---
The first day at the academy dawned with the crisp air of anticipation. Akio woke early, the sun's rays barely piercing through the thin curtains of his dorm room. He stared at the ceiling, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest—excitement, anxiety, and an undercurrent of dread. This was a new beginning, a chance to grow stronger and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with the Ripper. But the stakes were high, and failure was not an option.
He dressed quickly, pulling on the academy's uniform—a dark blue tunic with silver accents, the emblem of the academy embroidered on the chest. The fabric felt foreign, a stark contrast to the simple clothes he was used to. As he fastened the last button, there was a knock on the door.
"Akio! You ready?" Yuna's voice called from the other side.
Akio opened the door to find Yuna already dressed in her uniform, her usual playful smile replaced by a look of determination. They exchanged a silent nod and headed towards the dining hall, where the other students were gathering for breakfast.
The hall buzzed with chatter, the clinking of cutlery and the scent of food filling the air. Akio and Yuna found a seat near the corner, away from the bustling crowd. They ate in relative silence, both lost in their thoughts about the day ahead.
"So," Yuna finally spoke, breaking the quiet, "what do you think our first class will be like?"
Akio shrugged, taking a sip of water. "Probably something basic to gauge our abilities. But we need to stay sharp—this place will push us to our limits."
Yuna nodded in agreement, her eyes narrowing with resolve. "I won't let anyone outshine us. We're here for a reason, and I won't let all our efforts go to waste."
After breakfast, they made their way to the main hall, where the first lecture of the day was scheduled. The room was vast, with rows of seats descending towards a large stage where an instructor stood, waiting for the students to settle. The instructor was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with a stern expression that commanded attention. His name, as they soon learned, was Master Kyros, one of the academy's most respected teachers.
"Welcome to your first day," Master Kyros began, his voice deep and resonant. "You are here because you have potential, but potential means nothing without discipline and hard work. Over the next few years, you will be tested in ways you cannot yet imagine. Some of you will rise to the challenge, while others will falter. My job is to ensure that you are prepared, physically, mentally, and spiritually, for the trials ahead."
Akio felt a shiver run down his spine at Kyros' words. The intensity in the instructor's eyes was enough to make anyone feel like they were being scrutinized down to their soul.
"Today," Kyros continued, "we will begin with the basics of tear manipulation. As you are all aware, tears are the very essence of our power. Understanding how to harness and control this energy is crucial if you wish to survive in this world."
He gestured towards a large, shimmering tear that appeared in the air beside him. It pulsed with a strange, otherworldly light, almost as if it were alive. The students leaned forward, captivated by the sight.
"Each tear is a gateway to power, but it is also a doorway to madness if not handled correctly," Kyros explained. "Today, we will focus on imbuing tears with simple concepts. This will be your first test."
The students were divided into pairs and led to smaller training areas within the hall. Akio was paired with Yuna, both feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. In front of them, a tear materialized, its surface rippling like water disturbed by a stone.
"Imbue this tear with a concept of your choice," Kyros instructed. "Keep it simple. This exercise is about control, not power."
Yuna went first, her hand hovering just above the tear's surface. She closed her eyes, focusing on the concept she wished to imbue. Slowly, the tear began to glow with a soft, warm light, reminiscent of a calm sunrise.
"Hope," Yuna whispered, her voice barely audible. The tear responded, the red light intensifying before molding into a shape of a bird. The bird's feathers then turn into fire--It was a phoenix. The bird that is reborn after death. The tear unleashed a warmth that filled the room.
Kyros was in shock. He changed his expression quickly and nodded his head. "Well done. Hope is a powerful concept, but it can easily be overwhelmed by fear or doubt. Your hope, however, is reborn when all hope is gone, it arises from the ash and rebuilds itself into a magnificent beast that turns all fear and doubt into cinder. Well done indeed, you may take you seat now." He thought to himself "She has a lot of potential.. I'll be sure to keep a track of her later on,".
Akio stepped forward next, his mind racing with possibilities. He remembered the fear he had inadvertently unleashed during the scholarship examination, and the effect it had on everyone present. This time, he needed to be more careful, more deliberate.
He extended his hand, letting it hover above the tear. He closed his eyes, focusing on a single thought: Determination. The tear began to ripple, its glow shifting to a deep, unwavering blue. Akio concentrated, willing the tear to embody the unyielding resolve that had driven him to this point.
The tear responded, its light growing stronger, more intense. Akio could feel it pushing back against him, testing his control. He gritted his teeth, forcing the tear to stabilize. Finally, the light shifted into white and brown and molded into one of an eagle.
Kyros observed Akio with a keen eye, sensing the tension in the room as the tear responded to his will. As the tear morphed into the form of an eagle, Kyros couldn't help but feel impressed by the transformation. He allowed a brief silence to linger before speaking, letting the weight of Akio's accomplishment settle.
"Determination," Kyros said, his voice steady and authoritative. "It is a force that can carve mountains, reshape the world, and defy the impossible. What you've shown here, Akio, is not just determination but the embodiment of it—a force that, when honed, becomes unstoppable. The eagle is a fitting manifestation, a creature that soars high above, unwavering in its path, sharp in its focus."
He paused, his gaze locking with Akio's. "But remember, determination alone is not enough. It must be tempered with wisdom, guided by purpose, and fueled by the right intentions. Only then will it not consume you, but elevate you."
Kyros then nodded, a subtle sign of approval. "Well done. You may take your seat."
As Akio turned to leave, Kyros's thoughts echoed within his mind. "This one is different. His potential is immense, but it must be carefully guided. I will have to watch him closely."
Akio nodded, sweat beading on his forehead. He knew the weight of Kyros' words, but he also understood that he couldn't afford to hold back. The stakes were too high.
The rest of the class continued in a similar vein, with students practicing their control over tears and learning the basics of tear manipulation. By the end of the session, Akio and Yuna were both mentally and physically exhausted. But there was also a sense of accomplishment—this was the first step on a long and arduous journey.
As they left the training hall, Akio glanced at Yuna, who was smiling despite her fatigue. "We made it through the first day," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Yeah, but there's still a long way to go," Yuna replied, her eyes reflecting the same determination that Akio had imbued into the tear. "We need to stay focused."
Akio nodded in agreement, his thoughts already turning to the challenges that lay ahead. The academy was only the beginning. The real battle, the one against the Ripper, was still on the horizon. But for now, he would focus on becoming stronger, honing his skills, and preparing for the inevitable confrontation.
In the shadows, however, the old man watched their progress with keen interest. Unbeknownst to Akio and Yuna, his sinister plans were already in motion, and the true test of their strength and resolve was yet to come.