Mei walked through almost the entire school alongside Kiana and Reina, giving them a tour of the facilities. As expected of a prestigious academy, the school wasn't just enormous-it was filled with various amenities and specialized rooms for all kinds of student activities.
Along the way, Mei also introduced them to her club: the Kendo Club, which she proudly belonged to.
"So you're the best member at the Kendo Club? That's impressive. I didn't expect that at all," Kiana said, her eyes widening in surprise after learning that Mei was practically undefeated within the club.
"Even with that, we all work together to improve," Mei replied with a humble smile. "Since I joined, my skills have been getting better thanks to everyone practicing with me. So it's not just me-it's a group effort."
"Hmm, I understand that. I also train with Reina, and thanks to her, my ability keeps improving every day... even though it's always painful..." Kiana added the last part in a much smaller voice-so quiet that Mei barely caught it.
But Reina heard it perfectly. And because Kiana still had the energy to complain, Reina mentally noted to increase her training regimen later.
It was all for Kiana's own good, after all. Her current fighting style relied heavily on an unfinished version of Gun-Kata-techniques passed on by Siegfried Kaslana. The reason it remained incomplete was because Siegfried barely had time to train her properly. He had been drowning himself in alcohol, running from his own pain after losing Cecilia... and the real Kiana.
"Reina?" Mei's voice broke through her thoughts as she gently shook Reina's left shoulder.
"Huh? What is it, Mei?"
"You've been quiet for a while. Are you okay? Should we take a break?"
"No, no. I was just thinking about something," Reina quickly replied with a soft smile. "So, what did I miss?"
Mei explained that she and Kiana had decided to drop by the Kendo Club since Kiana seemed curious about it-and naturally, Reina agreed to come along with them.
"By the way, I heard from Kiana that you often train her in martial arts before?" Mei asked casually, making small talk as they walked out of the school building. The Kendo Club was located on the far side of the campus. "Did you ever try Kendo before?"
"No, I've never tried Kendo. There's no Kendo where I come from," Reina replied calmly. "But I did use a katana."
"A katana? Like... a real one? Isn't that dangerous? What did you use it for?"
"Well, I trained in the Butterfly Dance years ago, and I still practice with it regularly so I don't get rusty."
"I see, I understand that. I often train with a katana too, and one of the reasons I joined the Kendo Club was to sharpen my skills."
Their conversation continued naturally, shifting from casual talk to an exchange of sword styles-Mei's own form and Reina's Butterfly Dance.
Reina soon learned that Mei had been trained in the Raiden clan's personal style of Hokushin-Itto-ryu kenjutsu. Mei spoke with a touch of pride, telling her how her instructor often praised her. She had excelled in her lessons, achieving the highest levels of mastery and a deep understanding of the sword arts.
"Hmm, that's amazing. Now I'm really curious~ How about we fight each other later?" Reina said with a mischievous grin.
"NO, PLEASE!" Kiana suddenly screamed, her face filled with the look of someone who had seen true horror.
Both Mei and Reina turned toward her in surprise. Mei blinked, clearly confused. "Kiana, why are you suddenly screaming like that?"
Before Kiana could answer, she suddenly shuddered-feeling an invisible pressure. It was Reina. Her silent, ominous aura delivered a clear message.
In the end, Kiana couldn't explain herself and just stammered something incoherent as an excuse, her eyes avoiding Reina entirely.
The three of them stepped into the dojo together.
As the sliding door opened, they were greeted by the sharp, clean scent of wood-the distinct aroma of a place forged through discipline and effort. The dojo was surprisingly wide, its polished wooden floor gleaming under the gentle lighting above. Along the walls were racks lined with shinai and kendo gear, while in the center of the room, multiple pairs of students were already engaged in sparring practice.
The rhythmic sound of bamboo swords clashing echoed throughout the space-thwack, thwack, followed by the sharp shouts of students calling out their moves. It was almost like a dance, a steady back and forth of precise footwork and well-timed strikes.
Kiana's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched them, while Reina calmly observed, quietly analyzing their forms.
"This place is really something," Kiana murmured, clearly impressed.
Mei gave a small smile as she stepped forward, slipping out of her school blazer and walking over to a few of her clubmates who had already noticed her. The other members gave polite nods toward Kiana and Reina, though some still glanced at them curiously, no doubt wondering about their relationship with Mei.
Reina's gaze, however, wasn't on the stares-they were locked onto the students sparring. She was already dissecting their form and footwork in her mind, silently comparing it to her own style.
"So, who are these two you brought with you, Raiden-san?" one of Mei's friends asked, walking over with a curious look.
"This is Kiana and Reina," Mei introduced them calmly. "Both of them are transfer students from another country. I brought them here because they seemed interested in our kendo club."
Hearing that, several students nearby looked surprised. It wasn't every day that foreign students transferred into such a prestigious school. Naturally, their curiosity was piqued, and in no time, a small crowd began to form around Kiana and Reina.
They started throwing out a flurry of questions-where they came from, what made them transfer here, and more unexpectedly, what kind of makeup Kiana used to get such flawless skin. Her smooth, glistening complexion, paired with her striking appearance-long white hair and clear blue eyes-was practically enchanting to those seeing her for the first time.
As the questions piled up, Kiana smiled sheepishly but seemed to handle it well, answering some and laughing off others with her usual charm. It was like she had a natural aura that drew people in.
Meanwhile, Reina quietly slipped away from the circle. She had no intention of dealing with a crowd, and more importantly, she knew this was Kiana's expertise-socializing, smiling, and winning people over effortlessly. Reina simply observed from the sidelines her gaze occasionally drifting back to the ongoing kendo matches while letting Kiana handle the spotlight.
"she really can handle that easily. Look at her, answering all those questions without breaking a sweat," Mei's voice came from behind Reina, filled with amusement. "Her cheerful personality is spreading around effortlessly."
"Yeah… during our travels around the world, she always found a way to get along with people," Reina replied with her gaze remained on Kiana.
"I can see that. She's just so bright, it's like people are naturally drawn to her," Mei said with a soft smile, watching Kiana laugh and joke with a group of students who were clearly smitten by her presence.
While Kiana continued to talk to everyone without getting overwhelmed, Reina stayed at a comfortable distance, quiet and observant.
Then, out of nowhere, Reina turned to Mei. "By the way… can I try Kendo?"
"You want to try it?" Mei blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Wait a moment, I need to ask first." She walked off toward the instructor.
Even though it would be Reina's first time trying Kendo, Mei wasn't worried. Their earlier conversation was more than enough to tell her that Reina wasn't someone to underestimate.
A few minutes later, Mei returned. "We just need to check if there's any spare kendōgu—the protective equipment we use."
Luckily, this school was never short on budget. As expected of a prestigious academy, there were always plenty of spares available.
Soon, the two of them moved to the changing room to gear up.
"Look, it's Raiden-san. Is she really about to spar with the new transfer student?" whispers spread quickly across the room.
Students turned their attention toward Mei and Reina, who had begun walking toward the practice area after putting their kendōgu. Since Mei was known as the strongest in the club, the idea of her going against a new student sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity.
Even the students who had been crowded around Kiana began turning to watch. The room's mood shifted as all eyes focused on the two girls, anticipation crackling in the air like a storm about to break.
"Did you feel comfortable?" Mei asked gently, glancing at Reina as they stood in front of each other. It was Reina's first time wearing a kendōgu, and Mei wanted to make sure she was alright.
"I'm fine," Reina replied calmly. She moved both of her arms, testing the range of motion the armor allowed. "It's kinda thick though… but I understand—it's for protection."
Mei gave a small nod, pleased to hear it.
Reina then lifted the Shinai in her hands, gripping it with both palms and lightly testing its balance. "Also, this Shinai… it's pretty nice to hold. I think I get why people enjoy this now."
Once they were both satisfied with their kendōgu and had checked their Shinai one last time to ensure everything was properly secured, the two girls stepped forward.
Facing each other in the center of the dojo, a hush began to fall over the watching students.
Mei held her Shinai in front of her with practiced elegance, her stance refined and calm.
Reina mirrored her, slowly raising her own Shinai.
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["I literally told you a few hours ago that woman isn't normal, and here you are, fighting her already."] As expected, her other self's voice echoed in her mind, sounding more irritated than concerned.
Mei sighed internally.
Even if her other self warned her to be careful with Reina, Mei just couldn't see her as dangerous. Reina didn't talk much as Kiana usually handled all the conversations but from what she'd observed, Reina genuinely cared for Kiana.
Kiana always spoke highly of Reina. She mentioned how Reina was the one taking care of her, always bragging about her cooking like it was something divine.
Still… there was that moment earlier when Kiana looked absolutely terrified, pale as a ghost like seeing something really scary. But maybe it was just her imagination.
She doesn't seem like a dangerous woman at all…
Now, facing her in the dojo, Mei watched as Reina took a stance with her Shinai.
"That stance…?" Mei asked, slightly surprised. "You're mimicking the others?"
"I want to see how Kendo works," Reina answered, holding the Shinai with both hands. "So I'm mirroring the one I saw earlier."
Mei narrowed her eyes slightly, observing the details. Reina's stance was… off. Her grip was decent, but her legs weren't properly positioned. It was definitely an imitation—but not a bad one for someone who had never tried Kendo before.
She's mimicking the basic form of Itto-ryu… Mei realized.
Ono-ha Itto-ryu, the sword style practiced by everyone in this dojo, was based on dominating the center line—cutting through the opponent's attack to claim victory with a single decisive strike.
"So… Reina's going to start defensively," Mei muttered under her breath.
"Then—I'm going to make the first move!"
["Are you stupid? Ugh. Whatever. If you die, you die. I don't understand why you humans are so stubborn."]
Mei ignored the voice and stepped forward intending to fake a attack because she know how to fight that style.
Mei didn't hesitate.
The moment she declared her move, she stepped forward sharply, her Shinai thrusting straight toward Reina's center.
Reina's eyes narrowed—her grip tightened, her body tensing to deflect the thrust. She raised her Shinai slightly, preparing to parry.
But Mei was faster.
Just before the impact, she shifted her stance fluidly. Her thrust transformed into a swift horizontal slash, bypassing Reina's guard entirely.
"She's fast—!" Reina barely managed to block the redirected strike, but the momentum threw her balance slightly off.
Mei didn't stop there. She pressed the attack, following with another sharp strike toward Reina's right shoulder. Reina brought her Shinai up again.
Step by step, Mei kept pushing, testing the limits of Reina's form. Every strike was precise, every movement practiced. Compared to Reina's unfamiliar stance and awkward footwork, Mei moved like water—flowing, unpredictable, confident.
A diagonal cut. A quick feint. Another thrust that stopped halfway and turned into a downward slash.
Reina tried to adjust, but her borrowed stance couldn't keep up. She blocked what she could, stepped back when needed, but Mei's rhythm was too fast and too refined.
'So she really is just mimicking what she saw' Mei thought while delivering another clean strike to Reina's side, one that lightly tapped her torso.
"as expected of Raiden-san she's really strong, the transfer student doesn't stand a chance," the others murmuring to each other from the side.
Mei stepped back and lowered her Shinai slightly, breathing evenly.
Reina exhaled too, shaking out her shoulders.
"That was impressive," she admitted calmly. "You're sharper than I expected."
Mei smiled faintly behind her mask. "You did well for your first time. But… Kendo isn't something you can master by copying alone."
"I figured," Reina said, rolling her wrist. "Still… it helped me understand something."
Mei tilted her head slightly. "Oh? What is it?"
Reina just smiled. "You'll see."
From the sidelines, Kiana was sweating nervously. 'Please don't awaken something scary inside her…'
"So, another round?" Reina asked, her voice calm as ever.
"Sure, I don't mind," Mei replied casually, accepting the rematch without hesitation.
"But no mimicking this time, alright?" Mei added with a grin as she walked back to her original position. "I want to see your Butterfly Dance."
"Yeah, I know," Reina responded, her tone unchanged as she adjusted her stance.
Unlike before, she didn't hold the shinai in front of her with both hands. This time, her posture shifted—her right hand brought the shinai to rest beside her waist, angled slightly downward. It was a stance unfamiliar to everyone watching, something that clearly wasn't part of what everyone learn.
Mei narrowed her eyes slightly looking at Reina posture...
This time, Mei could immediately tell—Reina's posture was completely different.
Unlike before, there was no awkwardness. Her stance looked natural, fluid, like it belonged to her. Every part of her body seemed to move in sync with the style she was using, as if it had been carved into her muscles long ago.
Through the face mask Reina wore, Mei could see her eyes gently shut, as if she were concentrating on something deeper.
"[Last chance you sure you don't want to switch with me?]" her other self asked again, but this time, the tone was different—laced with genuine concern.
Mei was about to reply, to reassure her other self that it would be fine.
But then… something changed.
Reina's atmosphere shifted.
The mature, calm presence that had surrounded her earlier vanished, replaced by something heavier. Oppressive. It wasn't violent or overwhelming in an obvious way—but it had weight. The weight of someone who had fought countless times before, who had faced life-or-death moments.
Mei's fingers instinctively tightened around her shinai.
And then—from behind her—Mei saw something flutter into the air.
"A… butterfly?" she murmured.
But it wasn't a normal butterfly.
This one was translucent, its wings shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow of violet light as it gently circled around Reina.
Mei's eyes narrowed. She glanced around, expecting someone else to react to it—but none of the other students noticed. They continued watching the match casually, unfazed.
Except for Kiana.
Beads of sweat were forming on her forehead. Her expression was tense—too tense for something as simple as a practice match.
Mei turned her eyes back to Reina.
The moment Reina opened her eyes, Mei felt her breath catch.
Those red, ruby-like eyes seemed to glint—just slightly, but unmistakably—with a soft, unnatural glow.
"Butterfly Dance: Freeflutter Stance," Reina murmured in a quiet, focused tone.
Her stance shifted once again.
Now, Reina held her shinai high beside her head, angled diagonally, both hands gripping it firmly. Her body turned sideways, low and sharp, coiled like a spring—ready to launch.
It was the stance of someone about to pierce forward like a swift, cutting wind.
Butterfly Dance—a style created by Narmaya from Granblue Fantasy.
Originally, it consisted of only two stances: Dawnfly Dance and Freeflutter Dance.
Dawnfly Stance focused on defense and agility. It allowed the user to deflect incoming attacks or evade them with precision while exploiting the opponent's weak points. This stance was typically used when facing an opponent stronger than oneself—or simply to spar without inflicting too much harm.
In contrast, Freeflutter Dance prioritized offense. Each swing of the user's blade summoned butterflies made of their magic, which floated around them to create a beautiful, mesmerizing scene. Once enough butterflies had gathered, they would flow into the user's katana, enhancing the next strike. What followed was a burst of overwhelming speed—ending the match in a single, near-invisible motion. Often, the opponent wouldn't even realize their body had been struck multiple times until it was too late.
Of course, the style wasn't just about offense or defense—both stances contained multiple various techniques, such as illusions and short-distance instantaneous movement.
And then there was the third stance: Butterfly Dance: Dragonsbane.
It was the pinnacle of the style, a perfect blend of both prior stances. In this form, the user drew power directly from their mental state—free of distraction, hesitation, malice, or fear. A flawless, unwavering resolve.
In this state, the user's strength, speed, technique, and precision surged to overwhelming levels.
But despite its power, Narmaya disliked using Dragonsbane. She once said it was far too annoying to maintain, no matter how strong it made her.
"I'm ready," Reina declared.
Her voice was low but sharp. Her focus narrowed to tunnel vision—everything else fading away, as if only the opponent in front of her existed.
But she quickly exhaled, a small breath that brought her back.
Tunnel vision was a dangerous habit for a swordswoman. She knew better. Her pupils relaxed, her gaze widened.
Mei took all of it in—the stance, the glow in Reina's eyes, the shift in atmosphere.
She couldn't help but feel a little fear.
But there was something else, too.
Excitement.
A strange, bubbling anticipation rising in her chest. She had never felt this kind of pressure from a spar before. Never sparred with someone like Reina.
"Then—here I come!"
Without waiting, Mei dashed forward, Shinai raised.
She knew—if she let Reina strike first, she'd lose immediately.