The next day, Aestrea returned to the arena to continue his climb through the Heaven's List. Unlike yesterday, there would be no sweeping through dozens of ranks at once.
From now on, he could only challenge them one by one.
That meant his first opponent for the day was the 99th-ranked student.
The arena filled quickly, though the mood was different from before.
There was less chaos, less disbelief, and more tense curiosity. Everyone wanted to see how long this climb would really last.
The professor raised his voice.
"Now... Aestrea, the 100th-ranked student in the Heaven's list, versus Arch, the 99th-ranked one!"
A man with short black hair stepped forward.
His build was lean, his posture low and ready, and in each of his hands rested a curved dagger that gleamed faintly with dark light.
Slowly, the barrier formed, confirming the beginning of the duel.
Fwoop!
The instant the signal ended, he shot forward, his body blurring as he crossed the distance in a heartbeat.
