December 11, 4005
10:20 AM Academy Cafeteria
Inside the bustling Academy Cafeteria, the yellow-haired girl carefully navigated through the crowd of students, balancing her tray of food. Her gaze swept across the room, searching for an available seat amidst the busy lunchtime rush.
"Yesterday was... Eh..." she mused to herself, finding it difficult to put her feelings into words. The mix of excitement, exhaustion, and a lingering sense of accomplishment made it hard to pinpoint a specific emotion.
A wave of realization washed over the yellow-haired girl as she paused, her mind instantly transported back to the intense moment when her life had hung in the balance. The memory of Light's timely intervention flooded her thoughts, his face etched in her mind with gratitude, before that was the time she was caught by him on the bus.
But despite the profound impact he had on her life, the yellow-haired girl had yet to learn his name. She had asked around, seeking any information about the mysterious swordsman who had come to her rescue, but her efforts had been met with shrugs and vague descriptions. Light was known by a singular title, "The Solo Swordsman," a name that encapsulated his reclusive nature, his preference for solitude, and his enigmatic aura.
In a place like the academy, where camaraderie and teamwork were valued, Light stood as a stark contrast. He was an introvert who traversed his own path, mastering the art of the sword in solitude. Few could claim to truly know him, as he chose to navigate the trials and tribulations of his journey alone.
"I wonder who that guy was?" asks the yellow haired girl to herself
As she continues to ponder the identity of the dark swordsman, Claire feels a tap on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly in surprise. She turns around to find her energetic friend with her vibrant pink hair
"Hey, Claire!" the pink haired girl exclaims excitedly, clearly unaware of the startle she had caused.
Claire Aika Enheart, known simply as Claire, is a kind-hearted and optimistic young woman with a strong sense of justice. She possesses long, vibrant yellow hair that cascades down her back, complementing her bright orange eyes that reflect her cheerful spirit. Claire can often be seen wearing the standard uniform provided by the academy, which consists of a white blazer-style jacket paired with a light blue skirt and knee-length or longer socks. A red ribbon adorns her collar, adding a touch of charm to her attire. In addition to her uniform, Claire wears brown trousers, providing practicality and freedom of movement.
As a skilled archer, Claire is often seen carrying her trusty bow and a quiver filled with arrows slung over her back. Her prowess with the bow is matched by her proficiency in close combat, as she also carries a thin sword by her side. Despite her combat skills, Claire's true strength lies in her kind and compassionate nature. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and has a natural talent for uplifting others with her positive outlook on life.
"Hey, Rose..." Claire says to her pink-haired friend, a slight jolt of surprise evident in her voice. "Whew... You scared me there."
Rose Yua Hanabira, or simply known as Rose, is an upbeat, carefree, and kind-hearted teenager. She sports a head of messy pink hair and enchanting pink eyes. Like Claire and Liene, she dons the standard academy uniform, a white blazer-type ensemble consisting of a light blue skirt, knee-length or longer socks, a red ribbon, and a cropped version of the white jacket worn by male students. Accompanying her cheerful nature, Rose is often seen with her phone and a spell book, eager to explore the world of magic and weave her own unique spells.
"Sorry about that," responded Rose with a playful tone. "Yesterday was tiring... with all the monsters and whatnot." Her expression suddenly shifted into a teasing face, accompanied by a mischievous smirk. "Say... Are you still thinking about the guy who saved you from the big bad monster?" she teased, her smirk growing wider.
"Stop it, Rose..." Claire replied, her face blushing in embarrassment.
"Anyway, how was yesterday for you?" Rose asked, still carrying a playful tone. "Since you had a guy save you and all..."
"It was... okay... I guess?" Claire responded, her face displaying a mix of confusion and uncertainty.
"I had to fight monsters all by myself, while you had a hero come to your rescue," Rose teased, her playful smirk growing wider.
"Stop it, Rose..." Claire said, her face turning reddish as she playfully pinched Rose's cheek.
"Owwww... Okay, okay... Stop..." Rose pleaded, feeling the pinch from Claire's fingers.
"Fine, I'll let you off the hook this time," Claire said, her smile indicating that she was just playing along.
As they found seats and began eating their lunches, the girls started discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend.
"You know, Rose," Claire began, taking a bite of her pasta. "I've been wanting to go hang out at mall this weekend. You wanna go?"
Rose's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh, yes! I've been dying to go there!"
Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Well, how about we go together this weekend? We can explore the different stores, try out some new fashion trends, and maybe even grab a bite at one of the fancy restaurants there."
Rose's face lit up with a wide smile. "That sounds like so much fun! I've been itching for a shopping spree. Plus, we can give each other fashion advice and have our own mini fashion show!"
They giggled at the thought of their impromptu fashion show, imagining the fun they would have trying on different outfits and accessories. As they continued discussing their plans for the mall excursion, their excitement grew, and they eagerly shared ideas and recommendations for the best stores to visit.
Their lunch break turned into a delightful anticipation of the upcoming weekend, filled with dreams of fashion discoveries, shared laughter, and cherished moments of friendship.
After finishing their lunch, Claire and Rose made their way to the Combat class. After finishing their lunch, Claire and Rose made their way to the Combat class. As they opened the door, their eyes widened at the sight of the expansive training ground. It was a vast area with a circle of seats surrounding it, providing a perfect view for students to watch duels and lectures.
Just as they entered, an adult instructor holding a wooden sword called out to them. "Hey you two! Take a seat. We were just about to start," he said, gesturing towards the available seats.
As the two girls settled into their seats, a bustling symphony of chatter filled the air. However, the room fell silent as a brown-haired man, with a hint of age in his appearance, commanded everyone's attention.
"Greetings, everyone. My name is Goro Woolsburg," announced the man, introducing himself as Goro. "I will be your instructor for this class."
Goro Woolsburg, a man in the prime of his life, exhibits traits of early old age. He possesses a head of brown hair, along with a well-groomed mustache and beard. Goro has a stout figure, indicative of his robust build. Clad in a neatly buttoned, light brown long-sleeved shirt and gray pants, he completes his attire with a pair of sturdy black boots.
With a sudden burst of determination, Goro points a wooden sword directly at one of the students, his gaze fixed and unwavering.
"I understand that each one of you is already a skilled warrior," Goro declares with unyielding determination etched on his face. "That is precisely why you have been admitted to this prestigious academy. However, I want to remind you that there are no limits to skill. You may be adept, but there is always room for growth. That is why you require further training, and it is my desire to witness each and every one of you in action for myself."
As the students respond to Goro's speech with enthusiastic cheers and applause, the atmosphere in the room becomes charged with excitement. However, Claire's attention is drawn to Light, who sits a few feet away with an expressionless face, showing no interest in Goro's words. His distant demeanor sparks curiosity in Claire, leaving her wondering about the enigmatic young man.
As the students cheer and clap in response to Goro's speech, Light couldn't help but let out a sarcastic comment under his breath, barely audible to those around him. Claire, who happened to be sitting nearby, caught wind of his remark and was taken by surprise.
"He's quite the motivational speaker, isn't he?" Light muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. His comment stood in stark contrast to the positive energy in the room, making Claire wonder about his true thoughts and feelings towards Goro's words.
"Now then," Goro continued, his voice commanding attention. "I shall pair you up with someone. The academy has assigned me the task of partnering two students who will be your designated partners for the duration of your time here at CS Academy."
The room buzzed with anticipation as students exchanged glances, wondering who their partners would be. Goro's words held weight, as the partnership would play a significant role in their training and development.
"I have carefully considered each of your strengths and weaknesses to create balanced pairs," Goro explained. "Your partner will complement your skills and provide opportunities for growth. So, without further ado, let me announce the pairings."
Light's eyes widened in surprise as he listened to Goro announcing the pairs. His usual emotionless face transformed into one of bewilderment and realization. Claire couldn't help but notice the change in his expression, intrigued by his unexpected reaction.
It dawned on Light that he had never truly worked together with someone for an extended period of time. Being a solo swordsman, he was accustomed to relying solely on his own skills and instincts. The idea of having a partner, someone to collaborate and grow with, was a foreign concept to him.
Goro walked purposefully towards a nearby table, where a brown basket sat waiting. He picked up the basket, which had remained unnoticed until now, and held it in his hands for all the students to see.
"Now, it's time for you to choose your fate," Goro announced, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "Inside this basket are cards, each bearing a unique number. Your task is to select one card. If two students happen to draw matching numbers, congratulations, you have found your party partner!"
The students looked at each other with anticipation, their eyes shifting between the basket and their potential allies. The atmosphere in the training ground was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Claire glanced at Light, as part of her was hoping they would draw the same number although she also wanted to be Rose's partner.
As the students rose from their seats one by one, a mix of anticipation and curiosity filled the air. Each of them approached the brown basket with a hint of surprise in their eyes as they selected their cards. Some wore expressions of excitement, while others displayed a touch of nervousness.
Amidst the commotion, Light stood up reluctantly, his face devoid of any visible emotions. He walked towards the basket with his usual calm demeanor and reached inside to retrieve his card. His stoic expression remained unchanged, giving no hint of his thoughts or expectations
From a distance, Liene's blue eyes followed Light's every move with a hint of intrigue. She leaned against a nearby pillar, her expression displaying a faint spark of curiosity. As she observed him, her mind wandered, contemplating the enigma that surrounded the Solo Swordsman.
There was something about Light that captivated her attention. His calm demeanor, coupled with his exceptional skills, had earned him a reputation among the students. Liene couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath his emotionless facade and what experiences had molded him into the solitary warrior he was known as.
As she watched Light return to his seat, Liene's thoughts swirled with a mix of fascination and speculation. She wondered what kind of partner he would be, envisioning the potential dynamics and interactions that might unfold between them. She saw this as an opportunity to unravel the mysteries shrouding Light and discover the depths hidden behind his quiet exterior.
With the students back in their seats, the atmosphere in the training ground grew more focused. Goro Woolsburg scanned the room, his eyes lingering on each pair of students who had become partners through the matching numbers on their cards. As he observed their reactions and interactions, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The random pairings were meant to push the students out of their comfort zones and foster new alliances.
"Now then... Find your partner," Goro's voice resounded with determination. "With that partner, you shall team up for the rest of your time in CS Academy."
However, to Goro's dismay, his words seemed to fall on deaf ears. The students, caught up in their excitement, paid little attention to his second speech. They eagerly stood up from their seats, their eyes scanning the room in search of their assigned partners. Ignoring Goro's presence, they focused solely on the task at hand.
"What number did you get, Rose?" Claire asked curiously, her eyes scanning the room in search of her partner.
"I got the lucky number 7... How about you?" Rose replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.
"Awww... I got 24..." Claire responded, her disappointment evident on her face as she glanced down at her card. "Well then... I'm gonna go find my partner," she said in a mix of disappointment and excitement
"Right..." says Rose
Rose darted through the crowd, scanning the room for any signs of the number 13. She approached different students, eagerly asking if they had the matching number.
Meanwhile, Claire diligently approached her fellow students, politely inquiring if they held the number 24 on their cards. However, despite her efforts, most of the students around her shook their heads or displayed different numbers, leaving her disappointed. As time passed and her search continued, weariness started to creep into her expression.
"I wonder if I even got a partner..." Claire mumbled to herself, her disappointment evident on her face. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration and uncertainty. The thought of being left without a partner weighed on her, dampening her spirits.
She sighed, feeling ready to give up on finding a partner. However, her eyes caught sight of Light, sitting alone on his seat with a look of disappointment. There was no sign of him having found a partner.
Drawing a deep breath, Claire mustered up her courage and slowly approached Light. Her face showed a mix of nervousness and determination as she prepared herself for the interaction.
"Um... excuse me," Claire began, her voice slightly shaky. "Are we... I mean... Do we have matching numbers?"
Claire's face lit up with a mixture of relief and excitement as she saw Light's card with the number 24. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of searching, she had found her partner. She took a seat beside him, trying to hide her enthusiasm.
"Well, I guess we're partners then," Claire said, her smile still lingering on her face.
Light, with his usual emotionless demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Yes, I guess," he replied in his calm tone.
Claire's heart sank as she realized that Light didn't remember her. The memory of his face, the one that had filled her thoughts ever since that fateful encounter with the monster, seemed to have no place in his memory. It was as if the heroic act he had performed, the one that had saved her life, held no significance to him.
She couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and confusion. How could he forget such a crucial moment? Did it mean that she was insignificant to him? These questions swirled in Claire's mind, causing a tinge of sadness to well up within her.
However, Claire was not one to dwell on negativity for long. She knew that dwelling on what Light didn't remember wouldn't change the reality of their current situation. Instead, she chose to focus on the present and make the most out of their partnership in the Combat Mastery Class.
Goro, with his usual determined expression, takes notice of the students who have successfully found their partners. He acknowledges that most of them are now paired up, but a few students are still in search of a partner.
"Now then, it seems like everyone has found their partner," Goro announces, his voice resonating across the training ground. "It's time for a duel between two parties."
One of the students raises a question, asking if they should use their weapons for the duel. Goro responds without hesitation, "Yes, by any means necessary. I want to witness your skills and the power of your weapons in action. Now, let me randomly select two numbers, and those two parties will engage in a duel."
The students' anticipation grows as they eagerly await the announcement of the chosen numbers. The atmosphere crackles with excitement and the desire to prove themselves in combat. Goro reaches into the brown basket and draws out two cards, each bearing a distinct number.
"16 and 8," calls out Goro, announcing the numbers for the next duel.
Marcus, feeling a bit perplexed, turns to Liene, his partner, seeking confirmation. "Us?" he asks, unsure of the situation.
Liene nods, sharing the same confusion. "I guess so," she responds, her blue hair cascading over her shoulder.
With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, Marcus and Liene rise from their seats, drawing the attention of their classmates. The surrounding students watch as the two parties make their way to the center of the training grounds.
Their opponents in the upcoming duel are a boy with striking blue hair, his face adorned with a mischievous smirk, and a green-haired boy with a more gentle expression. Both wield swords as their chosen weapons, ready to face Marcus and Liene.
The spectators form a circle around the dueling area, their eyes fixed on the unfolding spectacle. Whispers and murmurs of anticipation fill the air as the atmosphere becomes charged with excitement.
Marcus and Liene exchange a quick glance, silently affirming their commitment to each other as partners. They grip their weapons tightly, their determination shining through their eyes. Despite the uncertainty and the challenge ahead, they are ready to give their all.
The blue-haired boy smirks confidently, radiating a sense of self-assuredness, while the green-haired boy exudes a calmer and more composed aura. Both parties stand tall, prepared to demonstrate their combat prowess.
Goro, observing the scene with a discerning eye, acknowledges the potential within these young warriors. He steps back, assuming the role of an impartial overseer, ready to witness their skills and strategies firsthand.
The two opposing parties face each other, assuming their battle stances. The students around them watch with bated breath, their excitement palpable in the air.
Marcus's eyes widen as he locks eyes with the blue-haired male, who confidently wields a formidable two-handed sword. The smirk on his face adds to the intensity of the moment, hinting at the skill and confidence he possesses.
The anticipation in the training grounds is palpable. The atmosphere crackles with energy as the duel is about to commence. The onlookers, both students and instructors, prepare themselves for the display of skill and strategy that is about to unfold.
Marcus takes a deep breath, centering himself in the midst of the heightened tension. He reminds himself of his training, drawing strength from the knowledge that he has worked hard to reach this point. With determination burning in his eyes, he waits for the signal to begin.
Goro, standing at a safe distance, raises his hand, ready to give the command that will set the duel in motion. The moment hangs in the balance, and time seems to stand still as the entire training ground holds its breath.
"Begin!" Goro's voice resounds through the air, shattering the silence.
The two parties rush towards each other with determination. As Marcus unleashes the -Whirling Crescent- stellar art, spinning his weapon in a sweeping arc, he aims to catch the blue-haired male off guard. However, to his surprise, the opponent swiftly evades his attack, displaying impressive agility and reflexes. Marcus' scythe strikes the ground with a loud thud, getting momentarily stuck in the earth
Meanwhile, Liene swiftly retrieves her two kyoketsu-shoge and hurls them towards the Green Haired Boy. He skillfully blocks both blades with his sword and counters with a powerful stellar art called -Thunderous Impact-, aimed at Liene. However, to his surprise, Liene responds with a confident smile as her blades retract and begin to entangle and bind around her green-haired opponent.
"AH!" screams the Green Haired Boy in reaction to the unexpected turn of events.
Meanwhile, Marcus unleashes a flurry of rapid slashes with his scythe, aiming to strike the blue haired boy. However, his opponent effortlessly evades each attack and taunts Marcus with laughter. Sensing an opportunity, Marcus swiftly jumps back, catching the blue haired boy off guard.
"Are you scared?" taunts the blue haired male.
"No, but you should be," Marcus retorts sarcastically.
In a surprising turn of events, Liene throws one of her blades towards Marcus, who catches it with precision. Taking advantage of the distraction, Marcus swiftly hurls the blade towards the blue haired opponent, effectively knocking both opponents out and securing victory in the duel.
"Nice," Liene says with a smile as she retrieves her blades.
"Both of you have emerged victorious," says Goro, acknowledging Marcus and Liene's success. "Take your seats, and we shall have our second match."
The students in the vicinity cheer and applaud enthusiastically, showing their excitement. Marcus and Liene return to their seats, basking in the cheers of their peers. Meanwhile, the blue haired male, still harboring resentment towards Marcus, glares at him before shifting his gaze towards Light, who remains seated at a distance with his usual emotionless expression.
As the blue haired male and the green haired male stand up, he smiles menacingly before returning to their seats. Goro picks two more cards from the remaining students, fueling the anticipation of the class as they eagerly await the announcement of the next dueling pair.
"Now for our second match... 4 and 24!" announces Goro with determination.
Claire's eyes widen as she realizes their numbers have been called. Light, on the other hand, responds with a sarcastic remark.
"Wait... That's us," Claire says, acknowledging their pairing.
"Good job, you noticed," Light retorts sarcastically.
Claire shoots him a slightly annoyed look but quickly brushes it off. Together, they make their way towards the training grounds, with Light displaying initial reluctance.
Facing their opponents, Claire and Light find themselves up against a brown-haired male with glasses wielding a large mace and a green-haired female armed with a rifle. From a distance, the blue-haired male who fought Marcus watches Light with hidden rage in his mind, still intrigued by his emotionless demeanor. Meanwhile, Claire readies her bow and arrows, fully prepared for the fight.
"Alright then... Let's get this over with," Light declares, drawing his sword from its scabbard and assuming a battle-ready stance.