The sun shone brightly over Aearis' elemental school, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Koi Ren stepped through the gates, Koru resting on his back, its twin blades glinting faintly in the morning light.
Aearis' eyes scanned the new students and stopped on Koi Ren. Murmurs spread—many questioned why he was here. He had no elemental powers, after all. But Aearis stepped forward, his voice calm yet commanding:
"Remember," he said, "power isn't everything. Courage, skill, and heart can surpass even the strongest elemental magic."
The students were paired off for the first duels.
Rin Ketsuki stepped forward first, his scythe glowing faintly with red blood magic. His opponent, a fire-user, charged at him recklessly. Rin's eyes gleamed, and with a swift swing, he parried, dodged, and countered, his movements precise and deadly. In mere seconds, Rin disarmed his opponent, leaving him on the ground, stunned.
Daichi Iwamoto raised a hand, and the earth beneath his opponent surged violently. Stone pillars rose and shifted with incredible speed, blocking every attack. His opponent struggled to keep footing, but Daichi moved with perfect control, striking decisively. Within moments, the duel was over—Daichi's smirk widening as he stepped aside.
Aqua Mizuno danced across the field, a ribbon of water twirling around her fingers. Her opponent, a lightning user, sent arcs of electricity toward her, but Aqua moved gracefully, letting the water absorb and redirect the energy. In one flowing motion, she disarmed her opponent and pinned him safely without causing harm. The crowd murmured in awe at her skill.
Then it was Koi Ren's turn. He faced a wind-user who sent swirling gusts and debris barreling toward him. Koi Ren gritted his teeth. Unlike his peers, he had no elemental powers to manipulate the battlefield. Every movement had to be precise; every dodge and strike calculated.
"Is that all you've got?" Koi Ren muttered, summoning all his focus. He drew Koru from his back, splitting it into Ko and Ru. The wind slammed into him, throwing him off balance, and his arms ached from constant blocks and counters. Unlike Rin, Daichi, and Aqua, every strike had to be earned, every maneuver was a struggle.
The duel lasted far longer than anyone expected. Koi Ren dodged, countered, and adapted, using the lessons Watashi had drilled into him for years. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his breath came in ragged gasps, but he refused to fall. Finally, with one precise strike, he managed to disarm his opponent, earning the quiet respect of the crowd.
Koi Ren fell to his knees afterward, exhausted, gripping Koru tightly. His body ached, his arms trembled—but he had survived, and he had proven that skill and heart could match elemental power, even if only just.
Rin adjusted his scythe, glancing at Koi Ren with a smirk. "Not bad… for a powerless kid."
Daichi shook his head, smirking, "Hah… barely got through that one. Let's see how long you last against me."
Aqua smiled warmly, stepping closer. "You did great, Koi Ren! Keep practicing, and you'll be unstoppable."
Koi Ren wiped sweat from his brow, muttering to himself, "I'll get stronger… no matter what it takes."
Aearis smiled and said, " this boy is special "
Even as he caught his breath, the young swordsman knew that this was only the beginning. Rivalries, challenges, and the real tests of skill awaited—but with every lesson, every swing of Koru, Koi Ren was taking another step toward legend.