The halls of the academy are buzzing with excitement and nervous energy as students and visitors alike make their way to the arena. The Battle of Elementals (BoE) is the most anticipated event of the year, drawing crowds from all over Wakaba. It's the only time when the general public is allowed inside the academy grounds, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of the students who've been training here, isolated from the outside. The atmosphere is electric, the air filled with the hum of chatter and the shuffling of feet as people scramble to find their seats.
The arena itself is a massive stadium located behind the academy, its grand architecture a testament to the importance of the event. It's not just a battle; it's a spectacle, a demonstration of power, skill, and determination. For the cadets, it's a test of everything they've learned, a final hurdle before graduation. The BoE also marks a bittersweet moment for the graduates, who, after years of separation, will have the chance to meet their parents for the first time since they were taken from them at birth. Some look forward to this reunion with eager anticipation, while others face it with dread, knowing that their parents might not even be alive or may have deserted them.
As the first announcement echoes through the corridors, calling all cadets to the arena, Noah and his group move with purpose, their footsteps steady but their hearts racing. They arrive with the last wave of participants, entering the competitor sector just as the tension begins to thicken. At the entrance, council members stand on either side, their presence a reminder of the stakes involved. As Noah's group approaches, the atmosphere shifts, and the tension becomes palpable.
For a moment, time seems to slow as the two groups face each other. The council members, usually composed and authoritative, appear uncomfortable under the gaze of the cadets. It's a rare moment of vulnerability for the leaders, who are usually the ones issuing commands and expectations. Noah's group hesitates, unsure of how to proceed in this unexpected encounter. The silence is broken by Lili, who, unable to contain her emotions, rushes forward.
"Mama!" Lili cries, her voice breaking the tension as she runs to embrace her mother, Kira. The reunion is brief but poignant, the two holding each other tightly, as if trying to make up for the years of separation in just a few seconds. The other council members and cadets look on, some in discomfort, others in confusion, unsure of how to react to this rare display of affection.
The sound of someone clearing their throat cuts through the moment, drawing everyone's attention to President Hiro, who signals to Kira to wrap it up. Kira reluctantly lets go, giving Lili a reassuring smile. "You should get going now, Lili. I'll be watching you, so do your best."
Lili nods, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She understands the unspoken rules, the expectations placed upon her, and the inappropriateness of displaying such emotions when others are denied the same chance. She takes a deep breath and steps back, ready to join her friends.
Taking the cue from Lili, the others begin to file through the entrance one by one, though their expressions are far less warm. Noah is the first to pass, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead, refusing to make eye contact with any of the council members. He can feel their eyes on him, their discomfort and fear palpable. A small grin tugs at the corner of his mouth, enjoying the way his presence unnerves them. The tension thickens as he passes by, his silent defiance speaking louder than any words.
Next is Nik, who receives the standard greeting from Vera, the council member overseeing the fire elementals. Her tone is neutral, but Nik's response is anything but. He glares at her, his resentment clear, and walks by without a word, his shoulders stiff with anger. Gunther follows closely behind, receiving the same greeting from Liam. He hesitates, torn between acknowledging the greeting and following Nik's lead. But before he can decide, Nik grabs his arm, pulling him along, and Gunther quickly follows, casting a wary glance back as they move forward.
Mai is next, her expression calm and composed as always. She reaches Viktor, who offers the same standard greeting. Without missing a beat, she returns his salute with a neutral expression, then moves on, her thoughts focused on the task ahead. Lili lingers behind, her eyes darting between her friends and her mother, torn between her loyalty to both.
"I'm sorry," Lili whispers to her mother, guilt tugging at her heart. "They just… they're not sure how to…"
"It's okay, Lili," Kira replies, her voice gentle. "Go on ahead. Your friends are waiting for you." She gives Lili one last reassuring smile and a gentle nudge, encouraging her to join the others.
With a polite bow to the council members, Lili hurries after her friends, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. The brief moment of reunion with her mother is bittersweet, leaving her with a sense of longing and unease. As she catches up to the others, the weight of what's ahead presses down on her, but she pushes it aside, focusing on the task at hand.
As Lili disappears into the competitor sector, Vera's frustration bubbles to the surface. "Well, I guess that answers your question, Liam. They obviously know we're their parents. Not that you'd think so with such cold greetings."
Liam sighs, his expression one of resignation. "It's to be expected, Vera. We've been in front of their faces all this time, and yet we never told them the truth. Anyone would feel slighted by that, no matter the reason."
"Yes, Liam is right," Viktor adds, his voice calm. "It's only natural for them to respond this way, so there's no use in getting angry."
Vera's tone sharpens, but she catches herself, remembering where they are. "I'm not angry, Viktor," she insists, though the tightness in her voice betrays her true feelings.
Hiro clears his throat again, a subtle reminder to keep their emotions in check. Kira steps in, trying to ease the tension. "Let's not fret over it now. We'll have time to make amends after the ceremony."
The other council members silently exchange glances, their expressions a mix of irritation and resignation. It's easy for Kira to say, they think. She's the only one who's in good standing with her child. And it's her fault they already know the truth in the first place. But they keep their thoughts to themselves, focusing instead on the task at hand as the last few students make their way into the arena.
Just as they begin to move towards their own seats, a familiar voice calls out, dripping with mocking arrogance. "Hey, what about greeting me? I was saving the best for last."
The council members collectively roll their eyes as Tahno strides up to them, his usual cocky grin in place. Of course, he would make an entrance like this, always the one to demand attention. He joins them as they make their way to the booth, his presence adding an extra layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.
~
Inside the arena, the sight is breathtaking. The vast stadium is filled with rows upon rows of seats, stretching up to the sky. The sheer size of it is overwhelming, and the noise of the crowd creates a cacophony of excitement and anticipation. Nik, who had been simmering with anger just moments before, can't help but be awed by the scene.
"Woweee! Look at this place!" Nik exclaims, his earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. "I'm glad I never had an interest in coming to any of our upperclassmen's events. It would've killed the fun of this view now!"
Mai, always observant, takes in the scene with a more analytical eye. "This is quite fascinating. I never knew there were so many underclassmen students. There's a lot of people from outside the academy as well."
Noah, ever the pragmatist, adds, "Well, of course, there are. There isn't much in the way of entertainment in Wakaba outside Hokkaido City, so naturally, people would get excited. It's the only time of the year they get to see inside the academy."
Gunther, his eyes wide with wonder, chimes in. "Yeah, that's true. I wonder how many people there actually are. It seems like thousands! I know it's other students and outsiders, but even still, it's so many people!"
Lili, who had been trying to steady her nerves, suddenly feels a wave of anxiety crash over her. She grips Mai's arm tightly, her voice trembling. "I don't know if I can do this, guys. There are so many people. I'm super nervous."
Mai gives her a reassuring smile, squeezing her hand. "It'll be okay, Lili. You won't even be thinking about them once the battle starts. You'll be too busy focusing on what's in front of you."
Lili nods, though the unease in her heart doesn't fully dissipate. "I hope you're right, Mai." She pauses, gathering her thoughts before speaking again. "Hey, guys, you know I think you—"
Before she can finish, a coordinator's voice booms over the intercom, cutting her off. "All cadets, please report to your class stations immediately to begin roll and battle prep!"
The lingering cadets quickly scatter, each heading towards their assigned stations. Noah turns to the others, giving them a final nod of encouragement. "Well, I guess that's our cue, guys. See you in the finals. Good luck."
Nik, always competitive, grins. "I don't need luck. Thanks though. Don't cry too hard Noah."
Noah just grins back, his eyes glinting with determination. "Bring it on."
Mai, ever the voice of reason, adds, "I don't see a need to be competitive, but good luck."
Lili smiles, her nerves easing slightly. "I believe in you guys. We're going to do great, I'm sure."
Gunther, ever the optimist, is the last to speak. "We've got this guys. Let's show them our skill!"
The five raise their fists together, their first sense of true unity and newfound competitive spirit."
This is the moment they've waited four years for. After today, everything will surely change."