Benjiro let out a groan, rubbing his temples as he collapsed onto his desk. "Ugh, I feel like I just went head-to-head with a black hole. If I have to stare at another set of numbers, I might just lose it."
Chiharu laughed, "You're such a drama queen, Benjiro. You'll survive."
Benjiro shot him a mock glare, "Easy for you to say, you're a natural at this stuff. Meanwhile, my brain feels like a fried motherboard."
Chiharu rolled his eyes playfully, "Well, you better recharge fast, because I heard some juicy rumors floating around about some transfers happening soon."
"Transfers? Who's transferring?" Benjiro perked up, suddenly interested.
Chiharu leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Three students, apparently. And get this - they're all supposed to be total badasses. Like, the kind of people who could take down a whole army of robots singlehandedly."
Benjiro raised an eyebrow, "Really? Sounds like you're making this up just to mess with me."
Chiharu held up his hands in mock surrender, "I swear, it's true! My cousin's friend's sister's roommate heard it from one of the staff."
Benjiro couldn't help but chuckle, "Wow, what a reliable source. But hey, if it's true, maybe we'll finally have some decent competition around here."
Chiharu grinned, "Oh, I'm counting on it. I'm ready to see some serious action."
As Benjiro and Chiharu made their way through the bustling hallways, their ears ringing with the noise of students chattering and laughing, they noticed their enigmatic friend, Benjamin Kwasaki, standing in a secluded corner, waiting for them. His gentle smile and calm demeanor hinted that he had been there for quite some time, patiently awaiting their arrival. The scene was reminiscent of a spy movie, where a secret meeting was taking place in the shadows.
Benjiro rolled his eyes, "Oh, look who it is! With your stoic face, you'll make a better statue than a student!" he joked.
Ben let out a small chuckle, "At least I'm not as loud as a banshee like you."
Chiharu sighed, "Here they go again, bickering like an old married couple."
Benjiro crossed his arms, "Hey, I resent that! I'm not the one who always looks like they're constipated."
Ben raised an eyebrow, "You're the one who's always jumping around like a caffeinated monkey on steroids."
Chiharu couldn't help but laugh at their banter, "Okay, okay, that's enough you two. Let's just grab some lunch."
The three friends continued to poke fun at each other as they made their way to the cafeteria, attracting a few amused glances from their fellow students.
The cafeteria was a buzzing hub of activity, packed with students of all sizes and shapes, eagerly awaiting their turn to order their favorite dishes. The air was thick with the scents of spices, herbs, and freshly cooked meals. The AIs and gravity tables, adorned with sleek metallic finishes, darted around the hall, each carrying plates of steaming hot food to their destinations. Above them, large screens displayed the day's menu, with a range of options ranging from classic comfort food to exotic, otherworldly delicacies.
The students could be seen holding their plates, balancing them carefully as they made their way to their seats, some chattering excitedly, while others ate in silence, lost in their own thoughts. The walls of the cafeteria were decorated with colorful posters of famous Vanguard Academy alumni and their achievements, inspiring the current generation to strive for greatness.
The food being served was a culinary delight, with something to satisfy even the most discerning of palates. From the succulent steaks and grilled seafood to the crispy fried chicken and exotic vegetarian dishes, there was something for everyone. And for those with a sweet tooth, there were rows of mouth-watering desserts, from creamy cheesecakes to warm, gooey brownies.
Benjiro looked at the menu and said, "I'm feeling like some beef udon today. What are you guys getting?"
Chiharu replied, "I don't know, maybe some teriyaki chicken or sushi?"
Benjamin chimed in, "I think I'll go for the katsu curry. But seriously, Benjiro, how can you always get the same thing every day? It's like you have no taste buds left!"
Benjiro shrugged, "Hey, I like what I like. And Miso Ramen with Char Siu Pork and Soft Boiled Egg is the bomb!"
Chiharu rolled hir eyes, "Yeah, well, maybe try something new for once. You might actually like it!"
Benjiro pouted, "But I don't want to take the risk of not liking my food. What if it ruins my whole day?!"
Benjamin snorted, "Oh come on, man. It's just food. Live a little!"
Benjiro and Benjamin would have been proud of their banter. The three friends continued to argue about their lunch choices until they finally placed their orders and sat down at their usual table.
In the distance, a student could be seen with a striking appearance. His short hair was dyed in a vivid shade of blue, styled in an untidy yet purposeful manner. The locks on the crown of his head were longer and more defined, while the sides were trimmed short, fading into a closely shaven undercut. His hairstyle seemed to be shaped by the elements, with the topmost strands appearing to be swept upward by a gust of wind, giving him a wild and free-spirited aura. This hairstyle perfectly reflected his rebellious and impulsive nature, as well as his aggressive and unpredictable combat style.
Nozel approached the group, his eyes narrowed as he glared at Benjiro. "Some dimwit chucked a ball of paper at my head and demanded I meet them here. And who do I see? None other than the jerk who tattled on me when I was engrossed in my game," he growled, pointing a finger accusingly at Benjiro.
Benjiro's stomach sank as he tried to think of an excuse, but his mind drew a blank. "Oh, Nozel, you're here too?" he asked, feigning innocence.
Chiharu and Benjamin exchanged a look, their eyes rolling at Benjiro's obvious attempt to deflect the blame.
Nozel's anger boiled over. "What do you mean 'I'm here too'?! I've been sitting right across from you this whole time, you ass faced orangutan!" he shouted, slamming his hand down on the table.
Benjamin couldn't help but snicker, and Chiharu had to bite his lip to keep from laughing out loud.
Benjiro smirked, much to Nozel's annoyance.
Nozel gritted his teeth as Benjiro's smirk widened, his mind racing for a clever retort. "You know what, Nozel? You look pretty good for someone who's been sitting here the whole time and yet somehow managed to avoid being noticed," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Chiharu and Benjamin couldn't hold back their laughter any longer, doubling over in their seats and clutching their stomachs.
Nozel's face turned a bright shade of red as he glared at Benjiro, ready to explode. "I swear, you are the biggest idiot I've ever met," he spat.
Benjiro chuckled, "Well, at least I'm good at something."
Chiharu and Benjamin snorted with laughter, slapping their knees and wheezing like asthmatic walruses.
Nozel's fists clenched as he fought to control his temper. "You're lucky I don't blast you into oblivion with my Welten Schneider ," he growled.
Benjiro rolled his eyes. "Please, you couldn't blast your way out of a paper bag."
Chiharu and Benjamin were howling with laughter now, tears streaming down their faces.
As the laughter subsided, Chiharu shot Nozel a quizzical look, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "Say, Nozel, have you heard the scuttlebutt?" he asked, leaning forward in his seat.
Nozel, his interest piqued, arched an eyebrow in response. "What kind of rumor are we talking about here?" he inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"About that, word is on the run that there might be more transfers this year compared to the previous years of the academy.", Benjiro said.
Nozel pondered about this,"I mean think about it, we had to write the entrance exam to enroll in the Academy, so I highly doubt that the transferees would be accepted right of the bat. They might have to wait around a bit longer to become official."
Chiharu leaned forward, his eyes sparking with interest. "But what if the rumors are true?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Nozel frowned, considering the possibility. "If that's the case, then it could mean trouble for us. The competition for spots in the Academy will be even more fierce."
Benjiro's eyes lit up with excitement. "Bring on the challenge! I'm ready to show these transfers what we're made of."
Nozel rolled his eyes. "You're always ready for a fight, Benjiro."
Ben let out a laugh. "That's why we love him."
Chiharu shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "You guys never change. Always up for a good challenge."
Nozel smirked. "Of course. What's the point of being in the Academy if we're not constantly pushing ourselves to be better?"
The group emerged from the cafeteria and entered the courtyard, greeted by a breathtaking sight. Lush greenery surrounded them, and at the center of it all stood a magnificent fountain, towering above them like a monument to ancient gods. The statue depicted a mighty warrior, one hand clutching a gleaming spear while the other gripped a shield adorned with intricate designs. Water gushed forth from the spear's tip, sparkling in the sunlight and casting rainbow-hued reflections across the courtyard. The sound of splashing water and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The courtyard was a true masterpiece of artistry and nature combined, a place that could inspire and captivate anyone who set foot in it.
Nozel's eyes scanned the statue with a mix of wonder and melancholy, and he finally spoke up. "Do any of you know the story behind this magnificent statue?"
Benjiro and Chiharu looked at each other, shaking their heads in unison.
Nozel looked at the statue of the Axelon with a sense of awe and reverence, while his companions lounged around him, enjoying the tranquility of the moment. Suddenly, Benjamin spoke up, his eyes fixed on the figure towering above them.
"Ah, yes. That's Dronzer, the Axelon of War and Eternal Domination, if I'm not mistaken," he said, pausing for effect. "But as for the story behind this legendary figure, I'm afraid my knowledge is sorely lacking."
His words hung in the air, eliciting a mixture of curiosity and disappointment from the group. Nozel turned to Benjamin, his interest piqued.
"What do you mean by that? Surely, you must have heard some stories about Dronzer," he asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Benjamin shrugged apologetically. "I'm afraid not, Nozel. My focus has always been on more... practical matters. But if anyone here knows something about Dronzer, I'd love to hear it."
Nozel continued,"There are many Celestials like Xerxes, Dante, Storm, Zeraphath and the list goes on. Each of them has their own strengths and powers, just like Dronzer."
"Ohhh! How many exactly are there?", asked Benjiro in fascination.
"According to this book, The Celestials Of Spada, there appears to be like 20 or 25 Celestials.", replied Nozel.
Benjiro's eyes widened,"Woah! And where are they located?"
Nozel closed the book and looked at his friends,"The Celestials are scattered throughout the universe. They were created by the gods to maintain balance and protect the galaxy from any threats."
"Sounds like a lot of work. I'd rather be in bed right now," said Chiharu, stretching his arms lazily.
Ben laughed,"Don't worry Chiharu, I'm sure you'll get your chance to save the universe someday."
Nozel smirked,"And when that day comes, I'll be the one laughing."
As the group walked towards their next class, Nozel's eyes kept drifting back to the statue in the fountain.
"Is everything alright, Nozel?" Chiharu asked, noticing his preoccupied state.
Nozel turned to face his friend, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just can't help but feel a certain sense of admiration for Dronzer. He was a warrior like no other, a true symbol of strength and power."
Benjiro scoffed. "I don't get it. What's so great about being a warmonger? All they do is cause destruction and chaos."
Nozel shook his head. "It's not just about that, Benjiro. It's about having the strength and determination to fight for what you believe in, to protect what's important to you. That's what makes a true warrior."
Ben nodded in agreement. "Nozel's right. Even though we're in a peaceful time, we still need to have that same kind of strength and determination to face whatever challenges come our way."
Chiharu smiled. "I guess that's what makes us students of the Vanguard Academy, huh? We're all here to become warriors in our own way."
Nozel took one last look at the statue before leaving with his friends.
The statue of Dronzer stood tall and proud in the center of the fountain, commanding the attention of all who laid eyes upon it. The figure of the Axelon was crafted with precision and skill, every muscle and contour chiseled with an otherworldly grace. The spear in his hand was poised as if to strike down any enemy foolish enough to cross his path, while the shield held firmly in the other hand bore the symbols of countless victories won in battle. The water that flowed from the spear's tip was like a cascade of diamonds, glinting brilliantly in the sunlight and adding to the statue's ethereal aura. Anyone who looked upon it could feel the immense power and strength emanating from the statue, a testament to the legendary warrior it represented.
Nozel wondered,"Just how long has it been since he disappeared ?"