The days turned into weeks, and Zen's training progressed at a breakneck pace. He had grown accustomed to the academy's rigorous routine, and his skills had improved dramatically. But amidst the chaos of battle drills and strategy sessions, Zen couldn't help but think of Alice.
He had caught glimpses of her around the academy, her piercing blue eyes and raven-black hair making her stand out in a crowd. But it wasn't just her looks that drew him in – it was the way she moved with a quiet confidence, the way she fought with precision and skill.
One evening, as Zen was walking back to his quarters, he stumbled upon Alice in the academy's courtyard. She was sitting on a bench, staring up at the stars, her eyes lost in thought. Zen felt a pang of curiosity and approached her quietly, not wanting to disturb her.
"Alice," he said softly, taking a seat beside her on the bench.
She turned to him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Zen. I didn't see you there."
They sat in silence for a moment, watching the stars twinkle to life above. Zen felt a sense of comfort in her presence, a sense of belonging.
"You're good with a sword," Alice said suddenly, breaking the silence. "You've got a natural talent."
Zen turned to her, a smile spreading across his face. "Thanks. You've got skills yourself."
Alice smiled back, and for a moment, Zen's heart skipped a beat. He felt a flutter in his chest, a sensation he couldn't quite explain.
As they sat there, the tension between them grew thicker than the night air. Zen couldn't help but wonder if Alice felt it too – this spark of attraction that seemed to grow stronger with every passing moment.
But before he could say anything, Alice stood up, her expression serious. "I should get going," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "It's getting late."
Zen nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Yeah, I should too."
As they walked out of the courtyard together, Zen couldn't help but steal glances at Alice. He felt a sense of excitement, a sense of possibility. Maybe, just maybe, he had found someone special in this new world.
*To be continued...*