As the remnants of Araki Yoko disintegrated into nothingness, leaving only echoes of their recent battle behind, Ryo Shou remained alert. He didn't dare let his guard down, especially not at this time. Their surroundings had been marred by the violence of the confrontation. Crumbling buildings and swirling dust bore testimony to the earlier skirmish. The memories of the recent battle still lingered in the air, a potent reminder of the strength of the Hotetsu Organization. Ryo knew better than to underestimate the gravity of the situation. A flicker of malevolence from Araki had been evident, even to him. He had acted decisively, preserving the city and possibly preventing further destruction by eliminating the threat. Their standoff continued, both men keenly aware of the other's intentions. It was a precarious moment, filled with unspoken tension and the unsaid understanding that the wrong word or gesture could end in lethal consequences for Kyokuske. Ryo eventually broke the silence, his tone unwavering as he demanded, "What's happening here, Kyokuske? And who are you?" Kyokuske maintained his composure, understanding the severity of the situation. He needed to communicate clearly, as a single mistake could cost him his life. He began explaining his plans, outlining the pressing need to gather information about the Hotetsu Organization, their true objectives, and the threat they posed. "We can't afford to be in the dark any longer, Ryo," Kyokuske stated. "My name is Kyokuske Yoratami. This organization's activities have been shrouded in mystery for too long." He continued, revealing his knowledge about the organization's potential assault on the Holy Swords Academy, home to the enigmatic 5 Knights of Hono. Kyokuske emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need to act swiftly to prevent further chaos and destruction. As Kyokuske spoke, Ryo remained vigilant, weighing his words and the gravity of the situation. He had just witnessed the power of the Hotetsu Organization firsthand, and Kyokuske's concerns were not to be taken lightly. Their discussion carried on, a pivotal moment in their journey to confront the enigmatic forces that threatened their world. With the past battles still fresh in their minds and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, they would need to rely on their wits, strength, and the alliances they forged to protect their realm and its people. In the aftermath of Ryo's conversation with Kyokuske, he took it upon himself to bring the ex-captain to their headquarters along with the rest of the Knights. They needed more information and needed it now, their quest against the Hotetsu Organization pressing on their minds. This was an urgent meeting that demanded full disclosure. Kyokuske, a former member of the Demon Realm's high council, could prove to be a valuable source of knowledge and strategic insight. The exchange between the Knights and Kyokuske was intense, punctuated by probing questions and concerns over the Organization's relentless pursuit of power. Each of the Knights carried their unique strengths and abilities, ready to deploy them at a moment's notice. But they knew that understanding the enemy was just as important as their own abilities. As the discussions stretched into the night, Zara found herself in her room, her thoughts intertwined with the impending challenges she faced at the Holy Swords Academy. Zara and her friends, Azure, Xera, and Suto, were simply lounging in her room, enjoying each other's company without any particular agenda. They chatted about various topics, laughed at jokes, and occasionally gazed out the window, their thoughts wandering freely. The evening felt relaxed and carefree. In the midst of their chat, Kyokuske's call came like a bolt from the blue. Zara hurried outside to answer the phone, her mind racing with possibilities. Kyokuske revealed the surprising news that the Four Knights of Hono would soon make an unprecedented visit to the academy to select students ranked below 100th for specialized training. This development threw Zara's plans into disarray, and she promptly informed Azure about the unexpected opportunity. As the only one among them who ranked below 100th, he would have the chance to train with the Knights. Their gathering concluded with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The evening continued with its own surprises. Around 2:13 AM, as the academy's dorms lay bathed in the serene night, Zara couldn't sleep. She ventured to the rooftop, and her breath was taken away by the breathtaking views. City lights created a dazzling tapestry that stretched into the horizon. The stars above pierced the night sky with their brilliance, accentuating the grandeur of the world below. In the midst of this surreal beauty, Zara noticed a mysterious figure. A young boy with medium-short blonde hair and entrancing blue eyes stood on a rooftop a few dorms away. He appeared to be around 16 years old and exuded an air of mystery. He waved at her, and Zara, captivated by the extraordinary sights, waved back. The boy, who had the tranquil charm of the ocean, couldn't resist the allure of the view. He gracefully traversed the gaps between the dorms, making his way to Zara's side. There, he introduced himself with politeness, asking, "Hi, how are you?" Zara, feeling a bit shy, replied, "Fine, and you?" The two sat side by side, mesmerized by the panoramic spectacle before them. The boy initiated a conversation about the cityscape, the twinkling stars, and the magic they contained. The beauty of the moment was profound, a shared connection that transcended words. Curiosity led Zara to inquire about the boy's name, but he kept silent. Instead, he posed an intriguing question, "If you had the chance to fulfill one dream of yours, what would it be?" Her response was heartfelt, carrying the weight of her desires. As she finished her answer and turned toward the boy to further their conversation, he had vanished. The rooftop, once shared by two kindred spirits, was now empty and silent. The chapter transitioned to the dawn of the next day, a radiant sun heralding the promise of new beginnings. The Holy Swords Academy was alive with activity, its students eager to embark on their journeys. Zara was ready to meet the Four Knights of Hono, her heart filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. In the heart of the academy, the principal's announcement echoed through the corridors. With a voice as vibrant as the day itself, he delivered the unexpected news, "Every student below the ranks 100th, report yourself to the auditorium as soon as possible." As Zara stood outside her dorm, she waited for Azure to join her for the walk to the auditorium. A question nagged at her thoughts, and she couldn't help but ask Azure, "Have you ever come across someone with medium-short blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and around 16 years old? I saw a boy like that last night." Azure pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't know many people in the academy yet. It's so vast, and we're still relatively new here." Their conversation came to a halt as they reached the auditorium. Once inside, the sight of students filling the space from top 1st to 100th rank was nothing short of impressive. Zara's eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious boy she had encountered on the rooftop the night before. To her surprise, he was nowhere to be found. However, that mystery soon unraveled before her eyes. With a commanding presence, the boy appeared on stage, confidently holding a microphone. He addressed the gathered students with a cool and composed tone. "Hello, everyone," he began. "I am Azuma Mikio, often referred to as the ACE of the academy, or more precisely, Rank Zero. While I'm not an official Knight, I can confidently say that I would hold my own if faced with any of them in a one-on-one battle." He continued, his words drawing the attention of the entire assembly. "I'm here to make a significant announcement. All of you will have the unique opportunity to train for an entire week with the Four Holy Knights—Avaron Nakano, Hiromi Mae, Rika Hagiwara, and our leader, Ryo Shou. They will be guiding you in preparation for upcoming challenges." Zara's heart skipped a beat when Azuma's next words landed. "And as for me, I will be taking one individual under my wing for specialized training. That person is none other than Zara Serotious. I've seen her potential and witnessed what she's capable of." The announcement sent ripples of astonishment through the auditorium. Zara was not only overwhelmed by the revelation but also deeply curious about the boy who had appeared so mysteriously in her life. The assembly was soon filled with a barrage of questions and buzzing conversations. Azuma stepped down from the stage and made his way toward Zara, a friendly smile gracing his features. "I look forward to our training, Zara. We have much to explore and discover." Zara, despite her initial nervousness, couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This week promised to be unlike any other, with unique experiences and challenges that awaited her. As the gathered students dispersed to prepare for the upcoming training, Zara shared a glance with Azure. He offered a supportive nod and a reassuring smile, silently conveying his confidence in her abilities. The day was just beginning, and Zara couldn't help but wonder about the possibilities that lay ahead. Her journey at the Holy Swords Academy was about to take an exciting turn, and she was ready to embrace it. As the students filed out of the auditorium, the buzz of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Zara and Azure remained behind, their conversation still ongoing. They discussed the upcoming training with the Knights and how it would change the dynamics of their lives at the academy. Suddenly, Azuma, the ACE of the academy, reappeared, seamlessly joining their conversation. His calm and confident demeanor brought a sense of reassurance. Zara couldn't help but feel intrigued by his presence. He listened intently to their discussion, offering insightful comments and encouraging words. Then, as he prepared to leave, Azuma turned to Zara with a smile that held a promise. "Zara, I will help you fulfill your dream." Zara was taken aback, surprised that Azuma had overheard their conversation. It was a heartening moment for her, knowing that someone as skilled and respected as Azuma was willing to support her aspirations. As he walked away, Zara watched him go, a newfound sense of determination filling her heart. She realized that this week of training held the potential to unlock her untapped abilities and take her one step closer to her dream. The bonds of friendship and mentorship were forming in the most unexpected of places, and Zara couldn't wait to embark on this journey, armed with the support and guidance of Azuma Mikio.