Vincent watched his students closely as they trained. The hall echoed with the clash of blows and the heavy rhythm of their breathing. Suddenly, the sound of the elevator doors opening cut through the noise. The teacher turned his head and saw David. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Joining us?"
"Of course," David replied, stepping forward.
He walked closer, his eyes sweeping over the room. About twenty students were training here. Among them, he noticed Leo—and the same arrogant student who had once interfered with his meal.
Vincent kept his gaze on the group but addressed David.
"David, are you aware that there will soon be a competition, an exchange of experience with other academies?"
"No, I haven't heard anything about it," David answered honestly.
The teacher nodded, then looked back at the training floor.
"This contest will take place in three months. Two academies will participate—one from America, the other from China. Each will send five of their strongest students."
"I see… I didn't know that," David muttered.
"I'll be choosing the five strongest from our academy," Vincent continued. "And I expect you to be among them."
David frowned slightly and asked,
"Why isn't Russia taking part?"
"A good question," Vincent's tone grew heavier. "Right now, the north of Russia is under invasion by demons. They have no time for exchange programs. Their only priority is survival—holding the borders or destroying the threat. And that is far from easy."
"I understand, teacher."
"Good. Then let's see how strong you've become. Do you remember the power gauge? Strike it," Vincent said, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
All eyes turned toward David. He stepped up to the massive stone pillar with a crystal at its core—the strength-measuring device. Leo, who had already tested himself earlier and raised his mark to twenty-two tons, watched him intently.
"Can he surpass me?" Leo thought, folding his arms.
David closed his eyes, focusing. He recalled Vincent's lessons about energy control: send it to the brain, let it flow through the veins and muscles, gather it in a single point. He chose his right hand.
Vincent's expression shifted to surprise.
"He's channeling his energy through his vessels and muscles… but I never taught them that. Did he figure it out on his own? A true prodigy…"
David struck. A rush of wind burst through the hall, forcing students to shield their faces. When the dust settled, glowing numbers appeared on the crystal: 25 tons.
Leo froze.
"His first test was weaker. But now… his strength has nearly doubled. If he removes his bandage and opens his eyes… could he reach fifty tons? But such power comes at a cost—the body won't withstand it."
Vincent, meanwhile, was stunned.
"He hasn't fully mastered his energy, yet he can already control it. Last time, his hands glowed with a dark mass… but not this time. What's the difference?"
Finally, Vincent smiled.
"Excellent, David. You never cease to surprise me. Well done. Now, let's continue our training!"
The students nodded, and the practice resumed. David trained for more than an hour before Vincent dismissed them.
Leaving the hall, he remembered: today there would be a lecture on the history of the new era—about the birth of demons and the rise of the Kingdom of Fate.
With some time to spare, David walked out into the academy's courtyard. The place was calm, alive with small groups—some having picnics, others sitting and talking. As he strolled, his eyes fell upon a lone, towering tree. He approached it and sat down, leaning against the trunk. A gentle breeze brushed against his face.
"The Tree of Illusions…" he thought.
Images surfaced in his mind—of that grotesque, treacherous tree that had rooted itself in his subconscious. Why was it there? Why had it begun to grow inside him?
He clenched his fists.
"I need to understand."
Striking his palm lightly against his face to shake off the dark thoughts, David rose and headed toward the lecture hall.