The First Alarm
Sirens wailed across the city, announcing a disaster no one had anticipated.
A young man was walking down the street. His build was medium, suggesting a blend of agility and strength. His face was youthful, appearing to be in his late teens or early twenties, with a quiet, serious expression. He had short, simple-styled dark brown hair and fair skin with balanced features. He wore a dark grey or charcoal black hoodie and practical black cargo pants. His footwear was a pair of dark brown, ankle-high lace-up boots.
The young man spoke in a low, melancholic voice:
– "I don't know if you're aware... but something horrific happened in a country called Valdoris."
Just then, a voice boomed over the emergency loudspeakers:
– "All citizens must immediately proceed to Kenimar Port!"
The young man continued as if he hadn't heard the announcement:
– "I was there... in the heart of the carnage. I saw people murdered in the most brutal ways. Their screams are still ringing in my ears. Since that day, I've lived as a refugee on this island... this island called Kenimar.
And now... I'm on my way to the Iron Punishment Academy."
New Encounters
On the road, he noticed a short, slender girl standing with confusion and hesitation. Her face was gentle and friendly. Her slightly wavy, short hair, which nearly reached her chin, was a dark, almost purple hue, with light bangs sweeping her forehead.
She was dressed in a white undershirt with dark writing on the chest, layered with a short, light blue denim jacket. Her tight pants were of the same denim, cuffed at the ankles. She wore all-white sneakers, a multi-layered necklace, and a small black cross-body bag. She was nervously looking around, seemingly searching for something.
The young man approached and asked gently:
– "Excuse me, are you lost?"
She quickly shook her head and replied:
– "No... No, I'm fine."
But another voice interrupted them:
– "Rion! Rion, wait up! Why are you in such a rush?"
The young man turned to see another girl hurrying toward him. She had a slender, well-proportioned figure, soft, generally calm features, and large, dark eyes with a serious undertone. Her black hair was tied back in a ponytail. She wore a light cream high-necked shirt underneath a short, light brown jacket with half-sleeves and dark buttons—part of a coordinated set with her short skirt. She wore long, dark socks up to below the knee and elegant dark brown flat shoes.
She stopped beside him and said in a mildly reproachful tone:
– "I don't understand your urgency. It's still early."
She then noticed the girl with purple hair and asked, surprised:
– "And who is this? Don't tell me you've started hitting her with your usual gloomy talk?"
Rion replied coolly:
– "I haven't said anything."
The purple-haired girl hesitated for a moment, then spoke shyly:
– "Excuse me... Do you know the location of the Iron Punishment Academy?"
The black-haired girl smiled:
– "Of course we do. It's right there, that big building. Actually, we're going there too.
Oh... I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Kairen, and this is Rion."
The girl bowed slightly and said:
– "Pleased to meet you both. I'm Misaki."
Kairen smiled again, then turned to Rion:
– "Aren't you going to say anything, Rion?"
He stated with his characteristic aloofness:
– "I just don't understand how you didn't know where the academy is. It's the biggest building on Kenimar Island, and you're lost right next to it."
Misaki gave a slight smile, but a hint of annoyance showed as she lowered her gaze. She said quietly:
– "I don't appreciate your comment."
Kairen interjected with a calm smile:
– "Don't mind him, Misaki. Rion sometimes speaks without realizing what he's saying."
Misaki responded timidly:
– "Okay..."
The three continued their journey together. After a few moments of silence, Kairen asked Misaki:
– "By the way, which class were you assigned to?"
Misaki replied hesitantly:
– "Class C... I'm not strong enough."
Kairen smiled and said:
– "Don't worry, we're in Class C too."
Rion clarified:
– "The Academy relies on a test called the 'Mana and Shield Test,' which determines your ability to control Mana and activate your Shield. Based on the result, students are divided into four classes:
Class C: The weakest.
Class B: Good, but their Shield is incomplete.
Class A: Those who have completely mastered their Shield.
Class S: The Elite, the strongest of all."
Misaki asked shyly, looking at both of them:
– "Are you two... siblings?"
Rion and Kairen exchanged glances, then he replied calmly:
– "You could say yes... but by adoption."
Misaki smiled, saying:
– "Ah, I understand now."
Introduction to the Academy
Upon reaching the Academy, they entered the classroom.
Inside stood a young woman with a slender, lithe figure. Her features were sharp and attractive, a confident, serene smile playing on her lips, and her gaze was steady. Her short, bright blue hair was styled in an unconventional, modern cut, with one side of her head shaved beneath a layer of longer hair. She wore small earrings and stood in a professional posture, hands clasped in front of her, exuding confidence.
She wore a light blue button-up formal shirt, slightly open at the neck, a short grey blazer with rolled-up sleeves reaching mid-forearm, and elegant, dark navy blue fabric trousers. She wore black, medium-heeled formal shoes.
She smiled, saying in a clear, calm voice:
– "Welcome, new students. Please choose your seats."
They sat together, and the instructor began explaining the system:
– "In this Academy, there is something called 'Points.'
Points here aren't just grades; they are the currency of your daily life. You earn them through tests and combat, and they are recorded on your phones.
Every new student is granted 1,000 points as a starting balance, which can be used for purchases... or even for betting on duels."
She then added in a firmer tone:
– "But beware: if your points reach zero and you don't recover them within a month... you will be expelled from the Academy."
She paused, then gave a cold, mysterious smile:
– "Duels are arranged via phone. You select the student you wish to challenge, and the Headmistress decides whether the request is accepted.
She will send you a message three days before the scheduled time to prepare.
And if someone refuses a duel... half of their points are deducted."
Suddenly, she raised her hand, and dark energy flowed from it, transforming into a dense black shadow that completely engulfed her body. She disappeared for a moment, then reappeared suddenly among them.
She was wearing a Shield a tight black suit covering her entire body, even her face, etched with glowing blue lines. Her eyes appeared through bright blue glass lenses, and her hair emerged from the top of the head as if it were part of the Shield itself.
She said in a powerful voice filled with pride:
– "This is my Shield... The Shadow.
Each of you has your own unique Shield."
She then returned to her place in front of them and added with a slight smile:
– "I am your instructor, Iris Valon. I will be responsible for training you in evasion during combat.
However... today is a holiday. Your lessons begin tomorrow. Your room numbers will be sent to your phones shortly."
The Challenge
That night, I went back to my room and threw myself onto the bed.
Within minutes, sleep overcame me.
But in the morning, I woke up to a notification on my phone:
Duel Accepted: Rion Grein × Trangen Sorl
Wager: 150 Points.
I left my room heading for the classroom and ran into Kairen on the way.
She looked at me, surprised:
– "Rion! You're fighting this soon?"
I replied nonchalantly:
– "I heard she's a girl... but it's strange for her to request a duel on her first day."
Kairen chuckled knowingly, placing her hand over her mouth:
– "It looks like someone is interested in you, my dear Rion."
I gave her a puzzled look:
– "Are you suggesting she wants to get to know me through a duel?! She could have just talked to me."
Kairen took a few steps ahead proudly, clasping her hands behind her back, and said sarcastically:
– "You truly don't understand girls, Rion."
She suddenly stopped and turned back to me, saying more seriously:
– "No girl directly confesses her feelings."
I asked with genuine bewilderment:
– "Why?"
She sighed, sounding exasperated:
– "You just don't get it, Rion... Let's head to class."
Mana Class and the Truth
We entered the classroom, where another woman was standing in front of the board.
She was a young woman of slender build. Her light grey hair was braided into two long pigtails that fell over her shoulders and chest, adorned with subtle sky-blue streaks. Her features were intelligent and gentle, smiling calmly behind thin-rimmed glasses.
She wore a high-necked brown shirt underneath a long, white lab coat, open at the front, with tight dark blue trousers and black high-heeled shoes.
She smiled and said:
– "Hello, I'm Manata Tyren... the Mana instructor.
I'm delighted to have such wonderful students like you."
She then looked at us one by one, saying:
– "The new students: Rion Grein, Kairen Shiro, Misaki Maosi... and Trangen Sorl."
I raised my hand and asked her:
– "Is it normal for the number of students in the class to be so small?"
She smiled and replied calmly:
– "Yes, it's normal. The island itself rarely produces people with high power."
She then continued, placing a hand on her chest:
– "And speaking of power... don't forget your duel with Trangen the day after tomorrow. Don't disappoint me."
She began her lesson:
– "Listen, students. Mana differs from person to person, and every student here has a unique ability.
For example, Trangen controls Slime, while Misaki possesses the Hammer ability.
Some abilities manifest as a weapon or elemental energy, but not everyone has special abilities.
Mana exists throughout the body, but only a few can use it consciously."
She leaned on the edge of the desk and continued:
– "This island was originally a school for discovering abilities and training Mana users.
But after what happened in Valdoris, everything changed. The Academy is now a center for training powerful fighters, either to protect Kenimar... or to participate in missions to Valdoris.
The choice is ultimately yours."
Misaki raised her hand and asked hesitantly:
– "Is it really a choice? Or will we be forced later?"
The instructor replied, smiling:
– "For now, you can refuse if you wish. The Headmistress is a kind woman."
Manata then looked away for a moment and said in a low voice, as if to herself:
– "Kind... only sometimes."
She ended the lesson with a calm smile:
– "That's enough for today. See you tomorrow."
Trangen's Appearance
After class, Kairen and I went to the cafeteria. We sat down to eat, but suddenly a young woman with a slender, lithe figure appeared. It was Trangen.
Her features were calm and serious, carrying a penetrating, confident gaze. Her eyes were charcoal black, and her short, straight hair, which reached almost to her chin, was a bright white.
She wore a short black, high-necked blouse with a cut-out design revealing one bare shoulder, while the other sleeve was long and secured with crisscrossing straps up to the elbow. Her short black skirt was slit on one side, and a black belt with a delicate metallic chain hung from her waist. Dark, sheer stockings covered her legs up to mid-thigh, and she wore high black leather boots with thick heels and tight lacing.
She sat down quietly at our table, her presence emanating a sense of mystery and authority.
She said in a voice as calm and cold as ice:
– "Hello... Rion."
I looked at her in surprise and replied:
– "Hello, Trangen... I'm well, and you?"
She gave a small smile and said in a teasing tone:
– "Oh, of course I'm well... Have you forgotten me or something?"
I tried to appear natural:
– "Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I remember you, but I think I've seen you before."
She smiled lightly apologetically:
– "What a shame, dear Rion. It seems you forgot that you were the one who helped me in the past... but it's okay, I forgive you."
She then stood up and said as she prepared to leave:
– "See you later, Rion."
Kairen turned to me and asked directly:
– "Rion, do you know her?"
I shook my head, denying:
– "No... I don't recall knowing anyone besides you and Misaki yesterday, but I think I've seen her somewhere before."
Kairen said, pondering:
– "Strange... Could you have met her at the assessment school?"
I replied coolly:
– "Perhaps..."
Kairen smiled, then placed her hand on my shoulder and said confidently:
– "In any case, I know you won't lose. You're my dear brother, even if we're not blood-related."
I smiled faintly and replied:
– "And you're the only one who knows the secret of my strength in the Academy, my dear sister."
The Training Arena
After the lunch break, I went to the combat arena to see how things worked there.
A woman was standing next to one of the devices. She had long, wavy, thick red hair and bright green eyes that sparkled with vitality and intelligence. Her appearance suggested she was an engineer or a technician.
She wore protective copper-lensed goggles on her forehead and a simple necklace with a small azure stone. Her white shirt with puffy sleeves was slightly open at the chest, topped by a dark green leather bodice that emphasized her waist, paired with tight black leather pants secured by straps and high boots reaching the knee. She held a large metal wrench, and a pocket watch and small metal chains hung from her waist.
She was controlling Mana with grace and elegance, as if she were conducting music with her hands.
She said when she noticed my presence:
– "Ah, are you one of the students here? Welcome."
I replied respectfully:
– "Could you explain to me how the arena system works?"
She smiled and said:
– "It's simple. The arena is made of a rare metal called 'Krich,' and there's a team of girls responsible for repairing it if it gets damaged during combat."
I asked, surprised:
– "And how is that done?"
She said confidently:
– "Using Mana. We charge a device called the 'Aether Core,' which forms a Shield around the arena and activates a ground system for self-healing. This means no matter how much you destroy the floor, it will return to its original state."
I said admiringly:
– "That's truly amazing! Thank you for your time."
She smiled and said:
– "You're welcome, young man. Just... behave wisely with your colleagues."
The Sister's Trust
Meanwhile, Kairen was in the library browsing some books when Misaki sat down next to her, saying:
– "Hello, Kairen."
Kairen smiled and replied:
– "Hello, Misaki. How are you?"
Misaki said hesitantly:
– "Can I ask you something?"
– "Of course."
– "Why are you always with Rion?"
Kairen laughed and said simply:
– "Because he's my brother, Misaki. What a strange question?"
But Misaki pressed further:
– "Aren't you afraid he might do something bad?"
– "Like what?"
– "Like harass you... or assault you."
Kairen chuckled mockingly and said confidently:
– "Rion?! No, impossible. If he wanted to, he would have done it ages ago. I know him well... I've tested him repeatedly, and he's never done anything like that."
Misaki's face looked grim:
– "I'm not convinced... Men are always malicious."
Kairen replied calmly:
– "Not all of them, Misaki. Just because you met one bad man doesn't mean they all are. In life, there are good and bad people... among both men and women."
Misaki sighed and said softly:
– "Maybe..."
A Night of Cards
In the evening, when Rion returned to his room, he was met by Kairen and Misaki in the corridor.
Kairen smiled:
– "Oh, Rion... where have you been all this time?"
Misaki whispered shyly:
– "He was probably doing something perverted..."
Rion ignored them and said calmly:
– "I was learning about the Academy's arena system. They seem to have an advanced approach."
Kairen asked him:
– "How so?"
– "Because they use a device called the 'Aether Core,' which is responsible for creating a dome to protect spectators and heal students after a duel."
Kairen said in awe:
– "Wow, that sounds amazing!"
Misaki said shyly:
– "Yes, truly beautiful."
Then Kairen said enthusiastically:
– "How about we hang out in your room tonight?"
Misaki was surprised:
– "What?!"
But Rion answered, smiling:
– "With pleasure."
He entered the room and left the door open. Kairen smiled and said, laughing:
– "Come on, let's play some night games, brother!"
Misaki protested, trying to refuse:
– "I haven't agreed yet!"
But she eventually came in and sat nervously on the bed.
Rion went to the small kitchen area and asked:
– "What do you two want to drink? I'm making coffee for myself."
Kairen said:
– "I want coffee too."
Misaki, however, said:
– "Banana juice, I don't want coffee... I plan on sleeping soon."
Rion returned with the drinks and placed them in front of them, then sat on the desk chair.
Kairen smiled:
– "Organized as always, Rion."
He laughed and replied:
– "Of course, I was the one who cleaned the house originally."
She said, laughing:
– "Don't expose me in front of Misaki!"
Misaki chuckled softly and said:
– "Honestly... I don't find the place very special."
Kairen retorted:
– "At least we have a game!"
Rion brought out a card game called "Shadow of the Cards," and they started playing. Misaki was shy at first, but she quickly became engrossed, and her laughter filled the air with energy.
Eventually, they both became sleepy and fell asleep on the bed while Rion gathered the cards and put them back in the drawer.
He smiled and said to himself in a low voice:
– "Looks like I'll be sleeping on the floor today... that's fine. Sweet dreams to both of you."
He made a place for himself on the floor, but sleep didn't come easily. He kept thinking about Trangen:
– "Who is she? And how does she know me? Strange..."
Then he finally remembered:
– "Ah, yes... she was at the assessment school. I helped her when some students were harassing her... I didn't ask her name, and she just said, 'Thank you."
He closed his eyes and said quietly:
– "It seems this is the reason for the upcoming duel... She wants to show me how far she's come. Fine, I'll be waiting."
The Next Morning
Early the next morning, Rion had prepared breakfast for the two girls.
Misaki woke up, put her hand over her face in alarm, and said, flustered:
– "I-I-I... I slept in a boy's room!"
Rion emerged from the kitchen with a smile and said:
– "Good morning."
Misaki jumped up in greater panic and said:
– "G-Good morning!"
Just then, Kairen woke up, yawning:
– "What's going on...? Oh, Rion! You made the fried eggs I love?"
He said, smiling:
– "Of course. Please, eat as much as you want."
Then he sat down and said:
– "Speaking of which, Kairen... I think I remember who Trangen is."
To be continued...