His fists were fully covered in red Vital Force, pulsing gently around his hands.
Joy erupted in his chest.
He smiled.
"I did it."
Yura looked around the room. All of them had succeeded—every student glowing faintly with Vital Force—except one girl, who still struggled in silence.
One of the students stood up and walked over, sitting right beside Yura.
"I am Noctyre Valen," he introduced himself.
Yura shook his hand.
"Congratulations."
Noctyre chuckled.
"You're my friend now."
One of the girls stood up suddenly.
"Yo, new guy."
Yura replied simply,
"Yo."
The principal clapped his hands together.
"Now keep doing it again and again. Make it your second nature. That's all."
With that, the principal left the classroom.
Noctyre leaned back in his chair and spoke quietly,
"Yura, wanna go outside?"
Yura nodded.
"Sure."
The girl crossed her arms.
"Oi. Don't forget me."
Noctyre scratched his head.
"Yeah, yeah."
{Night Time}
Yura sat alone in his room, fists clenched as he continued practicing channeling Vital Force. The red glow flickered faintly, fading in and out.
Knock. Knock.
Yura stood up and opened the door.
Noctyre stood there with a grin.
"Let's go grab a drink and some food."
Yura nodded and stepped out of his room.
The girl spoke as they walked,
"My name is Toura Oni."
Yura replied politely,
"Nice to meet you, Miss Toura."
She side-eyed him.
"Ah. Shut up."
They laughed and moved forward together, heading out just to grab a drink—
—but little did they know, this was about to become their first test.