The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavy, as if the air were charged with static electricity following Miss Manata's shocking revelation. The teacher confirmed in her deep, resonant voice—the kind that carries the calm before a storm:
"Yes, students... she truly belongs to the lineage of monsters."
A dead silence fell over the room, the kind that precedes an explosion. It was shattered by Ken, who bolted from his seat as if stung by a viper, shouting with pure disdain:
"I won't accept a monster in my class!" But his outcry vanished into nothingness as the door swung open with a violent force, and a figure embodying both absolute authority and dread stepped inside.
Principal Dalia Storm Crest entered. Her confident strides echoed through the hall, her long red hair flowing behind her like a waterfall of fire, while her crimson eyes glittered with an icy brilliance that froze the blood in one's veins. She wore an imposing black coat with deep red lapels, reminiscent of the sternest military commanders.
In a flash too fast for the naked eye to track, she vanished from the doorway and reappeared directly in front of Ken, the cold edge of her blade pressing against his throat. She whispered with a voice dripping with menace:
"And who told you that you have the right to object to my decisions? If you don't like it... I can expel you right now." Ken recoiled, his limbs paralyzed by terror, and slumped back into his seat in submission.
The Principal decisively announced that Touka was under her direct protection, sanctioned by the High Council of Kenimar Island. Before she departed, her gaze lingered for a few seconds on Rion—a cryptic look that made his heart race, as if she held the key to the secret he kept hidden from the world.
Under the vast ceiling of the training hall, the scene was different. Misaki, in her tight black athletic gear, stood stunned as she watched the newcomer, Touka. Touka was lifting weights with a natural fluidity, dressed in her grey tracksuit.
Misaki gasped as she saw Touka handling the massive weights as if they were feathers.
Touka smiled shyly, saying:
"It's thanks to my monster genes."
Touka revealed she was lifting about 70 kilograms, making Misaki laugh with excitement at her new rival.
In a corner of the hall, Rion was lifting his weights with silent regularity, while Kairen watched him anxiously. Rion wasn't concerned with Touka's strength so much as that look the Principal had shot him. He murmured to Kairen:
"Her gaze was strange, as if she knows something about my secret." Kairen tried to reassure him with her usual smile, urging him to focus on honing his skills.
Suddenly, the hall shook with a booming voice. Coach Toby stood in the center, his massive body looking as if it were carved from stone. With his sharp violet eyes and combat attire, he issued his challenge:
"I want one of you to attack me and try to take me down."
Rion internally mocked the display, muttering to Kairen that true power lies in "latent Mana," not in muscle mass. Touka stepped forward bravely and threw a powerful punch at the coach's stomach, but Toby didn't budge an inch. He looked at her coldly and said:
"You are weak despite your lineage. You need to work harder." Touka retreated, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment.
After the official session ended, Ken approached Rion with childish pride, boasting about his progress over the last three months. Rion encouraged him quietly, before Trangen burst into the scene, struggling to lift an empty iron bar with a passionate scream:
"Rion! Look at me, I'm lifting weights!"
Rion laughed, matching her enthusiasm:
"Well done, Trangen! You're very strong!"
Despite her obvious exhaustion, Trangen lifted her head with pride, repeating with certainty:
"Yes... I am strong."
As the hall gradually emptied, Rion remained staring at the horizon, realizing that Touka's arrival and Principal Dalia's sudden interest in him were but omens of a new chapter of mysteries—mysteries that would require more than mere physical strength to solve.
After training, the cafeteria was buzzing with chatter and laughter. Rion sat alone, wearing a black high-collared zip-up jacket over a simple white shirt, black slim-fit trousers, and leather boots. He was lost in thought, staring into his coffee cup, until Kairen appeared suddenly, playfully slapping the table. She was wearing her mustard-colored jacket and skirt set with a turtleneck.
"What's up, Rion? You look like you're lost in another world."
He raised his head slowly and said in a low voice:
"I was... thinking about Touka."
Kairen nodded firmly, a serious look crossing her face:
"Me too. Do you think they tested her before admitting her to the academy?"
He shrugged with feigned indifference:
"Maybe... it's not unlikely."
Misaki arrived at that moment, wearing a short purple patterned jacket over a black sports bra and white track pants, and set her tray on the table.
"What are you two whispering about?"
They replied in unison:
"Nothing important." Then Kairen hurried off, leaving Rion and Misaki alone.
A brief silence fell between them, broken by Misaki's faint voice:
"Rion... can I ask you something? Why are men... such despicable creatures?"
Rion froze and said in surprise:
"What do you mean?"
Her eyes flared with suppressed rage:
"All you care about is hurting girls or satisfying your urges. You see nothing but ugliness."
Rion remained silent, so she continued bitterly:
"See? You can't even answer, because you know I'm right."
Rion lowered his head, his voice coming out raspy and carrying deep-seated sorrow:
"Let me ask you... why would a human sacrifice their life so that someone else could live?"
Misaki looked at him in shock. Rion continued with a trembling voice:
"I never wanted to be here in the first place... all I wanted was to die."
Misaki shouted angrily:
"The person who sacrificed their life for you did it so you could live in their stead, not so you could die after them!"
Rion cast his gaze down and said in a broken voice:
"I know... I've heard those words before."
Then he asked her quietly:
"Misaki... why do you see all men as monsters?"
She sat down again, her voice shaking:
"When I was little, at the Heaven Orphanage... I was subjected to every form of harassment. Since then, I haven't seen anything in men but their filth."
Rion's gaze softened, and he said with deep calm:
"So, you've judged everyone because of a few pieces of trash?"
"Yes. And I don't care what you say... I'll never believe there's a man who is different."
Rion smiled a sad smile and said:
"You were at the Evaluation School before this academy, and you faced the same thing there?"
She nodded, her expression darkening:
"It was the worst period of my life... but there was someone who always helped me. I never knew who it was."
Rion took a slow breath and said:
"It was me... I was the one helping you."
Misaki laughed mockingly, hiding her confusion:
"And I'm supposed to believe that?"
"If you don't believe me, ask Kairen yourself."
He stood up, saying:
"Not all men are good, and not all are bad... but remember, your path is your own. You are the one who chooses the good or the evil in your life."
He left, leaving Misaki alone between doubt and a small spark that began to ignite in her heart.
The following morning, the Academy's Grand Hall was boiling with an unceasing clamor as students swarmed the stands, their whispers a mix of eager anticipation and the dread of confrontation. Principal Dalia stood on her high platform, raising her hand in a regal gesture that silenced everyone. Then, her booming voice sliced through the silence:
"The first match... Rion Grein vs. Max Mitra!"
Cheers erupted like a storm as the two opponents stepped into the arena. Ken, the blonde boy, watched from afar, while Kairen sat in the stands, her mind seemingly elsewhere as if a heavy burden weighed on her chest.
The opponent, Max, entered with confident strides that shook the ground. He was a man in his twenties, tall and possessing a physique overflowing with power; his broad shoulders and muscular arms embodied the look of a seasoned warrior who knew no defeat. He wore a tight red shirt highlighting his explosive chest muscles, olive-green cargo pants, and grey athletic shoes designed for stability. His face was framed by precisely styled black hair and pale green eyes that shone with a gaze as sharp and cold as a blade.
Max smiled mockingly and said in a tone full of challenge:
"Finally, Rion... I've been waiting for this day for a long time."
Rion didn't move a muscle; he merely stole a glance at Kairen before fixing a deathly cold stare on his opponent. With the Principal's decisive nod, the call rang out:
"Begin the fight!"
Max lunged like a hurricane, and red magical energy began to explode around his arms, forming part of his famous iron armor. He used his ability to burst his physical speed, turning his fists into massive hammers. He rained down a relentless barrage of blows on Rion, who had no choice but to retreat under this torrent of raw power.
Rion slammed into the wall with a force that cracked the stone. Blood trickled from his mouth and forehead, staining his dark brown shirt. He rose slowly, his breath ragged, but his eyes burned with an unquenchable ember.
Max laughed with disdain:
"How do you like that, Rion? Do you feel humiliated in front of your female fans, you womanizer? Today you learn a real lesson!"
Rion wiped the blood with the back of his hand, a twisted, mocking smile appearing on his face:
"You... are just a jealous fool."
Max flew into a rage and lunged like a madman to deliver a finishing blow, but shock paralyzed his movement when Rion raised his hand steadily and stopped the strike in mid-air with stunning skill—and with only one hand. In the blink of an eye, Rion's fist drove into Max's stomach with destructive force, sending the latter reeling, gasping in pain. Before he could recover, Rion was behind him, raining down a barrage of swift, sharp blows until Max's muscular frame collapsed to the floor.
Max muttered in a hoarse voice:
"Damn... you..."
Rion approached him with calm, imposing steps and said in a resonant voice:
"I didn't come here to play, Max... I came for one goal only."
Max raised his head with difficulty and asked:
"And what is that?"
Rion replied with absolute certainty:
"To free Valdoris from the grip of the monsters."
Max froze and asked in astonishment:
"What?! You intend to become one of the Envoys?"
Rion smiled triumphantly:
"Yes. And it seems from your look that you want the same thing."
Max admitted, adjusting his position, resentment still simmering in his chest:
"Yes... I do, because I want to crush those cursed monsters at any cost."
Rion smiled deeply:
"Then... it seems we are walking the same path."
Principal Dalia's voice rang out, announcing the end:
"The winner is Rion Grein! Max Mitra is unable to continue!"
As Rion left the arena amidst a roar of applause, his path crossed Kairen's at the gate. She stopped before him with a mysterious look he hadn't seen in her before, and whispered in a voice as soft as rustling leaves:
"Something is going to happen... tomorrow."
Rion froze in his tracks, watching her figure as she walked away, while her words echoed in his mind like an alarm bell signaling an approaching storm that would change the course of destiny.
As soon as the dust from the first battle settled, a heavy silence charged with tension fell over the Grand Hall, as if the air had thickened in anticipation of the next storm. Two girls took the stage, walking with dignity and steadiness under the watchful eyes of the students. The first stood, her features speaking of resolve, upright like a spear that would not break. In the opposite corner stood her opponent, who appeared calm, her coolness suggesting she had read the pages of fate before they were even opened.
The opponent had a commanding presence; her long hair flowed like a vibrant blue waterfall, streaked at the ends with gold that shimmered under the light. Her milky-blue eyes widened with a gentle smile that hid a warrior's cunning. She wore a short red jacket with rolled-up sleeves over a dark purple shirt that highlighted her agility, while her tight black pants and combat boots with purple laces gave her a confident look that combined elegance and lethality. She stood with a beautiful coldness, her left hand in her pocket, her eyes fixed on her rival in total stillness.
Principal Dalia raised her hand high, and the moment it dropped, her voice cried out:
"Begin the fight!"
Kairen didn't wait a single heartbeat; she lunged like an arrow toward the side wall, leaping with incredible lightness, defying gravity. In mid-air, a glowing magical symbol flashed on her left palm, and she summoned the "Wind Blade." Her body transformed into a roaring cyclone, tearing through the air with lightning speed in a suicidal charge toward her opponent.
But the blue-haired girl, called Meow, didn't even blink. With a fluid motion, she summoned a dual Mana sword that glowed a sky-blue color, parrying the first attack with astounding stability. A series of clashes began that looked like flashes of lightning; every strike from Kairen targeted a weakness, and every time Meow appeared there beforehand—thanks to her exceptional control over Mana—to block the attack with a coldness that piqued the spectators' interest.
Kairen retreated, panting, feeling her opponent's solidity. At that moment, she activated her latent ability; a dark brown Mana shield interlaced with violent gold lines enveloped her body. She extended her right hand, and the void around her ignited. A crimson fire sword emerged, dripping with flames, and she said in a defiant voice:
"Now... you will see the real difference!"
She lunged again, but this time she left a trail of hell behind her. The temperature of the arena rose until it seemed to everyone that the rock itself would boil. Meow narrowed her eyes and raised her glowing sword, activating "Mana Shield Hardening." A sky-blue envelope with dark, interlocking lines formed around her, and she said with her usual calm:
"Your power has suddenly increased..."
Kairen replied, advancing with flaming steps:
"That's because I've merged the Fire Sword with the Wind Sword!"
The two blades met in the center of the arena, and light exploded between them like a sun born for a moment and then vanished. The ground shook beneath the spectators' feet, and sparks of flame mixed with blue Mana scattered in every direction. The battle was a masterpiece of danger and beauty—a struggle between a wind that fanned the fire and a stillness that tried to contain the storm.
Kairen used her teleportation ability to vanish and reappear from a blind spot, delivering dual strikes that combined pure speed and destructive power. But Meow, with her steady focus, moved the Mana around her to redirect Kairen's attacks away, merging defense and offense into one.
After minutes of fierce fighting that exhausted them both, the two girls stepped back, their breaths becoming heavy. They stood looking at each other with silent respect behind their worn-out shields. Suddenly, Meow lowered her sword, its glow gradually fading, and said with a calm smile:
"You fought well, Kairen... I withdraw."
Kairen's eyes widened in a shock that stunned the crowd:
"What?! Why are you giving up now?!"
Meow replied, regaining her full composure:
"The official result doesn't matter... and honestly? You've proven you deserve this win."
Principal Dalia's voice cut through the state of disbelief:
"The winner: Kairen Shiro!"
Kairen stood frozen for seconds before a smile of pride tinged with serenity spread across her face. As for Meow, she left the arena with dignified steps, as if what happened was merely a pleasant experience in a long journey.
Meanwhile, Principal Dalia watched the scene from her high platform, with Iris beside her, whose eyes shone with clear excitement. Dalia leaned toward her companion and said quietly:
"What do you think of these matches, Iris?"
Iris replied with a mysterious smile:
"Brilliant, Dalia. It seems this year holds students with abilities that exceed the usual standards."
Dalia stared at the horizon where the students were leaving the arena and murmured in a tone full of doubt and questioning:
"Kairen... I truly wonder about your use of an ability that combines two contradictory elements in your swords... what are you hiding behind that smile, I wonder?"
As soon as the second battle ended, a profound silence fell over the Grand Hall, broken only by the sound of deliberate footsteps advancing toward the center of the arena. The girl who entered the ring carried a weight beyond compare—not just in her massive steel hammer, but in a gaze where time and hesitation had frozen. In the opposite corner appeared a young man overflowing with vitality, stepping with flawless confidence, while beneath his calm features lurked a cyclone of suppressed lightning.
The young man had shining dark skin that reflected the hall's lights, adorned with short, dark purple hair styled with meticulous detail. His light yellow eyes sparkled like electrical sparks foretelling an imminent storm. He wore a black leather biker jacket with shiny metal zippers, a dark grey shirt highlighting his chest, and slim black pants ending in light combat boots designed for speed. His metal gloves pulsed with every movement, charged with electrical Mana ready to explode.
He raised his hand toward Misaki and said in a gentle tone:
"Good luck, Misaki."
But Misaki gave him nothing but cold silence; her eyes were fixed on the battlefield with deadly focus, her hands gripping the steel hammer as if it were a part of her burdened soul.
Principal Dalia raised her hand, and her decisive voice echoed:
"Begin the fight!"
In a fraction of a second, Misaki lunged like a projectile, her hammer igniting with dense Mana light as she swung it in a seismic strike aimed at her opponent. The young man, Vodo, raised his arms at the critical moment, activating his "Enhanced Electricity" ability. An electrical Mana shield formed around him, absorbing the violence of the strike, though the impact force threw him several meters back.
Vodo slid across the ground gracefully, then slammed his palm into the arena's metallic surface. In the blink of an eye, glowing Mana circles spread beneath his feet, and electricity shot out from them as a massive thunderbolt tore through the arena air to strike Misaki directly.
Misaki's body jolted under the current's weight, and she fell to her knees as smoke rose from her iron frame, which had cracked from the shock. But, with a steel will matching her weapon, she gripped the hammer's handle, her eyes burning with a fierce stubbornness.
Vodo approached her in an instant, utilizing his superior speed, his right arm glowing with deadly blue sparks as he prepared to deliver the finishing blow. Suddenly, a roar erupted from deep within Misaki—a cry that shook the hall and forced her exhausted muscles to surge. A massive torrent of Mana surged from beneath her feet, and she raised her great hammer, screaming:
"I won't fall yet!"
The hammer collided with Vodo's chest in a massive blow that made the entire ring tremble. Vodo retreated, staggering, trying to catch his breath and regain his shattered balance. Misaki gave him no chance to rest; despite her crumbling armor, she advanced with heavy, relentless steps, pelting him with consecutive strikes that made the sound of steel hitting electricity echo like continuous thunder.
Before she could deliver the final blow, Principal Dalia's voice rose to stop the advance:
"The match is over! The winner: Misaki Maosi!"
Misaki stopped in her tracks, panting heavily, while Vodo fell to one knee, breathing with great difficulty. He raised his head toward her with a faint smile of admiration:
"You are very strong... thank you for the fight."
Misaki shot him a frigid look devoid of any warmth and said with sharp coldness:
"You're welcome."
She turned her back and left the arena in silent dignity. Vodo remained, watching her leave with a hidden sadness, as if her hammer hadn't just shattered his shield, but something in his pride as well.