Hiruzen followed Logan through the academy’s northern sector, where the air grew noticeably colder with every step. Unlike the rest of the school, which buzzed with energy, this part of the campus carried an eerie silence. The frost-covered buildings gave the area a regal, almost unwelcoming atmosphere, as if only those who truly belonged could withstand its chill.

  At the entrance stood a tall man draped in black royal attire, his presence exuding an unmistakable authority. His pale silver hair barely moved in the wind, and his piercing blue eyes studied them with a detached curiosity.

  Logan: Smirking "Ah, Reito. It’s always an honor to be in your presence."

  Reito: Sighs "Logan, spare me the theatrics and introduce the new recruit."

  Logan: "My apologies, Lord Reito." He gestures toward Hiruzen. "This is Hiruzen Yuki, your newest member. He performed exceptionally well in his placement trial."

  Hiruzen: Casually "Nice to meet you. I hope we get along, O fearless leader."

  Reito arched an eyebrow.

  Reito: "Your way of speaking lacks discipline. But I saw your match against Rika. Your control over ice is… interesting. A rare talent."

  Hiruzen smirked.

  Hiruzen: "I appreciate that. I actually have a few things I’d like to ask you later—if you’ve got time."

  Reito: Nods "Of course. But that will have to wait until after our match."

  Hiruzen: Blinks "Match?"

  Logan: "Normally, students who pass their placement trial are just accepted into their unit and allowed to settle in. But for elite divisions like the Frost Unit, you have to earn your place."

  Reito: Stepping forward "Your task is simple—land a single hit on me."

  Hiruzen rolled his shoulders, already calculating his approach.

  Hiruzen: "Sounds doable. But just so you know, I’m not here to play games. I’ll pass this test no matter what."

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  Reito’s lips curled into the faintest smirk.

  Reito: "Good. Let’s get started. Logan, lead the way to the arena."

  Arena – Frost Domain

  The arena was a massive open space, its ground already coated in ice from previous matches. Spectators from the Frost Unit gathered around, eager to see their leader put the newcomer in his place. The cold wind howled through the open battlefield as Reito stepped forward, hands tucked into his coat.

  Reito: Voice booming "Let’s get started already."

  Hiruzen wasted no time, dashing forward with explosive speed, conjuring an ice spear in his right hand and aiming for Reito’s torso.

  Reito: "Nice try."

  In a fluid motion, Reito shattered the spear with his bare hand and countered with a gut punch coated in Ice VII—the hardest form of ice. The force of the blow sent Hiruzen skidding back across the ice, his breath escaping in a sharp gasp.

  Hiruzen: Coughing "Damn… What’s with his ice? It’s tougher than steel."

  Reito walked forward, casually flexing his fingers.

  Reito: "My power allows me to create and manipulate Ice VII—the densest ice in existence. And unlike regular ice, I can layer it, increasing its density beyond its natural limits."

  Hiruzen wiped his lip and exhaled sharply.

  Hiruzen: "If he’s layering his ice, then every hit is going to feel like getting hit by a wrecking ball… I can’t let this drag out."

  Reito raised both fists and slammed them into the ground. Immediately, a massive eruption of glacial spikes shot outward, swallowing the battlefield in a frozen storm.

  Hiruzen: Eyes widening "Shit—!"

  He leapt into the air just in time, dodging the expanding frost. While airborne, he formed a massive ball of ice and hurled it down at Reito.

  Reito: Scoffs "Predictable."

  He raised an arm to block, but the moment the ice ball made contact, it burst into a thick mist.

  Hiruzen: Appearing from the mist "Gotcha."

  He launched himself forward, his fist coated in razor-sharp frost, aiming straight for Reito’s back.

  But just as his strike was about to land—

  Reito: Calmly "Not bad. But still too predictable."

  A thick layer of Ice VII formed across his back, causing Hiruzen’s ice fist to shatter on impact. The sudden shock sent a jolt of pain up his arm, forcing him to retreat.

  Hiruzen landed several feet away, shaking the numbness out of his hand.

  Hiruzen: Thinking "Dammit… No matter how I approach, he seals off his openings with ice. There’s no weak spot."

  Reito tilted his head.

  Reito: "Running out of ideas already?"

  The spectators murmured, some chuckling.

  Reito: Taunting "If you can’t even make me move, you don’t belong in the Frost Unit."

  Hiruzen clenched his fists.

  Hiruzen: "Alright, fine. Time to turn it up a notch."

  He took a deep breath, and suddenly, the temperature plummeted. A thick, heavy frost radiated from his body as his ice aura surged, covering the battlefield in layers of white fog.

  Reito narrowed his eyes, intrigued.

  Reito: "He’s increasing the ambient cold? No—he’s preparing for something."

  Hiruzen dashed forward, his speed nearly doubled.

  Reito: "He’ll dodge at the last second and go for another back attack… I’ll cover my back in Ice VII and detonate it to counter."

  But the moment Reito threw his punch, Hiruzen did the unthinkable—

  He took the hit head-on.

  Reito: Eyes widening "WHAT—?! ARE YOU INSANE?!"

  Hiruzen’s body lurched back from the force, but before Reito could retract his fist, Hiruzen’s hand moved like lightning, conjuring a sharp ice spear—

  And drove it straight into Reito’s side.

  A sharp chill spread from the impact as Reito’s body tensed, his muscles locking for a moment.

  Reito: Exhales "Huh… clever."

  Hiruzen’s vision blurred as his body finally gave out, his knees buckling as he collapsed onto the ice. His chest heaved, his breath misting in the frigid air.

  Reito let out a slow exhale, pulling the ice spear free and tossing it aside. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he smiled.

  Reito: "Good match, kid. Welcome to the Frost Unit."

  Hiruzen grinned weakly, lying flat on the ground.

  Hiruzen: "Glad to be here… but damn, that hurt."

  The arena erupted into cheers, as the newest member of the Frost Unit had officially earned his place.