The class was scheduled right before lunch. Celine's class headed to the locker rooms, changed into their training uniforms provided by the academy, and then walked to the field where most combat lessons took place. There was an indoor area available, but the instructor preferred to teach outdoors. Fenymia's climate was rarely too hot, and the cool breeze made the open space quite pleasant.
The previous class was still wrapping up when they arrived. Their teacher greeted them and asked them to wait until the training field was clear. Some students sat on benches lining the field, while others rested directly on the grass.
– Oh, it's the senior class out there – One student said, recognizing familiar faces among the combatants. Most upperclassmen were away on assigned missions, so their presence was rare – Isn't this usually a first-period class?
– It should be. Looks like they switched things up today.
The three girls, Celine, Harumi, and Leila turned their attention to the field. Harumi blinked, recognizing someone. She perked up and waved.
Ikuto, watching from across the field, caught her wave and smiled brightly. He pointed to the ring on his finger and raised his eyebrows. Harumi's cheeks turned pink as she mirrored the gesture, touching her own ring with a soft smile. But Ikuto's smile quickly turned stiff, and he darted off, heading toward another group as if avoiding something, or someone.
Harumi looked over her shoulder, confused, only to find Leila watching the sky innocently.
…?
Near the training field stood the instructor and Thamy, who held a clipboard and scribbled notes with a quill. His gaze remained sharp, tracking every movement on the field.
– Alright, last pair! – The instructor, Professor Mysie, called out.
The two students currently sparring lowered their weapons and left the field.
– To the field: Aysel Valieth and Adriell Albretine – Thamy announced, his voice calm and formal.
At the sound of their names, Aysel and Adriell walked confidently to the center of the field. Unlike the other seniors, who had watched the day's matches with mild boredom, the name "Adriell" sparked curiosity and tension.
The second-year students began murmuring, too loud to be discreet.
– Whoa… Aysel versus Adriell? This might be intense.
– Why's that?
– Adriell Albretine. Daughter of Lord Arad. One of the Albretine vampires, rivals of the Alhire family. Unlike Kirsi, she's known for being extremely aggressive and powerful.
– Hmph, I've heard Aysel's stronger. Isn't her true form a polar bear?
– A polar bear? I thought it was a reindeer…
– You're both wrong. She's a fox.
– Huh? That doesn't sound right — Harumi muttered beside Celine, her voice barely audible.
Celine leaned in – Do you know her true form?
Harumi gave a soft smile – Not really. Elaxi used to tease her by calling her a dog. Probably a wolf, then. Aysel never corrected her, so... maybe Elaxi just enjoys poking at her pride.
Celine nodded thoughtfully as they both turned their attention back to the sparring ground.
The duel began with light, textbook strikes. Yet, even as they kept their movements controlled, the tension between them was palpable.
– Told you, Aysel's stronger – A student whispered nearby – Even if she's just a shifter.
Adriell heard the whispers clearly. Vampiric hearing left no room for subtlety. The words struck her pride. Her eyes narrowed, and her stance changed. It was subtle, but Aysel noticed immediately.
She's increasing her power, Aysel thought, adjusting her grip. This goes against the rules.
Adriell's strikes grew sharper, more aggressive. Aysel matched her, maintaining control but no longer holding back as much. What started as a training duel quickly became a real fight. Each blow landed harder than the last.
Celine's breath caught. That feeling again… around them. Just like Professor Weilyn… what is it?
The teacher narrowed her eyes – Thamy?
Thamy nodded – They're pushing beyond limits. Should I intervene?
The instructor remained still – Adriell is reacting to the pressure of fighting Aysel, a mere shifter. She's breaking the rules, yes. But Aysel doesn't want to humiliate her, so she's playing along.
Thamy's jaw tightened. "I don't like where this is going…"
The duel escalated. Swords clashed with brutal force. Sparks flew. Gasps echoed from the students. Yet the teacher stayed silent.
Adriell began to panic. She couldn't keep up. Every time she thought she had control, Aysel shattered it with relentless precision. Then, as fear overtook her, Adriell snapped.
Her blade swung with reckless desperation. The weapon, blunt by regulation, shouldn't have been able to harm. But infused with her power, it could cut anything.
Aysel stepped back, eyes wide.
– Aysel!! – Elaxi's scream pierced the field as she rushed forward, catching Aysel just as she collapsed.
A magical barrier flared to life, blocking the path of every student. Only Thamy stepped through, casting the spell himself, helping Elaxi carry Aysel out. The barrier dropped only after they exited the field.
Gasps rippled through the group as they saw Adriell's training blade, stained red.
Adriell froze, trembling. She hadn't meant to go that far. Her eyes widened, fixated on the blood. "What have I done?"
– Adriell Albretine – the teacher's voice was firm, emotionless.
Adriell flinched but walked slowly toward her.
Meanwhile, Aysel sat on the grass, clutching her side. Blood soaked her hands. Elaxi and Ikuto hovered around her, frantic.
– Healer! We need a healer! – Drazhan shouted, eyes scanning the students.
Silence.
There were no healers.
Their kind trained separately. By old agreements, they never joined combat classes. Accidents like this should never happen since the swords were made of wood, blunt, and only for training.
– Let me see – Elaxi tried to pull Aysel's hands away.
Aysel forced a smile – I'm fine, it's just a scratch.
– Scratch my ass – Ikuto growled, pulling her hand aside and revealing the wound – I'm going to get a healer. Stay here!
He turned to leave, but a hand gripped his arm.
– No need, Ikuto.
Hiro knelt beside Aysel, calm and unreadable. Placing his palm over the wound, he whispered something low. A soft green glow surrounded his hand, and within moments, the wound began to close.
Everyone froze.
Aysel stared at him, breathless – You're a healer?!
Hiro sighed – Isn't it obvious now?
– Obvious?! Are you serious?! – Drazhan gawked – Why the hell didn't you say anything?
Hiro looked away – Not all healers are weak. But if the teachers knew, they'd pull me from combat training. I'm not signing a contract either. I can hold my own. That should be enough.
Aysel let out a breath and laid back on the grass, eyes closed. Her voice was light, but her thoughts weren't.
I almost died. What was that pain?
Harumi rushed over, followed by Leila and Celine.
– Aysel! Are you okay?
Aysel opened one eye and gave a weak smile – I'll live.
Elaxi helped her up, placing an arm around her shoulder.
– Come on. Rest now.
– She's been healed. No need to fuss – Thamy said quietly as they passed. He turned to Hiro, voice cool – We'll talk later.
Hiro flinched slightly, grabbed Drazhan's sleeve, nodded, and quickly walked away.
Eventually, the teacher gave the rest of the senior students permission to leave.
– Thamy, escort Adriell to the council. Apply punishment.
– Understood.
Thamy turned to Adriell, who stood frozen with her head down.
– It was… it was an accident – she muttered, guilt clinging to her words.
Thamy placed a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up, he stared at her blankly.
– I know. But I'm not the one you should apologize to. Let's go.
She followed silently behind him.
The instructor walked up to the second-year students, voice sharper than steel.
– This is why powers are forbidden in this class. I'm here to train your physical strength. I don't care how talented you are with magic, if you can't hold a sword, a bow, or a dagger, then to me, you're useless.
The students straightened, nervous. Some looked away. A few swallowed hard.
Then she paused, noticing a pair of bright, curious eyes meeting her gaze, unflinching.
– You. Step forward.
Celine did, her posture calm and respectful.
– Professor Mysie.
– What's your name? – The teacher asked.
– My name is Celine.
Mysie narrowed her eyes slightly, watching her for a long moment before exhaling.