SSS Void Ascension: I Devour All Elements

From what Killian gathered after thinking hard during the night, those in Dorm Dragon must have an absurd level of potential.

"I was the only A-Rank student in my school." Reginald stated casually. He even added a shrug to underestimate it.

His reaction only left Killian with questions.

Back at his previous academy, rankings mostly reflected talent and potential.

A-Ranks were impressive, but not rare enough to be shocking. Keith and his gang had been A-Rank students.

B-Ranks simply had lower growth potential but could level up after a term if they worked hard enough, while C-Ranks were students who, at least, possessed stable elements.

And D-Ranks... were Nulls.

So hearing someone casually say they were the only A-Rank student felt ridiculous enough to make Killian curious. "What are the standards?"

Reginald rubbed the back of his neck. "To qualify as an A-Rank student back in my school, you need to survive a E-Rank Realm by yourself."

Killian’s brows pulled inwards. "E-Rank Realm? So you entered a Realm before even awakening?"

"Yep."

Killian shook his head, not even wanting to think too hard about it. "That’s insane."

Students weren’t even supposed to approach Realms before awakening, let alone being evaluated inside one.

Reginald laughed awkwardly. "Honestly, it was mostly luck."

Killian looked doubtful.

"My wind control was the only thing I was really good at back then," Reginald explained while lightly lifting himself off the floor with wind for emphasis before dropping back down. "I could float really well, and I grew up in a forest area, so climbing trees wasn’t difficult either."

Reginald continued. "So when I entered the Realm, I just floated upward and stayed high enough to avoid most monsters while climbing around trees for five minutes."

Killian stared at him for a second before sighing. "That actually sounds smart."

"Right? My classmates tried fighting the monsters," Reginald shook his head. "Worst decision ever."

Killian found himself respecting that more than reckless bravery. It was simple but still effective to show those with survival skills and without.

They left the Dragon Dorm, with Reginald talking about how lonely being the only A-Rank was, and how he never got to make friends while at school, especially female friends.

His emphasis on making female friends made Killian wonder if he had ulterior motives.

They reached the Crimson Tiger section where most of the training courtyards were located. The wardens there were busy, practicing in open fields, testing skills against targets, or sparring under the supervision of other wardens.

As they passed one of the larger courtyards, Reginald slowed down, watching a student standing before a row of targets.

The student looked younger than them, and tensed too, a compressed stream of wind shot forward from his clasped hands, missing the target slightly, and drifting to the left at the last second.

Reginald clicked his tongue. "The angle is off, and he’s trying to keep the pressure stable but he’s correcting too late."

Killian had been watching. The technique resembled Piercing Scorch but with the Wind element. He nodded at what Reginald said. "He’ll get there eventually," he continued towards the cafeteria when his stomach grumbled. "I need to—"

A shadow loomed over Killian. His senses didn’t interpret it as a threat immediately and he slowly lifted his head.

A tall boy stood there, arms folded across his chest, staring down at him and Reginald. "Oh?" He looked back at his friends behind him. "If it isn’t the Dragon Dorm students."

Several heads turned.

The boy looked back at Killian and Reginald. "What are you two watching us for? Do you want to practice with us?"

Reginald waved his hand. "No, no, I was just watching the guy with the targets. My friend and I are just heading—"

"Then, come and try." The boy attempted to shove Killian forward, but nothing happened.

Killian remained standing exactly where he was.

The student frowned, and pushed harder. Nothing still happened and Killian looked down at the hand on his shoulder.

"Are you trying to push me?" he asked calmly.

The boy immediately withdrew his hand.

Reginald burst into laughter. "It gets me every time. You are an unmoving force or what!"

Killian looked away from the boy. He had barely felt the push and only wondered why the guy was being touchy.

"Fine." The boy released his arms, looking embarrassed. "Try the target."

"No," Killian simply said.

The boy frowned. "Why?"

"Because it’s basically a Piercing Scorch test. And I already know I can do it."

Reginald nodded, then paused. "What’s your element again?"

The boy scowled.

Nearby, another student folded his arms.

"See? They always do this. The Dragon Dorm students think they’re above everyone else."

"Or maybe they’re only there because of potential," another added. "At least we’re here because we actually have the talent."

Several students nodded.

Killian didn’t care, and continued forward. He was hungry and the only thing on his mind was food and Evelyn’s upcoming match.

Unfortunately, he spotted Reginald going towards the target. "So he does care?" Killian noticed his expression. The usually easygoing Reginald looked genuinely annoyed. "He must hate getting underestimated."

Killian leaned on the wall, watching. He had been curious about Reginald’s fighting style.

Reginald stepped forward.

The crowd gathered around immediately, and the wind user from before moved aside after offering Reginald the position.

Reginald simply raised one hand, surprising those who usually needed two hands to make a clean shot.

A single finger pointed at the target.

Killian raised a brow. ’Is he showing off?’

No wind gathered, but there was a shift in the air. There also seemed to be no visible skill activation.

Reginald flicked his finger. Nothing was on it and nothing was seen hitting the target.

Thump.

The crowd was still quiet, anticipating something.

"Wait, something fell?" the boy said, pointing at the target. "Someone check what that was."

"Did he even do anything?" another girl asked, while moving closer to see if she missed anything.

Killian narrowed his eyes at the target, then withdrew himself. ’That is quite terrifying.’

"Agreed."