Ariel Von Grace, the enigmatic figure, walked through the mess hall. Her four-star badges stood out among the crowd.
There was something about her that made one pause.
"Vinchanko, my dear, please get me a table. I do wish to sit down and rest comfortably," she said politely.
Vinchanko, the mountain of a man, found an empty table that was neither too far back nor too close to the front. The table happened to be close to where Mason, Travis, and Emily sat.
Emily whispered, "My God… that's Ariel Von Grace, the Blood Saint."
Mason muttered, "Is that really her?"
Travis added, "So she's the reason why everyone seemed spooked… her pressure is intense. For a moment, I thought it was the big guy."
Mason glanced at the man with blue hair and light blue eyes. "What's with the other guy? He's just staring off into space… kinda creepy."
Just then, Ariel walked over to Mason, Travis, and Emily.
"My, my… aren't you all an interesting trio," she mused, her crimson eyes studying them intently.
She then focused on Emily, noticing the stars on her uniform.
"An elite-rank charismatic… how precious," she said.
"I would have never expected someone so fragile to be so highly ranked," she continued, her tone polite but sharp.
Mason asked, "Are you really Ariel Von Grace?"
Her crimson eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.
"My, my… you're very blunt, aren't you?" she chuckled.
"Judging by the lack of stars on your chest, I presume you haven't awakened yet. How cute," she continued.
"Yeah, that's true. I haven't awakened. Is that a problem, Mason?" he said, keeping his tone even.
A rich, throaty laugh echoed throughout the mess hall—her's, no doubt. No one dared speak.
"You're a spirited one… how refreshing," she said, her eyes now showing a new-found interest in Mason.
"Yes, I am Ariel Von Grace. And I don't find your lack of awakening a problem. Actually, it's my first time seeing an unawakened person—it's a bit of a culture shock," she said calmly.
"Well, I'm a normal person… in the flesh," Mason replied dryly.
Another amused laugh echoed from her. "Wow, you really are funny, aren't you?" she muttered.
Travis and Emily watched the exchange with uneasy expressions. Other students were in shock—how could anyone hold a conversation with the Blood Saint and make her laugh so easily? Who was this person? they wondered.
"So, do you have a name, by any chance? Or do you prefer not to say?" she asked expectantly.
"Mason… Mason Christian Grey is my name. And these are my friends, Emily Julie King and Travis Mills," he replied.
"Nice to meet you all," she said, then introduced her group. She gestured to the tall man on her right: "This is Vinchanko Borgia, and the gentleman on my left is William Skylar."
Mason replied politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you all too."
"Well, I'll be seeing you soon, Mason," she said, walking off to her table accompanied by her cohort.
"I can finally breathe," Travis muttered, his voice creaking.
"That was intense, Mason. How could you stand that?" Emily asked.
"Stand… why exactly?" Mason said, confused.
"The pressure coming from her," Travis exclaimed.
"To be honest… I didn't feel a thing," Mason replied calmly.
---
The pressure in the mess hall seemed to subside.
Sometime later, Mason, Travis, and Emily were in a better mood. They spoke about the orientation and other mundane things, their camaraderie filling the air.
However, from time to time, Ariel Von Grace would glance over at Mason and his friends, her expression unreadable.
The PA system suddenly crackled to life.
Attention!
"New arrivals must make their way to the battlegrounds."
"What are they planning now?" Travis muttered.
"Something unexpected," Mason said.
"I don't like the sound of that," Emily added.
Ariel and her cohort had already vanished.
Mason thought, Man, they don't waste time, do they?
Emily said, "Let's get a move on, gang."
---
The students arrived at the battlegrounds. The murmurs of students echoed throughout the expansive arena.
Mason, Travis, and Emily observed the battlefield. It was state-of-the-art, with holographic displays and multiple monitors placed strategically to capture every angle.
"Good evening again, Atlans," a voice broke the commotion. It belonged to a woman with dirty blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and a tall, elegant figure—poised atop the podium.
It was Head Instructor Commander Melinda Atlas.
"I hope you still have your appetites… because dessert will be served shortly," she said, pausing for effect.
The students looked confused.
"The dessert, I mean, is one fit for a warrior. It is no coincidence that we called you here. Think of it as a unique Atlas Academy 'housewarming,' if you will."
Names appeared on the holographic display, shuffled, and then paired.
Gabriel Rivers – Travis Mills
Mason Christian Grey – Summer Powell
Ariel Von Grace – Emily Julie King
"These will be the exhibition matches," Melinda explained. "This is not to spite anyone, but to familiarize you with each other. Expect the unexpected. It's more for entertainment, so don't overexert yourselves. Have fun—the Atlas way."
Mason stared at the display, eyes wide. "I didn't expect to fight so soon," he muttered.
Travis grinned. "My opponent is Gabriel Rivers. I can't wait."
Emily felt a knot in her stomach. Facing Ariel… she knew this would be a challenge. She steeled herself.
"You've got this," she whispered to herself.
"Now, students selected for battle, please make your way to the front," Melinda commanded.
"Showtime, gang," Mason said as they got up.
Other students watched with bated breath as Mason, Travis, and Emily made their way forward. The air was electrified with anticipation.
---
The first matchup: Travis vs. Gabriel.
Captain Julian Armstrong officiated.
Rules: Get your opponent out of the combat area. Use of an authority against a non-charismatic is prohibited. Weapons are optional. If a combatant is unable to fight, the match is over.
Travis sized up Gabriel.
Gabriel Rivers was tall and lean, standing 185 cm, with green hair and light green eyes. His handsome, boyish face gave off a fragile, nervous aura.
I can win this… but you know what they say… Travis thought.
Before he could finish, Captain Armstrong shouted: "BEGIN!"
Travis lunged into the arena. Gabriel hesitated—but Travis was already in front of him.
Bang… Bash… Boom…
Travis unleashed a series of strong jabs, but Gabriel's guard blocked most of them.
I have to use my reach to my advantage, Travis thought.
He performed a low leg sweep, throwing Gabriel off balance.
Gabriel stumbled.
Got you now, pretty boy, Travis thought.
Gabriel's guard broke. Travis executed a spinning forearm strike, but Gabriel ducked, using the momentum to land his first attack—a right hook to Travis's chest.
Travis skidded back.
Shit… how did he get so fast? And how is he hitting this hard? Travis muttered.
Never judge a book by its cover, he reminded himself.