The academy gates opened slowly, heavy steel grinding against steel. Students gathered along the courtyard walls, conversations rising the moment black vehicles rolled into the entrance grounds. The atmosphere shifted instantly.
"…They're here."
"…That's the other academy?"
"…Why do they look so serious…?"
Kai Ryan Korr stood near the front silently, hands in his pockets, expression calm, but his eyes stayed fixed on the vehicles. Sharp. Focused.
Beside him, Ren Qin rested a hand on the back of his neck lazily. "…Damn." A grin slowly spread across his face. "…Now this feels exciting."
Aeris stood slightly ahead of them, cold as usual, still, but her gaze narrowed faintly the moment the first door opened.
One after another, students stepped out. Dark uniforms. Different crest. Different presence.
And unlike the loud confidence of Kai's academy, these ones looked disciplined. Quiet. Controlled.
That silence alone made several students swallow nervously.
"…Their pressure feels different…"
"…No kidding…"
Then a tall man stepped out last. Scars across his jaw. Long coat. Sharp eyes.
Darius walked forward calmly. The two teachers stopped face to face.
"…Darius."
"…Hale."
No handshake. No smile. Just tension.
The scarred man's gaze swept across the students lazily before stopping briefly on Kai. Then Ren. Then Aeris.
"…Interesting."
Ren noticed immediately. "…Oh?" His smirk widened slightly. "…I think he likes me."
Kai deadpanned instantly. "…No."
A few nearby students snorted. Even Mina covered her mouth slightly while Aeris closed her eyes briefly like she regretted existing near him.
Then another figure stepped forward from the opposing academy.
A boy.
Tall. Lean build. Silver hair falling over sharp blue eyes.
The moment he walked forward, the courtyard quieted.
Not because of fear.
Because of presence.
His posture was relaxed, but every movement felt precise. Controlled. Like a drawn blade pretending to sleep.
Ren's smile faded slightly. Just slightly.
"…Strong," he muttered.
Kai's eyes narrowed.
The silver-haired boy glanced across the group casually before his eyes stopped on Aeris. Then Kai. Then Ren.
"…So these are the talents everyone keeps talking about."
His voice was calm, but something inside it felt heavy.
Rex cracked his knuckles loudly. "…What's with this bastard's tone?"
The silver-haired boy ignored him completely.
That irritated Rex even more. A vein pulsed slightly near his forehead.
Darius stepped forward before tension could rise further. "…This academy exchange will proceed in two formats." He raised two fingers. "…Solo battles. And team battles."
Murmurs spread instantly.
"…Teams?"
"…Wait—we're fighting together too?"
The scarred teacher spoke next. "…Each academy will choose its five strongest representatives."
Silence hit Kai's group instantly.
Everyone already knew.
Kai. Ren. Aeris. Rex. Ray.
Even Mina sighed softly. "…As expected."
Ren suddenly placed both hands on his hips dramatically. "…Truly. A team blessed by overwhelming beauty and talent."
Kai slowly moved two steps away from him.
Ray followed immediately.
Rex grimaced. "…I don't know this idiot."
Even Aeris quietly shifted aside.
Ren froze. His expression cracked in betrayal. "…You all abandoned me instantly?!"
Several students burst out laughing. Even the opposing academy students looked caught off guard for a second.
Then the silver-haired boy smiled faintly, the first reaction he'd shown since arriving.
"…Interesting group."
Kai noticed it immediately. His gaze sharpened slightly.
This guy wasn't simple.
Not at all.
Darius continued. "…The team battle will occur after the solo matches. Victory will be determined by total points."
The tension rose immediately. Students straightened subconsciously. Breathing slowed. Eyes sharpened.
This was no longer practice.
This was reputation. Pride. Strength.
Ren rolled his shoulders slowly. The playful grin returned, but his eyes burned brighter now. "…Good."
Aeris crossed her arms quietly. "…Don't lose embarrassingly."
Ren placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "…Your concern moves me deeply."
Aeris stared at him coldly.
Ren immediately looked away. "…Understood."
Kai almost laughed.
Almost.
The scarred teacher finally spoke again. "…Tomorrow morning. Prepare yourselves."
The opposing academy began turning away, but the silver-haired boy paused briefly. His eyes met Kai's.
A faint smile. Sharp. Confident.
"…I'll be looking forward to it."
Then he left.
Silence lingered behind him, heavy.
Rex clicked his tongue. "…I already want to punch him."
Ray's eyes stayed narrowed. "…He's dangerous."
Kai remained still, watching the departing group.
Inside his chest, something tightened slightly.
Not fear.
Instinct.
Beside him, Ren grinned slowly, excited.
"…Now THIS…" A crack of flame flickered around his fingers. "…is going to be fun."
Guys I know that it has been a while, sorry I was busy but I am back and Will release more if you keep voting for me
Emery Frost