Begin!” Nelson said


    The moment that the words left Nelson’s mouth, a blast of heat vision came from Coles’s eyes. Kenan wasn’t fast enough to react, but his reflexes were fast enough to activate his ability to cover his body completely in silvery steel again. The blast easily went through Kenan’s hoodie but didn’t penetrate his skin.


    “My goodness, his heat vision blast just now was way hotter than I expected. I can feel the heat on my insides. It would have gone through me if it had been normal skin. Let’s not prolong this any further.” Kenan tries to close in, but Cole keeps holding him back with his kicks, maintaining his distance.


    “I can not keep my full metal body up for long. It burns way too much energy before my head starts to hurt. I can feel a headache coming on. Next time he throws a kick, I’ll go to grab it and sweep his other leg.” Kenan thought. He fakes a hook and waits for Cole to counterattack with a kick.


    Cole brings his leg up to counterattack but fakes it at the last second, sending a straight jab to Kenan’s face.


    “Point!” Nelson said, pointing to Cole.


    “How come my heat vision bolt didn’t count as a point when it hit him?” Cole asked.


    “It didn’t affect your opponent. At least not enough to stop him. So I didn’t count it.”


    Cole Shakes his head in disappointment and doesn’t bring it up any further.


    “This is a match point for the both of you. Next point wins,” Nelson said.


    “I was bluffing that kick the whole time. Of course, I’m not going to do the same move twice. Does this kid think I’m an amateur?” Cole thought.


    “Did I surprise you? Like I said, you come from privilege. You probably grew up with someone to train you because you thought being a Shepherd looked cool. My parents have always wanted to be Shepherds; they respected them and admired them. They used their entire life savings to buy me the elixir that granted me power, and I will not be beaten by someone who takes their privilege for granted! Cole said. His eyes started to glow orange as he spoke. But they quickly flicker away no sooner than they came. He took in a deep breath and took his fighting stance.


    “You don’t even know me. Like I said, I’m from here and do not come from money.” Kenan said. He shot the blood out of his nose and then raised his fist again.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    “Begin!”


    Both young men charged at each other, fists at the ready to land a blow. Cole’s reach was longer, and Kenan knew that, so he changed his hook punch to an uppercut when Cole was in range.


    “Got you!” Kenan said. His punch connected with the bottom of Cole’s jaw and sent him flying upwards, landing on his back.


    “He moved so fast, too fast, like he had super speed for a second.” Cole thought, looking up at the ceiling with tears in his eyes.


    “Don’t beat yourself up! I’m Sentient, and I use my reflexes to change the trajectory of my punt at the last second. Otherwise, you MIGHT have gotten me.” Kenan spoke.


    Cole shot up from where he lay and pointed a finger at Kenan. “I knew it! I definitely would have beat you.”


    Kenan throws his hand up defensively. “I didn’t say all of that. I mean, I still didn’t use my Superior ability to its fullest.” “Not that I know how,” Kenan said that last part in his head.


    “Please be my friend,” Cole said with his fist in his other hand and bowing at the waist.


    Nelson chuckled at the display. “This kid is humble; he’ll go far in the future,” he thought.


    Calvin just rolled his eyes and walked over to Nelson, who was coming down the sparing platform. “How did you know that kid was a Sentient? And how come you didn’t tell me?


    “He told me whenever he came in if only you had waited a moment longer,” Nelson joked.


    Kenan scratched the back of his head and scrunched up his face a little. “He hasn’t lifted his head until he’s heard my reply. He’s got some resolve, for sure. Plus, not too many people our age at the academy know martial arts.” He thought.


    “Alright, let’s watch each other’s backs! Kenan said as he gave his martial arts bow in return.


    They both then rose from their bow and grabbed each other’s forearms. “Let’s rise through the ranks together!”


    Kenan spoke.


    ***


    Kenan and Cole got registered for the entrance exam into the academy. Nelson told Kenan that he didn’t have to take it since he was a Sentient, and they accepted them without examination or even tuition. So Kenan decided to just pay for Calvin’s exam fees and tuition. Both Cole, Nelson, and Cole were shocked.


    Cole reached over and touched Kenan’s shoulder. “I’m afraid we can no longer be friends because of this.”


    Kenan raised an eyebrow. “How come?”


    “Because we are now brothers. There is no other way for me to repay this debt only by becoming your brother and your sword. Your enemies are now mine,” Cole said, staring into Kenan’s eyes.


    This made Kenan very uncomfortable, and he quickly shook Cole’s hand off his shoulder. “Ugh, that’s fine, I guess. I always wanted a brother. It kinda sucked growing up an only child.”


    “It’s just money. Why do people take it so seriously?” Kenan thought. He starts to remember what his father said about money.


    “Always remember, Kenan, while I or your mother may not think much of money. Many other people do. Money controls many people’s lives, which could be due to them not having enough of it or too much. So most people respect money. We should, too, but not to the extent of others.”


    “That old man may be a deadbeat now but he still was a good dad to me. Still, He will get this beating coming to him.” Kenan thought.


    After Kenan and Cole had registered for the entrance exam, Nelson and Calvin said they could leave.


    Cole clapped his hands together and turned to Kenan. “Alright, bro, you


    have to have dinner at my house. I also wanted to show you my family dojo.