As the day of training with the Knights of Hono approached, Zara and Azure found themselves preparing for their departure. They headed to their dorms, both looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this new experience would bring. Once inside her dorm, Zara was greeted by Xera, her dorm mate. The two friends engaged in a brief but friendly conversation, sharing their excitement about the upcoming training. Zara, however, soon had to excuse herself. She mentioned the sudden change of plans, revealing they would be leaving for the Knights' training session that very day at 6 PM. Xera expressed her surprise but wished Zara good luck as she had her own academy duties to attend to. Left alone, Zara wasted no time and began packing her belongings, starting with spare clothes and essential gear. She noticed her sword, a gift from Ace, leaning against the wall. It was a reminder of his trust in her and the promise of growth. As Zara reached for her sword, she was taken aback by a sudden, intense glow emanating from the blade. The brilliant purple light seemed to dance, captivating her senses. She closed her eyes momentarily, hoping to make sense of this unusual occurrence. When she opened them again, the glow had subsided, but her sword's appearance had transformed. The once familiar weapon now boasted a matte black handle adorned with striking purple accents. Its blade had evolved into a rich, dark purple hue. It was a sight to behold, and Zara was momentarily entranced by its beauty. However, it wasn't just her sword's new appearance that surprised her. It was its voice that sent shivers down her spine. A voice, originating from the sword, spoke to her. "Hello." Zara's heart raced, and her eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of this otherworldly voice. To her amazement, she found no one else in the room. She hesitated but eventually mustered the courage to respond. "H-Hello?" The sword's voice continued, "You have awakened me. My name is Shiraishi. I am the sword that once belonged to Ace. He entrusted me to you a few weeks ago, hoping you would awaken me. He believed I could help you become stronger and perfect your skills." Memories of Ace gifting her the sword flooded back. A wave of realization hit her as she grasped the significance of her sword's past and her connection to it. She couldn't help but ask, "Ace's old sword? Did he use you?" Shiraishi's voice responded, "Yes, indeed. He wielded me for some time but eventually grew tired of my warnings. I kept cautioning him that if he continued to pour too much power into me, he might lose control and endanger my existence." As Zara listened to Shiraishi's story, a frown formed on her face. She said, "I understand why he gave you to me now, but it's just... Ace promised he would visit me, and he hasn't." Shiraishi seemed to sense her disappointment and asked, "What's with the unhappy face?" Zara sighed and replied, "Nothing, really. It's just that I was looking forward to him visiting, and it feels like he's forgotten about it." Before the conversation could continue, Azure knocked on her door. Anxiously realizing she had forgotten about packing, Zara hastily sheathed Shiraishi and stored the sword behind her back. She then hurried to meet Azure, the mystery of her awakened sword weighing heavily on her mind. Amidst the sprawling urban landscape, high above the Holy Swords Academy, Akira stood atop a towering building. His attire, as immaculate as fresh snow, contrasted sharply with his white hair and the abyssal depths of his eyes that glowed with an eerie black radiance. Akira's presence exuded an aura of uncertainty, and his words cut through the air like a chilling wind. "This Academy will be torn into pieces soon," he declared with a tone filled with determination and resentment. His voice reverberated through the heights, carrying an ominous promise. "You all will regret everything that you guys did to me. All the trash talk, the mean things, the abuse. Everything will be paid off. Couldn't you also agree, Julius Helms?" In response to Akira's call, a shadowy figure clad in a mask and a cloak advanced towards him. Julius Helms, his identity concealed, spoke with a measure of determination, "I do agree." The tension in the air grew palpable as both Akira and Julius faced an impending confrontation. The weight of their presence seemed to draw the world's gaze. Soon, they heard footsteps approaching, another figure making their way towards the scene. The individual's voice resonated with a quiet confidence. "I would like to see you try." As the figure emerged, their identity became clear—it was Azuma Mikio. His pure white outfit, in stark contrast to the darkness around him, radiated an air of joyfulness, and his eyes sparkled with an unshakable resolve. Azuma's voice, filled with unwavering determination, pierced through the tension. "I do not know who you guys are, but I do know one thing. I will kill you both if you dare touch my academy." Akira, who had remained calm and collected, found himself somewhat taken aback by this unexpected confrontation. He questioned, "Who are you to be speaking like that, but I also congratulate you for hiding your presence in my sight. Not everyone can do that. Now answer me, who are you?" In response, Azuma replied cryptically, "How about you find out?" Akira couldn't help but laugh at the audacity of the situation. "HAHAHAHA! you have courage," he said, his tone laced with mockery. "I will spare you this time. But trust in my word, there will be no third time." Julius, ever watchful with his Seirei no Rikai, fixed his gaze on Azuma. He acknowledged Azuma's strength with a solemn tone. "You are Azuma Mikio. You really are strong. Not even with my Eye can I see your power or anything else other than your name." In a final warning, Julius addressed Azuma once more. "Do not underestimate him. He is not anyone to play with." Akira, as he prepared to depart, turned to Azuma and spoke with a hint of sarcasm. "Hahaha. Ok, Julius, we will see. Anyways, my time here is done. Good luck. Azuma, it was a pleasure meeting you," he concluded with a grin that held an enigmatic and foreboding promise. Azuma's icy-white attire billowed in the rooftop's breeze as his enigmatic meeting with Akira concluded. The cryptic exchange left questions hanging in the air. As Akira vanished into the shadows, Azuma turned to Julius, his eyes masked by the unsettling darkness of his unspoken thoughts. His voice carried an angry edge as he questioned, "How did you know my name? Or, rather, what are you doing here, Ace Kurotsuchi?" Julius, concealing his true identity under the cloak and mask, remained enigmatic. "Some secrets are best kept veiled. As for now, I have matters to attend to." As the rooftop fell silent, shadows and enigmas retreated into obscurity. Their paths remained shrouded, their destinies intertwined. Cutting to Zara's perspective, she and Azure embarked on a journey toward their destination, an impending training ground. The bus awaited them, its doors a gateway to their destiny. Their fellow students scattered among the seats, each with dreams and aspirations. Zara and Azure, determined and excited, caught sight of Azuma standing near the bus. His voice rang out in the bustling crowd as he spotted Zara and beckoned her forward with a spirited shout, "Zara, over here!" With a heartfelt goodbye, Azure embarked on his designated bus, leaving Zara to face the challenges ahead with Azuma. Approaching Azuma with a sense of camaraderie, Zara greeted him warmly. Their friendly conversation set a reassuring tone as they discussed the journey ahead. Azuma posed a pivotal question, seeking affirmation of her readiness. Zara's response carried the enthusiasm of a warrior primed for battle, her grin radiant as she declared, "I could not be more ready." Azuma, harboring a sense of protectiveness, reassured her. He vowed to shield her from danger and to ensure their training was both constructive and safe. The essence of their mission emerged: to thwart the Hotetsu members, whose sinister aims threatened the academy and its students. The training would transpire within the academy's confines, an unexpected strategy to outwit the enemy. Azuma's instincts caught another revelation—an insider's treachery. An unknown traitor within the academy was clandestinely channeling information to the enemy. Their task was twofold: to safeguard the academy and its students while uncovering the identity of the traitor, all without alerting their adversaries. Zara listened intently, her commitment resolute as she embraced the need for stealth and swiftness. With a determined nod, she conveyed her agreement to the unspoken promise of dedication and unity, bound by a mission that would test their mettle. Zara and Azuma, shrouded in the shadows of anticipation, paced behind the academy, their conversation filled with a mix of excitement and vigilance. The night held its secrets close, as they braced themselves for the imminent threat. But the tranquility of their conversation was abruptly shattered when Azuma's phone rang. Azuma, his face contorted in a mix of surprise and disbelief, answered the call. The voice on the other end, unmistakably Akira, delivered a chilling message. "Have fun protecting the Academy while we kill the training students and their teachers." The call ended abruptly, leaving Azuma with a sinking sense of dread. In a hurried, almost frantic tone, Azuma turned to Zara, his words laced with anxiety. "WE NEED TO GO, ZARA! THEY'RE ATTACKING THE OTHERS!" Panic gripped Azuma as he opened a door that teleported him to the training grounds, ready to face the imminent danger. But to his bewilderment, the training area remained untouched, its serenity undisturbed. Azuma's confusion soon turned to realization. Akira had outwitted him, using a phone call to divert his attention. He had played his hand masterfully. With a sense of urgency that mirrored his anxiety, Azuma opened another door to teleport Zara and him to the Academy. But as they returned, the grim sight that met them was beyond their darkest expectations. In the short span of a single minute, without Azuma's protection, 166 students lay slain, the enemies showing no mercy. In the face of the unthinkable, Azuma's resolve was unwavering. He directed Zara to take action, her mission clear. "Go, Zara. Don't show them mercy." His voice was laden with the gravity of the situation. Zara, wielding her newfound strength, unveiled Shiraishi. With unwavering determination, she embarked on her mission to save the academy and avenge the fallen. Swift as the wind, Zara's masterful swordsmanship guided her blades to strike true. She approached the enemies who held students hostage with calculated precision. Her movements outmatched their reactions, leaving them helpless. With two swift slashes, she severed them, her newfound strength evident as they fell, their sinister grasp over the hostages shattered. Determined and unyielding, Zara ventured onward, her resolve unwavering. The battle had begun, and she was ready to take the fight to the Hotetsu members.