Capital of the Divine Kingdom Lordrixis, Haven
Most believe the kingdom possesses 100 complete ethereal warriors, yet this is not entirely true.
King Alfred Eldran, the first complete ethereal warrior, reclined lazily on his throne, his eyes gazing into the horizon with anticipation.
Below the throne, nine opulent chairs encircled the hall in an arc, each chair unique in design and size.
Among these, one chair stood out for its simplicity and colorlessness—this seat belonged to the elusive ninth ethereal warrior, a mystery that has plagued Lordrixis for decades, one even King Nathaniel Heaven cannot unravel.
In the blink of an eye, eight shadows filled the once-empty chairs. King Eldran's eyes brightened slightly as he straightened and cleared his throat.
"Been a while, old friends."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm not that old," quipped Noah Heeden, the fourth complete ethereal warrior, his mischievous eyes alight with excitement.
"And I'm certainly not your friend," retorted Violet Remoria, the second complete ethereal warrior, with an irritated smile.
"Violet, watch your attitude," intoned Norton Es, the fifth complete ethereal warrior, eyes closed.
"Old man, don't tell me what to do."
"Guys, guys, cut it out already. Can't you tell our king has something to say?" Ariel Syna, the seventh ethereal warrior, interrupted softly, his eyes almost tearful.
"Don't ever speak in that tone again, Ariel; it disturbs," stated Vergil Killer, the sixth complete ethereal warrior, one hand covering his face in embarrassment.
"Hehe, delicious," murmured Dominic O'Niell, the third complete ethereal warrior, more interested in his wine than the argument.
"You guys are hopeless," muttered Vesanze Fortune, the eighth complete ethereal warrior, clearly wanting to leave as quickly as possible.
King Eldran watched the discord in the hall silently, his expression mirroring Vesanze's, though a hint of amusement could be detected.
"Enough," he announced quietly, yet firmly, enough to silence everyone.
"You all know what's happening tomorrow, no?"
"The Grand Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament, the event showcasing the brightest stars of the generation."
"Fortunate as I am, in the first year of my reign, we have a total of three complete ethereal warriors competing: two from our royal academy and one from another."
"No record of her existence before a short while ago, as if she appeared from nowhere, right before awakening her ethereal arm."
"And what's equally concerning is the academy she is currently attending."
The eight complete ethereal warriors listened intently. Being the top nine strongest individuals in the realm, news about future stars never failed to captivate them.
"SIGMA Academy."
"The one founded by that madman?" Vergil tightened his eyebrows, glancing at Dominic, who was already trying his best not to explode in fury, the founder of SIGMA academy did not have a pretty past with him.
"Precisely. But now, the principal is his disciple, Enwyld Lorthus, and that is not the concerning part."
"She is currently in the same team as a very special individual," King Eldran's tone grew heavy on the word 'special.'
"We can finally reunite."
But a disgruntled voice broke the atmosphere.
"Boring," Noah leaned back, his interest waning.
"I have much more important business to attend to than listening to your domestic difficulties," he stood up. "Every other faction is up to no good; it's my duty to watch them!"
Before anyone could respond, he disappeared—his ethereal arm's ability was no mystery to them.
...
Shun stood by the window, staring at the royal capital, Haven.
It had been over two months since he set foot in this academy.
His eyes, now filled with countless emotions, were a stark contrast to his previous emotionless hatred.
"It's not that bad, right?" he thought to himself.
"I wish this could continue forever."
Surprised by his thoughts, Shun slapped himself hard on the face, angry at his unwanted empathy.
"I will only seek revenge and murder; nothing else is important," Shun murmured to himself, word by word.
Then, a hand rested gently on his reddened cheek.
"Are you alright?" Silver Iricson asked, her big, pretty eyes filled with concern. "Why did you do that?"
"Nothing important," Shun turned away, slipping from her hand.
He was grateful his flustered state was concealed by his swollen cheek.
"Time to go, lovebirds," Rayden Asher leaned against the wall, his irritating face even more annoying with his insolent smile.
"Want to beat him up?" Shun pointed his thumb at Rayden.
"Bet," Silver smiled.
...
Another busy day at SIGMA Academy.
Rayden Asher was running for his life, a blazing trail chasing his figure.
Behind him, two of the strongest students were hunting him down, ethereal arms drawn.
"What are those kids doing again?" Gideon Wu, talking to Jaylen Shielram, Emilia Cylus, and Yurien Vincy, shook his head.
"I'm kinda glad Shun's like this now; he used to be somewhat scary," Cloudy Adaires replied, holding hands with El. They were the only verified couple among the group of 16.
Rin Dreamer, Mia Hart, and Vito Fool nodded in agreement.
"I would be happy hanging around such a pretty girl," Osward White said, never afraid to state his opinion.
"Is she even that pretty?" Ruby Nicolas asked, annoyed.
"I don't understand; she is literally just a normal girl," Fiana Samuel added.
"All abilities of Blade of Yin," Leon Ermy answered instantly, as if he had been waiting for the question. "Males can't stand her femininity. By the way, it's time to go."
"Are you all ready?" Instructor Aeon Lumiel smiled. "The most important fights of your lives."
"Yes."
"Of course."
"Always have been."
"I couldn't wait."
"Our training can finally pay off."
...
"Let's go."
The 16 students walked out of the academy doors. No matter the outcome, their hearts were filled with hope and confidence.
Whatever they receive, is whatever they were destined to have.