The SR class finished, and just as everyone started packing up, shuffling books and closing bags, Professor Kareth's voice cut through the chatter.
Prof. Kareth: Well, today's the day. Everyone, place your partner information papers on my desk on your way out, and then you're free to leave. She paused, her eyes scanning the room. Oh, and one more thing—students taking the Practical Class, remember to bring your katanas today. Don't make me send you back for them.
One by one, students filed up and placed their sheets on the large wooden desk at the front of the room. After the last student had slipped out, Professor Kareth closed the door and let out a soft sigh.
She began sorting through the papers, most receiving only a cursory glance before being set aside. She was looking for one in particular. Finally, her fingers closed on it—Shiro and Arien's assignment. But as her eyes scanned the sparse lines, her expression shifted from mild curiosity to outright disbelief.
Prof. Kareth: What in the world is this? she muttered to the empty classroom. I thought his partner was at least competent, but this...? His name, age, favorite food, hobby...? That's it?
She let out a huge, exasperated sigh, rubbing her temples as if fighting off a headache.
Prof. Kareth: You could get more detailed information by asking a random guy on the street.
Just as she said that, her eyes caught a specific line buried in the scant text.
Prof. Kareth: He was born in this city? Kaisen Town? She scoffed, a dry, humorless sound. Hmph. On second thought, you might actually get less info from a homeless guy now. They at least have stories.
Meanwhile, Arien and Shiro walked toward the canteen, the sounds of the academy a dull roar around them. Just like the last few days, Shiro slowed as they passed the food line, his eyes scanning the steaming trays of meat buns and stew with a detached, almost clinical curiosity. He didn't get in line. Arien watched him from the corner of her eye, a concerned thought solidifying in her mind.
Arien: This guy hasn't eaten anything in the canteen for two days now, has he? Is he all right? Is he even eating?
She decided to seize the opportunity and ask him directly, nudging him with her elbow.
Arien: Hey. Aren't you hungry? I haven't seen you eat anything here in two days.
Shiro: Don't worry about it, he said, not looking at her. The dorm has a small kitchen nook, you know. People keep snacks.
Arien: I know that, but... she trailed off, unsure how to phrase her real concern.
Shiro: But what?
Arien: Do you... you know... have money for food? she asked, her voice dropping slightly.
Shiro: Just how low do you think I am? he retorted, finally turning to her with a mock-offended look. Oh, I forgot—and why do you have your katana with you? He gestured to the weapon strapped to her back, neatly changing the subject.
Arien: Didn't I tell you? We're supposed to bring our katanas to the Practical Class. Wait, she said, her eyes widening in realization. You didn't take yours yesterday?
Shiro: Aham, he confirmed, puffing his chest out slightly. Who do you think I am? I didn't even go to the Practical Class yesterday.
He said it with so much misplaced pride, as if he'd accomplished something grand rather than skipped a mandatory lesson.
Arien, knowing full well how hopeless he was, pressed further, her hands on her hips.
Arien: And why, pray tell, did you not go?
Shiro: Well, I did tell you I would find where the class is, he explained, as if it were the most logical thing in the world, but I got turned around a couple of times and then I found a really good spot to sleep. So I didn't go.
Arien: Unbelievable. Let's go get your katana now. Please. Before Professor Kareth skins you alive.
Shiro: Wait here. I'll be back in a flash. Okay? he said, already backing away.
Just then, a faint, echoing voice whispered at the edge of his hearing, mimicking his own—
???: Wait here. I'll be back in a flash. Okay?
—but Shiro paid it no mind, brushing it off like a stray gnat. He turned and took off running toward the boys' dorm at an astonishing, almost blurring speed.
Arien: Shiro... she muttered to herself, crossing her arms. He was talkative today. Too much. It's... unnerving.
True to his word, he returned in what felt like seconds, not even slightly winded, a long, sheathed katana now slung across his back. The blade itself was four and a half feet of polished wood and lacquer, looking both elegant and dangerously real.
Arien: What speed! And there it is... the infamous katana.
She looked at it as if it were some rare, exotic artifact she'd only heard about in stories, then gestured for him to follow.
Arien: Come on. Let's not be late. Again.
At the Practical Class
The Practical Class was held in a separate, domed building on the east side of the campus. From the outside, it looked like any other large, windowless classroom, but the moment Arien pushed the heavy double doors open, the space inside defied all logic. It was vast—impossibly, magically larger than the exterior should have allowed.
The air was cool and carried the scent of damp earth, pine, and fresh leaves. Towering, ancient-looking trees stretched upward toward a simulated sky where soft, diffused light glowed like a real overcast day. Birds chirped softly from hidden branches, and the ground underfoot was soft, springy grass. It felt like they had stepped into a secret forest clearing, not a training hall.
Around twenty-four students were already present, standing in small, murmuring groups. Among them, one figure stood out—a boy with a light read hair everyone there present know who he was—Lucien Valehart, a scion of one of the five great noble houses.
Standing next to her was another girl with long, flowing silver hair that seemed to catch the artificial light, her presence equally striking and serene.
Just as Arien and a vaguely curious Shiro entered, Professor Kareth stepped forward from beneath the shade of a large oak, her voice calm but carrying easily across the expansive artificial environment.
Prof. Kareth: Welcome, everyone. Now that we're all finally here, she said, her gaze lingering for a split second on Shiro, let's begin.