The training grounds of Chusei Academy were alive with focused tension. Students gathered around the central field, waiting for the day's sparring matches to begin.
"First match," the instructor announced, "Aqua Mizuno."
Aqua stepped forward calmly. Water rose from the ground, swirling around her arms like flowing ribbons.
Her opponent attacked first—but Aqua didn't rush. She redirected the strike, froze the ground beneath his feet, and with a smooth motion sent a wave of water that knocked him clean out of bounds.
The match ended almost instantly.
"Winner: Aqua Mizuno."
Soft applause followed. Aqua exhaled, eyes calm, already walking back to her place.
Next—
"Rin Ketsuki."
Rin rested his scythe on his shoulder as he entered the field, blood energy faintly pulsing along the blade.
His opponent hesitated.
That was all Rin needed.
In a flash, Rin moved—his scythe stopping just short of the opponent's throat.
"Yield," Rin said coldly.
The opponent dropped his weapon immediately.
"Winner: Rin Ketsuki."
Whispers spread across the field.
"So fast…"
"That blood power is insane."
Koi Ren watched silently from the edge of the crowd, fingers brushing the hilt of Koru on his back.
They're on another level, he thought.
Then—
"Koi Ren."
The field went quiet.
"Opponent: Raide Shinkai."
Raide grinned as electricity crackled along his nunchucks.
"This should be fun," he said, stepping forward.
Koi walked into the field slowly, feeling every eye on him.
No elemental power, he reminded himself.
Just my blade… and my will.
The signal was given.
Raide exploded forward, lightning tearing through the air. Koi barely dodged, rolling as the ground behind him burned black.
"Woah!" Raide laughed. "You're tougher than you look!"
Koi blocked the next strike—pain surged through his arms. He slid back but stayed standing.
Watch the rhythm, Watashi's voice echoed in his mind.
Raide attacked again.
This time, Koi stepped in, slashing low and forcing Raide to retreat.
Raide's eyes widened. "Oh?"
From the sidelines, Aqua leaned forward.
"He's reading him…"
Rin smirked. "Not bad, swordsman."
Raide stopped smiling.
Lightning surged stronger.
The final exchange came fast—too fast.
Koi was struck down, landing on one knee, breathing hard.
"Winner: Raide Shinkai."
Silence followed.
Aearis stepped forward.
"Enough."
He looked down at Koi.
"You lost," Aearis said calmly.
"But you stood your ground. Remember this moment."
The students began to disperse.
Koi stayed kneeling, catching his breath.
Then footsteps approached.
Raide crouched beside him—and clapped once, sharp and loud.
"For real," Raide said with a grin, offering a hand,
"that was sick. No powers, and you still pushed me."
Koi blinked, surprised… then took his hand.
"Thanks," Koi said quietly.
Raide laughed. "Get stronger, yeah? I wanna fight you again."
As Raide walked off, Koi stood up, tightening the strap of Koru on his back.
From the academy steps, Aearis watched.
"The boy without power…" he murmured,
"…is beginning to earn respect."
The wind shifted.
And Koi Ren kept standing.