LOWKEY INTERSTELLER CAPTAIN

The early morning sun barely crested over the towering spires of the Imperial Military Academy when Cheno Bo stepped onto the sprawling training grounds. His heart was steady, his mind sharper than ever. He had been here before, yet everything felt new. With the System’s aid, his senses were heightened, his perception of battle far beyond that of his current physical state.

But today wasn’t just another day of brutal training, it was the start of his true ascension.

The academy had no shortage of prodigies, but among them, one name stood above the rest—Xian Ren. The academy’s top combatant, the golden child of the Imperial Navy’s high command, and a ruthless rival who viewed fallen nobles like Cheno as trash unworthy of the stars.

Cheno clenched his fists. Xian Ren had humiliated him in his past life, ensuring he remained at the bottom ranks. But this time, things will be different.

“Cadets!” Sergeant Volker’s voice boomed across the grounds. “Today’s exercise is simple—hand-to-hand combat evaluations. We’re testing your ability to fight and adapt. Survive and improve. Fail, and you’re just dead weight.”

Pairs were assigned, and Cheno found himself standing before none other than Xian Ren.

Ren smirked. “This is a waste of my time.”

[System Alert: Mission Activated – Defeat Xian Ren (Bonus: Impress Volker). Reward: +2 Strength, +2 Agility, +1 Combat Instinct.]

Cheno took his stance. “We’ll see about that.”

The duel began in an instant. Xian Ren wasted no time, launching forward with precise, practiced strikes. His form was flawless, every punch and kick executed with brutal efficiency.

Cheno sidestepped a high kick and parried a follow-up punch, his instincts screaming at him to move. His past life had trained him in desperation—a kind of survivalist fighting style. But now? Now, he had the System.

[System Enhancement: Combat Prediction Activated.]

For a split second, Cheno saw Ren’s next move. A downward chop, aimed to break his guard.

Cheno ducked low, countering with a sharp elbow to Ren’s ribs.

A gasp echoed through the gathered cadets. Xian Ren stumbled back, eyes flaring with genuine surprise.

He started, but Cheno didn’t wait. He pressed forward, his strikes sharper, faster, calculated. Ren had always fought in control, never expecting to struggle. But now, he was forced into defense.

The Volker watched closely, arms crossed. “Impressive…”

Xian Ren gritted his teeth. “You’ve improved.”

[System Notification: Opponent Underestimating Host. Tactical Advantage +10%.]

Cheno smirked. “And you’ve stayed the same.”

Ren roared, charging in frustration. But that was his mistake.

Cheno shifted his stance—redirecting Ren’s force with a last-second pivot, sending the academy’s golden child crashing to the ground.

Silence.

Then, Volker chuckled. “Match over.”

Cheno stepped back, heart pounding but victorious. The whispers started immediately.

“Did… did he just win against Xian Ren?”

“That shouldn’t be possible…”

Ren glared at Cheno, his pride shattered. “This isn’t over.”

Cheno offered a hand, smirking. “No, it isn’t.”