The morning sun slowly rose over Ochisuita.
But unlike most days, the quiet land was filled with excitement. People from nearby villages gathered around the large training grounds outside the city. Parents, travelers, and young fighters all came to witness the same event.
Today was the day of the academy tryouts.
Across Himmel Island, two great academies searched for new students.
In Ochisuita, the tryouts were overseen by the legendary warrior Aeris Vallen.
In Chusei, the trials were led by Aeris' old ally and friend, Kael Mirashi — the master of invisibility.
Both academies trained the strongest fighters of the island.
And today, the next generation would be chosen.
Koi Ren stood near the entrance of the arena, watching the massive crowd.
His hand rested on the handle of his sword.
Koru.
The blade rested quietly at his side. With the right movement, the sword could separate into two smaller blades called Ko and Ru.
Watashi had trained him to use all three forms.
Koi looked around.
"So many people…"
Hundreds of students filled the field. Some stretched their arms while others practiced their abilities.
Flames appeared in one boy's hands.
Another student lifted stones from the ground.
Someone nearby moved water through the air.
Koi sighed quietly.
"Yeah… this might be harder than I thought."
"You think so?"
Koi turned his head.
A girl with bright blue hair stood next to him. She held a trident, and a small stream of water circled around it like a living ribbon.
She smiled confidently.
"My name is Aqua Mizuno."
The water floated above her palm.
"I control water."
Koi nodded.
"That's impressive."
Aqua looked at him curiously.
"So what about you? Fire? Lightning?"
Koi tapped the sword at his waist.
"Sword."
She blinked.
"That's it?"
"Yep."
Aqua laughed.
"Well… that's new."
Before they could continue, another voice joined them.
"You two are talking too much for people about to be tested."
A tall boy walked toward them carrying a large scythe.
His dark red hair partially covered one eye.
Small drops of blood floated near his fingers.
Koi stared.
"That's… not normal."
The boy smirked.
"Blood manipulation."
The droplets sharpened into thin spikes.
"My name is Rin Ketsuki."
Aqua crossed her arms.
"That's slightly terrifying."
Rin shrugged.
"It works."
Suddenly the ground shook slightly.
Thud.
A large boy stepped closer to the group.
His fists were surrounded by small fragments of stone, and the earth cracked slightly under his weight.
He looked calm but serious.
"Daichi Iwamoto," he said. "Earth user."
Koi smiled.
"Well… looks like everyone here has powers."
Aqua looked at him again.
"And you just have your sword."
Koi shrugged.
"Guess so."
A loud horn suddenly echoed across the field.
Everyone turned toward the center of the arena.
Several academy instructors walked forward.
One of them stepped ahead of the others.
"The tryouts for the Ochisuita Academy will now begin."
Excitement spread through the crowd.
"Today, you will demonstrate your strength, your control, and your potential. Only those who pass will be accepted into the academy."
Koi took a slow breath.
This was his chance.
High above the arena, on a stone platform overlooking the field, a tall figure stood silently.
His silver hair moved gently in the wind.
His eyes carefully observed the fighters below.
Aeris Vallen.
Founder of the Ochisuita Academy.
Legendary warrior of Himmel Island.
He watched the students carefully.
Fire users.
Water users.
Earth users.
Many powerful abilities.
Then his gaze stopped for a brief moment.
On a boy standing calmly with a strange sword at his side.
Koi Ren.
And for the first time that morning…
Aeris Vallen smiled slightly.