"I-I can't believe you lost....." Cole sighed rubbing the back of his neck, he was kneeling down where most of the competitors we're spectating; Dante was sitting up beside the black haired male having his wounds tended too. "I-I really thought you had him beat...T-that was insane. What you did?....I've never seen anything like it."
"Heh!...well! Win some and lose some!....that's the way of life..." Dante shook his head with a small chuckle, the person tending to his wounds was actually None other than Rose herself. "Ano...Arigatou! Rose-Chan....I didn't realize you could heal so well..."
"You idiot." Rose huffed her hands we're covered in a purple Mana, as she hovered them over his slashes that began to close up slowly but surely "I'm not a healer. I just learned this trick when I was surviving out in the wilderness for a bit. And No don't ask about it. I still don't trust you...what you did out there was reckless. You could have gotten yourself seriously killed."
"Aww!~ come on. but I wanted to hear about it that's not fair! Why bring up a story if your not even gonna- agh!...you just stung me?...." The white haired males teeth clattered a bit at the feeling of her Mana stinging him because of his comment before he sighed looking over at Rin Tora whom reunited with the other Two siblings that Lost; they seemed in better condition though bandaged up. "Medics must be amazing to work that fast...."
"It's all about your bodies Will....if your determined enough. You can heal quickly...Mana is Spiritual in nature. The more determined you are...the more likely your body is to react positively to Healing Energies..." Kira Explained staring at him with curiosity "are you going to explain? Why I've never heard of anyone like you outside of Titan City before?....what you did out there. That's not something any regular person can do..you're power is on par with Even my own....dare I say your an Anomaly like Rose...but your no Elf."
"I'll explain it..." Yuma interrupted ruffling his own brown hair, lazily keeping one eye open. He merely stood beside The kneeled down Cole as he spoke "Your all aware of Cursed Mana...well their is something opposite is it. That does not take rituals...or any sort of trivial way to achieve it. It is called Jundo...in other words. Pure Mana. It's extremely Rare. Because it's not something anyone can train for. It's a natural blessing...some day the spirits themselves pour their life force into a child, giving Their essence into the Spirit Core, that Is what is called Jundo. Pure...because Spirits are the manifestation of Mana Itself from the beginning of the world. At least that's what historians say...the Last Pure Mana User....was rumored to be Kisuke..."
"Funny you should mention that..." Daisuke, Dante's Uncle and Veteran First Rank Knight walked over to the group of them even Regis stayed quite in his presence as he was considered one of the highest tier knights in the Human Realm.
"D-Daisuke sama...." Cole Bowed respectfully as he stopped in front of them, he felt exceedingly nervous. While Kira kept her composure it wasn't an easy task at staying calm though she has met him before it was still Awe inducing. "Sir Daisuke....it is an honor as always.." she mentioned curtsying.
"I was wondering what you and Dante have in common..." Yuma said softly as he had remembered they conversed during Rose's secret being revealed. "So your the reason Dante was able to come to the Exam. I also assume the reason the exams we're delayed was because you we're bringing him here."
"Hn. Your Observant for a Kid. Lionheart's are known for being able to read others...I've seen some of your clan in action but you seem to be a prodigy on your own." Daisuke glanced at Yuma Lionheart amused at his deductions before waving his hand "No need for Formalities you two. Though it's good to see you haven't changed much Kira...Your far more proper than your mother used to be." His emerald eyes finally landed on Dante and Rose "a Dark Elf being here of all places. I have to say you've got some metaphorical balls of steel kiddo. I like the determination though. All of you are interesting in your own ways, a perfect group to lump my nephew into."
"Huh?....N-nephew?!..." Cole's ears perked up as he stood up straight and turned toward Dante, blue eyes widened "Y-your Daisuke-Sama's Nephew?!...no wonder. It makes sense you'd have That kind of Mana! The Dragon Trio we're always considered the puritans of Power!"
"Huh? The Dragon what now?..." Dante titled his head curiously, dumbfounded rubbing his temple in confusion, Rose scoffed at him as she finished healing "your hopeless Dante. Even Elves are aware of who they are....your related to them and didn't even know.."
"It's just a fancy title we we're given...Me, Your father and Sozen...." Daisuke explained suddenly walking over and taking a single knee, to look over Dante closely especially his eyes which seemed to glow more than usual "The more you fight. The more Mana your able to output...but still you have a long way to go. Your Father could do that from the beginning." He chuckled a bit proud of him before standing up and saluting to the others. "Dante...isn't Sozen's son by the way. He may be a villager by nature, but the blood flowing through his veins. Is that of Kisuke himself so please. Do me a favor. Treat him as an equal at the very least."
"I-I suspected it. But damn it sounds crazy actually hearing it...so he did have a kid somewhere out there....." Yuma pinched the bridge of his nose, practically cussing under his breathe for acting harsh with him at first "You do resemble the statue in the Cities Main Square..."
"W-wait...." Kira lifted her hand to silence everyone, as she crossed her arms in disbelief "your telling me. Daisuke-sama. This Airheaded Warrior. Is your Nephew?...he is the Son of Kisuke?....The Legend?!" She exclaimed with a bit of aggression "H-how could that be possible?....he's. He's a Random Villager. Isn't he?...he doesn't even know how the Inner City works? Or the government structure! Or even The System of Clans and Nobles....."
"I refrained from teaching him those things. It was...Unnecessary." Daisuke replied quickly and wisely staring at Kira with a raised eyebrow "Kisuke. Was in Love....and out of that Love, a child was born. It just so happens he was raised in a Small Village out of Modern Societies reach. And yes...he isn't a Noble. And knows nothing. That's the point. You know how things are here....Did you truly believe I would allow my Nephew to come here before he was prepared? Sure he isn't knowledgeable but he will be in time. A Kid of his Making was not made to be a part of this Cities system. Kisuke...wanted him to Experience freedom. Away from the Ties of Nobility. The social Stigma's...just peaceful."
"What's the big deal anyway?..." Dante stood up finally speaking defensively and glaring at Kira "What's so hard to believe that my Dad was Awesome or that you belittled me because you judged a book by its cover?...the same way you judged and we're ready to execute Rose for being a Dark Elf?...just what's your problem? Your acting like a stuck up Brat. Your one of the reasons the Tora siblings turned out the way they did...your part of the problem with Social Classes!"
Rose kept her Ears hidden under her bright Red hair turning away from the conversation as she remember the feeling of being judged by everyone in the Arena, Kira stayed quite she couldn't even reply to Dante's questions "I-I...."
"All of you Relax!..I'm also here to warn you lot. It isn't just me and Director Clara watching you all. The upper brass, the 7 Commander's of the Special Ops are here as well. This year's exams are different. They typically don't bother coming but I convinced them to show up. The Director has given them the Right of Vote. Which means....once the Battles are over. They decide who will become a Knight, which Rank and who will not...they also choose a certain 'Candidate' to represent this years Knight Recruits. Be aware..." Daisuke warned them shaking his head, this was part of the reason he kept Dante away from the City. People like Kira, and those like Yuma or the Tora Siblings. What sort of person would he be to allow Dante to experience such darkness?
"The Semi Final Match! Is now here!.....Will the Two Fighters please step to the Center?....and please try not to crater this one?....theirs only so much Mana Builders can do?!..." Ibuki the Proctor yelled into his Mic, as the names appeared on the titantron "Kira Narukami vs Reno Tora! Step Forwars Immediately!"
"Narukami-sama!!!!!!!!! We LOVE YOU?!!!!!!!!!" Many Fans began to scream at the top of their lungs, seems Kira had a very strong fan base as well. Being one of the Arguably most Noble Clans in Bushido does that on top of her elegance, class and Beauty. "You could never Lose Narukami-sama!!!!"
Kira stood tall shaking her head at Dante's words, her blonde locks flowed as she walked off disregarding what he said and focusing on the battle at hand. Reaching the Center she gripped her Rapier in anticipation wanting to end her battle quickly; as she stood at her spot waiting for her opponent to come as well but.. something was wrong. Reno Tora hadn't walked to the center in fact looking around she could even see him. "Where did he go?-...."
"Mm..." the humming of a person in what seemed like a vegetable state was audible, making the Heiresses eyes widen as she glanced behind her "H-how did you?!..."
"Mmm...." His humming was Muffled by his clinical face mask that he wore, as he had his hands in his pockets, only removing his right hand to Point toward the other side as if motioning for Kira to get out of his way. "Mhm..."
The blonde heiress was baffled 'When did he move here??....I didn't even feel his presence until he said anything...' she thought confused before prying herself away from his presence not because of his demands but because she felt extremely uneasy with him.
Ibuki's arms we're crossed as he ruffled his black hair; watching Kira walk to the other side, he couldn't help but realize he didn't see Reno move before either 'Oh great...another strange one...every year. Their are New Warriors. Rarely have we seen so many All-stars in one Exam. This really is- the craziest year...' he thought with a sigh putting out his cigarette and lifting his hand in the air to begin the match soon; the crowd was going wild for Kira Narukami at this point wanting to see the Narukami Heiress in action.
"H-hey...did you guys?...see that?...." Cole questioned gulping suddenly, as he glanced at the remaining Tora siblings whom seemed perplexed themselves. "I-I didn't even blink and he was..already behind Narukami-sama. How was that possible?....none of the other brothers W-were that fast....and even they seem-..."
"Scared..." Yuma said observing Reno Tora carefully as he glanced between the brothers and him with a hint of curiosity "It's a bit odd....nobody knew he even existed....until a couple years ago. And even then, they still....seem disconnected. I don't know how he'll fair against a powerhouse like Kira...but. I'm not sure...so far the Tora's are all tough. If he's the scariest of their group...then it'll be the Highest of Nobles...against the Most Cursed.."
"Yeah....he's definitely stronger than the others...." The Elven Girl spoke, standing up intrigued by the coming battle "when I went to confront them about foul play...I put a blade to his throat....they panicked....wanting me to put it down. But not for his sake...it was almost as if....they we're trying to save their own Skins...."
"All of you guys. Sound Stupid! Why don't you just go and ask..." Regis Ogrekiller, finally spoke up he had been relatively quite since Dante's match ended and was irritated at their conversation. "Get on with it!...I'm itching to get into my Duel already!"
Daisuke raised his eyebrow and glanced at Clara with a small hint of curiosity 'Hn. We'll get too see your child battle....I'm excited. If she's anything like you used to be-...they didn't call you the Valkyrie of Knights for no reason....' He thought wondering just how strong Kira Narukami had become.
Dante rubbed the back of his neck, as he glanced at the Three siblings 'Ryoka and Rei...their clearly...more fearful of Reno. But Looks like Rin...isn't really to bent out of shape over him.' He thought observing them before finally making up his mind and walking over to them.
"Oi...w-why are you coming over here? Go stay with your posse..." Rei said nervously already catching Dante's movements though it wasn't exactly in a threatening way. Mainly just not wanting someone of that group near after his Loss to the Elf. "What do you want?"
"Calm down Rei...Ryoka...." Rin shook his head at his brothers before motioning them to step away, as he walked. Stopping next to the white haired male and turning his attention to the ensuing match. "You have questions. I assume...about Reno...you're definitely not here to talk of our match."
"Ha!...I have no reason to! I lost Fair and Square! I am hoping to get a rematch with you Someday..." Dante mentioned with pure naivety, as if Rin was a friend before he chuckled and pointed at the next match up. "Why?...why are you guys so scared of your younger brother?...."
"Your Naivety knows no bounds...It's as simple as being afraid of him. It's what he has become...." Rin commented as his eyes had reverted back to two blue pearls "What do you know about Cursed Mana? What have they told you?...."
"Brother. Don't tell him squat!- they don't need to know!..." Ryoka cut into the conversation, he looked bent out of shape because of his match with Yuma but he still had an aggravated tone, Rin on the other hand lifted his fist to silence them both.
"Cursed Mana...is an unknown source of power. Derived of rituals....it calls upon the unholy energies of the Underworld to merge with our spirit cores. Forever corrupting our purity.....nobody can truly predict what sort of abilities and side effects you will gain from gaining it. Us four...we didn't choose it. Our Clan....their known as the Cursed Clan because they force their young from a very youthful age to partake....trying to forge their most corrupt version of Knights, Alchemists and Warriors. Our parents...they we're the brightest of our Clan's infrastructure. So inevitably the smarter the more insane...they subjected us. To years of experimenting so their 'sons' would become their perfect warriors. Part of that reason is why our Clan is looked at as tainted and Not Noble. Because humanity considers what they do as unethical..." he explained the truth of Cursed Mana to him, as being an incomprehensible power. "One thing is for certain. Each of us gained something. Ryoka his speed increased along with their being no backdate for summoning his Alchemy. The result....took a bit of his sanity. He is...unhinged as you can see. Rei....his reaction and reflexes increased; causing the reloading of his bow and firing to be enhanced. It took away his sense of limits. He believes he can do it all and never lose...not by choice but by corruption. For me...it increased my Chronos Blades abilities as I can focus more mana into them...the more focused the more efficient. But...it took away...my heart. I know longer feel the thrill of battle...or the thrill of anything. adrenaline is nothing but a dream to me.."
"Oh. I get it. That's why you guys are the way you are...among other things I'm not aware of..." Dante figured out quite easily now understanding the truth about their persona's, their trauma, as closed his eyes in thought and opened them again "so...what did it take from Reno?...." Observing their younger brother from afar; feeling a bit uneasy as with his eyes he could see even perceive the malicious aura surrounding the male. 'Bone chilling...'
"His....Humanity...."