Laughter erupted through the room the moment the Core Ball glowed white. "Damn it… not White Fang…" Senko muttered, staring at the ground as shame tightened in his chest. He took the plain uniform and shuffled back to his seat, eyes low. The snickers and whispers around him only made the sting worse. Once the house selections ended, Master Korp led the new students to the academy's massive battlegrounds. A throne rested at the far end, and seated upon it was the legendary Headmaster Zeph—an aged warrior with a commanding presence, bald with a flowing grey beard, and a mystical sword strapped across his back. Zeph stood slowly, raising his hands high. "Welcome to the Warriors Academy," he announced. "I am Headmaster Zeph. You have each been chosen and placed into one of the four houses. Standing with you are your House Masters."He gestured to each in turn. "You've already met Master Korp, head of the Spark Guardians. This is Master Tamado of the Dark Crimsons, Master Keen of the Wit Violets, and finally, Master Hornstein, who leads the White Fangs." Senko glanced over. Hornstein looked like a grizzled veteran, more relaxed than the others, but just as sharp. "You're all D-ranks, here with the dream of becoming warriors," Zeph continued. "But being a warrior means putting your life on the line for the people of Jenkiora. If you're not ready to live—and possibly die—for that cause, then turn around now." He paused. No one moved. "Good. Now form a line in front of your House Masters. Any questions?" A boy in thick glasses behind Senko raised his hand. "Where are the other ranks? Are there S-ranks here?" Zeph grinned slightly. "There are five battlegrounds. D through S. The higher the rank, the tougher the challenge. As for S-ranks… there are only three in this school, and they're out on a mission. Rarity doesn't even begin to cover it." Senko's eyes widened with determination. Only three? I'll become the fourth. Headmaster Zeph glanced toward him briefly, a flicker of something in his gaze. "So… he's here," he muttered under his breath. The D-ranks lined up. Hornstein stepped forward with a warm but firm smile. "Call me Master Horn—or Hornstein if you're formal. Look, I get it. White Fang isn't flashy. But you're still here for a reason. Remember that." He looked through the line. "Let's kick off with some hand-to-hand combat. Michael vs. Senko." Senko's heart thumped. He stepped forward, standing across from a taller, bulkier kid cracking his knuckles.
"Ready… set… go!"
Senko charged with a wild punch, yelling. Michael dodged easily and landed a blow straight into Senko's gut. The wind knocked out of him, Senko fell to the ground groaning. "Are you done?" Michael asked, half-bored. Senko pushed himself up. "Never." His purple eyes flared. He rushed again, ducked low, trying to sweep Michael's legs—but Michael jumped and countered with a fast punch across Senko's jaw. This time, Senko didn't get up. "That's it. Michael wins," Hornstein said. Laughter erupted again, even from some within White Fang. Senko lay on the dirt, clenching his fists. Why can't I win? Later, Senko sat on a bench, alone. Leon, the boy from earlier, approached. "You know, you did alright," Leon said. "Cheer up." " No I didn't," Senko replied, staring at the ground. "How can I be the Warrior King if I can't even win a spar?" "Maybe your strength's with swords," Leon shrugged. "We're testing weapons tomorrow." "I don't even have a sword. Just this dagger," Senko muttered, burying his face in his hands. "Didn't your parents give you anything?" Senko paused. "…I don't have any. I'm an orphan." Leon's eyes widened. "Oh… I'm sorry. I didn't know." "It's fine. I guess it's just normal for me." Senko gathered his things. "I'm heading home." Leon waved awkwardly. "Alright. See you tomorrow."Meanwhile, Master Korp stormed into Headmaster Zeph's office. "You don't knock anymore?" Zeph asked dryly. "He needs to be expelled," Korp snapped. Zeph narrowed his eyes. "Who?" "You know who! That boy—Senko. He's dangerous. He's a demon!" "The demon is sealed," Zeph replied. "The seal crafted by the former Warrior King has never failed." "That Warrior King is dead! And what if it breaks? What if he snaps? He's a risk." Zeph stood, his voice rising. "We're warriors. We protect. That boy is under my protection, and if the government finds out, they'll execute him without a second thought!" Korp's voice cracked with pain. "He killed my friend…" "No. The demon did," Zeph said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know you miss her. But don't blame the boy." One tear slid down Korp's cheek before he turned and stormed out. In the hall, he crossed paths with Hornstein. "Eavesdropping, huh?" Korp growled. "Nope," Hornstein said casually. "Just here for a talk." " Yeah, right." Hornstein stepped into the office."Keep a close eye on him," Zeph said simply. Hornstein nodded. As Hornstein left, Zeph reached under his desk and pulled a hidden lever. A secret passage opened on the side wall, revealing a glowing red sword resting on a stone pedestal. Zeph took the blade, placed it into its scabbard, and slipped out of the academy. He walked west, toward the outskirts of the city. He stopped in front of a small apartment and rang the bell. Senko opened the door, surprised. "Headmaster Zeph?" "You said you didn't have a sword," Zeph said, holding the weapon out. "Now you do." Senko accepted it with wide eyes. "Thank you… I really appreciate this." A smile broke through his gloom. "Practice," Zeph said, and turned away. Senko unsheathed the sword slowly. The blade shimmered in the moonlight. "My own sword… This is one step closer," he whispered. "I will be the Warrior King."
To Be Continued…