A week of relentless training passed—countless hours breaking his limits, pushing past exhaustion, and clawing his way back to something close to human.
Kai's place in Classroom 5 shifted. Before, he was dead last. Now, he was second last, just barely ahead of Emric.
"Ottokai, t-that's great you surpassed me," Emric stammered, disbelief and pride mixing in his voice.
Kai nodded, barely saying a word, and headed straight for the bathroom. He needed to check his system—always tracking, always calculating.
▸ CORE STATS
Host Name: Ottokai Von Seraphis
Host Level: 14 [+4]
Parasite Level: 14 [+4]
Gene Count: 68
Available Level Points: 8
Compatibility Check: [Available]
Rift Clearance: E– Rift [5/??? Completed]
Host Tier: Instinct Layer – Tier II
▸ BASE ATTRIBUTES
STRENGTH: E
DURABILITY: E-
AGILITY: E+
INTELLIGENCE: D+
PERCEPTION: F+
GENE: E-
PARASITE: A+
ILLUSION: E+
Kai's eyes scanned the data, noting the jump in power but knowing this was only the beginning.
Then he unlocked one of the new branches on his Mind Nest path. It cost 5 level points—expensive, but necessary. The stronger he got, the more these upgrades would demand.
▸ Mind Nest Path – Tier II Access
— Illusory Clone Complexity Upgrade
— Phantom Synapse Web: Projected illusions now emit faint neural signals, making them harder to distinguish via instinct.
— Mental Feedback Circuit: Damaging an illusion can cause psychic backlash if attacker lacks resistance.
His illusions weren't just shadows anymore—they fought back, smarter and deadlier, like clones of himself made of pure mind trickery. Kai smiled faintly.
Kai felt the familiar weight of progress settle over him as he closed his system screen. Alright, I'm getting stronger. This is just the start.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped back into the classroom, the dull murmur of students buzzing around him. The teacher, a tall man with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, suddenly raised his voice to command the room's attention.
"Listen up, everyone," the professor began, his tone serious but steady, "next week, Monday to be exact, we're holding the Yearly Standoff—a tradition older than most of you can imagine. It's not just another fight, it's the school's way of evaluating each classroom's strength, pitting students against one another to see where everyone really stands."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Yes, Classroom 1 has always been the strongest, their skills and rankings practically untouchable, but that doesn't mean the rest of you should feel overshadowed. The Yearly Standoff is also about fairness, a chance to re-examine rankings and fix any mistakes. Maybe someone's been underrated, or a hidden talent has gone unnoticed. This is your chance to prove yourself—whether you're top tier or fighting to rise from the bottom."
The professor's eyes swept the room, locking briefly on Kai. "Every year, right before the school year ends, we come together for this event. It's brutal, it's competitive, but it's necessary. You'll be tested physically, mentally, and strategically. So prepare yourselves. This Friday is just the calm before the storm, and next Monday will decide who earns their place."
Kai's heart thumped fast. This is it. This is my time to shine.
After the professor dismissed the class, the usual chatter resumed, but Kai's mind was still caught up in the looming Yearly Standoff.
The weight of that challenge settled over him, a mix of excitement and nerves twisting in his stomach. Just then, Reno sidled up beside him, grinning wide like he'd just found a secret treasure.
"Hey, Otto," Reno said with a playful punch on Kai's shoulder, "wanna come with me, Freya, and Reinhardt to Heiligenstadt? We're hitting the city for some shopping and, you know, maybe a little fun after all this studying and training."
Kai blinked, caught off guard by the sudden invitation but also relieved to shift his focus for a bit. "Sure, why not? I could use a break."
Reno's grin stretched wider, and he clapped his hands together. "That's what I'm talking about! Let's get out of this stale classroom and see what the city's got."
Freya and Reinhardt were waiting near the school gates, already geared up for the outing.
Freya's usual fiery energy was shining through as she cracked a joke about how Kai probably needed to loosen up after all his intense training. Reinhardt, the steady one, just gave Kai a nod and a small smile, his presence quietly reassuring.
They walked through the streets of Heiligenstadt, the city lights flickering and reflecting off puddles from an earlier rain.
The hum of nightlife buzzed around them—music from street performers, laughter from nearby cafes, and the occasional honk of passing vehicles.
It was a stark contrast from the cold, clinical atmosphere of the academy.
"So, Otto," Reno said as they ducked into a small arcade between two stores, "you've been grinding hard, huh? Think you're ready to take on that Yearly Standoff?"
Kai shrugged, trying to hide how much the thought still churned inside him. "I'm getting there. Every day's a step forward."
"Good answer," Freya teased, elbowing Reno as if to say, 'See, he's not just a loner after all.' Reinhardt laughed quietly, shaking his head.
They settled into the arcade, a burst of neon lights and electronic sounds filling the air. Reno immediately dragged Kai to a claw machine, challenging him to win a plush toy.
Kai watched as Reno's hands fumbled with the controls, narrowly missing the prize, then finally snagging a worn-out dragon stuffed animal.
"See? Sometimes, you just gotta go for it," Reno said, handing Kai the dragon with a grin.
Kai chuckled, feeling a genuine warmth from the camaraderie that had been missing in his recent life.
They moved from game to game—racing simulators, rhythm challenges, even a few rounds of air hockey where Freya surprised everyone with her competitive streak.
Later, they wandered through a nearby market, stalls glowing with strings of fairy lights. Reinhardt picked up a few snacks while Freya bargained over trinkets and accessories, always the fiery negotiator.
Reno teased Kai about his serious expression when looking at the flashy gadgets, and Kai finally relaxed enough to laugh along.
At one point, Freya pulled Kai aside, her expression softer. "You're doing good, you know. You're not just 'that guy' anymore. You've got people who want you around."
Kai looked down for a moment, then nodded. "Thanks, Freya. It means a lot."
As the night stretched on, the group found themselves sitting on a low wall near the river that cut through the city, the water reflecting the twinkling lights above.
Reno nudged Kai with an elbow. "Hey, Otto, don't forget—next Monday, you're gonna crush it in that Yearly Standoff. I'm betting on you."
Kai met Reno's eyes, a quiet confidence settling over him. "I won't let you down."
Freya and Reinhardt nodded in agreement, and for the first time in a long time, Kai felt like he belonged—not just as a fighter, but as part of something bigger.
The worries didn't disappear, but for now, the laughter, the friendship, and the city's lights were enough.
"Let's head back," Reinhardt said after a while, standing up and stretching. "Tomorrow's another day to prepare."
Kai stood too, feeling the solid weight of purpose settling deeper into his bones.
The Yearly Standoff was coming. But tonight, he had friends—and that made all the difference.
---
In a dimly lit side street of Heiligenstadt, Seren and Alric walked side by side, the city's glow casting long shadows on the cracked pavement. The night was calm—too calm.
Suddenly, from the shadows, a group of rough-looking figures emerged, blocking their path. One stepped forward, sneering.
"Hey, give her to us... and we'll let you walk away."
Seren stiffened, her eyes flashing with defiance. "No. I won't."
Alric's jaw clenched as he stepped protectively in front of her. "You're not taking her."
The leader laughed, low and cruel. "Big words for someone outnumbered."
Alric's hands cracked into fists, energy sparking faintly around him. "I don't care. I'll fight."
The first attacker lunged, and Alric dodged, countering with a quick strike. But more came, and it was clear—they were stronger, faster, better coordinated.
"Seren, get back!" Alric shouted, blocking a vicious blow meant for her.
She shook her head, grabbing a broken pipe from the ground. "I'm not leaving you."
Alric's expression hardened. "I can't protect you if you're in the fight too."
The attackers closed in, surrounding them.
"Let him come," the leader taunted. "We're not here to play."
Alric launched himself into the fray, desperation fueling his every move. Blow after blow, he fought, each hit harder than the last. But the numbers overwhelmed him—his strength faltered, his defenses broke.
Gasping, he struggled to stand as the leader grabbed Seren's arm.
"Let her go!" Alric roared, lunging forward.
A sharp pain exploded across his ribs as he was thrown back, collapsing onto the cold pavement.
The leader smiled darkly, dragging Seren away.
"Sorry, kid. You did your best, but it wasn't enough."
Alric reached out weakly, shouting, "Seren! I swear, I'll come back for you!"
But the shadows swallowed her, and Alric was left alone, battered and broken, the cold night pressing down like a weight.
He whispered hoarsely, "I won't give up... I can't..."
"R-in---t"