As Reed's command echoed through the arena, Aria moved with a swiftness that seemed almost unreal. Her nimble fingers drew three arrows from the quiver on her back and expertly nocked them on her bowstring.

Without hesitation, she released all three arrows simultaneously, a clear intent to end the match swiftly.

Lucas, however, remained composed, his serene smile unmarred by the three deadly arrows zeroing in on him. He reached for one of the slates he held, his fingers dancing gracefully as he channeled mana into it.

The slate responded with a radiant, golden glow, and he casually tossed it before him. In an instant, a shimmering, transparent shield materialized, effortlessly intercepting the trio of arrows.

Aria's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise dancing across her face, but she wasn't one to falter easily. She continued releasing arrows with even greater speed, intending to shatter the protective barrier.

After a bit, the shield showed some cracks under her constant attack. Seeing the danger, Lucas acted fast. He used another slate, creating a second shield to reinforce the first.

Undeterred, Aria nocked another arrow, her focus laser-sharp, and her voice barely audible as she whispered the words, "Rapid Essence." The arrow radiated a red glow, as it expanded in size. Her mana infused every fiber of the arrow as she released it, sending it hurtling towards Lucas at a blistering speed.

Lucas, recognizing the danger, acted decisively. With a quick gesture, he layered multiple protective shields upon the first. As the arrow met the shield, it detonated in a blinding explosion, shrouding the immediate vicinity in thick, concealing smoke.

And this was exactly what Lucas wanted.

He seized the opportunity and immediately moved.

Inside the dense smoke, Aria remained alert, her senses heightened in anticipation of any potential threats. She couldn't see anything amidst the dense smoke.

Doubts began to creep into her mind. "Did I get him?" she wondered.

Suddenly, as the smoke cleared, she spotted Lucas still standing behind a single flickering shield.

As Aria prepared to fire another mana-charged arrow, Lucas moved swiftly. He grabbed another slate, infused it with mana, and hurled it toward her.

Unlike the first, this slate, however, transformed into a blazing fireball mid-flight. Aria's eyes widened, and she dodged the incoming fireball just in time. Before she had time to rest, another fireball appeared and she quickly dodged again.

But the ground where she had landed suddenly emitted a brilliant golden glow, catching her off guard. Before she could react, the ground beneath her detonated with a deafening explosion.

BOOM!

The arena fell into stunned silence. What had just happened?

Atticus smiled, he saw what happened as he was able to see through the smoke easily, 'He used the initial explosion to set up some of the slates as mines on the stage, then used fire balls to make her move into the trap. Smart, very smart.' he thought.

'I really have to learn how to make runes. They can be very powerful when used correctly'

Reed, after a momentary shock, declared, "Winner, 4th rank!"

Lucas simply smiled and walked back to his seat, showing no interest in challenging anyone.

"Haha, that was awesome, Lucas!" Nate exclaimed as Lucas returned to his seat. Lucas responded with a bashful smile, scratching his head.

Aria was still on the stage; the runes shielded her from the explosion.

"Rank 5th!" Reed called out.

Reed's call for the next challenge brought Aria back from her stunned thoughts. She left the stage, still bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.

Nate quickly stood up, brimming with confidence. "I'll be seating above you after this!" he declared to Lucas.

"Be careful, Nate," Lucas cautioned once more, but Nate was already making his way to the stage.

"Rank 3," Nate declared with a confident grin as he got to the stage.

Erik, stood up nonchalantly, and walked to the stage. He had the signature ravenstein white hair but kept it short, almost army-style. His eyes carried a perpetual weariness.

Although he hadn't awakened his bloodline yet, Atticus's keen perception picked up the darkness element surrounding him, even though he wasn't yet an intermediate-rank. 'Interesting,' Atticus thought, noting Erik's aura of darkness. 'His bloodline is already influencing him, even before it's awakened.'

Reed instructed, "Bring out your weapons," and both Nate and Erik complied. Nate brandished his broadsword while Erik readied his daggers.

"Get ready to be defeated," Nate taunted Erik with a grin. But Erik remained silent and composed, already in a stance as he stared at Nate, awaiting the instructor's signal.

"Begin!"

Nate lunged towards Erik, full of confidence. As he was ready to unleash his art, in the blink of an eye, he suddenly saw a dagger tip dangerously close to his eye.

His entire body froze, and he braced for the worst, but suddenly, the runes on the stage lit up, blocking the potentially lethal strike.

"Winner, 3rd rank!" Reed declared.

The first-year trainees were taken aback by how fast the fight had ended. It didn't even last five seconds!

Nate was known as one of the strongest in their year, and they were astonished at the swift defeat.

Nate stood there, absolutely bewildered. 'What just happened?' He thought, his mind still no registering his defeat.

He had been so confident in his victory that he hadn't considered the possibility of losing.

He couldn't even follow Erik's movements. He clenched his fist, causing blood to seep out.

Lucas watched Nate with a somber expression. 'He'll have to overcome this loss on his own,' he thought.

After a few moments, he left the stage and returned to his seat, not engaging with anyone, not even Lucas.

Erik had also left the stage promptly, showing no interest in challenging anyone else.

"Rank 2!" Reed's voice announced, and Aurora immediately stepped forward, walking to the stage.

All eyes were on her as she reached the stage. She stared directly at Atticus with a serious expression and declared, "Rank 1," her voice serious.