"So tired, Ingrid. Do you want to shower first, or should I?"
The voice arrived before its owner, causing Lois, who was quietly reading in her dorm, to frown deeply.
The door burst open, and two girls carrying sword bags entered. Their faces were flushed with exertion, a faint sheen of sweat glistening on their skin. They laughed as they tumbled into the room, bringing with them an energy so vibrant it felt like a spring breeze, filling the dorm with a scent of grass and vitality.
"I'll go first," Ingrid said as she sat down. "I still have to do laundry later. You look like you can barely stand, so why don't you rest for a bit?"
"Fair enough," Sonia said, sprawling over the desk like a slime. "Ugh, I'm already regretting switching to the Swordsmanship Department. It's exhausting. Classes are tough enough, but Professor Telozan insists I stay two extra hours for advanced lessons. And I have to spar with her too! Then there's evening training to master my Wave Sword Spirit. My schedule is so packed I can't breathe!"
"That's not bad at all," Ingrid said enviously. "Professor Telozan is a three-wing swordmaster. She was even named one of the 'Ten Outstanding Sword Saints of the Stars' last year, with people calling her the 'Hidden Hand Saint.' Rumor has it she might become a four-wing legend soon. If that happens, you'd be the apprentice of a legendary swordsman!"
Lois gripped her book tighter, crumpling its edges.
Sonia waved dismissively. "The professor hasn't said anything about taking me on as an apprentice yet. She just thinks I have potential..."
"Well, I wanted to be her apprentice when I joined, but she's never openly accepted any students. You're one of her two exceptions!" Ingrid said wistfully.
"How about I recommend you to her tomorrow?" Sonia offered. "No guarantees, but I could probably get you an interview."
"No need," Ingrid replied, shaking her head as she dug through her wardrobe for clothes. "The professor clearly only wants to train prodigies. I'm just average. He'd only grow annoyed with me. Anyway, I'm about to break into my second ring. Once I summon my Spirit, I'll gain access to the department's resources. Maybe I'll catch up to you then!"
"Well, I won't wait for you," Sonia teased with a giggle. "Lucky for me, you're here to help me fend off Felix's advances."
Ingrid raised an eyebrow. "I heard he wanted to spar with you again. You're not interested?"
"Not at all!" Sonia replied firmly. "He doesn't really want to spar—he's just trying to get closer to me."
"What's wrong with getting closer to Felix?"
"First off, he's a playboy. Second, it's obvious that my future swordsmanship achievements will far surpass his. I don't have any interest in a man who can't even beat me in what I'm best at."
Sonia flipped her hair with a dramatic flair. "Swordflower University is just a stepping stone. My goal is to make it to Truth University. Romance can wait until I've achieved greatness."
Lois dug her nails into her book, nearly ripping through the pages.
Adelle, who had been watching a light screen program, turned to Sonia with feigned curiosity. "Are you transferring to Truth University, Sonia?"
"Not exactly," Sonia replied, stretching her arms above her head. "But Professor Telozan can nominate me for Truth University's swordsmanship competitions, and she'll let me use their equipment. I'll probably end up splitting my time between the two schools."
Adelle clapped her hands in mock excitement. "Wow! If you meet any handsome guys at Truth, you better introduce them to me!"
"No probleeem," Sonia sang, dragging out her words with a playful grin. "After all, we've shared such a wonderful year as roommates. Right, Lois?"
Lois forced a smile, though her lips twitched in resentment. "Of course. Just worried that Sword Saint Sonia won't acknowledge her humble roommates in the future."
"Impossible!" Sonia said with faux humility. "I'm just a small-town girl. I'll always need the help of Lady Lois in the big city." She glanced at Lois's desk. "Oh, studying water magic? I envy you. I wish I could go back to water magic—it's so much easier and classier than swordsmanship. Sword practice is just so... grueling!"
Ingrid, catching onto the rising tension, silently headed to the bathroom to shower.
Sonia was fully prepared for Lois to erupt, but Lois remained silent, seemingly resigned to the jabs.
Without a reaction, the satisfaction of the verbal sparring faded. Sonia sighed, grabbing her bag. "Whatever. I'll save my shower for tomorrow morning. I've got to prep for my first venture into the Void Realm. Good night, everyone."
Adelle waved. "See you, Sonia."
As Sonia's footsteps receded, the dorm grew quiet except for the sound of running water.
Adelle hesitated, then approached Lois. "That country bumpkin is so full of herself. Just because she has some talent in swordsmanship—what's the big deal? Don't let her get to you, Lois. She's bound to trip over herself someday..."
To her surprise, Lois wasn't sulking. She was studying her water magic textbook and solving practice problems.
"This round, I lost," Lois said calmly. "Sonia, that country bumpkin, has reached a height I can only look up to. If things keep going this way, when we meet again years after graduation, I'll have to bow my head to her."
She gritted her teeth, imagining the humiliating scenario. "I can't accept that. I refuse to lose to her!"
Adelle didn't interrupt and returned to her seat, but the resolve in Lois's voice lingered in her thoughts.
Glancing back, she noticed Lois's unwavering focus. Inspired, she closed her light screen and picked up her own textbook.
When Ingrid finished her shower and returned to find both roommates engrossed in their studies, she raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She quietly headed to the balcony to wash her clothes.
Elsewhere
Sonia entered the meditation building, her thoughts racing. This was the start of her first journey into the Void Realm.
Walking through the corridors, she spotted the familiar glow of her Wave Sword Spirit hovering beside her, radiating anticipation.
"You're still coming with me into the Void Realm, right?" she asked.
"Technically, that's overtime work," the Observer beside her quipped.
"Meaning you don't want to?"
"Meaning I expect compensation," he said with a sly grin. "Even a bar conversation costs a drink. Escorting you through the Void Realm deserves at least a gesture of appreciation."
"I'm broke!" Sonia protested.
"Well, there are other ways to repay me," he said suggestively.
Sonia raised an eyebrow, tugging at her collar teasingly. "My most valuable asset... is me."
"Exactly what I was waiting to hear!" The Observer snapped his fingers. "Congratulations, you're now my employee. Of course, since you're still in school, this is a trial period. No contracts. And your trial pay? Already covered by that energy potion and wooden sword I gave you."
"So you're expecting free labor?"
"Let's call it mutually beneficial development. I nurture your talent; you repay me by helping me grow. A win-win, no?"
Sonia rolled her eyes but played along. "Fine. What's my job?"
"Stay alive."
"That's it?"
"Living is rare, Sonia. Most people merely exist."
Though she didn't entirely understand, Sonia let the words pass.
Eventually, she found herself sitting cross-legged in a meditation room. Closing her eyes, she channeled her focus into her Spirit, seeking the Gate of Truth within.
The room faded. Darkness enveloped her.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself aboard a small boat adrift on an endless, gray sea.
A familiar figure lay at the bow of the ship.
"Observer?" Sonia called out.
The figure stirred and looked at her.
"Swordmaiden?"
They exchanged glances, then exhaled simultaneously in relief.