Ascension Protocol: From Trash to Tyrant

Chapter 8: A Noble Spirit, A Noble Threat

Kai was silent and he looked back at him with a brutal face. He was ready to speak.

“Enough! Battle dismissed.” The council echoed without giving their approval. Even Kai was surprised at their sudden intervention.

With his breath puffing out, ‘sometimes the system doesn't choose the worthy... it chooses the one willing to endure the impossible.’ Kai thought in his head as the battle he had fought all along came into his mind. 

The announcement of the death match between Varyn Calderon and Kai Draven spread through Ironspire academy like wildfire.

But the Council frowned upon it. They knew Varyn would definitely be killed with Kai's skills. 

High Chancellor Vantros summoned Varyn to the Hall of Sanctions.

“We do not condone Death Matches between students,” he said sternly. His eyes warmed fiercely.

Varyn bowed with a bitter smile. “Then let it be an accident. One that nobody mourns.” He echoed with intense hate in his belly. 

The council exchanged glances but said nothing more.

Though they didn’t officially approve it, they didn’t stop it either.

Varyn walked out while he was buried in shame of his defeat. Varyn would not surrender.

Varyn couldn’t let the humiliation stand. Even the level 0 trash in Ironspire academy now looked down on him. 

Varyn in desperation to end, Kai's life called upon the only loyalty he had left, John Case, Rohk Farrel, and Blaize Wendell. Each one was a former bully of Kai and they were all united by pride, hate and common goal - to eliminate Kai once and for all.

“We end this in the dark,” Varyn muttered while his eyes burned with rage. “Not in front of the council. In the alleyways. Like a mutt. Do you understand?” Varyn echoed slightly above a whisper. 

“Yes.” The others replied to him in support.

While Kai sat in his room, the system suddenly echoed, 

‘System Alert….Enemy Convergence Detected….Ambush Incoming…!

Estimated attackers are four

Recommended Action: Prepare counter trap

Quest Triggered: Justice Broadcast

Objective: Survive ambush and expose attackers via live system recorder.

Reward: +40AP, System Broadcast Unlock, Public Reputation Boost

Status: High Risk’ 

Kai was taken aback by the words of the system. ‘Who the hell is planning to ambush me?’ He echoed with surprise in his eyes. 

‘Y’all haven't learnt your lessons, I am going to make you pay.’ He echoed in determination. Kai was ready to tear his enemies apart. 

Kai activated the Recorder Node. It is a system-gifted orb that hovered near him and streamed visuals directly to the student network.

Kai went out of his dormitory and In the back alley behind the forge labs, Kai waited. 

Soon, footsteps echoed and shadows crept. Kai spotted each of their shadows but stood in pretence.

Then they attacked - all at once. 

John charged first. A brutish hammer arced towards Kai's skull. Kai ducked, spun, and struck back with an Iron Fist which twisted his bones and dislocated John's arm mid-swing.

Rohk and Blaize flanked next in anger. Kai activated the shadow step. He teleported behind them in a blur of darkness. He slammed Rohk’s head into the wall and sweep-kicked Blaize to the ground.

Then came Varyn in desperate and rage charged with a dagger laced in dark essence towards Kai. 

Kai caught his arm mid-thrust. His eyes peered into Varyn's.

“No more second chances,” Kai said coldly.

He struck Varyn once in the gut. The noble heir, broken, he fell to the ground. 

Immediately when that happened, the system echoed,

‘Mission Completed: Justice Broadcast

Unlocked: Public Channel Broadcast

Reputation Rank: Feared Contender

Broadcast Status: Viral. With the heading A Nobel Crushed by Draven!’

Kai's lips curved with a dark smile after hearing the echo of the system. ‘Mission accomplished.’ He walked back to his room.

The council could no longer ignore it when they saw the broadcast. The entire ambush had been seen by every student and staff member.

Even the nobles couldn’t defend Varyn anymore.

By dawn, the order was passed through a public broadcast.

Kai jotted awake when the broadcast started.

‘Varyn Calderon is hereby EXPELLED. John Case, Rohk Farrel, Blaize Wendell are hereby Expelled. Due to trying to murder Kai, the guilty are hereby sentenced with an execution order approved for attempted murder. Enforcers must carry out sentences immediately.’ The broadcast ended.

Kai was pleased.

And immediately, the enforcers moved into action. Varyn with the others were executed.

Just like that… the once-proud tormentors of Kai were erased from Ironspire.

Kai went out of his room to get something outside and by the time he returned, he exhausted. Xira who had left for her dormitory was present and his eyes fixed on her… “Xira.” As he is echoed her name. 

But Xira wasn’t pacing in her usual cold silence. She fell on her knees before him.

One knee to the floor. Hand clenched in a salute.

“I was wrong about you,” she said softly. “I’ve seen power. I’ve seen cruelty. But I haven’t seen a person that stands for change and justice. Kai, You are change.” Before she could finish speaking, Kai cut in..

“I don’t need followers,” Kai replied with his eyebrows arched. 

“You don’t have one,” she said. “You have an ally.” Xira replied warmly.

The system echoed immediately,

‘Ally Bond Formed: Xira Wren a fire mage

Team System Activated….Dual Formation Unlocked

Xira’s Bonus Skill Unlocked… Flame Ward Lv. 1.’ After the echo of the system, Kai extended his hand and she grabbed it.  Both of them finally hugged themselves.

Xira went her way afterwards.

Kai barely had time to rest when the next system ping arrived.

‘System Quest Activated: Break a Noble Spirit

Target: Kate Von Halden

Class: Elemental Knight, Rank 5

Reputation: Undefeated

Allegiance: Noble House Halden

Reward: +1 System Slot Unlock, +XP, Kate’s Secret Item Drop*

Special Note: High Political Consequences Possible.’

Kai had wanted to take the day off but when he heard the system… he gasped for breath knowing fully well that there us going to be a fixed battle.

………..

…..

………..

Kate Von Halden was a flawless, arrogant, and ruthless lady.  She had been watching Kai’s rise from the trash. And she hated every second of it.

She was a female noble, undefeated in battle and a leader of the Halden Duelist Regiment. She is also known as the  master of Elemental Weapon Infusion.

Kate had it to her neck already as the academy wouldn't stop talking about Kai's great heights. At midday, she stormed the council courtyard in full ceremonial armor and declared

“I, Kate of House Halden, challenge Kai Draven to a sanctioned duel.”

Gasps rang through the hall.

She continued, “This is for honor and for balance. He has taken too much glory. Let’s see if he can stand against a real noble.” She echoed in a clear tone..

The council nodded slowly. They wanted to see it too. “Approved.” The council echoed. 

Kai was in his dormitory when enforcers suddenly walked in. “You are summoned by the council.” The enforcer announced.

Kai sighed. He followed them to the council.

“Kate challenges you to a duel. Do you accept?” The council asked him.

Kai simply stepped forward, eyes calm and he remembered the words of the system. 

“I accept.” He echoed with an imposing aura. 

The system echoed in Kai's head,

‘Duel Countdown: 3 Days

Rumors: No one’s ever beaten Kate… Not even the instructors.

Status: ACTIVE.’