Rin and Taro walked through the massive stone hallways of the academy, following the signs that pointed toward the "Initial Placement Arena."
"Man, can't believe they're sorting us on the first day," Taro muttered.
Rin shrugged. "I guess it makes sense."
As they turned a corner, Taro accidentally bumped shoulders with someone.
"Watch where you're going, man," he said without looking.
"Oh, I am," came the calm reply.
Taro froze mid-step. That voice—it was weirdly familiar.
He slowly turned his head—and locked eyes with the Headmaster.
Taro's mouth opened, but no words came out."
The Headmaster chuckled. "Relax. No need to melt down." His eyes studied Taro with an intense curiosity. "You've got quite the potential, kid. What are your attributes?"
"Fire and Space," Taro answered automatically, carefully leaving one out.
"Interesting," the Headmaster said, then turned and walked away, completely ignoring Rin's existence.
"Are you okay?" Rin asked.
"No," Taro replied.
They continued walking down the corridor toward the main hall. Along the way, they passed strange magical artifacts embedded into the walls—things neither of them had ever seen in their city.
"What the hell is that?" Taro whispered, pointing at a floating crystal orb pulsing with soft blue light.
"No idea. But I want one."
They also passed students from other races—tall elves with flowing hair, short but sturdy dwarves, a couple of vampires who eyed everyone quietly.
They finally reached a large board displaying names.
Taro squinted, scanning the list. "Let's see… ah. Taro vs… Kaela?"
Rin grinned. "Pft..You better not go all out on her."
Taro smirked. "No promises though i will try."
Rin stepped forward and found his name. "Rin… vs Lucien Virelace," he read aloud. His expression shifted. "Wait—Virelace? That's one of the vampire families. Known for Blood Control."
Taro let out a low whistle. "You've got some bad luck, my guy. Real bad."
They found seats near the arena and settled in to wait the first match.
A man stepped into the center—a tall teacher with deep brown skin and a wide, easy grin.
"Alright, listen up!" he called. "Name's Kobe. I'll be your proctor today. We're gonna kick things off with a little fire, a little magic, and a whole lotta style."
He shuffled the names floating in the air before him. "First up! Taro okabe vs Kaela Frostwyn!"
Taro groaned. "Why am I the first one?"
Rin clapped him on the back. "I guess we're both unlucky today. Good luck—you better win this."
"Of course," Taro said. "Focus on your own opponent."
He jogged down toward the arena floor. As he reached it, he turned to look back and gave Rin a thumbs-up.
Then he saw the girl walking toward him.
Long white hair. Cold eyes.
"You're Kaela?!" he blurted.
Rin, watching from above, burst out laughing.
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