Back at the dorm room shared by Alex and Kirito, the evening light filtered softly through the blinds, casting long shadows across the floor. The air was calm, filled only with the occasional rustle of the wind outside.
Kirito sat by the edge of his bed, arms resting on his knees, deep in thought. His mind wandered back to the duel with Instructor Rago.
I lost pretty quickly, he thought, frowning. I know he's an instructor… but still, I should've been able to put up more of a fight. If only my body was strong enough to properly utilize the Yamazaki clan's sword techniques…
His fingers tightened slightly. But once I finish forming my mana core, I should be able to learn at least one technique. Just one… that's all I need to start.
"Oi, Kirito!"
Kirito blinked and looked up. "Huh? You calling me?"
Alex tilted his head from across the room, giving him a curious look. "Whatcha thinking about?"
Kirito gave a small, tired smile and flopped backwards onto the bed. "Nothing you need to worry about," he said, brushing the topic aside. Then, changing the subject, he added, "Errmm… Alex, what about your mana core? How's the progression going?"
Alex scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin forming on his face. "Errmm… it's kinda hard… but I'm trying," he replied, not entirely truthfully.
Kirito narrowed his eyes slightly. "Lying doesn't suit you, Alex."
Alex looked away with a guilty laugh.
A moment later, Kirito pushed himself up from the bed. "I'm gonna step out for a bit."
Alex raised a brow. "Be careful, alright? Who knows who Drevon's targeting next."
"You don't need to worry about me," Kirito said with a grin as he picked up his wooden training sword. "I've got my trusty blade."
Alex blinked. "Um… that's a wooden sword."
They both burst into laughter.
"I'll be back," Kirito said, opening the door. With a final wave, he stepped out and closed it behind him.
After stepping out of the dorm, Kirito took a deep breath, the crisp night air filling his lungs.
"I just need some fresh air," he muttered to himself, hands in his pockets as he strolled down the paved path that curved gently through the academy grounds. The campus, illuminated by dim magical streetlights, was mostly quiet—most students had returned to their dorms.
But then, just around a corner, he spotted something that made him stop dead in his tracks.
A boy and a girl, tucked into a shaded bench under a tree, were making out passionately. Kirito's face flushed bright red.
"W-what the heck…?" he whispered, quickly averting his gaze and speeding up his pace. Why are they doing that so openly? he thought. They seem to be really… enjoying themselves.
He shook his head vigorously. "Ugh, get it together, Kirito."
As he continued walking, he started to realize something. The academy didn't seem to have any strict rules when it came to things like public affection between students. Guess it's not like my clan back home, he mused.
Suddenly, a strange gust of wind brushed past him. Not strong—but sharp and deliberate. He stopped in his tracks, instinctively resting his hand on the hilt of his wooden sword.
"What was that…?"
That's when he saw him.
A figure stood a few meters ahead—tall and lean, with slick white hair that brushed just past his shoulders. His eyes glowed faintly crimson under the moonlight, and his aura… it reeked of something unnatural. Dark. Distorted.
The stranger's school uniform was untidy, his sleeves rolled up to the elbows. There was a scar running across his left brow, but it did nothing to diminish the confident smirk he wore.
Kirito tensed. "Who are you? And what do you want?"
The man tilted his head slightly, as if genuinely amused.
"Hmm, I'm surprised you don't recognize me," he said coolly. "I'm Drevon. Drevon Halehart."
********************
Back at the dorm, the atmosphere was calm. Alex sat cross-legged on his bed, fiddling with the interface on his device, while Miranda flipped through a thick academy manual. Zane, on the other hand, stood by the window, tossing a small lightning orb from palm to palm as if to entertain himself.
Each of them was caught up in their own thoughts when Alex suddenly paused, a serious look crossing his face.
"Guys… Zane isn't back yet," he said, sitting up straight. "He told me he wanted to do something—said he wouldn't take long. But it's been over an hour."
Miranda glanced up from her book, brows creasing. "Maybe he's just hanging out somewhere?"
Alex shook his head. "No, something feels off. I have a bad feeling about this."
Zane, turning from the window, raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying… it's Drevon?"
Before anyone could respond, a sharp ping echoed from each of their devices. All three of them instinctively checked their screens.
> Alert: Student Kirito Yamazaki has been admitted to the Healing Bay due to a scuffle with another student.
Miranda's eyes widened. "This is bad. Drevon probably sent someone after him again."
Alex's fists clenched as the blood in his veins seemed to boil.
"Again… Drevon. Again! What the fuck is going on?" His voice cracked with frustration. "Is this supposed to be fair? Are we just going to keep letting this happen?"
His eyes burned with fury as he stood to his feet.
"No. Not this time. Not again." His voice dropped into a firm, determined tone. "Guys… let's take Drevon down."
He looked to Miranda and Zane. "Let's make him pay for what he did to one of us."