December 19 4005 10:24 PM
Inside the Academy Office, Light maintains his usual impassive expression, while Claire appears visibly embarrassed and Liene displays a hint of annoyance at being in the office. Ann Bancroft glares at them with anger, clutching a long brown stick tightly in her hand. Meanwhile, Isaac Whiteheart remains seated in his chair, absorbed in the book he had previously discarded on the ground. However, the silence is broken as Ann opens her mouth to lecture the three of them.
"What were you three thinking?!" Ann Bancroft exclaims angrily.
The three teenagers remain seated, their lips sealed shut, whether due to annoyance or embarrassment. Undeterred, Ann continues her lecture, her voice filled with frustration.
"The academy alarm went off! You should have been in your dorms where it was safe! You could have put people in danger, or worse, risked your own lives!" Ann's words are abruptly interrupted by Isaac.
"What you three did was the right thing," Isaac interjects, cutting off Ann mid-sentence.
Ann swiftly turns her attention towards Isaac, her confusion apparent on her face. Isaac meets her gaze with a sincere expression.
"What are you implying? These students just—" Ann starts to ask, her confusion lingering.
"Look, as aspiring warriors, they fulfilled their duty," Isaac calmly explains.
Claire's eyes widen upon hearing Isaac's words, while Ann is left speechless, unable to formulate a response. Her embarrassment grows slightly as Isaac's words resonate.
"Stopping bandits is what a hero should do, and they did just that," Isaac asserts.
"I... Uhmmm... Grrr... Fine then," Ann reluctantly concedes, her tone tinged with resignation.
Isaac turns his attention to the tied and unconscious bandits, the ones that Light had knocked out, who are now bound together with a rope. Light gazes at them with a mixture of anger and a reluctant desire to kill them. He struggles to restrain himself, resisting the urge to reach for his sword and end their lives. Taking deep breaths, he manages to regain control.
Liene and Claire notice Light's internal struggle and exchange glances, silently agreeing not to discuss it further.
"Anyway... Light did manage to incapacitate some of the bandits. Let's bring them in for questioning," suggests Isaac.
"Affirmative," Ann immediately responds, stepping towards the bound and awakening bandits, which only fuels Light's anger.
"Do I have permission to speak?" Light asks sarcastically, raising his arm as if seeking approval.
All eyes in the room focus on him, even Isaac appears surprised.
"Yes, go ahead," Isaac says with an amused expression.
"I have no interest in conversing with these despicable bandits," Light states sincerely.
Isaac appears taken aback at first but nods in acceptance.
"Very well then... You are free to leave," Isaac replies.
"Well then, I shall take my leave," Light declares as he rises from his seat, retrieves his sword, and exits the room.
This display of emotion from Light both fascinates Liene and surprises Claire. Knowing him as the typically emotionless individual who only expresses himself through his sword, witnessing his anger is a revelation.
Before he departs, Light holds the door and turns toward Isaac and the two girls, his eyes reflecting a newfound sincerity.
"To be honest... Given the chance, I would have already ended their lives," Light confesses sincerely before walking away and closing the door behind him.
The two girls exchange puzzled looks as they watch Light leave. As he disappears from view, they turn to each other, eager to discuss their questions and concerns.
"I wonder what's going on with Light...?" Claire whispers.
"I know, it's like he has a personal vendetta against those bandits," Liene whispers back.
"That's because he does," Isaac reveals, catching their attention.
The two girls turn to him, their confusion growing.
"Huh? What do you mean?" they both inquire, their voices filled with curiosity.
Isaac sighs and lowers his gaze to his desk.
"He has a painful history with the Blood Scar bandits," Isaac explains, glancing towards the tied-up bandits conversing with Ann.
"What happened?" Claire asks, her curiosity intensifying.
Isaac lets out a sigh, a trace of sadness in his eyes.
"I wish I could share the details, but it's a deeply personal matter for Light. He alone has the right to reveal his secrets," Isaac responds calmly.
The girls exchange concerned glances, their minds swirling with thoughts of Light's hidden past and the possible traumas he carries. However, before they can delve further into their thoughts, Isaac stands up and taps the table gently to regain their attention.
"Anyway, it's getting late. Return to your dorms and get a good night's rest. We have a little surprise planned for all the students tomorrow," Isaac announces.
"What kind of surprise?" Liene asks, curiosity lighting up her eyes.
The girls look at Isaac expectantly, waiting for an answer. However, they are met with a mischievous smile from Isaac as he walks towards the window and uses his cane to draw the curtains closed.
"It wouldn't be much of a surprise if I spoiled it, now would it? Off to your dorms, both of you," Isaac says, leaving the girls with a sense of anticipation and wonder about what awaits them on the following day.
The two girls rise from their seats, expressing their gratitude by bowing respectfully before exiting the room. However, their departure does little to quell the lingering questions swirling in their minds.
Light had always been an enigmatic figure. He rarely spoke, and when he did, it was often laced with sarcasm or delivered as a dry joke. Genuine seriousness was a rare occurrence, witnessed only by Claire and Liene on two separate occasions.
The first instance was when Light fought against the bandits earlier that day. His intense stare and restrained anger hinted at a deeper turmoil within him. The restrained desire to unleash his sword and deliver swift justice was evident, yet he managed to exercise remarkable self-control.
The second glimpse of Light's serious side came during the confrontation in the office. His unwavering conviction, expressed with sincerity, left both Claire and Liene stunned. It was as if a hidden well of emotions had momentarily surfaced, only to be swiftly concealed once again.
As the two girls walk through the corridors of the academy, the dimly lit halls amplifying their thoughts, they exchange glances laden with curiosity. They are determined to uncover the secrets behind Light's guarded demeanor and the mysterious history that connects him to the Blood Scar bandits.
"I have this feeling that he's carrying a heavy burden," Liene adds, her voice tinged with worry.
Claire nods in agreement, her brows furrowing as she contemplates their mysterious companion.
"You're right, Liene. It's like there's a wall surrounding him, preventing anyone from truly getting close," Claire responds, her voice filled with empathy.
Liene's gaze shifts upwards, contemplating the ceiling before meeting Claire's eyes once again.
"I can't help but wonder what lies within his mind... What experiences has he had that made him so guarded?" Liene wonders aloud, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Claire's expression softens, a flicker of understanding crossing her features.
"You know, Liene, I don't think he has ever opened up to anyone. Not even to me," Claire says with a hint of sadness in her voice.
As the two girls continue their discussion, unaware of Light's presence, he remains hidden behind the wall. His eyes widen, his mouth slightly ajar, as he listens intently to their words. A whirlwind of emotions races through his mind, an inner turmoil that he struggles to put into words.
In that moment, an image flashes before Light's eyes—a glimpse of a gray-haired female. It is a fleeting memory, yet it holds significant meaning for him. The intensity of his emotions deepens, further fueling his determination to keep his past hidden, even from those he has come to trust.
Light retreats from his hiding spot, his expression unreadable as he walks away, each step carrying the weight of his untold stories. The image of the gray-haired female lingers in his thoughts, a constant reminder of the secrets he holds within.
In the midst of Light's contemplation, another fragmented and hazy flashback floods his mind. The scene transitions back to the familiar white room, its purpose and significance still shrouded in mystery. Within the stark white surroundings, a vivid contrast emerges—the sight of red blood staining the floor and walls. At the center of the room stand two children, engaging in a fierce duel with their wooden swords. The clashing sounds of their strikes reverberate through the space.
"Don't hold back," the young female child admonishes, determination gleaming in her eyes.
"What makes you say I would?" retorts the young male child, his words laced with sarcasm.
With unwavering resolve, the children continue their duel, their wooden swords meeting in a series of rapid exchanges—Clank—Clank—Clank.
The clash of their swords fills the air as they relentlessly press on. Yet, in a moment of culmination, the young male child overpowers his opponent, causing the young female child to stumble and fall.
"I win!!" exclaims the victorious male child, a triumphant glint in his eyes.
"I guess you did," the gray-haired female child responds, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
The male child, revealed to be a younger version of Light, extends a hand to the female child, who accepts it with gratitude and returns the smile. A brief moment of connection and camaraderie amidst their playful duel.
Returning to the present, Light gradually slides down the wall, his back grinding against it. He finds himself kneeling on the ground, a heaviness weighing upon him. His expression, usually reserved and unreadable, reveals no trace of his usual poker face. Instead, it reflects a profound emptiness, a reflection of the years of inner turmoil, pain, and a sense of being broken. The reasons behind this profound sorrow remain unknown, buried deep within Light's troubled past.
Behind the wall, Light remains motionless, his mind devoid of emotion, yet haunted by the weight of his experiences. The fragments of memories, like shards of a shattered mirror, fail to provide a clear reflection of the truth. In this moment of vulnerability, Light finds himself trapped in the depths of his own despair, yearning for a sliver of hope to illuminate his path forward.
"K-Karra..." Light's thoughts echo through his shattered consciousness.
The name resounds within him, a flicker of a connection to the gray-haired girl from his fragmented memories. The nature of their relationship remains elusive, shrouded in the depths of Light's mind, an enigma yet to be unraveled.
December 20 4005 5:54 AM
Every student in the academy gathers in the school assembly hall for an important announcement. The atmosphere is lively and boisterous, as students chat and mingle before taking their seats.
"Hey there!" Claire waves enthusiastically as she takes her place.
Liene sits next to Claire, a hint of surprise on her face. Rose, noticing the exchange, smiles back at Claire.
"Hello," Liene responds with a partial surprise.
"What's up, Claire?" Rose asks, curious about the excitement.
"Not much," Claire replies, maintaining her smile.
Claire and Liene share a momentary glance, their expressions briefly turning somber, before they return to their cheerful demeanor. Rose, sensing something amiss, wonders but decides to brush it off.
"Anyhow, do any of you know what this announcement is about?" Rose asks, her curiosity piqued.
"I don't know, but it must be important. Why else would they gather us all here?" Claire speculates.
Claire winks at Liene, who initially appears confused but reciprocates the gesture. Rose, unsure of the reason behind the wink, decides to join in and winks back.
"Shhhh... I think it's about to start," Liene whispers, pointing towards the stage.
Isaac, the headmaster, walks slowly to the center of the assembly stage, commanding the attention of the noisy students. The hall falls silent as Isaac prepares to address the crowd.
"Ahem, salutations, everyone," Isaac begins humbly. "I want to congratulate all of you on a successful ten days at Celestial Sword Academy."
The room erupts into applause and cheers, filled with a sense of accomplishment. Among the students, Light glances up with a disinterested expression, his mind filled with sarcastic thoughts.
"I'm surprised no one has died yet after ten days," Light sarcastically muses to himself.
"Before we proceed with the announcement, I believe it is only fair that you all know about the incident that occurred last night," Isaac continues.
The applause gradually fades away, leaving the room in expectant silence as Isaac begins to explain the events of the previous night.
"Bandits broke into our control room and, unfortunately, managed to hack into our computer systems," Isaac reveals, his voice filled with concern.
Gasps and murmurs ripple through the assembly as students react in shock and apprehension. Light's eyes widen slightly, his previous apathy momentarily shattered.
"Fortunately, they haven't caused any significant damage yet. We apprehended five of their members thanks to the efforts of one of our students," Isaac announces.
Claire and Liene exchange concerned glances, their minds filled with thoughts of the previous night's encounter. Their gaze then shifts to Light, who sits in his seat, his eyes twitching with restlessness. Annoyance and agitation cloud his expression as he listens intently to Isaac's words.
"Out of respect for his privacy, I will not mention his name," Isaac continues, casting a glance towards Light, who meets his gaze with a more sincere look. Isaac smiles briefly before redirecting his attention to the students.
"Now, enough of that. Let's move on to the announcement. Please welcome Ann Bancroft to the stage," Isaac announces, signaling for Ann to join him.
As Ann climbs onto the stage, the assembly hall falls into a hushed silence. The students know all too well about Ann's strict nature, causing many to fear her presence. However, Light remains unfazed, harboring no fear or intimidation towards her.
Ann takes hold of the microphone, her authoritative presence commanding the attention of the room.
"Thank you, Isaac. Now, for the announcement... Today, at exactly 8:00 AM, we will be visiting the continent of Peltas for research purposes," Ann declares.
Excitement lights up the faces of the students and teachers alike. For most of them, this will be their first time venturing beyond their current continent of Starlight, making the prospect of exploring a new land exhilarating.
"We will be staying there until December 28. Fortunately, a school on that continent has agreed to accommodate us for research purposes," Ann continues.
The announcement is met with enthusiastic cheers and shouts of joy from the students, thrilled by the prospect of visiting a different continent.
Bam!
Ann slams her hand on the table, instantly silencing the room and sending shivers down the spines of the students. Even the teachers display a hint of fear, except for Light, who maintains his usual blank expression, and Isaac, who smirks at the reaction.
"WE ARE NOT GOING THERE FOR A VACATION!" Ann's voice resonates, making the students tremble in fear, their heads nodding reluctantly in acknowledgment.
"Ahem, sorry for that outburst. Now, the remaining time is yours to pack your bags, as you have approximately one hour and thirty minutes left. Meet us on the school rooftop at 6:30 AM sharp, where an airship will be waiting to take us all. Thank you," Ann concludes before stepping off the stage.
The students, still trembling from Ann's outburst, rise from their seats and rush frantically to their dormitories, their minds filled with the urgency of packing. Claire and Liene, however, notice Light still seated, seemingly lost in his thoughts. They hesitate for a moment but ultimately decide to run off to their dorms, leaving Light alone, his expression a window into his turbulent inner world.
As the last student leaves the assembly hall, Light stands up and begins making his way towards his dormitory. From a distance, he observes Isaac and Ann on the stage, engaged in a conversation about him.
"He seems to be a very interesting student, don't you think, Ann?" Isaac remarks, his eyes fixed on Light.
Ann considers Isaac's words for a moment before responding, "You're right about that. There's something intriguing about him, and I have a feeling he hasn't shown his full potential yet."
Isaac nods in agreement, acknowledging the hidden depths within Light. "You're right about that. I believe there's much more to him than meets the eye."
Though Light catches snippets of their conversation, he chooses to brush it off, not allowing himself to dwell on their perceptions of him. Closing the door behind him, he leaves the assembly hall, leaving Isaac and Ann to their own thoughts as they also make their way out.
As 7:50 AM arrives, the school rooftop becomes a bustling scene with an enormous airship preparing for departure. It accommodates thousands of students who have been waiting for over an hour. There are only 10 minutes remaining until the airship sets off, and anticipation fills the air.
From a distance, Light makes his way towards the airship, carrying his essentials: a backpack, his sword, and his phone in his left hand, adorned with headphones that rest on his ears. Thoughts of the upcoming journey to Peltas occupy his mind as he approaches the airship, blending into the sea of excited students.
At 7:55 AM, the pilot's voice resonates throughout the airship, announcing the imminent departure in just five minutes.
Light steps onto the airship, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. As he scans for a seat, his gaze lands on someone familiar a few seats away—Derek, who glares at him. Ignoring the tension, Light approaches a nearby empty seat, where a classmate with orange hair catches his attention. It's Marcus, a fellow student.
Light taps Marcus on the shoulder to get his attention. Marcus looks up, recognizing Light, and responds to his question about the seat availability.
"No, it's free. You can sit here," Marcus replies amiably.
Light takes the seat, carefully placing his bag and sword, securely nestled in its scabbard, beside him. He retrieves his phone and swiftly connects his headphones, immersing himself in the melodies playing through them. Leaning back in his seat, he allows himself to relax and enjoy the anticipation of the journey ahead.
As the clock strikes 8:00 AM, the pilot's voice fills the airship, alerting everyone that the departure is underway. The passengers quickly find their seats, settling down in anticipation. With a gentle ascent, the airship detaches from the academy, gradually ascending into the sky. Through the windows, the students watch as the familiar grounds of the academy shrink and vanish into the distance.
The airship is an impressive sight, boasting three expansive floors capable of accommodating over 10,000 students. The dedicated staff distributes food to ensure that everyone is well-fed during the journey. Powered by advanced technology, the airship can reach speeds of 7,200 km/h, equivalent to approximately Mach 6.70. This remarkable speed means that the voyage to the Peltas continent will take around five hours.
On the first floor of the airship, Light sits comfortably, indulging in the food provided by the staff before succumbing to sleep. Marcus, his neighboring classmate, takes out his Nintendo Switch, immediately immersing himself in gaming.
Meanwhile, at the back of the first floor, Claire, Rose, and Liene gather together, brimming with excitement. Rose eagerly poses a question about the anticipated Peltas continent.
"What do you think the Peltas continent will look like?" Rose asks with enthusiasm.
Claire, sharing the same level of excitement, responds energetically, "I'm not sure, but I bet it'll be enormous!"
Liene chimes in, albeit with a slightly dampened mood, "Well, it's a continent, so naturally, it'll be massive."
Rose playfully teases Liene, commenting, "Oh, Liene, you know how to kill the mood!"
Both Claire and Rose exchange glances, finding Liene's response amusing and slightly unexpected.
"What? I was just stating the obvious," Liene says, slightly confused by their reaction.
The trio continues their lighthearted banter, eager to explore the mysteries and wonders that await them on the Peltas continent.
As the journey continued, everything seemed to be going well for several hours. The students, teachers, and staff were all in good spirits, with no signs of danger. However, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by a resounding BANG. The sudden noise jolted Light awake from his deep slumber, causing him to leap out of his seat in shock. Marcus, too, was startled, dropping his handheld gaming device, luckily without damaging it.
"What was that?" Light asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I don't know," Marcus replied, his confusion matching Light's.
Reacting swiftly, Light reached for his sword, drawing it from its scabbard. He cast a sharp gaze outside the window, catching sight of a silhouetted figure—a flying creature—darting past the airship. But before he could fully comprehend the situation, another thunderous BANG echoed through the air.
In the pilot room of the airship, panic ensued among the staff as the pilot desperately tried to maneuver the ship, attempting to shake off the unknown attackers.
Isaac entered the room, wearing a serious expression, and immediately made his way to the pilot.
"What was that outside?" Isaac inquired, genuine concern etched on his face.
"Check the external cameras!" the pilot ordered.
"Wyverns! They're tearing through the ship!" the co-pilot responded.
"What should we do?" the pilot asked, seeking guidance.
Isaac remained silent, his lips curling into a small smirk, before turning around to face the unfolding chaos.
More loud bangs reverberated through the air.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
The assault intensified as the creatures relentlessly attacked, attempting to breach the airship's defenses.
"Protect the students at all costs! Use the ship's guns!" Isaac commanded, his voice filled with determination.
Outside the airship, a group of wyverns continued their onslaught, tearing at the vessel. Fortunately, guns positioned on the airship's exterior activated, attempting to fend off the attackers. However, their aim proved ineffective, failing to hit their targets.
Inside the airship, Light shifted his attention to the window, witnessing the wyverns relentlessly ramming into the ship. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, opening the emergency door. The rush of wind shocked the surrounding students, including Claire, Liene, Rose, and Marcus. Standing tall, Light surveyed the outside, gripping his sword tightly, his intention clear—to leap out and confront the threat head-on.
"Wait, sir, where are you going?" a concerned crew member called out.
"Protecting this ship," Light responded with sincerity
"You can't be serious! Are you?" Marcus exclaimed, rushing toward him.
"I am," Light replied resolutely.
As one of the wyverns closed in on the airship, Light swiftly unsheathed his sword and leaped out, driving the blade into the creature's body.
"GAHHHH!!!" the wyvern screamed in pain.
The agonizing cries served as a lure, drawing the attention of the wyverns towards Light—a calculated move he had planned all along. With his sword as a guiding force, Light directed the wyvern towards the roof of the airship, diverting the focus away from the other students.
"LIGHT!!!" Claire screamed with concern etched on her face.
"Where is he going?" Rose asked, bewildered.
"He's going outside to protect the ship," Liene replied, her voice filled with worry.
"IDIOT! He's going to get himself killed!" Claire exclaimed, her worry intensifying.
Suddenly, another wyvern appeared, poised to attack the group. Light, noticing the imminent threat, leaped towards the wyvern, stabbing it with his sword.
"GAHHHHHH!!!" the wyvern howled in pain.
Once again, Light steered the wounded creature towards the roof, attracting the attention of the other wyverns.
"Close the damn door!" Light yelled urgently.
"Light, are you stupid?!" Claire screamed, her concern escalating.
"LIGHT!!!" Liene cried out, her voice filled with worry.
Marcus, witnessing the worry in the eyes of both girls, widened his eyes as he gazed outside. He saw Light skillfully guiding the wyvern towards the roof of the airship, risking his life to protect everyone on board.
"I can't just stand here and watch," Marcus muttered to himself.
"What are you talking about, Marcus?" Liene asked, puzzled.
Marcus tapped a crew member on the shoulder, capturing their attention.
"Hey, do me a favor and close the door when I give the signal," Marcus requested.
"What signal...?" the crew member inquired.
"This," Marcus replied, determination in his eyes.
Without hesitation, Marcus leaped out of the airship towards another wyvern charging at them. With his scythe in hand, he thrust it directly into the wyvern's body, steering it toward the same spot where Light had diverted the wyverns' attention.
"GAWKKKK!!!" the wyvern screeched in pain.
"No, no, NO!!!" Liene screamed in distress.
As the crew member closed the door, Claire and Rose reluctantly pulled Liene back, their hearts pounding with fear. They watched as the door slowly closed, gradually obscuring their view of Marcus and Light.
"Light... Be careful," Claire murmured, her voice laced with concern...