The city awoke to terror; these weren't the usual morning sounds. Instead, sirens tore through the silence with a piercing wail, announcing a catastrophe that struck the heart before the mind could process it. Amidst the chaos, a young man walked with steady steps. His lean build suggested a latent strength hidden behind youthful features marked by the solemnity of late adolescence. His face was a mirror of serious calm, and his hazel eyes held a mysterious glint, suggesting he saw what others could not. His short brown hair was simply styled, and his fair skin accentuated his symmetrical features. He wore a charcoal black hoodie that occasionally obscured half his face, practical black cargo pants, and sturdy brown boots fastened with long laces around his ankles.
He lowered his eyelids slightly and whispered in a voice choked with sorrow:
"I don't know if you're aware... but a deep wound has been torn into the body of the world, in a nation called Valdoris."
At that exact moment, a sharp, metallic voice rang out through the widespread loudspeakers:
"Attention all citizens! Proceed immediately to Kanan Port! Evacuation begins now!"
The boy didn't turn back. Instead, he continued speaking to the echo of his own thoughts:
"I witnessed it... I was in the heart of the slaughter, where humans became sacrifices to an endless misery. Their screams have never left my ears. Since that day, I've been a ghost, a refugee on this isolated island, 'Kenimar'... and now, my fate leads me to the Iron Punishment Academy."
By the roadside, a petite girl appeared, looking like a lost fawn in a concrete jungle. Her features were delicate and friendly, and her dark purple hair brushed her chin in short waves, with light bangs falling over her forehead. She wore a white shirt adorned with dark symbols, layered under a light blue denim jacket that matched her slim-fit jeans. She wore pristine white sneakers and a multi-layered necklace, while her trembling hand gripped a small black handbag.
The boy approached her and asked quietly:
"Excuse me, have you lost your way?"
She shook her head nervously and replied:
"No... no, I'm fine, thank you."
But a vibrant female voice cut through their conversation:
"Rion! Wait for me! Why do you always get so far ahead with those long strides?"
Rion turned to find a girl approaching with an air of organized confidence. Her glossy black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her graceful stature reflected a balance between femininity and strength. Her dark brown eyes sparked with sharp intelligence. She wore a cream-colored high-neck shirt under a light brown short-sleeved jacket, with a matching skirt that emphasized her professional elegance.
She stopped beside him and gave him a reproachful look:
"It's still early, why all the rush?" Then she turned to the stranger and asked curiously: "And who is this? Rion, don't tell me you've already started pouring your dark pessimism into her ears?"
Rion replied with ice-cold indifference:
"I haven't said a word."
The purple-haired girl hesitated, then asked shyly:
"Do you know where the Iron Punishment Academy is located?"
The black-haired girl smiled:
"Of course, it's that massive structure over there. In fact, we're heading to the same place. I'm Kairen Shiro, and this is Rion."
The girl bowed politely and replied:
"Pleased to meet you. I am Misaki Maosi."
Kairen gave Rion a playful nudge:
"Aren't you going to welcome our new classmate?"
Rion said dryly:
"I'm just surprised anyone could miss the largest building in Kenimar."
Misaki frowned slightly and said firmly:
"I don't appreciate your tone."
Kairen laughed softly:
"Forgive him, Misaki. Rion's tongue tends to outrun his thoughts sometimes."
As they walked, Kairen asked Misaki about her class. The latter replied sheepishly:
"Class C... I feel like I'm not strong enough."
Kairen reassured her:
"Don't worry, we're in the same class."
Rion explained seriously:
"The academy ranks us based on the 'Mana and Armor Test.'
Class C: For beginners or those who haven't tapped into their power yet.
Class B: For those with good mana but incomplete armor.
Class A: For those who have mastered armor materialization.
Class S: The elite who have transcended logic."
Misaki looked at them both and asked:
"Are you two... siblings?"
They shared a deep look, then Rion said:
"You could say that... siblings by choice, and perhaps more loyal than blood."
Upon entering the classroom, they met a woman who embodied authority and beauty; royal blue hair with a rebellious undercut on one side, and eyes the color of icy milk. She wore a sky-blue shirt and a gray jacket with rolled-up sleeves, suggesting she was always ready for action.
The teacher said with a confident smile:
"Welcome, new blood. I am Iris Valon, your instructor for Evasion Arts."
She explained the academy's system sternly:
"Here, 'Points' are your oxygen. You start with 1000 points. They are your currency for food, shopping, and betting. If you hit zero and stay there for a month... you're expelled."
Suddenly, the room darkened. Black energy flowed from her hand, and she was swallowed by a thick shadow, only to reappear behind the students in the blink of an eye. She was now clad in sleek black armor laced with glowing blue lines, her eyes shimmering behind the visor.
"This is my armor... Shadow. Each of you must discover your own. Today is orientation; tomorrow, hell begins... I mean, lessons."
The next morning, Rion woke up to the flash of his phone:
Notification: Duel accepted: Rion Grein vs. Trangen Sorl. Stake: 150 points.
In the hallway, Kairen greeted him in shock:
"A duel on your first day? Rion, you really are a trouble magnet."
Rion said dismissively:
"I heard it's a girl, and I have no idea why she'd challenge me so soon."
Kairen winked mischievously:
"Maybe she's attracted to your coldness? Girls don't always confess directly, little brother; sometimes a punch is the only love letter they dare to send."
They entered the next hall, where a woman with angelic features awaited. She had silver hair in two long braids streaked with blue, and bright white eyes behind spectacles. She wore a white lab coat over a brown shirt.
She said gently:
"Welcome, I am Manata Tyren, your Mana Theory instructor. Mana isn't just energy; it's an extension of your soul. Some manifest it as a weapon, like Misaki and her hammer, while others manifest it as creatures, like your absent classmate Trangen and her slime."
She then looked at Rion with a cryptic smile:
"Rion, your duel is the day after tomorrow... don't let me down. All eyes will be on you."
In the academy cafeteria, a sudden silence fell as a girl with a commanding presence approached. She had straight white hair and eyes as black as a starless night. She wore bold black clothing with an open shoulder and metal chains dangling from her waist, giving off an aura of mystery and power.
She sat down coldly and said in a voice like rustling leaves:
"Hello... Rion."
Rion replied cautiously:
"Hello... Trangen, right?"
She smiled slyly:
"Oh, have I slipped your mind? Even though you were my savior once upon a time... No matter, the fight will bring back your memories."
Trangen left, leaving a scent of mystery behind her.
Kairen asked worriedly:
"Do you actually know her?"
Rion shook his head:
"I don't remember, but her face stirs up an old noise in my heart."
Kairen placed a firm hand on his shoulder:
"It doesn't matter who she is. Remember that you're the strongest, and I'm the only one who knows your true secret."
Rion smiled at his sister; the first spark of the Point War had already been struck.
Rion continued his exploration of the towering building, entering a vast hall smelling of oil and concentrated mana: the "Combat Arena." There, a woman with an overwhelming presence caught his eye, standing next to a massive, complex machine. Her thick, wavy red hair cascaded like a waterfall of fire, and her green eyes shone with a sharp intelligence reflecting deep technical expertise.
She wore brass goggles perched on her forehead, a dark green leather vest cinched at the waist over a white shirt with puffed sleeves, while a pocket watch and metal chains whispered with every movement. She moved her hands through the air gracefully, as if conducting an invisible symphony to guide the flow of mana.
She turned to him when she felt his shadow and said confidently:
"Ah, a new visitor? You're one of the Class C students, aren't you? Welcome to the Arena Lab."
Rion replied respectfully:
"Pardon the interruption, but could you explain the secret of this arena? It seems to pulse with life."
The technician smiled proudly, waving a large metal wrench:
"It's more than just stone. This arena is built from a rare metal called 'Alkrich.' We are a team of engineers whose job is to keep this place standing, no matter how intense the duels get."
"How does it withstand mana explosions?" Rion asked in wonder.
She replied, placing her hand on the heart of the machine:
"Simple. We use the 'Core of Aether.' This device charges the arena with energy that keeps it in a state of constant healing. Any crack in the ground repairs itself instantly through the Aether shield. You can destroy it as much as you like, and it will be as good as new before your sweat even dries."
Rion expressed his admiration for the technology and bid her farewell, thinking of the academy's incredible attention to detail.
Meanwhile, Kairen was sitting in the library, surrounded by the scent of old paper, when Misaki approached and sat beside her cautiously.
"Kairen... can I ask you something personal?" Misaki whispered anxiously.
"Of course, Misaki, what's on your mind?" Kairen replied, closing her book.
Misaki hesitated, then said:
"Why do you put your full trust in Rion? You spend all your time with him... Don't you fear betrayal? Aren't you afraid he'll cross a line with you one day?"
Kairen laughed softly, but with absolute confidence:
"Rion?! Misaki, if Rion were that type of person, it would have shown years ago. We've been through thick and thin, and I've seen his true character in the toughest times. He has a pride that prevents him from being dishonorable."
Misaki frowned:
"But I don't trust their silence... men hide malice behind their calm."
Kairen responded calmly and wisely:
"The world isn't entirely black, Misaki. Darkness lives in souls, not in genders. There are unfaithful women and loyal men, and vice versa. Don't let your bitter experiences blind you to the light in others."
In the evening, the two girls met Rion in the hallway leading to his room.
"Where did you disappear to, Rion?" Kairen asked with a smile.
Misaki whispered, looking away:
"He was probably planning something suspicious..."
Rion ignored her whisper and replied calmly:
"I was at the arena, studying the 'Core of Aether' system. The technology there is amazing; it provides full protection for spectators and ensures immediate healing for combatants."
Kairen said excitedly:
"That sounds incredible! How about we spend the evening in your room today to break the routine?"
Misaki gasped:
"What?! In his room?!"
But Rion opened the door with a calm smile:
"By all means, make yourselves at home."
Kairen walked in laughing:
"Come on, Misaki, let's pull an all-nighter!"
Misaki protested as she entered the room nervously:
"I haven't agreed yet! I'm only going in to keep an eye on him."
Rion sat in his chair and asked:
"What are you two drinking? I'm making coffee for myself."
Kairen asked for coffee, while Misaki said with forced sharpness:
"Banana juice. I don't want to lose my sleep to caffeine."
Rion returned with the drinks, and Kairen organized the space while teasing him about his cleaning skills. Gradually, Misaki began to relax. Rion pulled out a card game called "Shadow Cards," and over time, the ice melted. Misaki's laughter filled the room as she forgot her caution and got lost in the game, until exhaustion overtook the girls and they fell into a deep sleep on Rion's only bed.
Rion quietly gathered the cards, covered them gently, and then lay down on the floor, saying to himself:
"Goodnight."
He stayed awake staring at the ceiling, thinking of Trangen. Suddenly, a memory surfaced; an evaluation school, a lonely girl being harassed by bullies, a boy who stepped in silently to end the conflict without a word, and a girl who merely said "Thank you" before vanishing.
"So it was you... you want to show me the fruits of those years."
With the first rays of dawn, the smell of fried eggs filled the room.
Misaki opened her eyes, finding herself in a strange environment. She let out a muffled scream of panic:
"I... I slept in a boy's room?!"
Rion stepped out of the small kitchenette with a cool smile:
"Good morning. Breakfast is ready."
Misaki stammered as she tried to fix her clothes:
"G... g... good morning!"
At that moment, Kairen stretched lazily and said:
"Oh, Rion... is that the fried eggs I love? You're always the best."
The three sat around the small table, and Rion said in a serious tone:
"Kairen... I finally remembered who that girl is. Trangen."