The gym had been changed into a test room. At the center stood the training gate—a glowing square that let students fight illusions of dungeon monsters.
Instructor Crane stood with a clipboard.
> *"Lucen Kai."*
Lucen stepped in confidently. Flames lit up around him. Minutes later, he stepped back out with a smug grin.
> *"Three kills. Zero damage taken. C-Rank confirmed."*
People clapped.
> *"Donnie Reeve."*
Everyone went quiet. Someone laughed.
"Why's he even trying?"
Donnie stepped forward.
"Are you sure?" Crane asked quietly. "You can skip."
"I'll do it," Donnie replied.
Inside the gate, torches lit a stone hallway. A monster appeared ahead.
Donnie didn't panic.
He focused.
*Lucen's flames.* He'd watched them carefully.
He raised his hand. A small burst of fire formed.
**[TRACE ACTIVE – Combustion Arc: 7 Seconds]**
He dodged, then struck.
The flame hit. Another hit. Then the ability vanished.
But it was enough.
The monster faded.
Donnie came out breathing hard.
> *"One kill. No injuries,"* Crane announced.
No one clapped.
But something flashed in Donnie's view.
**[TRACE UPGRADE: Combustion Arc – 34% Complete]**
Still silent.
But this time, Donnie smiled a little more.
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