The morning sun bathed Chusei's elemental school in golden light, and the grounds buzzed with energy. Students practiced precision strikes, defensive maneuvers, and elemental techniques. Koi Ren stood at the gate, Koru resting on his back, feeling both excitement and nerves.
"Today, you will see what true training is," Aearis said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Learn, adapt, and remember: courage is more important than power."
Koi Ren walked among the students, noticing a few of the most skilled warriors:
Rin Ketsuki, adjusting his scythe with a confident grin.
Daichi Iwamoto, manipulating stones effortlessly, his eyes cold and calculating.
Aqua Mizuno, gracefully twirling water streams around her fingers, her movements precise.
Raide Shinkai, electric currents crackling along his nunchucks, practicing rapid attacks that left small scorch marks on the ground.
Meanwhile, across the lands in Ochisuita, a few students prepared under the watchful eye of Kairo, the school's director. Though not physically strong, Kairo's invisibility and strategic genius allowed him to train students with precision and intelligence. Among them:
Valen Crove, drawing his bow and striking targets with perfect aim.
Enjo, twirling his spear, flames flickering along its tip, moving with strength and confidence.
Yoru Fushima, summoning flying creatures for aerial drills, helping teammates practice movement and transport.
Back in Chusei, Koi Ren threw himself into the exercises. He dodged spinning elemental blasts, timed his strikes against moving targets, and practiced flowing combos—all while learning to anticipate the moves of students with elemental powers, just as Watashi had drilled into him.
During sparring, Rin and Daichi exchanged teasing remarks:
Rin: "Careful, Koi. Don't get in over your head."
Daichi: "Hah! You'll see how weak you are compared to real fighters."
Aqua noticed Koi Ren struggling and called out, "Use their momentum, Koi! Find the gaps!"
By midday, Koi Ren was exhausted, but his movements were sharper, his mind clearer. He knew he had a long way to go to match Rin, Daichi, Raide, and the others—but every swing of Koru and every lesson from Watashi brought him closer.
As the day ended, Aearis gathered the students on the central terrace. "Remember today's lessons," he said, looking over Koi Ren and the others. "Your journey is just beginning. Darkness looms beyond these walls, and soon, you will face challenges that test more than your strength."
Koi Ren clenched Koru at his back, feeling the weight of the coming trials. The academy was only the beginning—but with determination, skill, and heart, he would rise to face whatever awaited him.