The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family

Chapter 175 The Weight Of Expectation

The dust had barely settled from their breakthrough with the Lion's Roar Formation, yet Klaus knew there was no time to celebrate. Success in training meant nothing unless they could execute it under real combat conditions. And more than that, their growing reputation within White Lion was attracting attention—the kind of attention that could be either an opportunity or a problem.

It was mid-morning when Klaus was once again summoned by Captain Kalix. The summons itself was not unusual—ever since Team 55's performance had started improving, Kalix had taken a more vested interest in their progress. But the tone of the messenger's voice was different this time.

Klaus made his way to Kalix's office, where the captain sat behind his massive desk, flipping through a series of reports. His sharp eyes met Klaus's as soon as he entered.

"You've made good progress," Kalix said, closing the file. "Better than I expected. But I didn't call you here to offer praise."

Klaus remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

Kalix leaned forward. "Other teams have taken notice of your improvement. Some are curious. Others aren't too happy about it."

Klaus tilted his head slightly. "Let me guess. Some of them don't like that a squad that was ranked near the bottom is suddenly being treated as an elite prospect."

Kalix smirked faintly. "That's one way to put it." He gestured to a stack of documents on his desk. "I've already received multiple requests from other squads to test you in an official ranked match."

The room went quiet.

Klaus's blue eyes flickered with thought. The White Lion Ranking Matches were official duels between squads, determining status within the organization. Unlike training spars, these weren't just for practice—they were political. Winning meant rising in the ranks, gaining access to better resources and missions. Losing could result in setbacks that were difficult to recover from.

"Who challenged us?" Klaus asked.

"Three teams. Team 34, Team 27, and Team 13."

Klaus recognized the names.

Team 34 was a veteran squad, solid but not outstanding. Team 27 was known for aggressive tactics, preferring brute strength over finesse. Team 13 was a different problem altogether. They were among the top-ranked squads in White Lion, known for their precise teamwork and refined combat techniques.

Kalix tapped his fingers against the desk. "I'll be blunt. You're not ready to take on Team 13 yet. Their cohesion and combat experience surpass yours by a wide margin. But the other two?" His gaze sharpened. "They're within your reach."

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Klaus processed the information quickly. Team 34 would be a measured fight—a battle of technique. Team 27 would be a brawl. Both would challenge different aspects of Team 55's growth.

Kalix continued. "Normally, I wouldn't approve these challenges so soon. But I want to see how far you've really come. You can accept both, or choose just one for now."

Klaus considered. "If we fight Team 34, it will be a test of skill. If we fight Team 27, it will be about handling pressure and aggression."

Kalix nodded. "Exactly. So, what's your decision?"@@@@

Klaus didn't hesitate. "We'll take both."

A flicker of approval passed through Kalix's expression. "Good. The first match is in two days."

He pulled out the Phantom Step manual and began practicing the movement sequences again. Step, pivot, vanish. His body blurred for a split second as his motions became more fluid. He had improved since the first attempt, but there was still room for refinement.

"You're still awake?"

Klaus turned to find Alexandra leaning against a nearby post, arms crossed.

"You should be resting," he said.

"So should you."

He smirked faintly but didn't argue.

She walked closer, observing him as he moved through the Phantom Step sequence again. "You're getting faster."

"Not fast enough."

She tilted her head. "You're always pushing forward, always looking for the next step. Ever satisfied?"

Klaus thought for a moment before answering. "No."

Alexandra chuckled. "Didn't think so." She stepped into a ready stance. "Come on, then. Let's spar. You test your new footwork, and I test my refined aura."

Klaus glanced at her for a moment before nodding. "Alright."

The two squared off under the moonlight, steel flashing as their blades met.

Klaus moved first, his figure vanishing briefly as he used Phantom Step to reposition. Alexandra reacted instantly, tracking his movement with her enhanced mana perception.

For minutes, they exchanged blows—Klaus weaving through attacks with precise footwork, Alexandra countering with calculated strikes. Neither went all out, but both pushed each other just enough to learn.

Finally, they stopped, slightly breathless.

"That'll do," Klaus said, sheathing his sword.

Alexandra smirked. "You're still annoying to fight."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

They stood in silence for a moment before Alexandra spoke again. "We'll win, won't we?"

Klaus's blue eyes gleamed. "Yes."

And for Team 55, the countdown to the ranking match had begun.