The academy's classroom hummed with a low, focused murmur as students gathered in small groups, ready for today's session. Today was not a physical training day but an analysis session—an opportunity to review and discuss each student's sparring results from the previous exercise with upperclassmen. Tristar sat between Axel and Yuri, shoulders tense as they waited for Instructor Lynne to call them forward.
"Alright, Klarent, came forward" Lynne announced, drawing all eyes to him. "Let's talk about your sparring session."
Tristar's heart pounded as he stepped forward, feeling the intensity of gazes settling on him. The older student he'd sparred with had already shared feedback with Lynne, and he wondered how much of his technique would be laid bare in front of the class. Would they detect the traces of his hidden skill? The thought made his skin prickle, yet he was resolved to face this head-on.
"Tristar" Lynne began, "your sparring partner noted that while you handled each movement with precision, there were moments when you seemed hesitant to commit fully. Care to elaborate?"
He hesitated, his mind searching for the right words. "It's… sometimes I feel that if I push too hard, I might lose control of my movements," he said, glancing around the room. He caught Axel's nod of encouragement out of the corner of his eye, which steadied his nerves. "I'm still working on finding a balance between power and control."
Lynne's gaze was intense but understanding. "Good answer. It's important to acknowledge your limits, but it's equally important to work on them. However…" she added, her tone sharpening, "if you find yourself holding back too often, you may end up hindering your growth."
Tristar nodded, her words sinking in as he returned to his seat. As he sat down, Axel leaned over, grinning. "Guess that means it's time to unleash the beast, huh?" he whispered, his tone light but his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Easy for you to say," Tristar muttered back, unable to suppress a smile. "You don't have to deal with… well, whatever this is."
Axel raised an eyebrow, his expression both amused and thoughtful. "True, but maybe you should. We're here to figure out what we're capable of, right?"
Before he could reply, Yuri, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "There's wisdom in caution, Tristar. But at the same time, holding back isn't without its risks." Her voice was thoughtful, almost as if she were speaking to herself as much as to him. "If you can find a safe way to push your limits, maybe you'll gain some clarity."
Tristar looked between them, their words resonating with the tug he felt deep within himself. His technique, this strange ability that he still didn't fully understand was both a gift and a mystery, something that set him apart but also made him wary. And yet, he couldn't ignore the truth in their words.
That night, after lights-out, Tristar lay in bed, staring up at the darkened ceiling, his mind racing. Lynne's feedback and his friends' words replayed in his mind, stirring an excitement he had tried to ignore. He thought back to his training, the feeling his technique gave him, the power he could almost feel humming beneath his skin. He had held back, afraid of what he might unleash if he went too far, yet he couldn't deny the urge to test his limits.
Quietly, he slipped out of bed, grabbing his sword and tiptoeing toward the courtyard. The academy grounds were still, bathed in the faint glow of the moon casting long shadows across the field. The silence seemed to amplify his heartbeat, a constant reminder of the risk he was about to take. Tristar took a deep breath, letting the cool night air calm his mind as he drew his sword, positioning himself at the center of the courtyard.
Slowly, he began his usual training routine, focusing on his stance, each movement precise and controlled. But tonight, he allowed himself to go further, reaching deeper into the well of strength he kept hidden. He raised his sword, feeling the strange, electric energy stir within him, like an echo waiting to be unleashed.
He swung the sword, and for an instant, reality itself seemed to bend. A faint ripple cut through the air, a sliver of energy pulsing outward, leaving the air around him charged, as if it, too, felt his hesitation. The ripple faded, but the feeling of his technique lingered, leaving him exhilarated and cautious. This was more than swordsmanship; it was something that defied simple explanation.
But before he could fully process what he'd done, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Couldn't sleep, Klarent?"
Tristar spun around, his pulse racing as he saw Axel leaning against a nearby pillar, arms crossed and a knowing smile on his face. "What are you doing out here?" Tristar asked, hastily lowering his sword, feeling caught but oddly relieved.
"Couldn't sleep, either" Axel replied with a shrug. "Saw you sneaking out and figured you might be up to something interesting." He pushed off the pillar, walking closer, his eyes glinting with interest. "That technique… I knew you were hiding something."
Tristar hesitated, his gaze dropping to his sword. "It's… complicated. I don't fully understand it myself."
Axel nodded, his expression surprisingly serious. "Sometimes, the best way to understand something is to test it. But hey…" he added with a grin, "I'll keep your secret. Everyone needs a trump card, right?"
Tristar managed a grateful smile, a weight lifting from his shoulders. "Thanks, Axel."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the stillness of the night broken only by the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Axel broke the silence, his grin widening as he took a step back and assumed a mock fighting stance. "Since we're both out here, how about a little spar? See what that 'complicated' technique of yours can do."
Tristar chuckled, raising his sword. "Alright"
They began sparring, their movements fluid and precise, each strike and block ringing out in the quiet night. Axel pressed him with relentless energy, his attacks unpredictable yet controlled, each strike testing Tristar's reflexes and focus. Tristar concentrated, allowing himself to tap into small traces of his technique, testing its boundaries. With each swing, he felt the strange power surge through him, his strikes feeling sharper, faster, more intense.
As the sparring intensified, Tristar noticed a faint glow around his sword, a thin shimmer that seemed to pulse with each swing. He wasn't sure if Axel could see it, but he felt it, a raw energy that made his movements feel almost otherworldly. And with it came a new realization: this technique wasn't something separate from him; it was a part of him, a power he could shape if he was willing to master it.
After several exchanges, they paused, both breathing hard, grinning despite the sweat beading on their brows. Axel gave a low whistle, his eyes alight with excitement. "Not bad, Klarent. I can see why you keep it under wraps. But trust me, you're stronger than you think."
Tristar felt a surge of pride, his doubts momentarily fading. "Thanks, Axel."
They walked back to the dorms in silence, a new understanding settling between them. Tristar could feel Axel's respect and camaraderie, and it strengthened his resolve. He was no longer alone in facing his journey.
As they reached the dorm entrance, Axel clapped a hand on Tristar's shoulder, his expression serious yet warm. "Just remember, Klarent, we're all here to grow. Don't let fear hold you back. If you ever need a sparring partner to test that 'complicated' technique again, you know where to find me."
Tristar nodded, his heart lighter. For the first time, he felt as if he was truly beginning to understand his technique. And with allies like Axel and Yuri by his side, he knew he wasn't facing this journey alone.