“Dual Spirits: Rising Beyond the Ranks”

In the afternoon first round was over and in the arena, announcer signaling the start of the second round of the Spirit Duel. The crowd's energy had only grown since the morning battles, their cheers echoing through the coliseum walls. Kayn leaned against the stone railing, arms crossed, while Aric sat beside him, feet propped up casually.

"Alright, who's up next?" Aric asked, tossing a piece of bread into his mouth.

Kayn glanced at the pairing board that flickered with each competitor's name. The orb pulsed and displayed two glowing names: Ren Ironwood vs. Kieran Valtor.

Talen nearly choked. "Oh no. Ren's fighting Kieran? One of the six prodigies?"

Kayn smirked. "This is going to be interesting."

Ren, Kayn's oldest friend and perhaps the least serious of their group, stepped into the arena with his usual lopsided grin. His disheveled brown hair flopped over his eyes as he cracked his knuckles lazily. Across the field stood Kieran Kieran, an heir to one of the Great Spirit Clans. Tall, perfectly composed, and practically radiating superiority, Kieran gazed down at Ren as if already bored by the match.

"Are you sure you belong here?" Kieran asked, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "I don't recall the Ironwood family producing anyone noteworthy in generations."

Ren raised an eyebrow. "Oh, we're plenty noteworthy. We just don't flaunt it like you Valtors do. Can't risk breaking a nail with all that arrogance."

A ripple of laughter passed through the crowd, though Kieran's eyes narrowed.

"Spirits, reveal yourselves!" the announcer declared. After hearing this both contestant taken their battle stance. Seeing this crowd burst with cheers, seeing one of the classic fight on one side a strong, talented and handsome coming from extraordinary background. while, on the other side poor, average talent and muscle brute with inferior family.

Ren was the first to summon his spirit and summoning process taken only few seconds. With a flash of light, Ren's Spirit Beast emerged – a burly, bronze-colored bear with scars lining its flanks. Ironbackl Bear (Rank B+) lumbered forward, growling lowly. Kieran, however, summoned his Nyxviper (Rank A), a sleek, dark purple-violet serpent that coiled gracefully around him, its scales shimmering under the sunlight.

There is a huge difference in rank among spirit beasts; Users who awaken common grade can rank up to from rank F to D, those who have rare spirits there ranking consider from C to B. As for the epic grade spirit awakener, they are very one in ten million and considered genius. They are ranked "A," however in these rank spirits are differentiate with lower(-), intermediate and advanced (+).

Finally, there is a "Mythical rank" spirit awakeners, there are only five in the world. Each one of them hold the power to destroy the world. Thus, the rank given them is "S" which shows their superiority and power. These five individuals are the one who pave way for humanity to rise. Now, there is another "S" rank individual who is going to join them soon. It's non-other than Kayn who awakened dual spirits.

But spirits rank are just potential they can just reach, without training and facing hardships. Such as facing stronger opponents and breaking their limit, then they reach true peak of their potential. Kayn and other students just awaken their spirits for more than a weak. As a result, their strength should be around rank "E."

"Nyxviper, let's end this quickly," Kieran said with an exhale.

The serpent hissed, its form blurring as it circled the battlefield with dizzying speed.

"Alright, Ironback," Ren stretched casually. "Let's do this in hard way."

The Nyxviper struck first, diving from above with razor-sharp fangs aimed at Ironhide's throat. Ren didn't flinch. Ironback swiped a massive paw, catching the serpent mid-dive and slamming it into the dirt.

"Ouch! That's gonna sting," Talen whistled from the stands.

Kieran frowned. "Luck. Nothing more."

"Luck's part of the game," Ren replied, his tone was light. "Or do the Abyss Serpent Clan not believe in good fortune?"

Kieran's patience thinned. "Nyxviper, Poison Shrowd Mist!"

The serpent's body twisted, releasing the misty toxin that envelops the battlefield, forming a thick poison fog. Dust kicked up as "Ironback" dug its claws into the ground to throw boulders at enemy from the distance.

Unfortunately, Nyxviper dodge the attacks due to fog becoming more thickened with by passing time. Nyxviper become invisible in the fog waiting for catching "Ironback bear" off guard. "Ironback" started lose his strength, Ren saw this and shouted his spirit "Ironback bear."

What happened! why is he behaving unusual. Noticing puzzle "Ren," Kieren started to smirk and said," as expected from muscle idiot like you." Still didn't understand that your "ironback" bear is poisoned by my "Nyxviper". What! Ren was shocked from hearing this, Then he suddenly understand why "Valen" lose, "because of this poison mist which make his spirit poisoned and their combat was weakened by stying in this fog," said Ren in shocked. well at least you're not complete idiot. But, it's over for you and your spirit.

As "Ironhead" could not focus on the match, "Nyxviper" saw this as a opportunity to strike.

"Bear down," Ren said calmly.

"Ironback" flattened itself, waiting out for serpent to strike. At the last moment "Ironhide" bear dodged the "Nyxviper" attack at the last moment. When the Poison mist finally dispersed, Ren yawned exaggeratedly. "That's it? I thought prodigies were supposed to be impressive."

Kieran's eye twitched. "You dare to mock the Valtor lineage?"

Ren scratched his head. "I mean, it's not hard when you're doing half the work for me."

The crowd erupted with laughter, and even Kayn found himself chuckling.

"Now you've done it," Kayn muttered.

Kieran's face darkened as he raised his hand. "Nyxviper, Deathcoil Venom Strike!"

The serpent ascended rapidly, then plummeted, talons gleaming. Ironhide roared and swung again, but the serpent twisted midair, and coiling around Ironhide, injecting potent venom in Ironhide bear through his fangs. Ironhide was trying to resist, but Nyxviper coiled around him and venom was spreading in Ironhide bear. As a result, he cannot break free. Venom was neuro toxin which made "Ironhide" helpless. If he remained like this, he will lose for sure.

Ren frowned. "Okay, maybe I deserved that one."

Kieran smirked. "You've no idea how outmatched you are."

Ren took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders. "Well, I guess it's time to get serious."

"Finally," Kieran scoffed. "I thought you'd forfeit." What can you do now your bear is helpless against my "Nyxviper."

Ren grinned wickedly. "Nah. But I do curse your seven generations of ancestors for making me actually try."

The arena went silent for a beat, before erupting into howls of laughter. Kieran's face turned crimson.

"What did you just say?" Kieran growled.

"Ironhide, Seismic Stomp," Ren said nonchalantly, brushing dirt from his shoulder.

Ironhide rose on its hind legs and slammed the ground with enough force to rattle the arena. Cracks spiderwebbed toward Kieran's position, causing him to stumble. The Azure Nyxviper hissed, losing balance around Ironhide bear.

Kieran's pride shattered faster than the ground beneath his feet. "I will not let this insult stand!"

Ren smirked wider. "You've been standing too long already."

Ironhide roared again, charging forward with surprising speed for a creature of its size. Kieran barely had time to issue another command before Ironhide slammed into the Nyxviper, pinning it to the ground.

The serpent struggled but was ultimately no match for Ironhide's weight. Kieran fell silent, watching as his spirit beast flickered, suddenly the one who fell on the ground was both Ironhide bear and Nyxviper. He was already at the limit with resisting the venom and this final strike he used as much his strength he could muster. Announcer asked headmaster for making final decision and headmaster Arden declared Ren's win.

Hmph!, it was just a last ditch effort, what can I expect from you; remember your place next time," said Kieren in arrogance and left the stage with his "Nyxviper." Ren was not bothered by this and stretched his arms, walking away without even glancing at Kieran. "Guess that's one less prodigy I have to worry about."

Kayn and Talen met him at the gate, both grinning ear to ear.

"Ren, I swear you live for making enemies," Talen said, clapping him on the back.

"Hey, I'm just here to have fun," Ren replied. "Besides, who knew cursing ancestors was this effective?"

Kayn chuckled. "I think you'll be dodging Valtor assassins after this."

As they left the arena, Kieran fumed silently, vowing revenge in his heart.

But the crowd adored Ren. Cheers followed him long after he disappeared into the tunnel, and as Kayn watched his friend soak in the attention, he knew this tournament had only just begun. This competition has more to reveal, who was that mysterious cloaked figure. How can he stay hidden infront of many experts. Even, headmaster doesn't show any sign of unusualness, during whole competition. Kayn was deep in thought before leaving the arena with Talen and Ren.