That guy… Adrian.
He has probably already turned eighteen.
That must be why he can openly flaunt being a noble.
So much for the plan of raising them as commoners to reduce arrogance.
Guess that didn't work.
Michael leaned back slightly in his seat, eyes calm but thoughtful.
The door at the bottom of the hall opened, and Warren walked in, his presence instantly quieting the low murmurs. He moved toward the teacher's podium at the base of the elevated seating and placed both hands on it.
He looked at them one by one.
"Welcome, all of you, to the theory class," Warren began. "Some of you may have learned parts of this already. But for the sake of those who haven't—and to deepen the understanding of those who have—this class is being held."
The hall fell silent.
Warren continued.
"Firstly, let me explain what Celestial Energy is."
His voice was steady, practiced.
"Celestial Energy is, as the name implies, a foreign energy that entered our planet from space. That is how it received its name. However, three hundred years ago, it was neither as usable nor as abundant as it is now."
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"That changed when the demons attacked. Their arrival drastically increased the amount of Celestial Energy present on Earth—far beyond what had previously existed. This conclusion was reached after years of research."
"But even now… its true origin remains unknown. What we do know is that the higher you go in altitude, the denser Celestial Energy becomes. It is most concentrated in space."
A ripple of quiet awe passed through the hall.
"Our bodies cannot handle Celestial Energy in its true form. Its actual name is the Celestial Element. Because of that limitation, the Element splits itself into different energy types depending on the compatibility of the host body. That is why we have different color types."
Michael listened carefully.
"So even then," Warren continued, "our bodies still cannot fully contain it. The one hundred percent our bodies could theoretically handle is reduced. That reduction becomes your growth ceiling."
A few recruits shifted uncomfortably.
"The percentage you release reflects how much of your potential you have unlocked. However, two individuals with the same percentage are not equal. Internal capacity and output differ."
His tone grew slightly heavier.
"The higher your release percentage, the closer you approach the ability to wield the true Celestial Element."
"But in three hundred years… no one has achieved it. Not even the heroes who saved humanity. The highest recorded release was ninety-one percent."
"And even reaching sixty percent is considered exceptional. So do not be discouraged."
Michael felt his thoughts racing.
Ninety-one percent…
And still not enough.
Warren continued.
"The demons use corrupted Celestial Energy. It is toxic to living organisms. In places where corrupted energy gathers, monsters are born."
His voice hardened.
"Monsters are formed when corrupted energy mutates living organisms together, combining DNA from various sources—even from what lies in the ground."
The room felt colder.
"Where corrupted energy gathers most densely, it forms what we call a dungeon. It affects humans as well. So be extremely cautious when entering one."
Michael rubbed his forehead.
That was… a lot.
"So now that we have finished the introduction to Celestial Energy," Warren said, "let's move on to its application and usage."
A loud collective groan filled the hall.
"Huuuh…"
The lesson stretched on.
Two hours.
By the time they were dismissed, Michael felt as though his brain had been wrung dry.
Now he was walking down a long hallway with countless other recruits.
"Haah… I can't believe that lesson lasted two hours," Michael thought, exhaling slowly. "At least I learned a few things. I should probably try them out later."
They reached a massive training chamber.
In the center stood a large combat ring.
Several smaller rings surrounded it.
The air buzzed with anticipation.
Warren stepped onto the central ring and raised his voice.
"We will begin individual battles shortly. When it is your turn, the watch you were provided will display which ring you are assigned to."
Michael glanced down at his watch.
Ring 3.
"Looks like that's mine."
He walked toward the designated ring and stepped inside.
His opponent stood across from him.
One of Adrian's followers.
Michael sighed inwardly.
"Looks like my luck is working well."
The man was tall and muscular, with brown hair and sharp black eyes. His expression carried open condescension.
Michael selected a wooden sword.
His opponent picked up a large wooden axe.
I really hope he isn't planning something and pretending it's an accident.
The bigger man smiled.
"Let's have a good match. Be careful—so there won't be any accidents."
He's definitely planning something.
An official stood between them.
"The rules are simple," the official said. "Your watches will record damage to your bodies. Once it reaches the threshold, it will ring and you lose. If you are knocked unconscious, it is an automatic loss. Stepping out of the ring is also an automatic loss."
A brief pause.
"The use of Celestial Energy is allowed."
He stepped back.
"Now, let the individual duel between trainees Rez and Michael begin."
Rez lunged immediately.
The axe cut toward Michael's stomach.
Michael stepped back smoothly, avoiding the strike.
Rez infused the axe with red Celestial Energy and swung again, the air humming as the blade carved through it.
Michael sidestepped.
Another swing.
Another dodge.
Again.
And again.
"That Michael guy… is he scared or what? He's been running since it started," someone in the crowd said.
"No," another voice replied. "He's watching. He's waiting for the strike that ends it."
Michael dodged yet another swing.
Even with Celestial Energy… his movements are predictable.
I can see where he's striking.
And I don't even need to use energy.
"Quit running!" Rez shouted angrily.
Rez raised the axe high and slammed it downward.
Michael stepped aside.
The impact shook the cement floor of the ring.
Finally.
Michael moved.
He stepped into Rez's blind spot as the axe remained embedded momentarily in the ground.
A clean, standard downward strike—
To the back of the neck.
Rez collapsed face-first.
Silence.
Then—
"Hm. Interesting."
A young man with black hair tipped in yellow watched closely.
"Winner: Michael," the official announced.
Michael stepped down from the ring and sat on a nearby bench.
"Well… that was easy."
His watch displayed:
Wait for the next match.
"Amazing match you had there."
Michael looked up.
The young man with black hair and yellow tips stood before him.
"Thank you," Michael replied calmly.
"No need to be wary. I'm Nel. I'm not here to recruit you into some group like Adrian."
Right. Everyone says their name like I can't see it on the tag.
Michael smiled lightly.
"Then what are you here for? I don't think you came just to compliment me."
Nel grinned.
"You're right. I just want us to get along. As fellow guys on Adrian's bad list."
"You got on his bad side?"
After that talk with Adrian… everyone kept their distance.
"I beat him in a duel today," Nel said. "More like embarrassed him. After that, he gave me one hell of a look. So did his guys. Now they're watching me. Waiting."
He nodded toward Adrian's group lifting Rez from the ground.
"I guess the same goes for you."
Michael sighed.
"Guess you're right."
"But just know," Nel added casually, "if we meet, I'll beat you. No hard feelings."
"None taken," Michael replied evenly. "Since you're the one who'll lose."
Nel laughed.
"We'll see."
He walked away.
Michael fought several more matches.
Each one ended cleanly.
Controlled.
Efficient.
Until—
The final duel.
Michael stepped into the ring.
Across from him stood Nel.
Nel smiled confidently.
"Get ready for my victory."
"Don't worry," Michael replied calmly. "I won't have to. You're the one who's going to lose."
The official raised his hand.
"Now, the final duel between Michael and Nel… begin."