Ascension Protocol: From Trash to Tyrant

Chapter 6: The Flame in the Forbidden Zone

The moment Hunch Man hit the ground, an echo of disbelief surged through the arena like a wave. Not a soul spoke. Not even the council.

The battle was supposed to be a public execution. And yet, the so-called Trash-Tier had stood tall.

The high councillor spoke with disappointment in his eyes… ‘How does he keep winning?’ He echoed within himself.

“The subject, Kai Draven, is acquitted of further punishment and he is reinstated as a student of Ironspire Academy.” He declared with an unhappy and harsh glare. 

High Councilor Vantros’s face formed with anger as he glared at Kai was where he was seated. He slammed his gavel after declaration.

“This tribunal is adjourned. Kai Draven is released from prison.” He gave the final declaration.

In the Ironspire Academy Grounds whispers floated like pollen in the wind as the students wouldn't stop talking about Kai's battle with Hunch Man.

“Did you hear? Kai took down Hunch Man with one punch.”

“I watched it on the SkyFeed and he didn’t get hit once.”

“Trash-tier? No. That’s a Tyrant Core, I’m telling you.” 

Kai, who had always been ignored his whole life started getting people to talk about him throughout the halls. Kai’s name now sparked multiple reactions among the nobles, students and elites and among them was awe and deep hatred.

Among the most bitter was Andrew Stain who had been hearing and seeing how Kai kept defeating high ranking students.

Kai is at Level 5. He is arrogant and also a sadist. He is a noble-born tyrant in his own right.

He had humiliated Kai in public months ago. He remembered how he made him crawl through sewage during punishment. And now?

Now this trash has become an uncontrollable fire… Andrew couldn't believe it and he couldn’t stand it.

Kai was returning from the academic grounds when he heard the voice he would never forget. His memories spiralled to how that voice had made him panic, crawl and beg for mercy. 

“Well, well, well. Look who thinks he’s grown a spine.” Andrew echoed with hate in his belly. He intended to bully Kai once more so that he could nullify the news going around the academy.

Kai stopped and he turned around. The hall fell silent while Kai's eyes peered into Andrews. 

Andrew stood at the center of the courtyard with his squad of cronies. His arms were crossed and a hateful smile dripping venom.

“I heard you cheated. Paid off the Council to let you win.” He echoed coldly. 

Kai smirked although he was calm. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Andrew.” Kai finally spoke.

When Kai spoke back, Andrew was angered, ‘That’s enough.’ He echoed within himself and decided he was going to teach Kai a lesson again. 

Andrew stepped forward and shoved Kai in the throat. But for some reason, Kai wasn't moved. 

“Talk back to me again, and I’ll grind you under my boot like old times.” Andrew spoke with anger. 

But this time, Kai didn’t flinch like how he used to panic in the past. 

He was not ready to back down but rather, face his fear.

He simply said, “Try it and this time, you will have yourself to blame for it.” Kai's imposing aura…

The courtyard erupted into a frenzy as Andrew roared in anger.

“Then let’s settle this. Duel in the arena tonight.” Andrew lanced out those words. 

“I accept.”  Kai expressed and he slammed Andrew's hand off his body. 

Just then, echo erupted through the microphone that was close to where they were standing.

It was the voice of the council. “Duel request Logged. Andrew Stain in level 5 challenges Kai Draven in level 2 to a duel in the arena tonight. The duel is approved by the council and the location for this duel is arena 2 in the West Wing.” The council's voice faded after his declaration.

Andrew shot a deadly glare at Kai before he finally took his leave.

The same day in the evening. Kai was in the duel grounds to baffle Andrew. 

Lights lit up the training stadium as student's eyes from Ironspire watched. Rumors had spread like wildfire earlier in the day. 

The match was being broadcast to noble houses. And among the viewers were even Black Instructors. They are the elite mentors of Ironspire.

Kai stepped into the arena. He was silent and his eyes were centered on his opponent.

Andrew cracked his knuckles, grinning. “I’ll break your teeth one by one.” Andrew swore. 

Suddenly, Kai heard the voice of the system in his head.

“Ding!!!

System Mission: Phantom Dodge Initiated

Objective: Dodge 30 consecutive enemy attacks in a single combat.

Reward: +1 Reflex Tier, Bonus Experience Points.

Penalty: None.

Status: Active.”

Kai grunted silently after hearing the system mission. ‘I must dodge 30 attacks…’ He echoed within himself without flinching or fear. Even though he knew it was a tough mission.

The duel started. Andrew charged in with his fists blazing with bruiser energy.

He threw one and then two and then three punches at Kai.

Due to the system mission, Kai had to duck, swerve, and slid under a sweeping elbow.

Andrew threw more punches just to cut him down, six and seven then ten.

Kai spun and he let a punch pass mere centimeters from his nose.

‘Fourteen. Eighteen.’ Kai continued counting.

Andrew grunted in anger after Kai was easily dodging his punches. His face turned red.

“You coward! Fight me!” He growled fiercely.

Kai's lips curved with a dark smile. Andrew didn't know what was coming for him. “Why rush? You’re doing fine missing.” Kai echoed with pride. 

“Twenty-five. Twenty-eight.” Kai continued with the count inaudibly.

The crowd couldn’t believe their eyes. 

“How is he dodging his punches easily?” They whispered one to another.

Andrew was practically dancing with air, because he was trying so hard to hit Kai. But Kai stood strong as the wind. He never stopped moving and dodging Andrew's attack.

“Thirty.” Andrew echoed the last count inaudibly. And the system within him echoed aloud…

“Ding!!!

System Mission Completed

+1 Reflex Tier Unlocked

+400 XP Earned.”

After Kai had heard the echo of the system. It's time. 

Then Kai struck with a determined attack after calculating it.

A single palm thrust to Andrew’s sternum sent him flying back and rolling across the arena with a thud.

Andrew couldn't get back up even though he tried.

The system echoed,

‘Victory Confirmed – Duel Complete

‘New Skill Branch Option Available: Wind Echo Counter – Pending Confirmation

Fame +300

 Reputation Tier: Emerging Threat.’

Kai was proud of himself for defeating Andrew, that devil that had made him beg and crawl some months back. 

 Later that night. Kai was in his room in the academy 

Kai stood at the window and he gazed at the lit towers of Ironspire. Whispers from the arena still echoed in his mind and a flashback of how his parents died was still in his head. His belly dropped with hate and he wanted more revenge. 

Kai didn’t fight for fame. He fought because he had no choice. The academy wanted to eliminate him just like they executed his parents and that wasn't going to happen.

But then…

Kai heard the faint voice of the system in his head,

‘System Alert: A new mission is available

Classified Objective:  Enter into the Forbidden Zone

Title of mission: The Caged Flame

Target: Xira Wren, a rejected fire mage

The Location: The forbidden zone cell in block 7, Tower D

Details: she was expelled for injuring a noble during exam trials and Imprisoned unjustly.

Mission: Free Xira Wren and recruit her as an ally.

Reward: Access to Fire Affinity Nodes, Alliance Link Bonus

Status: ACTIVE.’

Kai’s eyes narrowed while he puffed out some breath from his nostrils. “A mage in chains…” Kai echoed within himself. And he was disgusted by the cruelty of the academy.

He turned from the window and his fists clenched.

“I’m coming for her.” Kai echoed in determination.