Lian woke up to the first rays of sunlight streaming through the window of his dormitory. The previous night had been peaceful, but his mind was restless. The first day of classes had finally arrived. He had spent the entire period before the start of classes training his swordsmanship and strengthening his body to ensure he wouldn't be overwhelmed by his own powers.
"Today is the day my journey truly begins." Lian clenched his fist, ready for what lay ahead on this first day.
Lian began dressing in his uniform: gray trousers and a long-sleeved gray shirt, bearing the academy's emblem, a pair of swords clashing. A small golden badge with the letter "A" was pinned to his lapel.
He dressed quickly and headed out to the academy's central courtyard, where students were already starting to gather. It was an impressive sight, hundreds of students, of all ages, chatting and laughing.
There were many instructors in the area, working to keep the students organized and prevent them from dispersing. Lian was awestruck by the view, not just the beautiful structure of the academy but the sheer number of people present in the courtyard. There must have been over 3,000 people gathered there.
"Silence!"
A woman's voice cut through the buzz like a sharp blade. All the students turned towards the stage, where a woman with an elegant stance and an imposing aura held a microphone.
Lian widened his eyes in recognition. "Lena Arkalis?" he murmured in disbelief.
Lena was impeccable in a black uniform with golden accents, underscoring her position of authority. Her violet hair shimmered under the morning light, and her piercing eyes scanned the crowd with a commanding smile, ensuring everyone paid attention.
"Welcome to the First District Military Academy," Lena began, her voice clear and firm. "You are not here by chance. Each of you has been chosen because you possess potential, potential to become a true force in this world, to protect humanity from any threat."
Her presence filled the space. It was hard to believe that this woman, who always seemed so relaxed in her interactions with Lian, was the academy's director.
"But let me be clear," Lena continued. "Potential alone is not enough. What separates the strong from the weak is what you do with that potential. Today, you will take your first step toward what you can become."
A murmur spread through the crowd, a mix of excitement and nerves. Lian remained silent, focused on every word.
"To start," Lena said with a slight smile, "students from Classes A and B will participate in a practical group activity. A Rank E portal will be opened, and your task is simple: get to know each other while facing the challenges within it. On the battlefield, no one fights alone, so today you will learn to work together." She spoke with conviction, her eyes reflecting the experience behind her words. "As for students from lower classes, you will participate in simulated battles. In this academy, being weak means being dead. Get stronger if you want to remain here."
With that, the instructors began dividing the students into groups of five. Each group was made up of students from different classes to encourage interaction between newcomers and veterans.
Lian was placed with four other students, none of whom were familiar to him. One was from Class A, while the other three were from Class B. However, it was the fourth member who caught his attention.
"Hi, I'm Elios," said the boy, extending a hand. He had golden hair that seemed to shine under the sunlight and striking blue eyes that seemed to capture everything around them. His posture was relaxed, but there was a noticeable strength about him.
"Lian," he replied, shaking Elios's hand. "Looks like we're on the same team."
"You're new, right?" Elios asked, smiling. "I heard a Class A rookie fought a Goblin King. Was that you?"
Lian shrugged. "It was... complicated."
Elios chuckled. "Well, this hunt should be less complicated since we're in a group."
The groups were then led to an area adjacent to the courtyard, where several glowing blue portals pulsed with magical energy. Lena was there, accompanied by other instructors.
"Remember," Lena said, addressing each group. "These are only Rank E portals, but that doesn't mean there aren't dangers. Work together and, above all, look out for each other."
The groups began entering the portals one by one. When it was Lian's group's turn, he took a deep breath before crossing the magical threshold.
The sensation was strange, as if the air around him compressed for a moment before returning to normal. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a dark, unnatural forest. Twisted trees surrounded the group, and the ground was covered in a low, creeping mist.
"Everyone ready?" asked one of the veterans. He held a long spear and seemed confident in his leadership.
"Ready," Elios replied, summoning his sword. It was a pristine white blade with a yellow gem embedded in its hilt.
Lian summoned Oblivion, gripping it firmly as the sword pulsed faintly in his hand.
"Let's go," Lian said, his determination renewed.
As the group advanced through the dark forest, the silence began to feel uncomfortable. It was Elios who broke the tension, turning to the others with a friendly smile.
"Since we're here, maybe it's a good idea to get to know each other better. It'll make working together easier." He paused, glancing at each member of the group. "I'll start. I'm Elios Varen, Class A. Specialist in sword combat and light manipulation. I hope we can work well together."
"Lian Alvarez," Lian said, holding Oblivion in one hand. "Also Class A. I use a sword, and... well, I'm not great at introductions." He shrugged, clearly uninterested in talking much about himself, which made Elios chuckle.
"At least you're modest," Elios remarked, before turning to the others.
The veteran with the spear spoke next. "Dane Volker, Class B. Experienced in strategic combat and reconnaissance. Let's stay focused and finish this quickly." He cast a wary glance at Lian and Elios. "I hope you rookies won't slow us down."
"We won't disappoint," Elios replied confidently.
Next was a young woman with dark hair tied in a ponytail. Her expression was serious and calculated. "Saya Lin, Class B. Specialist in traps and ranged attacks. If you need support, count on me."
Lastly, a robust young man with a massive sword strapped to his back crossed his arms, looking at the others with a proud grin. "Toran Grey, Class B. I'm the tank of the group. You deal with the small stuff, and I'll handle the big ones." He laughed lightly. "Just don't get in my way."
With the introductions done, Dane took the lead. "Now that we know who we are, let's focus on the mission. Don't underestimate the portal, even if it's Rank E. Work together, and we'll get out of here in one piece."
Lian tightened his grip on Oblivion, feeling the sword pulse faintly. He didn't fully trust the others, but he knew this hunt would be the first true test of teamwork.
Lian wasn't afraid or even nervous, but he stayed alert to his surroundings and his companions, especially Elios. There was something strange about him, an aura Lian couldn't quite explain. Still, it wasn't important right now.
This sets the stage for the team's first mission, highlighting their dynamics and building anticipation for the challenges ahead.