The new teams began to assign one after another.
The massive screen hovering above the stadium flickered as rows of names, identification numbers, and instructor codes scrolled downward in glowing letters. A low wave of murmurs spread through the juniors as they searched frantically for their names.
"Where am I?"
"Team 17… no, that's not mine."
One by one, students began moving across the arena floor, forming groups in front of their designated seniors. The earlier cheer had transformed into focused anticipation.
Like that, Coren's team was also chosen.
His identification number flashed clearly on the screen, followed by twenty names. A ripple of excitement passed through nearby students.
Eirena's name appeared among them.
Roswayn's followed shortly after.
Both girls moved calmly through the crowd and took their positions within Coren's formation.
Coren stood tall, composed as ever, acknowledging each junior with a firm nod. The seniors around him gave him subtle glances, not of rivalry, but respect.
Ashan observed quietly.
'As expected.'
His lips curved slightly.
'Eirena got chosen for his team. That will naturally make the way for them to get closer.'
He folded his arms loosely.
'The story is already aligning itself.'
Meanwhile, more names continued to scroll.
Ashan searched lazily at first, then more attentively.
'Ahh… where is my team?'
His eyes moved left to right across the glowing list.
'Is it further away from here?'
Then,
He spotted the instructor number beside his name.
His gaze shifted from the screen toward the seniors lined up below.
And then he saw her.
A woman with blonde hair tied tightly behind her back, secured in a neat knot that didn't allow even a single strand to fall freely. Her blue eyes reflected the sunlight sharply, almost like polished crystal.
She stood with one leg slightly angled, posture balanced and confident.
A finely crafted wand rested at her side, and several sleek daggers were fastened around her waist in a practical but elegant manner.
Her presence was strange.
She had a friendly presence, a soft smile resting on her lips, yet beneath that smile was something sharp.
Composed.
Observant.
'Woah…'
Ashan blinked once.
'I didn't expect someone like her to be my instructor.'
'Without even seeing her status, I can tell she is very talented.'
Her shoulders were relaxed, but the way she scanned the crowd showed battlefield awareness.
'And she doesn't seem to have a problematic attitude either.'
His eyes narrowed slightly in interest.
'We'll see.'
Ashan began walking toward her group. Students were already gathering in front of her, some whispering among themselves.
"She's Instructor #21."
"I heard she's A-rank."
"She's beautiful…"
"Battle mage, right?"
Ashan joined the formation and stood in line.
The female instructor's gaze swept over each of them carefully. When her eyes met Ashan's briefly, she offered a welcoming, confident smile.
A small panel of information flickered before Ashan's vision.
—------------------------------------
Name - Lunara skies
Age - 25
Gender - Female
[Power rank - A]
[specialty - Battle mage]
[Strength - 200]
[Stamina - 180]
[endurence - 170]
[Agility - 150]
[Other Powers and Skills]
<> Mana Blade
Condenses pure mana along a weapon's edge, turning even a dull sword into a weapon capable of cutting through hard materials.
<> Frozen Step
Creates a small ice surface on anything being touched, allowing movement across air or water for a few seconds. Can be chained mid-battle.
<> Glacial Veil
Covers the body in a thin layer of frost armor, reducing physical damage and reflecting minor projectiles.
<> Weak Point Vision
Able to see weak points of the target.
—------------------------------------
Ashan's eyes flickered with interest.
'Oh… her skills are pretty decent.'
He analyzed quietly.
'She's definitely more powerful than what the numbers alone show. A battle mage won't rely solely on spells.'
His gaze drifted to her wand, then to the daggers.
'She likely mastered multiple magic disciplines and close combat techniques.'
After every assigned junior gathered, Lunara clapped her hands once.
The sound was crisp but not harsh.
"Alright," she began, her voice soft yet carrying natural authority. "Since everyone is gathered, we are heading to a training ground. Please follow me."
Her tone wasn't commanding, but composed, powerful enough that no one hesitated.
Around the stadium, other teams began dispersing toward different training sectors. Coren's group moved in disciplined formation. Other instructors were already speaking to their juniors.
Lunara turned smoothly and began walking.
Her steps were balanced and measured.
Ashan and the others followed.
They arrived at a rectangular training field separated by low stone barriers. The surface was smooth, polished for high-speed movement and spell casting. Sunlight illuminated every corner of the ground, leaving no shadows for hiding.
The field radiated quiet readiness.
Students formed a semi-circle, leaving space in the center.
Lunara stepped forward and turned to face them.
"My dear juniors," she began warmly, "it's nice to meet you all and become your instructor."
Her smile deepened slightly.
"My name is Lunara Skies. I'm an A-ranker and currently in my third year at this academy."
Some students straightened instinctively.
"Like you," she continued, "I also completed the beginner routine. I trained under seniors who pushed me beyond my limits."
Her gaze sharpened slightly.
"From here on, I will do my best to guide you along that same path."
She rested her wand lightly against her shoulder.
"But guidance alone is not enough. I expect cooperation from all of you."
She scanned them one by one.
"And I believe you're willing to give that."
Everyone nodded almost in unison.
"Good."
She clapped once again.
"Let's begin by introducing ourselves."
One by one, starting from the front line, students stepped forward.
Name. Rank. Specialty.
Some spoke confidently.
Others nervously.
When Ashan's turn came, he stepped forward calmly and gave his introduction with steady composure before stepping back.
After introductions concluded, Lunara's smile shifted slightly.
"Since today is our first day," she said, "I would like to test each of your abilities."
A faint excitement rose among the male students.
"Let's duel."
Several eyes lit up.
"Shall we start from the first person in front?"
She raised a hand lightly.
"Do not feel burdened. This will be a light duel."
Fifteen out of the twenty members were male students.
Though they tried to appear calm, excitement flickered clearly in their eyes.
Fighting a beautiful A-rank senior?
Who wouldn't be excited?
The first stepped forward eagerly.
The duel began.
Lunara moved gracefully, her movements clean and efficient. She allowed lower-rankers to display their techniques fully before countering decisively. Each fight was brief but educational.
Some were disarmed within seconds.
Others lasted a minute or two before being overpowered.
There were only four A-rankers in the team besides Lunara.
When they stepped forward, the atmosphere shifted slightly.
Their clashes were sharper.
Mana clashed against mana.
Blades struck against mana blades.
Since their ranks matched, they managed to fight toe-to-toe.
But experience was the deciding factor.
With subtle shifts in footwork, minimal wasted movement, and precise counters, Lunara gradually dismantled each opponent's defense before finishing with controlled force.
Ashan stood at the back, silently activating Sharingan.
He observed every motion.
Every breath.
Every angle of attack.
'She's good.'
His eyes narrowed slightly.
'Better at pure combat than pure magic.'
Her Frozen Step was used not for flash, but positioning.
Mana Blade flickered briefly only when necessary.
'Very controlled movements. Sharp precision. Minimal energy waste.'
A faint thrill ran through him.
'She's disciplined.'
After finishing the last duel, Lunara exhaled lightly.
"Hurry up," she said playfully. "Who's next?"
Before anyone else could respond,
"I'm coming, senior."
A voice cut through the formation.
A male student stepped forward.
He had a visible cut mark across his neck.
A rope coiled at his waist.
A wand on one side.
A long sword strapped behind.
Both arms were wrapped in bandages.
His French-cropped hair was messy, as if constantly untamed.
But what stood out most were his eyes.
Unlike the others, he did not look at Lunara with admiration.
He looked at her like prey.
Sharpened.
Focused.
A crazed smile curved his lips.
The air shifted slightly.
Several students exchanged uneasy looks.
He began stretching slowly in front of Lunara, rolling his shoulders and loosening his wrists.
"Senior," he said calmly, though excitement vibrated beneath his voice, "it's an honor to have you as my opponent."
His smile widened.
"I've heard plenty about your strength. One of the strongest among the seniors, right?"
He tilted his head slightly.
"That's exactly why I'm looking forward to this."
His gaze sharpened further.
"I'll give everything I have. So don't hold back."
Then he added bluntly,
"And just so you know… I'm not going to go easy on you like others just because you're a woman."
Several students winced.
"I want to see the true difference between us. Strength for strength."
A few sighed loudly.
"Zevi Starwell…"
"This crazy lunatic is doing it again. Why does he go everywhere picking fights?"
"Does he enjoy provoking people?"
Lunara, however, remained calm. She studied him carefully before smiling faintly.
"Oh… so you are Zevi Starwell."
Her tone was composed.
"I've heard about you as well."
His eyes flickered with interest.
"They say you constantly challenge those stronger than you."
She tapped her wand lightly against her palm.
"And that you defeated an A-ranker who was significantly stronger than you… after dueling him four times."
Zevi's grin widened.
"I'm glad you've heard."
He stepped forward, stance lowering slightly.
"Then let's put aside the talk."
Mana began faintly circulating around his body.
"I'm very excited right now."
Ashan narrowed his eyes.
'Hmm… this person.'
He stared at Zevi more closely.
'I think I know a bit about him.'