The day had arrived. Toru Kurotaki, now officially an EX-Rank Essence Warrior, stood at the center of the grand hall once again. The ceremony was even grander than the one that had celebrated Riku's rise, with reporters, high-ranking officials, and fans filling the hall.
Flashes from cameras illuminated the air, and a flurry of whispers followed him as he walked to the stage.
"Another EX-Rank Essence Warrior?" one voice murmured."I heard he's only 19, like the other boy.""Two EX-Rank Warriors from the same class? That's unheard of."
Toru smirked as he took his place next to Kensei Gojuro, the Essence President who, once again, beamed at the crowd. But it was the girls that stole the show.
"We love you, Toru!""Marry me, Toru!""Ahhh, he's so hot, and so powerful!"
Toru simply gave them a wave, his trademark smirk never leaving his face. He knew this was his moment, and he was soaking it in. But his thoughts were elsewhere.
Riku.
As Toru took the stage to receive his commendation, the camera panned to Riku. At home, in his living room, sitting casually on his couch, he had the TV on. His legs stretched out as he watched the ceremony unfold. His attention, however, wasn't on the flashes or the crowds. It was on Toru's progress.
He chuckled softly.
"That guy's pretty impressive... Doing his best to catch up to me."
There was a flicker of respect in his gaze. Toru had made an impact, no question. But Riku remained unconcerned.
His eyes flicked back to the screen as Toru received his new rank. The world was watching, the world that saw these two as rivals, two warriors from the same class, both holding EX-Rank power.
But in Riku's mind, there was no rivalry yet. Toru still had a long way to go.
The Day After the Ceremony:
Toru, now officially the second EX-Rank Essence Warrior, went back to his training. His usual fierce resolve had only grown stronger. He was determined to surpass Riku, the only other person who could call themselves his equal.
As for Riku? He didn't need to prove anything to anyone. He already knew he was the best.