Chapter 22: Squad 4
Chapter 22
Ronan stepped into Squad 4's training hall, his bag slung over one shoulder. The atmosphere was different here—he could feel it immediately. The air was heavier, charged with the quiet hum of mana lingering from previous battles. The squad members, who had been engaged in drills and sparring, gradually turned their heads toward him. Their expressions ranged from mild curiosity to open skepticism.
"He's the one isn't it?" a voice drawled from the side. They had all heard about the squad 5 newbie who scored 900 in the mana test and was now being transferred to their squad.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with a sharp gaze approached, twirling a wooden training staff in his hand. He looked Ronan up and down, unimpressed.
"So, you're the newbie Jordan dumped on us."
Ronan met his gaze evenly. "Yeah. Name's Ronan."
The man snorted. "I don't care what your name is. Here, we don't just take in rookies because they scored high on some flashy mana meter. You want to be part of Squad 4? Then prove you're not dead weight."
Ronan had expected some resistance, but the sheer hostility in the man's tone put him on edge. "And how exactly do I prove that?" he asked, his voice steady. He already knew what they were going to say, but he still asked.
A smirk spread across the man's face. He turned to the rest of the squad. "What do you think, boys? Should we give him a proper welcome?"
A murmur of approval rippled through the room. Another fighter, a lean man with short-cropped hair, stepped forward. "Let's not waste time. Just throw him in."
The first man's smirk widened. "Alright, newbie. You're up against me. First to land a clean hit wins."