Hundreds of students streamed into the massive classroom, chatting and settling down. Among them were Leon, Finn, and Isla. The hall was so vast it could easily accommodate five hundred students.
Finn flopped into his seat next to Leon with a groan. "Why don't they just throw us on the training field already? Powers are all I care about. I suck at studying."
He nudged Leon. "Please, bro, I'm counting on you for all this study crap."
Leon sighed, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Then stop whining and let me concentrate."
His eyes drifted across the room and landed on Isla, who was laughing with a girl he didn't recognize. For a moment, something tightened in his chest, but he shook it off.
Soon, a tall man entered the room, his mere presence enough to silence the class. Every student stood and greeted in unison, "Good morning, sir!"
The man gave a curt nod. "Sit."
A whisper rippled through the class. Leon caught the name: Magnus Holloway. The infamous Blue Blood ice wielder. Known for being terrifyingly strict.
"He looks intense," Leon muttered under his breath.
As murmurs continued, a wave of chilling energy surged through the room. Every student froze—literally. The air became sharp as needles, their breath fogged, and a piercing cold settled in their bones. It felt like invisible eyes were stabbing into their souls.
Then, as quickly as it came, the cold receded.
"Listen closely," Magnus said, his voice low and steady, echoing with authority. "I know many of you are still grieving. Thousands of your friends, classmates... gone. Killed in a single, devastating attack."
The room went dead silent. Eyes lowered. Jaws clenched.
"This academy has never faced something so tragic. But instead of mourning in silence, we choose to fight back. Your classes begin now—not later. We will sharpen your rage. We will use your hate to forge strength. So this..." He paused. "This will never happen again."
He stepped closer, ice-blue eyes scanning the rows. "We don't have the luxury of time. This war is already here."
A surge of energy exploded in the room—not from Magnus, but from the students themselves. They rose from their seats, fists clenched, shouting as one:
"YES, SIR! WE'LL DESTROY THEM ALL!"
Leon felt his heart pounding. But then something stirred. A flash. Amelie's terrified face. Her blood. Her last breath. His emotions surged and, before he knew it, a faint purple aura flickered around him. No one noticed—except Magnus.
The teacher's eyes narrowed for a moment, then softened into a knowing smile.
Later, the scene shifted to a large meditation hall bathed in soft sunlight. A new teacher entered—tall, broad, with a gentle presence. Darius Falken. The Green Blood wielder, master of nature and healing.
Students sat cross-legged on the floor.
"Meditation isn't for peace," Darius began, pacing slowly. "It's a way to touch your source. Your heart. Your power."
He looked around. "We call it Genkame. Focus on your heart, and your strength will rise. But lose your focus... and your power will devour you."
As the students closed their eyes, Leon felt himself drift inward. Deeper. Darker. And then he saw it.
A swirling mass of purple energy around his heart. Thick. Cold. Alive. A shadow moved within it—a figure, tall, twisted, grinning without a mouth.
His breath quickened. Sweat dripped down his temples.
"Leon..." Darius's voice snapped him back.
The teacher observed him with concern. "That's enough for today. Rest. All of you. Genkame drains more than energy—it tests your soul."
Students stood, visibly tired. Finn groaned dramatically.
"He said 'a little exhausted,' but I feel like I just gave birth!"
Leon lightly smacked his head. "Respect your teacher."
"I'm just saying!"
Leon glanced at Isla, who seemed calm, almost glowing. He hesitated, then asked, "Did either of you... see anything?"
Finn blinked. "See what?"
Isla shook her head. "Just the usual. Why?"
Leon hesitated. "Nothing. Must be my imagination."
"You overthink too much," Finn said, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "Come on, man, let's hit the next class."
The physical training grounds were buzzing. But the moment Selene Aldridge stepped in, silence fell. Tall, confident, stunning—and terrifying.
Her long braid swayed as she walked, eyes scanning the students. Her reputation preceded her. Water blades. Ruthless efficiency. Deadly beauty.
Finn's mouth literally hung open. "Bro... she's an angel. A hot, scary angel."
Leon rolled his eyes. "They call her Aqua Baddie."
"She can call herself whatever she wants," Finn whispered, dreamy-eyed.
Selene's voice sliced through the air. "We're starting with sparring matches. Volunteers?"
Leon shoved Finn forward. "My friend here is very eager."
"Leon, you bastard!"
Selene smiled. "You. You'll face Fanny."
Finn turned pale. His opponent stepped up: short, sharp-eyed, fists already clenched.
Leon leaned toward Isla. "Is she good?"
Isla smirked. "You'll see."
The countdown began.
"I'll let you have the first hit," Finn offered generously.
Big mistake.
Fanny's fist smashed into his face before he finished blinking. He crashed to the ground.
Everyone gasped.
Fanny stood over him, furious. "Think I'm weak because I'm a girl? You perverted idiot!"
Selene grinned like a proud parent.
Leon leaned toward Isla again. "Yeah... she's your type."
Finn staggered up. "Alright! You wanna play rough?!"
He activated his Orange Blood. Tiny explosions sparked around him.
Fanny responded with Fire Blood—hot, fast, fierce.
The fight turned wild. Blasts, flame, smoke. Fists flying. Feet skidding.
In a dazzling moment, Fanny vanished into the smoke—and launched a fire-powered uppercut that sent Finn crashing into a wall.
Selene stepped forward. "Do you want to forfeit?"
"NEVER!" Finn shouted, blood dripping from his lip.
Leon shook his head. "He's too proud."
But then—BOOM!
Fanny cried out. Smoke cleared. A tiny bomb had exploded under her.
Leon laughed. "He planted those when he was knocked back. Sneaky idiot."
"You little—!" Fanny growled. Fire built in her palms.
Finn didn't back down. He summoned his biggest explosion yet.
The two attacks collided. A shockwave rocked the field.
When the dust settled, both fighters were injured. Finn lay unconscious. Fanny barely stood.
Selene raised a hand. "Fanny wins."
Leon rushed to Finn, dragging him to the infirmary. Darius healed him quickly, hands glowing green.
"He's fine," he said, sighing. "But he'll need rest."
Later, Selene brought Fanny in. Darius scowled. "What the hell kind of training are you doing?!"
Selene just smiled.
When Finn finally woke up, he grabbed Leon, eyes watery. "Bro... you saved me."
"You're hugging too hard. And overacting."
Finn whispered, "That girl's a demon!"
Leon's eyes widened. "Uh... behind you."
Finn turned—and saw Fanny. Red eyes. Cracked knuckles. Smiling murderously.
"NOOO—!"
His scream echoed down the hallway. And thus, the first day at the Academy ended in chaos.