Chapter 227: Jelo vs kael

The academy grounds were already alive.

Clusters of students trained in open fields, some sparring, others practicing abilities in controlled bursts. The air carried the sound of impacts, shouts, and energy discharges.

Jelo walked through it all calmly.

His presence didn’t go unnoticed.

Whispers followed him.

“That’s him…”

“He beat Nylen yesterday…”

“Yeah, I heard it wasn’t even close…”

Jelo ignored them.

His eyes moved from one group to another—not searching for noise, not for attention.

For strength.

Then—

A sharp crack echoed across the field.

Jelo’s gaze shifted.

At the far end of the training grounds, a small crowd had formed. At its center stood a tall boy, broad-shouldered, with a calm but imposing stance. The ground around him was fractured, small craters marking where strikes had landed.

Opposite him, another student staggered backward, breathing heavily.

“I’m done,” the student said, raising his hands.

The tall boy lowered his fist.

“Good choice.”

Jelo stopped walking.

That one.

There was control in his movements. No wasted energy. No arrogance—just quiet confidence.

Jelo stepped forward.

The crowd parted slightly as he approached.

The tall boy noticed.

Their eyes met.

For a brief second, nothing was said.

Then the boy spoke.

“You’re Jelo.”

It wasn’t a question.

Jelo nodded. “And you are?”

“Kael.”

A pause.

“I was planning to look for you later,” Kael added.

A few murmurs spread through the crowd.

Jelo’s expression didn’t change. “No need. I’m here now.”

Kael studied him carefully.

“Looking for another win?” he asked.

Jelo shook his head slightly.

“I’m looking to improve.”

That answer made Kael’s lips curl faintly.

“Good,” he said. “Because I’m not Nylen.”

The air shifted.

A quiet tension settled between them.

Jelo stepped forward into the open space.

“Neither am I,” he replied.

⸻

They didn’t wait long.

No referee. No announcement.

Just understanding.

Kael moved first.

His foot slammed into the ground—

BOOM.

The earth cracked beneath him as he launched forward with explosive speed.

Jelo’s eyes sharpened.

Fast.

Kael’s fist came in like a hammer, aimed straight for Jelo’s chest.

Jelo didn’t dodge.

“Skilled Guard.”

His skin hardened instantly.

THUD!

The impact rang out, sending a shockwave through the ground.

Jelo slid back slightly—but held his ground.

Kael’s eyes flickered with interest.

“You took that head-on.”

Jelo rolled his shoulder once. “Testing you.”

Kael smirked.

“Then test this.”

He vanished.

Not completely—but fast enough to blur.

Jelo reacted instantly.

“Wing Burst.”

WHOOSH.

He disappeared from his spot, reappearing several meters to the side just as Kael’s kick shattered the space he had occupied.

CRACK!

The ground split.

Jelo narrowed his eyes.

Strong. Fast. Close combat specialist.

Kael turned, already moving again.

No pause. No hesitation.

Jelo raised his hand.

“Dragon Claw.”

A sharp, glowing projection formed around his hand—then extended outward violently.

SLASH!

The claw-shaped energy tore through the air toward Kael.

Kael didn’t retreat.

He stepped into it.

“Reinforce.”

His arm hardened, a faint metallic sheen covering it.

CLANG!

The Dragon Claw struck—

—and split around him, the energy tearing past but not stopping his advance.

Jelo’s eyes widened slightly.

He blocked it?

Kael closed the distance instantly.

BOOM!

His fist collided with Jelo’s guard again, this time stronger.

Jelo felt it.

Even through Skilled Guard, the force pushed deeper.

He slid back farther this time.

He’s adapting.

Kael didn’t give him space.

Another strike—then another.

Each one heavier than the last.

Jelo’s guard flickered.

Too much pressure.

He vanished again.

“Wing Burst.”

This time appearing behind Kael.

No hesitation.

“Dragon Claw.”

SLASH!

The attack struck from behind—

—but Kael twisted at the last second.

It grazed him, tearing part of his sleeve and drawing a thin line of blood.

Kael stepped back.

Silence.

Then—

He smiled.

“Good.”

Jelo exhaled slowly.

His eyes glowed faintly—his enhanced vision sharpening every movement, every shift in Kael’s stance.

He’s not just strong… he reads attacks well.

Kael rolled his shoulder.

“You’re faster than I expected,” he said. “And that ability…” He glanced at the faint energy still lingering from the Dragon Claw. “It’s dangerous.”

Jelo said nothing.

His focus deepened.

A faint heat began to gather in his chest.

Subtle.

Unnoticed.

But growing.

Kael stepped forward again.

“This time,” he said, “don’t run.”

Jelo raised his hand.

“Come.”

⸻

Kael charged.

Faster than before.

Stronger.

Jelo didn’t move.

At the last second—

“Wing Burst.”

—but not away.

Forward.

He appeared directly in front of Kael.

Kael’s eyes widened—

“Dragon Claw!”

At point-blank range.

BOOM!

The impact exploded between them.

Kael was forced back this time, his feet dragging across the ground as the energy tore into his defense.

He stopped himself, breathing heavier now.

Jelo stood still.

His arm trembled slightly.

That took more out of me.

But something felt different.

The heat in his chest… grew stronger.

Kael wiped the blood from his arm.

“…Now we’re getting somewhere.”

He stepped forward again—

Then stopped.

Jelo noticed it immediately.

“Why did you stop?” he asked.

Kael exhaled slowly.

“Because if we keep going,” he said, “this won’t be a spar anymore.”

The crowd had gone completely silent.

Jelo looked at him steadily.

Kael continued, “You’re not here to win. You’re here to grow.”

A pause.

“…And so am I.”

Jelo lowered his hand slightly.

The energy around him faded.

The heat in his chest lingered—but didn’t release.

Not yet.

Kael turned away.

“Next time,” he said, “we finish it.”

Jelo watched him go.

Then—

[Condition Progressing…]

[Ability Evolution Requirement: Incomplete]

Jelo’s eyes narrowed slightly.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

I’m close.

He turned, already scanning the grounds again.

Not enough yet.

His fist clenched.

One more fight… maybe two.

The heat within him pulsed again—stronger this time.

Whatever was coming…

It wasn’t far.

All that he needed was to fight a couple of people defeat them gain more essence from the system and get an upgrade to gain a new ability. He really needed this if he wanted to surprise everyone in his next fight.

They would think they know all about his ability and then out of nowhere boom, he surprises them.

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