Zack returns to Earth.
We see the academy bustling with energy as grand preparations are underway. A massive battle arena has been constructed specifically for the upcoming tournament, where students will face off in 1 vs 1 battles.
All the students are lining up to register for the tournament.
Zack also arrives and completes his registration. Although he has now reached B-rank strength, he is still officially listed as a C-rank since his rank hasn't been updated yet.
The tournament structure is based on ranked battles, meaning students will fight opponents close to their own rank.
This time, over 1,000 students registered, but only 200 qualified after the intense preliminary qualification test held by the academy. Now, these 200 will battle it out in the official tournament.
Next Morning – Tournament Day
The next morning, all the contestants gather at the academy's grand battleground. Among them are even A-rank awakeners, their presence alone causing whispers and excitement in the crowd.
Zack is also present—quiet, focused.
The tournament begins.
Since Zack is officially a C-rank awakener, he must first battle against ten other C-rank opponents in the elimination round.
One by one, Zack defeats each opponent with ease. His movements are precise, his attacks powerful, and his calm aura unnerving.
The audience is left speechless. Many had expected these battles to be close—but Zack dominated every round.
Then comes the final match of the C-rank bracket:
Joshua vs Zack
A magician vs a swordmaster.
A fight everyone had been waiting for—two different classes, two completely different battle styles.
The crowd roars in excitement.
The Audience Reacts
As the final C-rank match is announced, murmurs rise from the crowd gathered around the battleground.
> "Hmm... Looks like that Zack guy just got lucky making it this far."
> "Yeah, he won't stand a chance against Joshua. Joshua's on the verge of ranking up to B-rank. That Zack won't be able to touch him—not even in his dreams."
> "You're right. But who even is this Zack? I've never heard of him before."
> "Same here. Must be some random no-name who fluked his way to the finals."
Many in the audience dismiss Zack as a nobody—just someone with a lucky streak.
They all believe Joshua will crush him.
All... except Joshua himself.
Standing in the waiting zone, Joshua watches Zack step into the arena. His eyes are sharp. Focused.
"These people have no idea," Joshua thinks. "I've seen Zack fight. He's not just some lucky fool... He's dangerous."
Joshua tightens the grip on his staff, readying himself.
He knew—this was not going to be an easy win.
The Ones Who Know Zack
While most of the crowd laughed and whispered about Zack being just another lucky participant, there were a few people who knew the truth.
They weren't fooled by appearances.
Among them stood:
Headmaster Relai, watching silently, his eyes sharp.
Mr. Rafel, calm but clearly focused.
Instructors Alex and Abrox, who had fought alongside Zack before.
His teammates—Kalle, Khaled, Max, and Amber—all of whom had seen him bleed, struggle, and rise again in the Abyss.
They knew...
Zack wasn't just another contestant.
And then there was someone who believed in Zack more than anyone else.
A man who had personally honed Zack's swordplay.
His mentor. His master. Argon.
From across the field, Zack met his master's gaze.
They nodded to each other—no words were needed.
"Go on," Argon muttered under his breath.
"Show them who you really are."
Zack's fingers closed around the hilt of his sword.
A calm breath.
A quiet focus.
The storm was coming.
To be continue...