Riah walked calmly beside the sleek, humanoid figure of Felicia X, her white cape fluttering gently with each step. The mechanized girl's movements were precise, each stride calculated yet strangely graceful. Her mechanical eyes scanned the surroundings, storing every detail.
"So, Felicia," Riah began with a soft yet commanding tone, "are you participating in the faction selection?"
Felicia X turned her head slightly, eyes gleaming with a soft blue glow. "My soul's purpose is to defend humanity. Any opportunity that enhances my capability to do so… I will take."
Riah chuckled. "That's a very you answer. But I heard from the scientists that you've been having issues with your saber. No data on how to use it?"
Felicia nodded, her tone ever calm. "Yes. My system has yet to analyze an optimal method. I lack the instinct others seem to possess. But I will do my best to master it."
"I like that spirit," Riah said with a grin. "In that case, let me help you."
"You… would assist me?"
"Of course. I admire how you integrate data into your combat systems. You retain knowledge like a walking archive. That suit of yours? Absolutely badass."
"Thank you, General."
"No problem." Riah smiled, then added with a playful glint in her eye, "Also, you might meet him today."
Felicia tilted her head. "You mean… Kazimir?"
"Yes," Riah said proudly. "Kazimir is my husband."
Felicia paused, her processors briefly flickering in hesitation. "You're married?"
"Well," Riah rubbed the back of her neck, smirking, "mentally, yes. Physically… not yet."
Felicia's pupils shifted rapidly as she scanned. "Acknowledged. Data recorded. So… what is your husband like?"
Riah looked ahead, her expression softening. "He's strong, but kind. Out of all the Vandors at this academy, Kazimir is the most reasonable and caring. He's… well, he's amazing."
Felicia X nodded once. "Understood. Kazimir is awesome."
Riah laughed. "Exactly. Now, let's get to work on your swordplay. We've got factions to dominate."
Meanwhile, in the Academy's Combat Simulations
The arena roared with energy as Mia lunged at Tojo, her fists blazing with crimson aura. She spun midair, launching a sharp kick. Tojo caught her leg effortlessly, his eyes calm, almost bored.
"You're too open," he muttered.
With a sharp twist, he hurled her skyward like a ragdoll. The sun momentarily blinded her, obscuring his position. She scanned rapidly, but he was gone. A shimmer above caught her eye—his blade. He had thrown it.
And then—bam—he was behind her, one hand around her neck.
"What—?!"
He slammed her downward with brutal force, but Mia twisted mid-fall and landed crouched, the ground cracking beneath her. Before she could breathe, Tojo reappeared beside her, landing a kick to her spine. Her body spun from the impact, and he caught her mid-air, steadying her.
"You still good to go?" he asked, voice calm.
Mia growled, gritting her teeth. "I'm just getting started."
She raised her hand—dozens of spectral arms burst from the ground, grabbing Tojo and pinning him. But in the next instant, electricity surged through him. He shattered the bindings in a violent discharge, his twin blades buzzing with lightning.
Mia smiled. Her back ignited with a burning pulse—Spinal Combustion. A flaming worm of energy coiled around her, a living furnace of destruction. As Tojo charged, instinct told him to dodge. In the blink of an eye, Mia exploded.
BOOM!
Tojo vanished in a crackle of light—reappearing beside his blade just in time. The arena trembled as the timer blared its signal.
[MATCH END]
Tojo approached, brushing off sparks from his clothes. "You held yourself well."
Mia collapsed onto the bench, breathing heavily, sweat trickling down her neck.
Tojo tossed her a cold water bottle. "Drink. You're going to do well in the faction selection."
Mia took it, cracking it open. "Whatever… thanks, I guess."
Tojo smirked. "Don't mention it."