The mood thickened in the field at Starfall Academy as the final mock battle was about to start.
The field grew quiet as Kazuta stepped forward, twin katanas drawn. On the opposite side, Mikido adjusted his grip on his single blade, expression unreadable. Both fighters kept a close eye on each other, anticipating the start.
The instructor lifted her hand
"Begin."
Both fighters launched forward at the same moment.
Steel met steel in a flash—a sharp, ringing clash that cut through the air.
Kazuta attacked immediately, his twin katanas slicing in a crisscross pattern with Twin Serpent Slash. Mikido pivoted sideways, blade sweeping in a tight arc to parry both strikes at once. The force of the block sent dust rolling across the ground.
.Kazuta pressed harder, switching angles, twisting into his Twin Steel Cyclone, but Mikido stepped inside the attack and slashed upward, landing the first clean hit—a shallow cut across Kazuta's shoulder.
Kazuta slid back, breath sharp, eyes narrowing but clear.
"So he's fast too".
He launched forward again, blades whipping in Shadow Fang Barrage, a barrage of diagonal strikes. Mikido blocked the first two, but the third broke through, slicing across Mikido's ribs. He grunted, feet digging into the ground to hold his stance.
They separated, circling, breaths heavy.
Neither spoke, both of them locking eye contact, their gazes silently gauging equations of distance, leverage, and the sheer will to execute the perfect technique.
The whole arena was silent —except for the sound of their blades
Then, in a moment of mutual understanding; they both lunged at each other with their blades, displaying their sword skills in a rally. The rally was a whirlwind of polished steel, their strikes too fast for the eye to track fully. Their exchange became a blur of silver arcs, the metallic screech of steel grating against steel dominating the noise of the battle. It was a rapid-fire conversation, sharp and relentless, with each strike answering the other in an escalating, deafening chorus.
Kazuta leapt, crossing his swords in Cyclone Twin Slash, blades spinning downward. Mikido stepped into the attack, steel whirling in a tight spiral—Spiral Thrust—and their weapons collided mid-air in a burst of sparks that scattered like fireflies.
Kazuta landed hard.
Mikido slid several steps, boots skidding furrows in the dirt.
Kazuta wiped blood from his lip and rushed in for the final exchange. Mikido met him head-on, blades clashing so fast the watching students couldn't follow every motion.
At the end of the final sequence, Kazuta feinted high, then cut low—Shadow Serpent Blitz—his fastest combination yet. Mikido blocked the first strike, parried the second, but the third slipped through and tapped his chest, stopping inches before a deeper cut.
"Match concluded."
Kazuta lowered his weapons, panting.
Mikido did the same, clutching his side. Both of them sat down simultaneously, trying to regain their strength.
Then Mikido spoke first,"…You fight well."
Kazuta blinked. "…You too."
Mikido extended a hand.Kazuta took it.
The students watching applauded them as the two newfound rivals—now something closer to friends—walked back to their teams, braced shoulder-to-shoulder; a show of mutual respect.
*****************
The Class 1-A medical staff moved quickly after the mock battles ended, guiding the exhausted students toward the treatment wing. Tetsu, Haru, Blaze, Star, Denki, Ella, Naeva, and Raika all received quick, mild treatments—bandages, ointments, Ryu pills-which supplemented and replenished one's Tenki, and brief scans to ensure nothing serious lingered. The instructor insisted they be checked to prevent further injury.
Only Kazuta and Mikido were placed in the infirmary beds.Their fight had pushed their bodies beyond to the limits—deep bruises, strained muscles, and backlash from high energy usage. Though neither was in serious danger, the healers insisted they remain under observation.
"Don't worry," Kazuta said weakly, smirking through the pain. "We'll catch up with everyone soon."
Mikido nodded, quietly adjusting his blanket. "Rest well. We'll be fine."
"Yeah, we would"
Tetsu and Haru walked back to their shared room still wrapped in light bandages. Despite the aches, both were in good enough condition to joke about the day's chaos.
Across the hall, Star and Blaze went to their room, arguing about who looked cooler while fighting.Denki trudged into his room while muttering complaints.
"So no one's paired up with him" Tetsu asked
"Would you want to be?" Haru responded. " I wouldn't. He's a handful". Tetsu responded, looking away from Denki's direction.
Denki shot him a glare "I can hear you y'know, and I'd rather have the room to myself". he said, shutting his door hard.
And the room at the far end remained dark—Kazuta and Mikido's, empty for the night since both boys were still recovering at the infirmary.
Even with bruises and exhaustion, the hallway carried a new sense of camaraderie—it had began to feel like home.
**********
The evening air in the academy was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and smoke from the hearths. The students of Class 1-A gathered in the main dining hall, the long wooden tables groaning under the weight of steaming dishes. The mood had lightened from it's original tense state after a long day.
Tetsu sat among his team: Haru, Ella, and Denki, the last of whom had been particularly vocal throughout the battles. Across from them, Blaze, Star, Raika, and Naeva occupied another table, making it seem like a large dinner.
The hall buzzed with chatter as students recounted the day's events. Tetsu noticed subtle nods and smiles from students who had witnessed his performance and strength against Team Star, a display that had earned him quiet admiration. Even Denki, grumbling about his near stalemate with Naeva, couldn't entirely hide his grudging respect for Tetsu's skills.
Blaze, his mouth full with food, leaned toward Tetsu with a faint grin. "Not bad for a forest prince. Guess all that speed and reflex stuff of yours isn't just luck."
Tetsu chuckled, as he passed the bread to Ella. "You're giving me too much credit.It was just one mock battle"
Star smirked from across the hall, not surprised by Tetsu's humility. "I have to disagree, Tetsu. I think everyone here has acknowledged your strength by now."
Haru, usually quiet, allowed a small grin. "I think he prefers not being noticed. I can't deal with his type honestly."
Ella, sitting beside Tetsu, ate her food quietly while keeping an eye on the conversations. Though she had helped the team and contributed to the victory, she had o idea how to engage in the conversation. Still, she could feel a quiet satisfaction in her performance , and she smiled to herself.
Denki slammed his fist lightly on the table, rattling the cutlery. "Next time, I'm taking that armband and finishing things myself. You'll see." His glare was directed at Tetsu, who silently wished there was no next time.
Naeva and Raika exchanged looks and talked as they ate, and though they had little in common, they still discussed about how they could both improve their strategy.
As the dinner wound down, laughter and banter echoed through the hall. The atmosphere had shifted; what had been solely about raw displays of skill, had shifted to moments of camaraderie, mutual acknowledgment, and the subtle forging of bonds—even among rivals.
*****************
The next morning, the students filed into the lecture hall, the lingering exhaustion from the previous day tempered by the warmth of the night's shared dinner. Kazuta and Mikido, who had both spent the night at the infirmary, were now back to class together with the rest, and had clearly bonded over the night as they shared sword tips and technique ideas.
Haru and Tetsu arrived at the class early to prepare and review their information as they awaited the upcoming lessons, while Blaze, Star, Denki, and the others joined them soon after. The murmur of preparations filled the class as Mr Kiyoshi entered the lecture hall to begin the day's class.
The class grew quiet and students got out their notes for class. Kiyoshi began the day's lesson, his voice echoing clearly.
"Today, we will review the history of the Ten Original Clans, the Divine Tree, and the origins of Tenki."
The students leaned forward. Knowledge of the elemental roots was essential—not only for combat but for understanding their own abilities and the world they defended.
"The Divine Tree," he continued, "was humanity's blessing during the devil invasion. Its fruits granted Tenki to humans, a living energy that flows through the body, the mind, the soul, and the spirit. From this tree came the Ten Cores, later made into the Origin Weapons. Each clan has its ruler wielding one, chosen by bloodline."
He gestured to the large wall chart behind him, illustrating the ten kingdoms: Lumina, Umbra, Pyronis, Aqualis, Terranova, Aether, Verdantis, Ferrum, Glaciens, and Celestia.
Tetsu traced his finger along Verdantis, reminding himself of his mother's kingdom.One day he too will wield an Origin weapon. He glanced through the chart, observing the Lumina territory as well.
Kiyoshi continued, "Each clan specialized in different abilities, though hybrids are common, merging powers. Hybrids, though not generally accepted are really powerful and can abide peacefully in certain nations under government laws . The mastery of Tenki requires understanding your elemental lineage, your spirit's connection, and your unique gifts. Remember, a weapon is more than a tool; it is a conduit for your essence. Your mind, body, soul, and spirit must be in harmony with it."
"History is not merely facts. It is the guide to survival. Ignorance of past battles, past strategies, and past weaknesses can be fatal. Remember this as you move forward."
The students scribbled notes, mentally mapping each clan's strengths and how their classmates fit into the wider history. Blaze shifted in his seat, focused entirely on the lesson as he absorbed every word. Star's eyes gleamed faintly as he considered the strategic applications of each clan's abilities.
Once the history lesson concluded, Kiyoshi-sensei shifted focus, addressing the classroom in a more formal tone.
"Class 1-A, the armed forces have requested the academy's assistance. Lesser beasts have increasingly appeared near civilization. Although the request was made to the instructors. the school has agreed to allow you participate in a controlled hunting expedition within a restricted forest area."
Murmurs spread across the room. The excitement and tension were palpable.
"This mission is both a lesson and a test. You will neutralize lesser beasts under supervision while demonstrating mastery of your weapons, strategic coordination, and elemental understanding. Two instructors have been assigned to accompany you, myself included. Meet the person that will be assisting me in accompanying you, Mr Shisui Tsumetai- your substitute instructor for Weapons Mastery class"
Shisui's shadowed gaze swept over the students. His presence was simultaneously reassuring and unnerving. He walked to the front, a tall, slender figure in a charcoal suit, perfectly still save with slow, measured movement. There were no smiles, no nervous fidgets, as he appeared completely cold and unbothered.
"I am Tsumetai Shisui," he stated, his voice the exact volume necessary to fill the room, utterly flat, like ice cracking in a quiet room. "I will be instructing Weapons Mastery till further notice."
Kiyoshi continued, "Teams will be assigned to balance elements, weapon types, and tactical roles."
Tetsu whispered to Haru, "Looks like our training continues outside the classroom. Keep an eye on Denki; he'll probably rush in first."
Haru smirked, "Let him. We'll adapt. But watch yourself too."
**************
That evening, the students gathered in the academy's grand dining hall. Long wooden tables were filled with the smells of roasted meat, fresh bread, and earthy stews. Laughter bubbled through the hall, a brief respite from the earlier tension.
Tetsuo sat beside Haru, sharing a quiet conversation about the upcoming mission.
"So, these lesser beasts… that shouldn't be an issue , right?" Tetsuo said, idly twirling a piece of bread.
Haru smirked, "That's where you're wrong. If you underestimate them or rush in without thinking, you'll get torn apart." He leaned back, a casual but piercing look in his eyes. "Of late, lesser beasts have been appearing more often. According to previous reports, lesser beast could easily be killed by patrol guards. But right now, the rate of incidents where guards are killed has increased. The beasts that were easily killable are evolving and therefore we must proceed with caution"
Denki, sitting across from them with his usual scowl, grunted. "Hmph. That doesn't mean anything to me. That just makes for a more enjoyable fight. As always, I'll handle things my way."
Ella, quietly picking at her stew, gave a small smile but said nothing. Although she was anxious about the mission, she was surprisingly calm.
Across the hall, Blaze polished the edge of his battle axe while Star reviewed a small set of diagrams for the forest terrain, his mind already calculating trajectories and angles. Raika sat near Naeva, whispering strategy points, her eyes scanning for weaknesses in their opponents' movements from the earlier mock battles.
Despite the earlier rivalries and competitive tension, the group found a rare moment of camaraderie over shared meals and quiet chatter. Even Kazuta and Mikido, who were seated at the nearby table with their new teammates Kyu and Teo, engaged in strategic chatter over their meals.
The following morning, Mr Kuzuryu and Mr Shisui guided the class to the weapons practice yard. All the students were instructed not to use their Tenki and to practice Tenjutsu alongside mastery of their weapon techniques.
"Today, you will refine your weapon techniques before the expedition," Shisui instructed, his presence casting a subtle unease over the room. "Precision, control, and efficiency are key. Remember, your weapon is an extension of yourself—your body, your reflexes, and your Tenki. If you cannot control it, it will betray you."
Students immediately paired off for warm-ups. Tetsuo twirled his twin sai, feeling the familiar weight and balance. Haru adjusted his twin axes, testing his grip while glancing at the door to ensure the other teams remained at a safe distance.
The instructors circled the yard, providing corrections, demonstrating moves, and occasionally letting students spar in controlled mini-bouts. Shisui's gaze, cold and unflinching, scanned every motion. Kiyoshi on the other hand, was more flexible with the students and despite his usual strict demeanor, he gave instructions without having his usual harsh side.
Once practice concluded, the students moved toward the main field. Mr Kiyoshi then addressed the class.
"Listen carefully. Our mission is to investigate the eastern forest belt near Aurelia Metropolis. Lesser beasts have been sighted encroaching toward civilian settlements. The Armed Forces requested assistance. This is your opportunity to test your skills in a controlled environment and coordinate as teams."
He gestures to a hovering holomap displaying the forest's dense layout. Paths, clearings, and known danger zones are highlighted
"Remember the objectives," Mr Shisui reminded them. "Neutralize or contain the beasts. Maintain formation and cover. Support your teammates. Stay alert."
Each team has a specific role. Team Tetsu: reconnaissance and support. Team Kazuta: containment and suppression. Team Blaze: offense and engagement. Team Star: observation and tactical response. Team Naeva: protection of high-value points, primarily the forest perimeter
The students all nodded their heads in agreement, checking their weapons and equipment.
"We will be traveling via SkyRend Carriers. " Skyrend Carriers huh. I've heard about those although I've never actually been on one. They're supposed to be high-altitude Tenki powered aircraft that are powered by high-performance compressed Tenki turbines and capable of carrying a minimum of 40–50 people each depending on the size" Tetsu said.
"They also travel really fast and have a low energy consumption rate" Haru added.
Mr. Kiyoshi went on to address the class "Listen well. We are heading to Aurelia Metropolis. The eastern forest belt has seen unusual lesser-beast movement close to the city. This was originally a request from the Armed Forces and so we can't afford to make mistakes… We also want to ensure the safety of our students and so for the entirety of the mission, stay in your assigned teams at all times."
**********************
Soon after they board the aircraft and head to their destination.
Before long, they come to the airspace hovering above the city.
"This city is… huge." says Tetsu
"Aurelia is one of the great hubs where all clanfolk can live, a few shadow clan defaultees included. It was built by engineers from the Lumina, Ferrum and Terra while the other clans provided them with resources."
The aircraft dips lower, passing over terraces filled with greenery, Tenki fountains, and marketplaces bustling with early-rising civilians.
Haru leans forward.
"Hard to believe beasts are showing up so close to something this big." he says.
The SkyRend Carrier descends toward a cordoned-off landing pad on the outskirts of Aurelia Metropolis. Blue police barriers line the street, flickering with runic seals that pulse softly as the aircraft touches down. Sirens echo faintly in the distance, signaling a state of controlled alert.
As the students step out, the city's crisp air hits them. The atmosphere is tense, hazy with stirred dust from hurried evacuations. Officers move quickly across the blocked streets, directing civilians to safety.
Captain Yaruda, who introduced himself as a lieutenant in the city's police force, approached the and filled them in on the current situation.
"Thank you for coming, we really appreciate it. We're stretched thin. Lesser beasts have been sighted in the Eastwood residential district. We need your help setting up the lockdown perimeter before they reach deeper into the city."
Mr Kiyoshi steps to address the officer on behalf of the students.
"Understood. My class will support immediately". He then turned to face the class. Students—pair up and assist the police. You're not engaging beasts yet. Your focus is evacuation and containment."
Immediately, Tetsu and the rest of the class rush on to the scene and began to help with various things, without needing too much direction.
Tetsu helps carry reinforced Tenki pylons used to generate temporary walls. He also used plants to mark out the correct evacuation paths.
Haru, beside him, assisted in helping business owners close thier stores
Ella helped two police officers guide a group of civilians—elderly people, a family with small kids—toward a safe route.
Blaze help in making a an anti beast perimeter, using controlled fire bursts to weld metallic barrier plates into place.
Denki used his raw earth strength to hammer the plates into the ground, arranging the perimeter. "These students work like professionals…"says one of the officers as he observes the students in action.
Denki smirks, wiping dust from his hands.
Kazuta and Mikido set up detection stakes wired with metal-tenki currents to alert them if any strays were to approach the city.
Raika served as a guide, directing the civilians to the safe zone and ensuring order in their movement.
Naeva stands at the entry point to the safe zone, watching the civilians and guarding the area. "Everyone, keep moving. You're safe here."
The group gathers with Captain Yaruda as the civilians clear out.
Through their radars, the group observe the number of beasts gathering near the city.
Captain Haruda:"We'll finish sealing the lower blocks. From here, it's all yours."
Mr Kiyoshi nods and thanks the officer. "Students, prepare yourselves. From this point forward, the mission becomes active." He says.
*******************************
At the aircraft, the students checked their weapons and reviewed their strategy as they got ready to leave for the forest.
Tetsu engages in thought as he calms himself down. "My first mission, even though it's a field trip", He thought.
Mr Kiyoshi:
"Alright Class 1A—move out!
*************************
The aircraft glide deep into the eastern forest belt.
The trees create a cover for the vegetation under making the place a dense, thick curtain of nature.
Wild Tenki radiates so strongly Tetsu can feel the nature element vibrating under his skin.
The aircraft slows, then hovers directly above a large circular clearing.
The doors open.
"Everyone out. Regroup on the field." Mr Kiyoshi said, while climbing down to the ground.
The students descended the ramp into the misty, dew-covered grass.
The forest ahead was vast, quiet… and unsettling.
Mr Shisui steps forward, his dark coat as if it was alive. "This forest is older than Aurelia itself. Stay close. It doesn't welcome outsiders."
Many students shiver including Ella, who holds her staff close.
A few minutes into the expedition, the forest seemed calm. It was as if time had stopped temporarily and despite the calm, the students were on edge.
They had been separated into two teams, each given a specific mission and and instructor to accompany them.
Tetsu's team was accompanied by Mr Shisui, and was to raid the base of the lesser beast; a pack of Darkwolves that resided in the center of the forest. Their aim was to eliminate the leader of the pack; a creature said to be capable on intelligence. It was a higher ranked beast than the rest and would require a higher attack force to slay it.
Kazuta's team was accompanied by Mr Kiyoshi and was to take eliminate the wolves' main force who they suspected would react to their energy and come after them. To employ this plan, Team Tetsu wore aura suppressing bracelets to hide their Tenki.
The instructor for Team A led by Tetsu, Mr Shisui —led the team, his calm gaze scanning every shadow.
"Listen closely," he said softly, his voice unusually low showing a hint of urgency, "your objective is the main base. The Alpha—the Dark Wolves' leader—resides there. He possesses intelligence and is as strong as at least a thousand ordinary Darkwolves, so no direct confrontation until you reach him."
Tetsu's hand clenched his twin sai. "And the army?"
"Team B," He continued, "is tasked with drawing the bulk of the pack to themselves. Darkwolves react quickly to Tenki and so they're sure to fall for the trap. They won't be of any trouble as long as Team Kazuta does their part, and Kazuta's team is prepared to handle them. Your bracelets will suppress your Tenki allowing you to move undetected."
Raika adjusted her aura-suppressing bracelet, the faint shimmer along her wrist dulling to near invisibility.
Ella glanced at hers nervously. "So… we just sneak in and—?"
Shisui's gaze was unwavering. "Exactly. Avoid unnecessary fights. Only engage when required. Your priority is the Alpha. Succeed in neutralizing him, and the forest will stabilize."
Meanwhile, far behind, Mr. Kiyoshi spoke with Kazuta, Mikido, and the other members of the class.
"Kazuta," he said, "your team will act as the decoy and act away from Tetsu's team. Use high energy attacks to lure the Dark Wolves' main force. Powerful strikes, controlled pressure. You are to wipe them in one sweep while keeping them engaged and away from Team Tetsu."
Kazuta nodded. "Understood. We'll act according to the plan."
Mikido's single katana glinted in the light filtering through the trees. "Let's just hope our calculation matches their instincts"
And so as they prepared to raid, they were unknowingly heading to a battle that will serve as a turning point for a lot of things.