The morning sun bathed the academy in a soft golden light as students shuffled into their respective classrooms. Rynhara, as usual, stood out among the crowd, her mismatched eyes glinting with quiet determination. Today promised to be no different—or so she hoped.
The day began with an announcement from their teacher, Professor Aldwyn. He strode into the room, carrying a scroll and looking slightly more nervous than usual.
"Class," Aldwyn began, clearing his throat, "Today, we are welcoming two new transfer students. Please give them a warm reception."
The door opened to reveal two striking figures.
The first was a tall boy with silver hair, wearing regal armor that gleamed unnaturally bright. He carried himself like someone who'd read too many heroic epics.
The second was a petite girl with fiery red hair and a defiant smirk. Her casual clothing and the oversized claymore strapped to her back made her look completely out of place among the prim and proper students.
"I am Prince Daemon of Argentia," the boy announced with a flourish, flashing a dazzling smile at the class. "It's an honor to join you all."
"And I'm Kira. Don't get in my way," the girl added bluntly, leaning against the wall with an air of disinterest.
The class erupted into murmurs.
"Another prince?" whispered Veloria, glaring daggers at Daemon.
"And that girl—why does she look like she's ready for a bar fight?" someone else muttered.
Rynhara sighed, already regretting whatever chaos these two would bring.
At lunch, Rynhara and Kaelira found their usual table, only to discover that it was already occupied—by Daemon and Kira.
"Excuse me," Rynhara said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "but I believe you're sitting at my table."
Daemon grinned. "Oh, I figured a table this nice had to belong to someone important. Care to join us, Princess Rynhara?"
Kira snorted, shoving a piece of bread into her mouth. "Relax, princess. We're not here to steal your throne."
Rynhara glared but sat down anyway, with Kaelira sliding in beside her.
The tension was palpable as they ate in silence. Finally, Daemon broke it.
"So, rumor has it you took down a hydra," he said, his tone teasing. "Impressive."
Rynhara stabbed her steak. "Is there a point to this conversation?"
Kira chuckled. "Yeah, the point is you're not the only one who can fight monsters. Don't think you're the only powerhouse in this school."
Kaelira leaned in, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Rynhara, they're trying to provoke you."
"I noticed," Rynhara muttered, her mismatched eyes narrowing.
The day's combat lesson was supposed to be routine—paired sparring with an emphasis on teamwork. Naturally, Rynhara found herself paired with Kira.
"Try to keep up, Princess," Kira said, hefting her claymore with ease.
"I should be saying that to you," Rynhara replied, twirling her fan-like daggers.
The sparring match began, and the two immediately clashed with ferocity. Kira's brute strength met Rynhara's speed and precision, creating a whirlwind of steel and sparks.
"Stop playing around!" Kira shouted, swinging her claymore in a wide arc.
"I'm not the one playing," Rynhara retorted, darting under the swing and slashing at Kira's side.
The match ended in a draw, both girls panting but grinning despite themselves.
After class, Rynhara made her way to the dreaded club room, bracing herself for another round of chaos. To her surprise, Daemon was already there, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"You joined this club?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
He shrugged. "It seemed like the best place to find strong opponents."
Kira appeared moments later, tossing her claymore onto the nearest table. "Guess this is where the real fights are, huh?"
Rynhara groaned. "Great. More royal brats in the mix."
Later that evening, Rynhara and her team received a notice: they were to prepare for the upcoming international tournament.
"What's this about?" Kaelira asked, reading over her shoulder.
"It's an invitation," Rynhara said, her lips curling into a smirk. "Looks like the real battles are about to begin."
That night, Rynhara recounted the day's events to her mother, who lounged in her usual throne-like chair.
"Two new transfers, a combat class brawl, and now you're prepping for an international tournament?" Tiamora said, laughing. "You certainly know how to keep things interesting."
"It's not funny," Rynhara grumbled. "Daemon and Kira are insufferable."
"Oh, sweetie," Tiamora said, her eyes gleaming. "They're just the spice your school life needed. Besides, don't you think it's fun being underestimated?"
Rynhara groaned. "You're impossible."
"And you're adorable," Tiamora replied with a grin.
Kaelira smirked. "At least you're not bored anymore, right?"
Rynhara sighed, already dreading the next day.