Somewhere in a cafe, Ivy's ears twitched. She looked around from drinking her black coffee to see if something was amiss, nothing. Ivy shook her head as she read through some of the histories of Soar High that Neo gave to her.
So far, nothing special. A small school with an ambitious HeadMaster, he didn't want it to be prestigious or well-known. He wanted the school where all coming-hunters and huntresses would come and make friends. At the third HeadMaster, that's where the school started its reputation. There was a breach in the "kingdom" shabby walls, monsters ruining the "kingdom," but the school's students were able to repel the monsters and save almost everyone's lives. The HeadMaster was glad she made the decision, it would have destroyed her pride if she hadn't.
Ruby is the fifth HeadMaster, the fourth HeadMaster is entirely unknown even with Neo's insane researching skills and ability. But, Neo was able to gather some bits and pieces. Apparently, there was a school break out between two teams. One of the team members got severely hurt and almost died. However, instead of the HeadMaster stepping in to set the boundaries, they simply dismissed the topic and expelled the injured kid. Many people were furious, and the HeadMaster actually declared war on the kingdom. In the end, the HeadMaster was executed with a fair trial.
("Hm, interesting. Didn't think Neo's skills were able to improve so much,") Ivy said in her mind while taking a sip of her coffee before thinking again. ("Maybe I should give her some head pats, she seems to always like those.")
Neo was sitting across from Ivy as she stared out the window. She wonders when the entrance exams will begin. Ironically, she received a message from Ruby. Neo jumped out of her chair before showing Ivy the message.
"Entrance exams are starting at 4. There will be an announcement, so I suggest you two get back on school grounds."
Ivy read the text before dropping the payment for their drinks. She motioned for Neo to come since they spent most of their time walking to the cafe. Neo happily followed as the two made their way to the academy grounds.
It was early afternoon, yet the streets were quite crowded. Ivy didn't have the best when it came to interaction, so she hoped that Neo could dissuade people. The two went slow and enjoyed the scenery, especially since there was a sidewalk near the end of a lake. It was a beautiful lake since there wasn't a single look of littering. Ivy smiled a bit since outside those walls, there is a world of hell and barren.
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Ivy and Neo were standing in the auditorium, along with all the new students. The room a decently-lit and large. There was a stage, pitch-black, with a microphone in the middle. The spotlight shone onto the microphone as Ruby slowly walked towards the mic. She glances around the crowd with a menacing look. Multiple students felt a shiver go down their spine but didn't say anything.
Ivy stared at Ruby's atmosphere, she seems like a different person. She glanced around before hearing the microphone being tapped as Ruby started her speech.
"Hello. My name is Ruby Crimson, the HeadMaster of the academy. I welcome you all, and I am glad that you decided to join this school. Today, the entrance exams will be starting soon. I would like to say a few things, however. This is a school of fighting against the forces outside these walls. Not a school to show who is the strongest, if you want to challenge someone, you will have to do it with a teacher insight. Both sides will be responsible, but it depends on how serve the fight is."
"Another thing is that please keep your relationships private. I don't want to hear a single word about two people having fun together. And lastly, I understand everyone is nervous about the entrance exam. Nevertheless, if you trained hard and honed your skill as much as possible, then you should be fine," Ruby finished as she looked around the crowd. Nobody seemed to have any question with her speech. "That is all, get through the entrance exam, and you'll start your journey."
Ruby's final words said the lights in the auditorium came back on as most students were frozen. Ivy and Neo, along with a few other students, didn't seem affected by Ruby's speech and left the room. Ivy and Neo shrugged together and walked over to the schedule for the entrance exams.
There was a holographic bulletin where many new students crowded around. Many students were extremely nervous and started talking if they would even pass. Ivy and Neo pushed their way through to see when they had their exam. They couldn't see their names on the regular ranking, but somehow they were put on the advance listing.
("Advance? The hell is that supposed to mean? Is it because we're special?") Ivy thought to herself before feeling Neo's tug. She looked and guide her out of the crowd. Ivy sat down by a nearby bench and leaned back and sighing.
Neo yawned before pulling something out of her Space Mana. It was wrapped in some paper while Ivy tilted her head. Neo chuckled a little before revealing two new mechanical arm and hand. Ivy smiled a little before detaching her left arm and right hand. Neo was happy to see Ivy's smile, she took a deep breath and attached the two new mechanical parts.
Immediately, the parts adjusted itself, and slowly each parted started to move up. They came all together as a slight flow of Ivy's Mana went through the arm. Ivy was about to ask what the sudden surge of Mana was doing, but Neo already beat her to it.
"Both parts are much more durable than old parts. They were very basic, so whoever gave them to you didn't think you would need them for a long time. Anyways, both of them are made out of multiple layers of titanium and small Mana circuits. The arm is extraordinary since if you condense your Mana enough, you can fire a beam out. Of course, you have to hit your mark, or else the arm will go into a cooldown state. It's still useable, but be cautious. The hand can do the same, but only short ranges, plus you propel yourself to avoid attacks," Neo explained as she looked at Ivy's old parts. She stored them in her Space Mana while Ivy tested their adjustments.
Neo couldn't help but smile at how strong Ivy is. She always seems to carry herself somehow, Neo wishes she could do the same. Shaking her head, Neo stood up and grabbed Ivy's new hand.
"I'm glad you like them. I hope they can provide you enough protection," Neo smiled.
Ivy scratched her head before smiling, "Thank Neo, you really do need a reward."
Ivy reached out and gently rubbed Neo's head. She knows Neo is hiding her real self, but Ivy made sure not to entice Neo. Neo squirmed a little underneath Ivy's touch, she didn't expect that Ivy would give her head pats, but she didn't argue against it.
"Oh, by the way, we're on the advance listing. Do you have any idea what that may mean?" Ivy suddenly brought up as Neo hugged her waist. She was really enjoying the pats for some reason.
"Probably...means...ahh...we...do the ...tests...earlier ahhh~," Neo's speech was messed up as she tried to concentrate on her words.
("Hm, I guess that makes sense. I should look at the listing again,") Ivy said as she hugged Neo before picking the girl up and carried her on her shoulders. "We're gonna see what the board says again. You get the eyes up there."
Neo was blushing a bit as she wasn't expecting Ivy's sudden movements. She did not pick the best day to wear a skirt. Neo held on tight to Ivy's hands as she was being carried to the bulletin.
When they arrived, a couple of students were not happy with their listing was. Ivy scanned the crowd before backing up and seeing if Neo can get a good eye on their listing. Neo stared at their ranking before holding up four fingers at Ivy.
("So, they want the stronger students done so that the teachers can analyze them better. But what about the other students?") Ivy thought before feeling her mechanic hands being yanked back.
Something hit Neo hard to having her recoil back. Ivy let go of Neo before catching her in her arms. She turned around to see a fight has already broken out. Ivy could feel a vein bulging before she dropped Neo and marched over to the battle. One with two gauntlets covered in black with shotgun shells in a cylinder formation, another with a broadsword that had rune embedded inside.
"Who hurt my friend?!" Ivy yelled as she stepped in between the two. She stared at both of the boys. She wasn't in a mood to fight, but Ivy wouldn't mind knocking the two out.
"I suggest you stand down, little girl. This is where the boys settle their arguments!" one of the boys shouted at Ivy. The other boy, who was wielding his gauntlets, put away his weapons and walked off.
"You're really that scared of being beaten up by me, Eden?!" the boy mocked as Ivy stared at the boy.
She walked over to the boy as he attempted to attack her. Ivy caught the blade and cracked the entire sword into pieces. She stared at the boy with a death glare before grabbing his shirt and tossing him over the crowd. Ivy stared at the boy name Eden before walking back to Neo and leaving.