Opponent]

Objective: Survive three minutes in combat against an opponent ranked two tiers above you.

Reward: Minor Draconic Enhancement - Reflex Boost.

His heart pounded. Two tiers above him? That meant he would have to face someone in at least the E-tier range, an opponent equipped with a superior cultivation technique and possibly better reflex enhancements. Before he could consider declining, a voice rang through the arena.

"Raizen."

He turned to see Selene Asakura, standing on the combat platform, her arms crossed. A tall, graceful figure, she had long silver hair that shimmered under the artificial lights, and her piercing blue eyes studied him with unreadable intensity. Unlike most students, she came from a powerful family, one that could afford a high-tier cultivation technique—far beyond the common methods handed out to students like him.

Raizen felt the pressure immediately. Selene wasn't just strong—she was considered one of the academy's finest, and she had already reached D-tier, making her one of the most formidable students on Eros-7.

The spectators gasped. "She's challenging Raizen? That's insane!"

Oris leaned in, whispering, "She's leagues above you, man. But you can't back down now."

Raizen knew it too. He had been aiming for this moment. This was his chance to prove how far he'd come.

The system pinged.

[Combat Accepted.]

[Battle Commencing in 3… 2… 1…]

Selene was fast. Too fast. The moment the match began, she disappeared from view.

Raizen's instincts flared, warning him at the last moment. He twisted just as Selene's leg shot forward in a powerful kick aimed at his ribs. The force of the near-miss sent a sharp gust of wind against his skin. His system fed him rapid combat calculations, showing him the exact trajectory of her next move.

He ducked, barely avoiding her next attack, but Selene wasn't finished. She pressed forward, landing a precise punch into his shoulder that sent him skidding across the combat platform.

The pain registered immediately. Selene's strikes were enhanced with a D-tier technique, meaning even a glancing blow could rattle his body. But instead of fear, Raizen grinned.

He steadied himself, rolling his shoulders as the system fed him data.

[Draconic Reflex Boost: Active.]

For the first time, he wasn't just reacting. He could see her movements.

Selene came at him again, but this time, Raizen moved faster. He sidestepped with precision, countering her next strike with a sharp palm thrust to her stomach. It wasn't enough to hurt her, but it was enough to surprise her.

Selene's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before she leaped backward, creating distance.

"That's new," she murmured.

Raizen exhaled, adrenaline surging. He could barely keep up, but for the first time, he wasn't completely overwhelmed.

The system pinged again.

[Quest Completed: Face an Elite Opponent.]

The system pinged again.

[New Quest Acquired: Claim Selene Asakura as Your Wife]

Objective: Earn Selene's acknowledgment and make her your wife.

Time Limit: 2 years

Reward: Major Draconic Enhancement - Bloodline Awakening (Stage 2).

Reward Unlocked: Reflex Boost (Stage 1).

He straightened. This was far from over, but one thing was clear—

He was catching up.