Two days had passed since the first-year students received their magic bracelets, allowing them to communicate over distance. In that time, they'd attended another lesson with Jessica, where they practiced the basics of swordsmanship, focusing on balance, grip, and control. Jessica's demanding training had pushed many to their limits, yet it also sparked a new determination in them. The following day, however, was a weekend, and the students took the opportunity to recuperate in their own ways. Isaki, Marie, and Arya chose to spend their free hours relentlessly training, driven by a desire to refine their skills. Others, like Lian, Rael, and Sophia, opted for a day of rest and leisurely enjoyed their time. Ray, true to his reserved nature, spent the day secluded in his room, immersed in the books he'd borrowed from the academy library, oblivious to the lively exchanges and plans circulating among his classmates.
Today, though, was different. It was the day of the highly-anticipated event, and every student was bustling with excitement. The first-years, dressed in their finest, streamed from their dormitories toward the open courtyard where the event would be held. Located near the first and second-year student lodges, the courtyard had been transformed into a vibrant scene. Strands of twinkling lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a soft, warm glow over the area, while classical music floated through the air, mingling with the excited chatter of the students. The decorations were both elegant and tasteful, enhancing the academy's refined atmosphere and making each student feel like they were stepping into a grand occasion.
Jul, the academy's distinguished student representative, stood at the entrance, greeting each first-year with a welcoming nod. By his side was a second-year student—a tall, dark-haired boy with keen brown eyes. They seemed ready to receive the new students with open arms, yet there was an unspoken energy in the air, as if both the new and returning students were all measuring each other with curious glances.
The attire of the students varied greatly, with a clear divide between those from the southern territories and those from Moirai. Students like Isaki, Ray, Lian, Rael, and several others from the south wore simple yet refined outfits. The boys sported pressed shirts and fitted trousers, while Arya and Sophia wore modest dresses that still held a quiet elegance. However, those from Moirai, including Zirko, Gaus, and Marie, showcased an entirely different standard. Their outfits were luxurious and intricately designed, each piece tailored to stand out. Marie wore a midnight-blue dress with delicate silver embroidery, adding a regal touch to her natural grace. Gaus, in a sharply tailored dark suit, had a confident air that seemed almost dismissive of the other students around him.
Zirko, however, drew nearly every gaze in the courtyard. His suit was a rich shade of midnight navy, cut precisely to his athletic build, with a striking silver pocket square that caught the light as he moved. His golden hair was styled in effortless waves, and he carried himself with the ease of someone used to admiration. Girls from both Moirai and the southern territories cast glances in his direction, some whispering and giggling among themselves. Even Lian and a few Moirai boys couldn't hide their hint of envy as Zirko became the center of attention. But, despite the many glances, Zirko's gaze seemed fixed in one direction, his green eyes intent.
Isaki, Rael, and Lian exchanged a look, following Zirko's line of sight and wondering if it was aimed at them. In truth, Zirko's eyes were on Arya, who stood just behind them, dressed in a deep red gown that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair. Arya, seemingly unaware of the attention, chatted casually with her friends, her confident and reserved manner only adding to the intrigue surrounding her.
Elsewhere in the courtyard, Gaus moved with purpose, weaving through clusters of students until he found Mich, a second-year student he'd spoken with before. Mich, who was aiding in the organization of the event, looked up with a mix of surprise and apprehension as Gaus approached, his smile suggesting he was up to no good.
"Ah, Mich," Gaus greeted with a sly grin, his voice barely above a murmur. "Remember our little arrangement? Tonight's perfect for it. I want you to take care of Ray. Here. At the party."
Mich's face tightened, and he glanced around nervously. "That wasn't the deal, Gaus. We agreed I'd do it during the mixed trials, when first and second years go head-to-head. I can't just confront him here—there's no valid reason for it."
Gaus's expression darkened, his tone growing menacing. "Forget the trials. This is a golden opportunity to humiliate him in front of everyone."
Mich hesitated, a flicker of unease in his eyes. "But... it's risky. I can't just challenge a first-year without a proper cause."
A wicked smile crossed Gaus's face. "Oh, don't worry. I'll make sure there's a reason for it."
Across the courtyard, Ray, deep in conversation with a few students, caught a glimpse of Gaus and Mich's discreet but intense exchange. He raised an eyebrow, a faint suspicion stirring within him. Though he couldn't hear what they were saying, his instincts told him that Gaus was plotting something, and that it somehow involved him.
The air grew livelier as the students moved toward the buffet, which was laden with an impressive spread of delicacies. Plates brimmed with savory roasted meats, each dish seasoned with fragrant spices; fresh vegetables and vibrant salads arranged in artful displays; an assortment of pastries, from flaky tarts to buttery croissants; and tables overflowing with colorful fruit. The spread seemed to cater to every taste, offering both familiar and exotic dishes that hinted at the diverse backgrounds of the academy's students.
Once they had filled their plates, Isaki settled at a table with Ray, Lian, Rael, Arya, and Sophia. Marie soon joined them, gracefully introducing herself to those she hadn't yet met. The sight of Marie, a well-known Moirai student, seated comfortably among the southern students, drew curious and judgmental looks from nearby tables. It was unusual for students from Moirai to socialize so openly with those from the south, a divide that had been unspoken yet obvious since their arrival. But Marie, undaunted by the attention, merely rolled her eyes, her voice carrying a note of amusement.
"Don't mind their staring," she said, casting a dismissive glance over her shoulder. "They're a bunch of idiots, anyway."
Lian, Rael, and Sophia exchanged worried looks, still feeling self-conscious under the judgmental gazes of the Moirai students.
"Easy for you to say," Rael muttered with a slight grin. "You're one of them. They'll probably just shrug it off as some weird phase."
Sophia laughed softly, looking around. "Yeah, meanwhile, we're going to get looks for the rest of the night."
Isaki chuckled. "If they're going to stare, we might as well give them something worth staring at."
Their laughter broke the tension, and Marie's easygoing attitude seemed to relax the whole group, making them feel more at ease despite the curious eyes around them.
After some time, Mich rose from his seat and approached Jul, the institute representative, who, unlike most students, ignored the divide between Moirai and southern students. Following Gaus's instructions, Mich proposed a seemingly harmless suggestion to Jul, his tone confident.
"What do you say we liven things up a bit?" Mich suggested, his expression friendly. "Perhaps a few sparring demonstrations between second-year students? It'd be a good way for the first-years to see what they're aiming for."
Jul's eyes lit up with interest as he considered the idea. "An interesting thought, Mich. As long as the matches are controlled and everyone keeps it friendly, it could be a great way for the first-years to learn."
Mich nodded, though a shadow crossed his face as he glanced briefly at Gaus, who watched from the edge of the crowd, his smirk filled with satisfaction. The stage was set.
Jul cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the students seated at their tables. "Alright, listen up!" he called out. "We'll soon have a little showcase match for you. Second-years will be sparring in the center, and you first-years get to watch and pick up some pointers."
The announcement sparked a buzz of excitement as whispers spread through the crowd. A few students got up to find better vantage points, while others shifted forward in their seats. The second-years wasted no time, stepping into the open space to kick off the matches. Since it was a party, all weapons had been left behind, and the fights were hand-to-hand only. Each punch and block echoed across the hall, as the crowd reacted with gasps and murmurs of admiration.
Isaki leaned over to Ray, eyes wide. "Did you see that hit? They're so fast!"
Ray nodded, observing each move with silent focus, while the intensity of the fights left the first-years in awe. After several bouts, Gaus stood up from his table and approached Jul, eyes gleaming with an idea.
"What if we upped the stakes?" he suggested. "Instead of just watching, why not let the first-years try their hands against the second-years? It'd be a real learning experience," he grinned, casting a look at the eager crowd.
Jul raised an eyebrow, considering the proposal. "Hmm… Let me think about that."
Just then, Mich stepped in beside Jul. "I think it's a good idea, Jul. We'd go easy on them, of course." Other second-years nodded in agreement, adding their own support to Gaus's suggestion.
"Alright, we'll go with it," Jul finally said with a nod. "But remember, it's a learning exercise, not a brawl. Keep it clean."
With that, the first-years had a chance to step into the center and try their luck against the more seasoned second-years. A few quick matches followed, and though the first-years lost each time, the experience sparked even more excitement and respect for their upperclassmen.
Then, with a dramatic flair, Gaus walked to the center and turned to face the first-years. "Alright, listen up! If I win this next round, you all have to agree that I'm the strongest first-year!"
"Show off!" someone muttered, but the challenge seemed to intrigue the crowd. Ray and his friends stood closer to the center to watch as Gaus's opponent stepped forward—it was Mich.
Ray narrowed his eyes, remembering Gaus and Mich had been talking earlier. A thought crossed his mind. - Is this… planned?
The match began, and Mich wasted no time. He landed a swift punch, sending Gaus stumbling backward, almost crashing into Ray. Gaus steadied himself and glanced at Ray, a scowl creeping onto his face. "Oh, you think this is funny?" he spat. "Do you think you could take him if you're so strong?"
Ray met Gaus's glare, and in that moment, he understood exactly what Gaus was after. - He's trying to bait me into fighting Mich. Without a word, Ray remained still, keeping his face neutral as Gaus continued to mock him.
"What's the matter, Ray? Afraid?" Gaus taunted. "Take off that know-it-all look and fight Mich if you're so confident!"
As if on cue, other students began to cheer, caught up in the moment. "Come on, Ray! Give it a shot!"
Ray glanced at his friends, and Isaki gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Ray, it's just a friendly match. Show him what you got!"
Finally, Ray stepped forward, nodding toward Mich as he accepted the challenge. Arya watched from the sidelines, her gaze intense as if trying to read Ray's thoughts.
The match began, and Mich moved with lightning speed. His fist drove into Ray's stomach, forcing him back, then struck again in the chest before Ray could even react. Ray steadied himself and launched a counter, but Mich sidestepped effortlessly and brought his knee into Ray's midsection once more.
"This isn't right…" Isaki whispered to himself, sensing that Mich was putting far more force into his blows than anyone else had in the previous matches. Lian, Rael, and Sophia exchanged worried glances, murmuring their unease.
Ray stumbled but kept his balance, only for Mich to follow up with a series of punches that finally knocked him to the ground. Gaus's silent grin grew wider as Mich delivered a rough kick to Ray, who was still sprawled on the floor.
"That's enough!" Jul called out, stepping forward. But before he could intervene, Mich aimed one final kick at Ray, sending him rolling across the floor. Isaki rushed over and knelt beside Ray, reaching out to steady him. "Ray! Are you okay?"
Ray let out a small chuckle, still catching his breath, as he looked at Isaki. "Guess I need to work on my reflexes," he muttered, though his calm tone seemed out of place.
Gaus walked over, his smirk turning into laughter. "See, that's what happens when you act all high and mighty!" he sneered. "Nothing but empty words."
Isaki glared at Gaus. "Enough, Gaus. This was supposed to be friendly."
Mich glanced away, visibly uneasy. "Sorry, Ray… got caught up in the moment."
Ray sat up with a quiet smile, brushing away a streak of blood from his mouth. "No hard feelings, Mich," he said, accepting the apology.
Jul clapped his hands, bringing everyone's attention back to him. "Alright, that's enough for tonight. I think we've all had plenty of excitement, so let's wrap this up and head back to our dorms. It's getting late."
As the students dispersed, Gaus shot one last look at Ray, clearly satisfied with his scheme. Isaki helped Ray to his feet, acting as his support as they headed out of the hall. Marie, Lian, Rael, and Sophia gathered around Ray, concern in their voices.
"Are you okay, Ray?" Marie asked gently, her eyes full of worry.
Ray managed a small smile. "I'll be fine by tomorrow. Just need some rest."
As they continued toward the dorms, Arya kept a watchful gaze on Ray, as if she had caught on to something others had missed. She sensed that Ray had lost intentionally but couldn't quite understand why.