*Ren's pov*
Ren Voss was a remarkably gifted young man, known far and wide for his striking looks and exceptional talents. He had once been celebrated as the prodigious heir of the esteemed Voss royal family, a title that came with its own set of expectations and responsibilities. However, since stepping into the hallowed halls of the academy, his standings had shifted—now, he found himself ranked third among his peers.
Surprisingly, Ren did not harbor feelings of jealousy or resentment toward those who ranked above him. In fact, he embraced a sense of competition that fueled his ambition. Rather than considering the use of his noble status to intimidate or bully the top-ranked students, he focused solely on honing his skills, eager to find a true rival who could challenge him in battle.
"Attending this academy was truly a wise decision," he murmured to himself as he strolled through the bustling hallways leading to his classroom. With each step, his determination grew stronger. "Leo Victor Raven, and Kevin Dover—I will defeat them and claim the top spot by midterms!" he vowed quietly to himself, feeling the adrenaline surge through his veins.
Lost in his thoughts and aspirations, Ren rounded a corner and nearly collided with a familiar face, bringing him out of his intense reverie.
***
*Dante's pov*
On the other side of the academy, Dante Lionheart was also well-acquainted with the pressure of excellence. He, too, was revered as a martial genius, born into the formidable Lionheart family, known for breeding exceptional fighters. Like Ren, Dante was fiercely competitive; however, he had yet to find a worthy opponent within his own empire. This lack of challenge was precisely what drove him to the academy—he craved combat and was determined to attain the highest rank possible.
"I had no idea Ren was that talented," Dante mused to himself as he navigated the same crowded hall. "But those holding ranks one and two? They're on an entirely different level."
Despite the daunting presence of his upcoming competition, there was no intimidation in Dante's demeanor. "Sure, they may be monsters, but am I not a monster in my own right?" he chuckled, embracing his identity as both a fearless combatant and a surprisingly bright student.
As he walked, snippets of recent conversations replayed in his mind. "I think my sister mentioned there will be a sparring session on the first day," he recalled, a spark of excitement flashing in his eyes. "I'll challenge all three of them there," he declared when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure among the throng of students.
---
"Hey!" Ren greeted enthusiastically, his face lighting up at the sight of his friend.
"Hey, bro!" Dante replied with equal cheer, their camaraderie evident in their expressions.
"Isn't it funny? I'm ranked higher than you," Ren said, flashing a broad smile that showcased his playful side.
"Dude, are you kidding? That ranking is merely based on affinity—not true battle prowess! I could take you down with one hand tied behind my back!" Dante shot back with an equally playful grin.
The two erupted into a fit of laughter, their friendly rivalry bubbling to the surface. While they were indeed close friends, the geographical distance between their empires often meant their encounters were limited to occasional gatherings and online discussions, making each meeting feel like a reunion of sorts.
"But seriously, did you know our class has two absolute monsters in it?" Ren remarked, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.
"Yeah, and I'm going to be the one to defeat them," Dante replied, his voice steady with resolve.
"Sure, sure," Ren chuckled, but the excitement in his eyes remained.
"Hey, Ren, did you hear the latest gossip?" Dante teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "They're saying that the guys ranked one and two are actually better looking than you!"
Ren feigned shock, putting a hand to his chest. "Who are you kidding? I'm undoubtedly the most handsome guy in our year, Dante!" he replied with a mix of pride and humor.
Dante smirked, enjoying the friendly banter. "Didn't you see the girls chatting on the academy forum? Hehe, you're third place in the most handsome rankings, man!" he teased.
"That's just a rumor! Let's see how true it really is," Ren replied with confidence, pushing open the door to their classroom, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
*As the door swung open, their journey was only just beginning.*