Hot, hot, hot was my reaction as I sipped the black coffee I had ordered. Insunya dismissed us after a few hours of training, which I spent brainstorming on what to create. I alone at the table at the cafe, which was a bit noisier than usual. Most of the students minded their own business, seemed that most already have their own friend groups. I scratched my head as I kept thinking about the Shinrai style.
"Insunya's right. But it would help if I had something to base it on," I groan to myself. The Shinrai style requires you to focus all of your orizambi in the palm of your hand, ready to change its nature at any moment, it requires focus, precision, and skill. Also a tad bit of creativity also.
When I was learning to change from an element to air, it was pretty confusing for me in the beginning and as soon as I got used to the basics, I couldn't even believe that I struggled with it. And there are a lot of air releases out there, unlike lightning releases.
"Seems that you're pretty stressed," A familiar voice said in the background, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
It was Professor Meyer, the history teacher.
"Good morning professor," I greet.
"Good morning Red, you feeling okay?" She smiles, her blonde hair reminds me of Bell.
"Yeah, just thinking, how are you,"
"I'm great, you mind sharing, or is it a bit personal?"
"No, not really, I'm just brainstorming a release," I say.
"Trying to make a release of your own huh,"
"Yeah, but it's kinda hard, like really hard,"
I avoid telling her about the Shinrai style. I just don't feel like getting in a conversation about it.
"Well, if you're stuck, you can always visit the library, I'm sure there are some books or historic texts that might be of use to you,"
The library? I forgot that we even have a library here. Oh, I know why, because a certain Insunya made us skip orientation on the first day.
"Yeah of course," I say, I don't even know where the library was. "Thanks, Professor,"
"Glad to help sweetie," She smiles at me. "Well, there's a meeting I have to attend, see you in class Red," She waved goodbye.
"Later,"
What a nice teacher. I have to admit, I was wrong about nobles. I had a stern belief that they were just a bunch of prejudicial greedy scums but turns out they aren't as bad as I thought. Most people I've met so far have been nice to me, except that guy from the entrance exams, Luke Mantriel.
I know he's in my class but I haven't talked to him ever since classes began. He gives off a bad vibe, but his orizambi is powerful. Not like on Romans level, but it's close.
"Roman eh," I mumble.
"He killed my mother, right in front of ." The words Roman said mimicked in my ears.
He gives off this image a strong heartless warrior, but how does he feel. He said it without flinching or even hesitation like he's used to it or something.
Can someone ever get used to deaths?
"bing, bing,"
My phone went off. It was a notification from Professor Kuban, the homeroom teacher.
"There's a meeting in sector 12 of the training areas, all students are required to stop what they're doing and head to sector 12, see you guys in a few."
Meeting? It's a Thursday so there's no class today.
"This better be good," I say as I pick up my coffee and head out. But I notice the students in the cafe aren't even getting up.
I saw some of these guys at the exams, so they are first years, is it only for S-class?
It seems so because nobody else is in a hurry to get to sector 12.
"Better drink this fast," I say to myself as I start drinking the black coffee.
Soo bitter, why do I do this to myself?
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"Hey Red, you got any idea about what's going on?" Christian asks as I walked inside.
I shook my head. "Clueless just like you,"
The entire class was there, and so were the team leaders. Love from team 1 also Insunya's wife, Seth from team 2, Insunya of course from team 3, Yann from team 4, Allyssa from team 5, and Ulysses from team 6.
The headmaster was also there, which made the room feel a bit tenser, and there were a couple of men who I'd never seen but looked important, and 9 people, who wore a blue and white uniform standing in front of everyone.
"Sorry for calling you all at such an unprecedented time, but something of the utmost importance came up." Storm spoke. His voice was deep and calming.
"As you can see there are nine students up here, which is odd right? nine? Some of you may know them, some might not and it's okay. I forgot to introduce them at the entrance ceremony which was my mistake."
"They are the Winston Ten, or the big ten, whichever you prefer. A few days ago, a member stepped down from the big ten, for personal reasons and a spot is open for anyone of you in 1-S. Normally only second years and up can be apart of the big ten, but that's just not fair is it, the first years need a voice in the biggest executive order for the students."
He continued. "You guys must also know that being a Sentinel is a pretty big deal, which means it gains a lot of attention from the media, meaning a lot of money. The money we use to pay salaries for each and every one of you, the money we use to improve the school. So, he's what we're gonna do. A tournament, that you guys have a choice to participate in of course, which a chance to join the big ten and announce your self to the world and other Sentinel organizations around. The big ten is the route to be on top of Winston. If you don't want to participate, you may leave,"
I saw the nervousness on Christians face, looked like a part of him wanted to stay, other part wanted him to leave the scene.
"You have 3," Storm counted.
I heard a slight movement.
"2,"
"Don't be afraid, it's okay to be nervous," I whisper to him.
He looks at me as I smile at him.
"1"
"Such brave children, and here's a word from the number 1 seat of Winston, Skylar Mantriel," Storm smiled widely at the short-haired guy walking towards the center of the stage.
And did he say Mantriel? That's the last name of Luke... who had his head down as if he was bowing.
His brother is the man on top of the summit.
"I would like to say congratulations to all of you, for making into 1-S and congratulations on this opportunity. I look forward to seeing great entertainment and skill. Good luck to you all and I'll see one of you, in the big ten meeting room."
His voice is so calm and soundly.
"Each student will come up here and take a number from this pot," Insunya explained. "The number you take will decide who you'll fight and your position in the bracket. But teammates cannot fight in the first round. In pairs, come take out a number from the pot and pencil from the tray"
We took turns and after a few minutes, every student had a number
Number thirteen huh.
"Those who had a number which was a multiple of three will sit out from the first round, winners will face them in the second round. After that, we'll move on to the quarters, then semis, then the finals," Insunya explained. "Write your full name on the back of the paper, fold it up and come put it in the empty bucket, the draws will be posted in a few, you may leave now."
Kinda nervous and excited as we left the sector.
"You get me and you're finished," Bell laughed.
"I hope I don't get you early, but I'd certainly want to fight you,"
"Who wouldn't," She said cooly.
I'd certainly wanna fight one of the recommended students.
The draws came out about 30 minutes later. The news came out about the tournament and anticipation filled around the entire school. Almost the entire school gathered around the center of campus to see the announcement of the huge announcement screen.
I think it was a public event. It's worldwide.
I remember watching these kinds of events back then, but now I'm apart of it. How cool.
I smile.
"The first matchup," Storm says. "Roman Blackstar vs August Mest. The winner faces Eden Noir in the second round. Good luck."
Roman vs August. Fire vs Paper. I think Roman has an edge.
"Remember to place a vote on who you think is the favorite of this tournament." Storm reminded.
"Now, the second matchup. Sandra Suchel vs Soliel Rolen. The winner faces Rhoda Belle."
Either Sandra or Soliel for Bell huh.
"The third matchup. Christian Ballack vs Rebecca Green. The winner faces Manuel Maverick. "
Manuel is the quiet kid who uses the chains. Goodluck Christian.
"The fourth matchup. Samuel Gage vs June Raynan. The winner faces Elizabeth Tonan,"
"The fifth matchup. Reid Flannel vs James Manstin. The winner faces Luke Mantriel."
James Manstin, he uses Earth I think. And the winner faces Luke Mantriel, brother of the first seat. Luke eh?
"The sixth matchup. Alice Bequin vs Deborah Suchel. The winner faces Priscilla Noel."
"The seventh matchup. Sukai Lanera vs Richard Allens. The winner faces Kylian Rocksan."
Richard is the guy whos orizambi is speed.
"And the last matchup. Jamie Rocksan vs Shawn Tunel. The winner faces Inita Pasan. May the best fighter win.
Storm gave a deep breath. "The fans' votes are in. I'll be counting down the top 5 favorites."
"5- Alice Bequin"
"4-Inita Pasan"
"3-Luke Mantriel"
"2- Roman Blackstar"
"1- Manuel Maverick,"
Roman isn't favorite? How strong is Manuel?
He had a little smirk on his face when I looked over at him.
Winning the entrance exams doesn't make you a favorite huh? They must think nothing of me. This is my chance to prove them wrong when I defeat James, then Luke, they will recognize me.
Bring it on!!