The sun hung low over the D-Rank battlefield, casting long shadows across the dirt as Senko stepped forward. A dry breeze carried the scent of dust and steel. Every member of the White Fang house stood still, their eyes fixed on him—not because of admiration, but because of the title that had already spread through the academy like wildfire: the boy who refused to kneel. Master Hornstein, the quiet and stern leader of White Fang, watched from the sidelines. His eyes flicked to the mythical sword at Senko's side. A small, rare smile tugged at the edge of his lips. "Time to show them, Senko," he whispered under his breath. This time, the one leading the training was not Hornstein—but Master Keen, the elegant and composed head of the Wit Violets. He stepped onto the field, long purple robes flowing behind him like silk in the wind. "Welcome, young warriors," he said, his voice clear and confident. "This is your second day at the academy, and already, stories are forming. Stories of power, pride… and rebellion." He glanced briefly at Senko, not with scorn, but with curiosity. "You will now undergo your first combat demonstration. Not a full mission—but a test. An assessment of potential. You will fight in teams—one member from each house." A murmur ran through the field. Senko's eyes sharpened. So this is how they'll judge us. Names were called, pairings quickly formed. Leon ran over to Senko the moment their names were read together. "Looks like we're teamed up, freaky eye and weird energy together again," Leon joked with a grin. Senko gave him a dry look, but a faint smile tugged at the edge of his mouth. "Don't slow me down." Their team was completed with a quiet girl from Spark Guardians named Lyra, and a hot-headed boy from Dark Crimson named Juno. Juno eyed Senko's sword with visible irritation. "Course I get stuck with the purple-eyed freak," he muttered under his breath. Senko didn't respond. He'd heard it all before. Master Keen raised a hand. "Each team will face a summoned beast—its strength scaled to your current level. Coordination and instinct are key." The arena gates creaked open, and from the other side, a creature emerged. A hound-shaped beast, large as a horse, made of obsidian-black stone with glowing red cracks running along its hide. Leon's eyes widened. "Uhh… that doesn't look like D-Rank." "It's not," Senko said. His hand was already on his sword. The beast charged, snarling, fire gathering in its mouth. "Scatter!" Senko barked, and the team moved—except Juno, who hesitated, too focused on watching Senko. Senko stepped in front of the blast and drew his sword. In a flash, the plain-looking blade intercepted the creature's flame. A pulse of red light exploded from the steel, splitting the fire in half and sending shockwaves across the field. Gasps echoed around the arena. Master Hornstein's smile widened slightly. Master Keen, however, narrowed his eyes. So it is true… That sword truly lives. Senko launched forward, faster than any D-Rank had a right to be. He struck low at the beast's leg, forcing it off balance, then nodded at Leon.
"Now!"
Leon threw a handful of tiny electric pellets he made in his tech class—they fizzled and sparked across the beast's back. Lyra struck from above with a burst of wind energy, forcing it further down. Juno finally joined in, reluctantly, and shot a fire blast at its chest. The beast stumbled—but it wasn't finished. With a roar, it struck back—claws heading for Senko's face. Time slowed. Senko's eye shimmered—his demon eye—and for a split second, he saw the beast's movement before it happened. He ducked low, then swept his blade upward. The sword reacted, glowing crimson, and the beast's claw shattered like glass. Senko didn't stop. With a final leap and roar, he drove the blade into the beast's chest—and it exploded into fragments of light.
Silence.
Then cheers erupted across the arena. Even some from the other houses were clapping. But not everyone. From the sidelines, Ibaal—the Warrior King's son—stood with arms crossed, staring hard at Senko. He has that sword. I know what it is, Ibaal thought. Father said the boy was dangerous. But now I see it for myself. Senko sheathed the blade. His breathing was heavy, but he was still standing. Juno glared at him. "What kind of sword is that?" Senko looked at him calmly. "The kind you don't touch." Leon clapped him on the back. "That was awesome, man! You were like—woosh, and then BAM!—beast dust!" Senko chuckled. For once, it didn't feel forced. Master Keen approached them. "Impressive. But know this—raw power alone does not make a warrior. Control does. And you… have much to learn." Senko nodded. "I know." Keen studied him for a long moment. "Then we'll see what becomes of you." As the students dispersed, Senko caught a glimpse of the Warrior King himself, standing on the high platform overlooking the field. Their eyes met. Koya the Great did not smile. He simply turned and walked away. You shouldn't have that sword, he thought.
To Be Continued…