Kairen frowned in surprise.
- "Ha...! Now I remember who she is."
Rion gave a faint smile.
- "Yeah... She was a girl from the Evaluation School. I helped her once when some bullies cornered her. Looks like she's back now to challenge me, maybe? Guess she wants to prove she's changed."
Misaki leaned her elbow on the table, smirking.
- "I don't think it's a challenge, Rion. Feels more like she's trying to catch your attention."
Rion raised an eyebrow.
- "Catch my attention?"
Misaki's grin turned teasing.
- "Well, duh. A girl getting saved by a guy... falling for him after that? Sounds about right, doesn't it?"
Rion chuckled softly, half amused, half confused.
- "That's... strange. But whatever, we'll see when the match comes."
Misaki stayed quiet for a moment, her gaze wandering across the room.
Something unspoken lingered in her chest something she didn't dare put into words.
Then she stretched and stood up with a lazy groan.
- "I should head back to my room. Can't believe I actually slept in a guy's bed!"
Kairen burst into a laugh, hands on her hips.
- "At least have some breakfast first! Trust me it's good."
Misaki hesitated, cheeks slightly pink, then sat down again.
The moment she took her first bite, her eyes widened.
- "It's delicious...! I want more!"
Kairen laughed proudly.
- "Told you, didn't I?"
While Misaki ate happily, she eventually slipped away back to her room.
Kairen then turned to her brother.
- "Rion... I'm late for class. Mind if I borrow some of your clothes? Oh, and maybe use your shower too?"
She clasped her hands in front of her chest, eyes wide in mock innocence.
- "Please?"
Rion shrugged casually.
- "Do whatever you want. You don't need my permission."
Kairen smiled softly.
- "Rion... dear brother, we're not kids anymore. I should at least ask first."
Rion looked at her deeply, his voice calm but with a faint edge.
- "Cut the act, Kairen. Misaki's gone already, and honestly, I don't think I need to say anything... unless you want me to remind you what happened?"
Kairen blinked, confused.
- "What do you mean?"
He stepped closer, lips curving into a smirk.
- "You slept next to me. Naked."
Her face turned bright red.
- "I-I wasn't... I mean"
Rion let out a small laugh, rubbing his temple.
- "Just hurry up, or we'll be late."
- "Fine, fine..." she replied awkwardly, forcing a smile.
Then muttered under her breath,
- "Damn it... I totally forgot about that."
She threw on a light olive-green hoodie, tight black pants, and black sneakers with white soles.
Once she was ready, she and Rion headed to class.
The students had just settled into their seats when their teacher, Manata Tyren, entered with firm steps.
A thick notebook in one hand, glasses resting on the bridge of her nose.
Her voice was calm yet commanding.
- "Alright, students... today's lesson will be about how shields are formed."
As she spoke, Rion's mind began to drift away her words fading into a distant echo.
(I already know how shields are formed...)
(They're a blend of mana and one's unique power. Mana alone isn't enough it needs to merge with that inner ability each person possesses. A shield isn't solid metal like people think it's more like a gray layer that molds around the body, changing shape based on the user's power. It's a harmony of mana and density. If your mana weakens, your shield and weapon vanish with it.)
He kept thinking:
(Humans can use shields, sure but we're still limited. The beasts, though... they can't form them at all. I still don't understand why.)
His thoughts were cut short when a loud thud echoed Manata's hand striking the desk sharply.
- "Rion! Where has your mind wandered off to?"
He snapped back to reality, embarrassed.
- "S-sorry, ma'am..."
Manata sighed but gave him a gentle smile.
- "It's fine. I suppose you're just thinking about tomorrow's duel."
(Tomorrow's duel? No... that's not what's bothering me...)
She continued:
- "As I was saying, shields are formed through each individual's special ability. But there's a major difference humans have an organized mana thread, while beasts do not."
Rion frowned slightly to himself.
(Wrong... that's not quite true. Humans have short mana threads focused on one core, while beasts... theirs extend across multiple points in their bodies. That's what makes them so different from us.)
Suddenly, Misaki raised her hand.
- "Teacher, does every student have a weapon along with their shield?"
Manata smiled.
- "Not necessarily. Some rely solely on their fists, others channel mana itself as a weapon. Like me, for example."
A silvery-gray aura enveloped her body, glowing lines of light tracing across her armor.
- "I don't use physical weapons. I fight-and heal directly with mana. And there are others who follow the same path."
She closed her notebook with a soft snap and smiled warmly.
- "That's enough for today. If you've got questions, save them for tomorrow... or for the arena. See you then."
Students poured out of the lecture hall, their chatter echoing through the corridors. Rion and Kairen made their way to the cafeteria, where the air was filled with the mixed scent of fresh bread and coffee. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, glinting off the polished wooden tables.
Kairen sat across from him, scrolling through her phone.
- "Your points keep going up every day," she said. "From fifteen to twenty just from training... I guess fighting's becoming part of our daily lives now."
Rion raised an eyebrow but stayed silent. Before he could reply, Misaki appeared dressed in her usual striking fashion.
She wore a short, light-purple hoodie patterned with white designs, a black sports bra peeking out from underneath, and white track pants with black stripes down the sides. Her sneakers matched white with violet accents and a tight black choker circled her neck.
Holding her lunch tray uncertainly, she sat beside them.
Kairen smirked playfully.
- "Oh... Misaki's sitting with a boy?"
Misaki's face flushed red as she waved her hands frantically.
- "N-no! I came to sit with you, Kairen!"
Kairen chuckled teasingly.
- "If you say so... Anyway, Rion?"
- "Yes?"
Her tone turned serious.
- "I heard that any battle that takes place during the day cancels all classes. There are two more matches tomorrow besides yours."
Rion nodded.
- "I know... but what really interests me are the other students. Especially that guy, Ken... he doesn't talk to anyone."
Kairen tilted her head.
- "He seems like the type who enjoys acting mysterious."
Misaki cut in, glaring at her.
- "Forget that. Tell me why are you wearing a loose hoodie and track pants?"
Kairen smiled faintly.
- "Because I was too lazy to go back to my room. I borrowed Rion's instead."
Misaki's eyes widened.
- "No way! You're not scared of him at all? The 'mysterious Rion'?"
Kairen quickly hushed her.
- "Misaki, don't say that in front of him"
But when she turned around, his seat was empty.
- "When... when did he leave?!"
Misaki pointed toward the corner of the cafeteria, smiling.
- "When you said his name. He went over there he's sitting with Ken."
Kairen sighed softly, smiling to herself.
- "Rion... always so kind."
Misaki muttered coldly,
- "I don't believe there's such a thing as a kind man."
Kairen looked at her calmly.
- "No one truly knows what lies in someone's heart... even if they try to explain it."
Then, more quietly, she added,
- "By the way, Misaki... don't you think your outfit's a bit too revealing?"
Misaki shrugged.
- "I'm free to wear what I want."
Kairen frowned slightly.
- "But your chest is showing. That bra exposes more than it covers."
Misaki replied confidently,
- "I don't care, Kairen. And yes, it is a bra. I'm not hiding that. I always say 'You're free as long as you harm no one.'"
Kairen's eyes softened, though her tone was distant.
- "As you wish, Misaki... do what you want."
Meanwhile, Rion sat across from Ken.
Ken had short, spiky blond hair and calm brown eyes. His features were composed, his outfit simple a white shirt, dark navy pants, and neat black shoes.
- "Hey, Rion," he greeted quietly.
Rion smiled in surprise.
- "Didn't expect a welcome. I thought you'd ask why I came here."
Ken shrugged with a small smile.
- "Why not? We're classmates, after all."
- "You're right... but tell me, why do you always sit alone?"
Ken leaned back slightly.
- "Has anyone ever tried to sit with me and been rejected?"
Rion laughed lightly.
- "I get it... not much of a talker, huh?"
- "Something like that."
- "So, what's your story? Why'd you join the academy?"
A faint smirk crossed Ken's lips.
- "To prove myself to my brother. He's in Class A stronger, faster, smarter. We're twins, but I don't see him as my brother anymore. I'm not anyone's shadow not even his."
Rion lowered his gaze, voice calm.
- "I get it... but his strength doesn't have to make you hate him."
Before Ken could respond, Kairen's voice came from behind them.
- "Rion! Why'd you leave without saying anything?"
He turned to her apologetically.
- "Sorry, I just wanted to talk with Ken for a bit."
Kairen sat down beside them, Misaki following and resting her elbow on the table.
- "So," Misaki asked, "no one from Class A or S has challenged you yet?"
Ken chuckled.
- "Who said Classes C and B are even allowed to fight A or S? The rules forbid it."
Misaki blinked.
- "What? I thought any student could fight whoever they wanted!"
"Nope. Each rank stays within its own level."
Kairen smiled, impressed.
- "You sure know a lot, Ken."
He blushed slightly.
- "Just a little."
Misaki suddenly stood up.
- "I've got to go. Weight training."
Ken raised an eyebrow, tone light but teasing.
- "Weight training? Hard to imagine muscles under that body."
Kairen laughed softly, then turned to Rion with a serious look.
- "Rion, I need to talk to you alone."
Rion stood and smiled at Ken.
- "I'll see you later, Ken. Nice talking to you."
Ken nodded.
- "Same here, Rion."
As Rion walked beside Kairen, she glanced around in awe.
- "This academy's huge... I saw a battle arena, a palace, and so many beautiful trees."
Rion smiled.
- "Yeah, it's an amazing place."
- "Well then, let's head back to our rooms. You've got a match tomorrow, and I'll prepare your outfit myself."
- "Alright, Kairen. Thanks."
next morning, the entire academy shook with the roar of the crowd rushing into the grand arena.
Eyes sparkled with excitement, the air thick with anticipation, and cheers echoed from every corner another day of battles was about to begin.
Kairen, Ken, and Misaki sat in the stands, exchanging tense glances.
On the upper platform, the Headmistress appeared with firm, composed steps. She took her seat on the high chair, raised her hand, and declared the start of the matches.
Kairen wore a light gray undershirt beneath a pale blue sports jacket with white stripes down the sleeves. Her dark gray pants matched neatly with white sneakers accented in blue.
Beside her sat Misaki, elegant as ever in a long white summer dress patterned with soft pastel flowers, topped with a short cream-colored denim jacket and white sandals with modest heels.
Misaki turned to her, eyes shining.
- "You're late! You missed most of the fights they were amazing!"
Kairen yawned softly.
- "Sorry, overslept... but Rion's match hasn't started yet, right?"
Misaki grinned.
- "Don't worry. It's starting now."
The Headmistress took a deep breath, then stood tall and announced firmly,
- "Now, for the final match of the day Rion Grein versus Trangen Sorl!"
The stadium erupted in wild cheers.
Rion entered calmly, almost too casually, wearing a dark brown shirt, straight-cut black pants, and a black belt with a simple silver buckle. His shoes gleamed slightly under the light.
In his hands? A box of popcorn.
He sat down beside Kairen and Misaki as if nothing was wrong.
Misaki nearly jumped out of her seat.
- "What are you doing here?! You're supposed to be in the prep room!"
Kairen laughed, stealing a handful of popcorn.
"Relax, Misaki. Just enjoy the show."
Misaki glared at them both.
- "You two are insane!"
Rion didn't reply. He simply stood up, walked down to the arena, and stepped into the ring with quiet confidence.
Across from him stood Trangen, dressed in a navy cropped hoodie cinched with a thin belt, black skin-tight pants, and high boots reaching just below the knee. Black gloves covered her hands, and a slender choker framed her neck. Her expression was calm, unwavering.
The Headmistress raised her hand high then brought it down sharply.
- "Begin!"
Rion stood still, eyes locked on his opponent.
Trangen smirked and in an instant, a gelatinous wave burst from her body, forming into a giant hand of slime that crashed toward him.
Rion dodged effortlessly, moving like the wind.
He countered with swift punches, each strike dissolving parts of the attacking mass, splattering it across the ring.
Then suddenly, Trangen melted into the ground and vanished.
Rion smiled faintly.
- "You've improved since last time."
Her voice echoed from below, warped and distant.
- "Oh, so you remember me now? How sweet."
Rion's tone grew sharper.
- "I didn't know you could merge with solid rock too... impressive."
A soft laugh rippled beneath his feet.
- "Rion paying me a compliment? Today really is special."
His expression hardened.
- "But this fight won't last long."
He leapt high then slammed his foot into the ground with tremendous force.
The arena trembled, dust exploded into the air, and cracks tore through the floor.
Trangen screamed as the slime coating the arena began to crumble and shatter apart.
- "I... I surrender!" she cried out, raising both hands.
Silence fell and then, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
The Headmistress raised her arm.
- "Winner Rion Grein!"
Rion exhaled quietly, stepping toward the exit.
Behind him, Trangen followed, weary but smiling. She reached out and tapped his shoulder gently.
- "Thanks for the great fight... my dear Rion."
She walked away slowly.
Rion stood there for a moment, catching his breath, before glancing up at the stands where Kairen was waving proudly.
- "Well done, my dear brother," she called.
He smiled faintly.
- "Yeah... it was a good match."
But deep down, he knew this battle was only the beginning something far greater, and darker, awaited him beyond the horizon.
The next morning, Rion and Kairen returned to class as usual.
Suddenly, the door opened with slow, deliberate steps.
Their teacher, Manata Tyren, entered carrying her usual notebook. She stopped at the board, adjusted her glasses to the tip of her nose, and smiled faintly.
- "My dear students, today we have a new classmate joining us."
Murmurs spread through the room as everyone turned toward the door.
- "Come in, Touka."
A girl stepped inside long, slightly wavy black hair flowing behind her, calm expression, and light brown eyes that glowed with quiet confidence.
She wore a medium-blue denim shirt beneath a short, dark green jacket with three-quarter sleeves, tight dark jeans, and low-heeled black shoes.
She spoke softly yet firmly,
- "Hello everyone... my name is Touka."
For a few seconds, the room was silent. Then, the teacher added with deliberate weight,
- "Oh, and one more thing you should know, Touka isn't just any student. She's part of the Plant Beast species."
Instantly, the class exploded:
- "WHAAAAAAAT?!"
To be continued...