"That's all for the sparring matches for today. Your results will be announced in the next class. For now rest up and enjoy the rest of your day."
Kenneth was mingling with Fletcher and Fae both girls asking her what the move she used to get out of Vincent's grip was called. As she was about to explain, she heard someone calling her name.
"Kenneth Greywater."
Both Fletcher and Fae's eyes widened when seeing the person calling her. It was none other than Lucien Canmore.
Turning to look at him, with a blank expression she answered him. "Yes?"
"May I speak with you for a moment?"
Kenneth nodded her head and the man walked towards a less crowded area, not turning back to see if she was following him.
Kenneth turned back to look at the girls letting them know that they could leave and she'd meet up with them later.
Kenneth then followed the man to a corner in the training room.
Taking in Lucien Canmore up close, Kenneth couldn't deny his impressive presence.
There had been only one man in Kenneth's life who had truly left a lasting impression on her: her Squadron Commander during her cadet days.
He stood tall, with long brown hair reminiscent of chestnuts, and brown eyes that held the depth and warmth of the smooth and sweet milk chocolates from her childhood. His kindness and discernment, coupled with his prowess on the battlefield, made him a figure of both admiration and comfort for her.
As she watched him fight, she couldn't help but be captivated, unsure if what she felt was love, admiration, or a combination of both. However, their time together was brief, as he was deployed elsewhere, leaving Kenneth with a sense of regret and longing that eventually faded with time.
Now, gazing at Lucien before her, she couldn't shake the familiar feelings she once had for her commander. Despite their physical differences—his midnight black hair cascading down his back, concealing one side of his face, and his stern, emotionless demeanour—his amber eyes held a warmth reminiscent of her commander's. Despite his appearance, one couldn't deny how attractive the young man was. He was the epitome of a dark and brooding beauty.
"First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you on passing the Testing Stage," he began, his voice smooth with a hint of hoarseness, yet commanding authority. As he addressed her, his gaze remained fixed on her, studying her intently.
Kenneth was not expecting to hear that she had passed so soon. She clearly remembered instructor Alexi informing them that their results would be revealed in their next class which was the day after tomorrow. She thought it would take some time for their scores to be calculated but Lucien was informing her that she had already passed.
"Thank you Captain." Though she was grateful, there a mix of confusion in her eyes which Lucien noticed.
"No need for thanks. You earned your spot in the Fighter Division fare and square. The reason I'm pulling you aside is to inform you that those who get the highest scores get a higher chance of participating in the Isosceles Trials. This competition is meant for people who want to become Ventures. Winning the competition guarantees you a spot in the faction. If you are interested, you can talk to the Vice-Captain and he will tell you how to proceed from here."
As Lucien observed Kenneth intently, attempting to discern her reaction, he found himself perplexed. Throughout their exchange, Kenneth's expression remained impassive, devoid of surprise or excitement.
However, one unmistakable emotion lingered in her eyes: thirst.
"The competition will take place six months from now and will require extensive training and preparation, so I suggest you decide quickly." He urged.
"I understand, I'll let you know as soon as I've decided."
"You can let Alcione know once you've made your decision."
Kenneth tilted her head in confusion. "Wouldn't it be easier to just tell you instead of having to go through the vice captain?"
Lucien's eyes widened slightly in surprise at her question. While her suggestion made sense, protocol dictated that inquiries should first go through the vice-captain before reaching the captain. He had intended to reprimand her, but the earnest and serious expression on her face caused him to hesitate.
"…very well. Once you've decided, you can come see me at the captain's quarters."
"Will do senior Lucien."
Lucien gave her another once over before making his way back to Alcione. Kenneth took that as her cue to leave, making her way back to the dorms.
...…..
"She's strong." Alcione commented when Lucien was within ear shot.
"That may be so, but she lacks restraint. The last move she pulled was a deadly one. She could've serious injured that boy if I hadn't stepped in."
Lucien vividly recalled the fleeting but unmistakable intensity in her gaze as she looked at him. Even in that brief moment, he couldn't overlook it with his keen perception.
The sudden drop in her eyes, filled with a chilling determination, shook him to his core. How could someone so young possess such cold and soulless eyes?
"Why did you bring up the tournament to her then?" Alcione asked, breaking Lucien out of his reverie.
"Despite her aggressive fighting style, I can't deny her skill—she's exceptionally talented. The three stages she endured are a testament to that. If she keeps this up, her abilities will only improve. Having someone of her caliber on our team would be invaluable, and it would be foolish to let her slip away. The Trials will provide a definitive assessment of her potential to become a Venture."
Alcione nodded his head in agreement. "I guess you're right, she's definitely a force to be reckoned with. I've never seen anyone fight the way she does, she certainly surprised me." I just hope for all of our sake's she doesn't become another Reyes. He said to himself.
"Who surprised you?" A voice behind them spoke.
The two men turned around to see Eiden and Herys approaching the two.
Lucien frowned upon seeing them. "What are you two doing here? Aren't you supposed to be on patrol?"
"We finished our shift ten minutes ago. Claudette and Sooyun are in charge now—"Herys said.
"Who surprised you vice-cap?" Eiden asked again interrupting Herys' report.
"A new student, she scored the highest points in the Testing Stage. She would've scored higher had it not been for the race." Alcione answered.
"Oh? So the rookies aren't too bad this year."
"Quite the opposite. There are a lot of talented ones this year." Lucien remarked.
Eiden and Herys exchanged surprised glances as Lucien, their typically stoic captain, offered a rare compliment on someone's talent. It had been quite some time since they had witnessed such warmth from him, given his aversion to pleasantries and compliments.