Chereads / BloodBound Ascendance / Chapter 6 - Paths Of Anticipation

Chapter 6 - Paths Of Anticipation

Among the students, a sense of anticipation filled the air as they listened for their names to be called. Some shifted nervously from foot to foot, while others stood tall and resolute, eager to discover which path awaited them at the Military School.

As the names echoed through the training grounds, each student made their way to stand before their designated homeroom teacher. The teachers themselves stood with an air of authority, ready to welcome the new recruits into their respective classes.

General Sebas continued with a commanding tone, "Class One will be led by General Kyra, a seasoned warrior known for her mastery of elemental manipulation and tactical brilliance. Students assigned to her class will learn the art of strategic combat and precision in battle."

A group of students moved towards General Kyra, drawn by the promise of honing their skills under her expert guidance. She nodded approvingly as they gathered around her, a flicker of pride in her eyes as she assessed the potential before her.

"Class Two will be under the tutelage of General Marcus, a master of telekinesis and telepathy. His class will focus on mental discipline and psychic abilities, honing the students' minds as well as their bodies for combat," General Sebas announced.

The students assigned to Class Two exchanged excited glances, eager to delve into the mysteries of the mind under General Marcus's guidance. They joined him with a sense of anticipation, ready to unlock the full potential of their psychic talents.

"Class Three will be led by General Liara, a skilled healer with a restoration magic. Students in her class will learn the art of healing and support, mastering the delicate balance between offense and defense," General Sebas continued.

A group of students gravitated towards General Liara, drawn by the promise of enhancing their restoration abilities and support and They assembled before her with a sense of reverence, recognizing the importance of their role in bolstering their allies on the battlefield.

The assignments continued, and suddenly Cid's name was called out. A hush fell over the training grounds as all eyes turned towards Cid, who stood frozen in place, their heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. General Sebas locked eyes with Cid, a knowing glint in his gaze as he declared, "Cid, you will be joining Class Seven under the mentorship of General Zephyr."

Cid's mind swirled with a mix of emotions at the mention of General Zephyr, a legendary figure known for their mastery over time manipulation and unparalleled speed. The prospect of learning under such a revered leader both thrilled and daunted Cid, who knew that the path ahead would be riddled with challenges and growth.

With a deep breath, Cid made their way towards General Zephyr, determined to embrace this new chapter of their journey at the Military School.

As each student entered the school, they were handed a sleek, transparent bracelet that resembled a futuristic smartwatch. The display on the face of the bracelet showed the time, weather information, and date, with a dynamic background featuring shifting clouds and ocean waves to reflect the current weather outside. The students were informed that this bracelet was their lifeline within the school and it would always be in use, displaying a number to indicate their level of ability on a scale of 1 to 10. Cid's watch proudly displayed the number four, indicating his strong abilities. When questioned about his abilities, Cid claimed to have the gift of animal communication. Additionally,

In addition to its timekeeping function, the watch also acted as a form of currency, containing 20 credits that would be replenished every 24 hours that allowed students to purchase items like weapons and food on campus. After receiving their bracelets from their homeroom teachers, the students were taken on a tour of the school to familiarize themselves with its layout. Once the tour was over, they were assigned dorm rooms which were indicated by their bracelet. Cid found herself in room 4B, ready to embark on his new journey at the prestigious school. 

As Cid settled into his dorm room, he couldn't shake off the mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within him. The room was simple yet comfortable, with two beds neatly made, a small desk by the window, and a wardrobe for their belongings. Cid's eyes wandered to the display on his bracelet, the number four glowing softly as a reminder of the potential lying dormant within.

The first day at the Military School had been a whirlwind of introductions and information overload. Cid's mind raced with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead and the mysteries waiting to be unraveled under General Zephyr's mentorship. The legendary leader was known for pushing students to their limits, demanding nothing short of excellence in all aspects of training.

As night descended over the school grounds, Cid found himself tired from the day's events one thing during the day made him curious, it was the opponent he met during the individual sparring test. he approached his bed placed his sword by his side and as he drifted off to sleep he recalled the fight with the girl name Ruby.

For safety reasons, Cid was given a fake sword for the fight and all students were prohibited from using armor or real weapons to showcase their individual skills and abilities. The match would only end when one opponent was rendered unconscious, admitted defeat, or left the boundaries of the arena.

The echoing bell signaled the start of the duel between Ruby and Cid. As they faced each other in the center of the arena, the tension crackled in the air like lightning. Ruby's fiery determination contrasted with Cid's calm focus as they circled each other, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Ruby lunged forward with a burst of flames, aiming to catch Cid off guard. With swift reflexes, Cid sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. "Is that all you've got, Ruby?" he taunted, a smirk playing on his lips.

Undeterred, Ruby unleashed another wave of fire, its intense heat radiating through the arena. Cid danced nimbly around the flames, his agility unmatched. "You'll have to do better than that," he called out, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

As the dance of combat continued, Ruby's attacks grew more intense, each flame hotter and more ferocious than the last. Cid met her onslaught with grace and skill, his sword slicing through the air with lethal precision. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying in all directions, illuminating the arena with a flickering light.

With a sudden burst of speed, Cid closed the distance between them in a blur of motion. His blade flashed in the dim light as he launched a series of rapid strikes at Ruby, testing her defenses. She parried each blow with determination, her own sword gleaming in the fiery glow.

Their swords clashed in a symphony of metal, each strike ringing out like a battle cry. The audience held their breath as the combatants pushed themselves to their limits, locked in a deadly dance of skill and strategy.

Ruby's gaze never wavered as she countered Cid's attacks with calculated precision. "You're good, but not good enough," she retorted, her voice filled with confidence despite the sweat glistening on her brow.

Cid grinned in response, his eyes alight with competitive spirit. "I'm just getting started," he replied cryptically, his movements becoming even swifter and more unpredictable.

The intensity of their duel reached its peak as Ruby summoned a blazing inferno around her, flames licking at the edges of her sword. Cid's focus sharpened as he prepared for her final assault.

As Ruby lunged forward with all her might, Cid met her head-on with unwavering resolve. The clash of their blades reverberated throughout the arena, a deafening symphony of combat echoing into the night.

Their swords locked in a fierce struggle, neither willing to give an inch. Beads of sweat trickled down their faces as they poured every ounce of strength into their strikes and defenses.

In a sudden surge of energy, Cid twisted out of Ruby's grip and delivered a decisive blow that sent her staggering backward out of bounds. The crowd erupted into cheers as Cid stood victorious in the center of the arena, his chest heaving with exertion.

Ruby regained her composure and flashed Cid a wry smile. "Not bad," she conceded, admiration glinting in her eyes despite her defeat.

Cid offered her a hand up, his respect evident in his gesture. "You put up a good fight," he acknowledged warmly.

Their rivalry momentarily set aside, Ruby and Cid shared a nod of mutual respect before parting ways as friends and foes alike watched on in awe. This was Cid's first time crossing swords with someone, and he was filled with excitement. However, what worried him was a message that popped up on the system during their fight: "Defeat the strong opponent before you." After Cid emerged victorious, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Ruby had gone easy on him.

The next morning, Cid awoke with a start, instinctively reaching for his sword as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. A curious scent filled the air, one his heightened vampire senses easily detected—another presence in the room. His gaze shifted around, and just then, a figure emerged from the bathroom: a young man with spiky white hair and dark skin, his intense, piercing eyes radiating an unmistakable determination. Clad in a dark, tactical outfit that exuded strength and stealth, the ensemble was interlaced with straps and armor-like elements, hinting at a readiness for battle. Various accessories adorned his arms, including a wristband and a chain that added a distinct flair.

As the man noticed Cid, he strode over with a casual confidence, extending a hand. "Hey, my name is Cayden. We're roomies. It took me a bit to find this place last night, so I came late. I hope we can get along," he said, a friendly smile playing on his lips.

Cid stood up and shook his hand firmly. "I'm Cid. Pleasure to meet you."

"By the way, my ability is Water, and I'm guessing yours has something to do with that crow by the window," Cayden remarked, nodding towards Nyx, who perched gracefully on the windowsill.

Looking over at Nyx, Cid replied, "Oh, right! My ability is Animal Communication. I can pretty much talk to any non-human creature." He paused, curiosity bubbling up. "Is your outfit the military one? I saw the General wearing something similar."

Cayden chuckled. "Yeah, it's our military uniform. Yours is by the door," he replied, nodding towards the entrance as they began to bond over their shared experiences.

After their brief exchange, Cid made his way to the door where the military outfit awaited him. The uniform was a deep navy blue, embellished with intricate gold trim and adorned with various insignias denoting his rank and affiliation with the elite Military Defense Unit.

After a quick shower as he donned the uniform, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and responsibility wash over him. This was no ordinary attire; it symbolized his dedication to protecting his earth against any threats that loomed on the horizon. The weight of the duty he carried settled on his shoulders, but Cid stood tall, ready to face whatever challenges came his way.

Cayden adjusted his own uniform with practiced ease, the fabric molding perfectly to his form as if it were an extension of himself. Together, they made quite the formidable pair, exuding an air of determination and readiness as they prepared for the day ahead.

"Shall we head to the canteen for some breakfast before homeroom?" Cayden suggested

Cid nodded in agreement. "Definitely. I'm starving."

As they made their way through the halls, the pristine white walls and gleaming floors a stark contrast to the deep navy of their uniforms, Cid couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the Military School. Students of various ages and abilities milled about, their bracelets glinting under the artificial lighting, a constant reminder of the power that flowed through their veins.

The canteen was a bustling hub of activity, with long tables stretching from one end of the room to the other. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, enticing the hungry students. Cid and Cayden joined the line, their trays in hand as they perused the options before them.

"So, what do you think of the school so far?" Cayden asked, scooping a generous portion of scrambled eggs onto his plate.

Cid mulled over the question for a moment. "It's intense, but in a good way. I can already feel myself being pushed to my limits, and it's only the first day."

Cayden chuckled. "Yeah, that's the Military School for you. They don't go easy on anyone here. But that's how we become the best of the best."

As they settled at an empty table, their trays laden with a hearty breakfast, Cid's thoughts drifted back to his duel with Ruby. The mysterious message that had appeared on the system during their fight.

Cid couldn't shake the nagging feeling that the cryptic message held a deeper meaning. "Defeat the strong opponent before you." The words echoed in his mind as he absently picked at his breakfast. Ruby had been a formidable adversary, her fire abilities rivaling his own skills, but something about the way she fought hinted at a restraint, as if she had been holding back.

Cayden noticed Cid's pensive expression and raised an eyebrow. "You okay there, buddy? You look like you've got something on your mind."

Cid snapped out of his reverie and met Cayden's gaze. "Just thinking about my duel yesterday. Thinking that he couldn't tell or say anything about the system since he was pretty sure that having a system wasn't something that was normal he decided to make up something to tell Cayden.

Cid hesitated, unsure whether to share his concerns with Cayden. After a brief moment, he decided to keep his thoughts about the cryptic message to himself. "It's nothing, really. Just replaying the duel in my head, trying to figure out how I can improve for next time," he said, offering a reassuring smile.

Cayden nodded, understanding the drive for self-improvement. "I get that. We're all here to push ourselves and become stronger. But don't forget to enjoy the journey too, you know?"

Cid chuckled, appreciating Cayden's perspective. "You're right. I'll try to keep that in mind."

As they finished their breakfast, the bracelet on Cid's wrist vibrated, signaling that it was time for their first class of the day. "Looks like it's time to head to homeroom," he said, gathering his tray.

Cayden followed suit, and together they made their way to the classroom where General Zephyr awaited them. The anticipation hung heavy in the air as they entered the room, taking their seats among the other students of Class Seven.

General Zephyr stood at the front of the room, his presence commanding attention. His piercing gaze swept over the students, assessing each one with a calculated intensity. "Welcome to your first day of training," he began, his voice resonating through the room. "In this class, you will learn to harness your abilities, push your limits, and become the elite warriors our Planet needs to fight the Xeltharans.