Chapter 21: New Confrontation

Two weeks had passed since the sword ceremony, and I had been immersed in rigorous training at the Dagger Society's headquarters. My days were filled with combat drills, honing my skills with the sword, and studying the intricacies of the supernatural threats we faced. It had been a demanding but enlightening experience, and I had learned more about my own capabilities and the world of the Daggers than I could have ever imagined.

The day of the entrance ceremony for the Dagger Academy had arrived, marking the next phase of my journey as a Dagger. The academy was renowned for its intense training programs and the forging of elite warriors who would protect humanity from the supernatural.

As I approached the front gate of the academy, a sense of anticipation and excitement coursed through me. The academy was a sprawling complex, hidden beneath the earth like the Dagger Society's headquarters, and it was filled with recruits from all walks of life who had dedicated themselves to the cause.

But as I crossed the threshold of the front gate, my anticipation was cut short by a sudden confrontation. A young man, around my age, stood before me, a cocky smirk on his face. He exuded confidence and a hint of arrogance, as if he believed he was invincible.

"Well, well, well," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "If it isn't the newbie. You think you can actually compete with the likes of me?"

Before I could respond, the young man swung a punch with startling speed, striking me squarely in the face. The force of the blow sent me staggering backward, pain radiating from my jaw. I hadn't even had a chance to defend myself.

The assembly of recruits and onlookers had fallen silent, their eyes locked on the unfolding confrontation. The young man chuckled arrogantly, taking a step closer to me.

"I guess I should introduce myself," he said, his voice filled with a self-assured swagger. "Name's Victor Blackthorn, but you can call me 'Rookie Thunder.' I'm famous around here for taking down anyone who dares to challenge me."

I wiped blood from my split lip, my jaw throbbing with pain. Despite the humiliating start to my entrance at the academy, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. I wasn't one to back down from a challenge, and Victor's arrogance only fueled my resolve.

"I'm Ethan Turner," I replied, my voice steady despite the pain. "And I don't back down from a fight."