The next two days passed quickly.
The entire sect buzzed with excitement as disciples prepared for the upcoming tournament.
Training grounds were filled from morning until midnight.
Kael spent most of his time practicing his new abilities.
Inside the quiet courtyard behind the outer disciple residences, he stood alone.
His eyes closed.
The Origin Core inside his chest rotated smoothly.
Energy flowed through his body like a powerful river.
"Origin Pulse."
BOOM!
A circular shockwave blasted outward.
Stone tiles cracked.
Training dummies shattered.
Kael nodded slowly.
"I'm getting better control."
But suddenly
A voice interrupted him.
"Not bad."
Kael turned.
A young man stepped into the courtyard.
Unlike the arrogant aura of Darius, this disciple looked calm and composed.
He wore outer disciple robes, but his energy felt stronger than most.
Kael crossed his arms.
"Who are you?"
The young man bowed slightly.
"My name is Lorian Hale."
"I'm ranked first among the outer disciples."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"So you're the strongest outer disciple."
Lorian nodded.
"For now."
His gaze became sharp.
"I heard rumors about you defeating Rylan and awakening a core inside the Ancient Ruins."
Kael said nothing.
Lorian smiled slightly.
"I wanted to see if the rumors were true."
He stepped into the center of the courtyard.
His aura flared slightly as Aether energy gathered around him.
"Care for a spar?"
Kael grinned.
"I thought you'd never ask."
They stood facing each other.
The wind rustled softly across the courtyard.
Lorian spoke calmly.
"Don't worry. This is just practice."
Kael cracked his knuckles.
"Good."
"Because I'm still figuring out my new power."
Lorian raised his hand.
Aether energy formed around his palm like swirling flame.
"Ready?"
Kael activated Origin Body.
Energy surged through his muscles.
"Always."
Lorian moved first.
His speed was impressive, far faster than most outer disciples.
His palm strike shot toward Kael's chest.
Kael dodged smoothly and countered with Origin Strike.
BOOM!
The two energies collided.
Shockwaves rippled across the courtyard.
Both fighters slid backward.
Lorian's eyes widened slightly.
"Impressive."
Kael smiled.
"You're not bad either."
Lorian laughed.
"This tournament might actually be interesting."
But neither of them noticed.
On a rooftop above the courtyard…
Darius Valen watched silently.
His expression darkened slightly.
"So the rumors are true."
His gaze locked onto Kael.
"Good."
"A stronger opponent makes victory more satisfying."
The tournament was approaching quickly.
And the stage for Kael's rise within the Iron Flame Sect had finally been set.