The Spectacular Rank F Hero

Chapter Sixteen: The Weight of Power

The Academy's corridors were buzzing with chatter the next morning. News of Rin's performance during the combat drills had spread faster than a wildfire. His unexpected takedown of the advanced drone had left an impression, sparking wild theories and rumors among the students.

"Did you hear about Rin Park?" one student whispered.

"Yeah! They're saying he's been holding back all this time."

"Or maybe he got lucky. He's an F-rank, after all."

Rin walked through the hallways, keeping his head down. He wasn't in the mood to deal with the attention. The glowing shard in his pocket seemed to grow heavier with each step, as if reminding him of the burden he now carried.

"Hey, Rin!"

Aila jogged up to him, a wide grin on her face.

"You're the talk of the Academy!" she said, nudging him playfully. "It's about time people started noticing you."

"Great," Rin muttered. "Exactly what I needed."

Aila frowned. "You don't seem too thrilled. What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Rin said, his voice flat. "I just don't like being the center of attention."

"Well, you'd better get used to it," Aila said, her tone turning serious. "Leon's not going to let this slide. He's probably already planning some way to knock you down a peg."

"Let him try," Rin said, his jaw tightening.

---

A Mysterious Encounter

Later that day, Rin found himself in the Academy library, searching for any information about the shard. The place was quiet, with only a handful of students scattered among the aisles. Rin scanned the shelves, his eyes landing on a dusty old book titled Relics of the Forgotten Age.

"Relics, huh?" Rin muttered, pulling the book off the shelf.

He flipped through the pages, his interest piqued by the illustrations of ancient artifacts. One image caught his eye—a glowing crystal shard that looked eerily similar to the one he had.

"Found you," Rin whispered, scanning the accompanying text.

The shard was described as a fragment of an ancient relic known as the Eclipse Core, said to be a source of immense power. According to the book, the Core was shattered centuries ago during a great war, and its fragments were scattered across the world.

"The Eclipse Core," Rin repeated, his mind racing. "So, that's what you are."

"You seem very interested in that book."

Rin nearly dropped the book at the sound of the voice. He turned to see an older man standing behind him, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. The man was tall and lean, with a well-groomed beard and an air of authority.

"Who are you?" Rin asked, taking a cautious step back.

"The name's Professor Kael," the man said, offering a small smile. "I specialize in ancient artifacts and lost technologies. And you, my friend, seem to have stumbled upon something very intriguing."

Rin's grip on the book tightened. "I was just… curious."

"Curiosity is good," Kael said, his tone calm. "But be careful. Relics like the one you're reading about have a way of attracting trouble."

Rin's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Kael's smile faded. "Let's just say that the Eclipse Core is not a relic to be taken lightly. If you've found a fragment of it—"

"I didn't say I had," Rin interrupted.

Kael chuckled. "You didn't have to. The way you're clutching that book tells me everything I need to know."

Rin said nothing, his mind racing.

"If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me," Kael said, turning to leave. "Just remember—power is a double-edged sword. Wield it wisely."

---

Leon's Challenge

Rin didn't have much time to dwell on Kael's words. As he left the library, he was greeted by an all-too-familiar voice.

"Park!"

Leon stood at the end of the hallway, flanked by his lackeys. His expression was a mix of anger and smugness.

"What do you want, Leon?" Rin asked, already tired of the encounter.

"I want a rematch," Leon said, stepping forward. "Right here, right now."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "A rematch? For what? I wasn't even trying to compete with you."

"Don't play dumb," Leon snapped. "Everyone's talking about how you showed me up during the drills. I'm not letting some F-rank loser steal my spotlight."

"Sounds like a you problem," Rin said, turning to walk away.

Leon's hand shot out, grabbing Rin's shoulder. "Don't walk away from me!"

Rin shrugged off Leon's grip, his eyes cold. "Touch me again, and you'll regret it."

Leon sneered. "Big talk for someone who's been coasting by on luck."

"Luck?" Rin said, his voice low. "You think what happened yesterday was luck?"

"Of course it was," Leon said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "You're nothing without it."

Rin took a step closer, his expression unreadable. "Then prove it. Set up your little rematch. But when I win, you'll shut up and stay out of my way."

Leon smirked. "You're on."

---

Aila's Concern

Word of the challenge spread quickly, and by the time Rin returned to the dorms, Aila was waiting for him.

"Are you out of your mind?" she demanded, blocking his path.

"Nice to see you too," Rin said, brushing past her.

"I'm serious, Rin!" Aila said, following him into his room. "Leon's not going to fight fair. He'll do whatever it takes to humiliate you."

"Let him try," Rin said, tossing his bag onto the bed.

Aila sighed, her frustration evident. "Why are you like this? You could've just ignored him."

"And let him keep thinking he can walk all over me?" Rin said, his voice firm. "No thanks."

Aila stared at him, her expression softening. "You've changed, you know that? You're not the same guy who used to avoid conflict at all costs."

Rin hesitated, the shard's faint glow catching his eye. "Maybe I've had enough of running."

Aila didn't respond, but the worry in her eyes said enough.

---

The Calm Before the Storm

As the sun set, Rin sat by his window, staring at the shard. He could feel its energy pulsing in sync with his heartbeat, a constant reminder of the power now at his fingertips.

"Kael was right," Rin muttered. "This thing is trouble."

But trouble, it seemed, was something Rin couldn't avoid. And if Leon wanted a fight, Rin was determined to give him one he'd never forget.

"Let's see how lucky I really am," Rin said, a small smirk playing on his lips.

The shard pulsed brighter, as if sharing his resolve.