Chapter 1 - Ryouke Spirit Academy
2nd September, A.D 2045 / Tokyo Japan
“Ahhh~ Dammit! That old bastard.”
A low, grumbling voice could be heard in the train. Anyone would easily notice who the voice belonged to, but no one minded the slanderous tone of the young man who said it. Standing just a few steps besides the door, Yukikaze, Kazuki; wearing a crisp white blazer over a blue shirt, and grey pants, was muttering to himself with an annoyed expression in his face.
There was no need to stand. Even though it was ‘Rush Hour’, the seats in the cart he rode on were mostly vacant. But his current mood made him too preoccupied to even notice.
Although the clear morning sun was shining brightly over the autumn sky; creating a calming and tranquil atmosphere, the ambience inside the train compared to the outside was like the difference between Heaven and Hell.
Why, you might ask?
Well, that was because inside the train, which should be full of people ready to brave the new day, was instead filled with several, unconscious bodies that was sprawled out all over the floor.
Needless to say, it was Kazuki's handiwork that created this macabre-like scenery.
Even after fighting—or rather one-sidedly beating up those people who; appearance wise, were far more intimidating than him, his foul mood still lingered around his body causing those who were spared from the physical torment, to stepped back in hopes of not getting in his way.
"...haa— Guess I have no choice but to play along with this ridiculous farce."
Kazuki sighed deeply. Taking out a piece paper from his chest pocket, he looks at the content again that stated his enrollment into Ryouken Academy.
"But seriously, what the hell is that old fool thinking?"
Ryouken Academy was one of the several, internationally approved vocational institutions on the country that, trains its students to use their special abilities and mold them to professional levels.
[Tamers] were people who could replicate the abilities of the Xenos.
By manipulating the latent energy in one's body known as [Sigma], and melding it with the [Spirit Particles] in the atmosphere, a Tamer can imitate how the Xenos use their powers and demonstrate its effects.
Before the war, people used to call them by several names; Witches, Magicians, Alchemist, Shamans, or even Magus. The strongest among them, could make a Nuclear weapon look like a fire cracker in comparison to their overwhelming might. Even the weakest could fight the Xenos on their own, and triumph.
Nowadays, National Militaries and Law Enforcement were considered obsolete without the aid of Tamers. As such, a talented Tamer is regarded as a national asset, and a powerful weapon to a country.
During the First Xenodian War, the large fatality rate was considered to be caused by the lack of manpower in the Pandora Project; with Tamers being highly indispensable to be normally deployed in the front lines, and was only dispatched to eliminate the Xenos that could not be defeated by conventional weapons.
To prevent further tragedies from being repeated, the [Tamer Program] enacted under the [Genesis Treaty] of the UNSC—United Nation Spirit Council—stated that, it is made semi-mandatory by law that, children at the age of twelve, who have awoken their ability to use Sigma, were required to enroll into one of the special institutions that were established to nurture future Tamers in developing their power for the sake of the nation—in other words, getting drafted into the country's reserve army.
Ryouken Academy was one of such institutions.
In the 25 years of its establishment, Ryouken Academy has been one of the leading facilities in the country that had its graduates become a center of news and praises for their achievement in the combat against the Xenos.
When the train finally reached the station, Kazuki promptly alighted the cart with his bag hanging over his shoulder, not minding the perplexed stares he received on his way out. Seeing a new student wasn't all that rare. But looking at the aftermath left inside the cart he got off was bound to surprise on-boarding passengers.
After descending a flight of stairs, he walked around for a few minutes before arriving at the main gate of the academy. Here, he was greeted by two full-scale size wolf sculptures that were made out of fine white marble. On top of the gate, it bared the crest of the academy—welded perfectly on a silver metallic arc:
[RYOUKEN SPIRIT ACADEMY]
Glancing at the surrounding, he entered the gates while following the path that was paved with layers of bricks. He couldn't help but comment on that, the school courtyard was more befitting to be called a park.
The flowers were well tended, the lawn was properly trimmed, and there is even a large marble fountain with a just as large majestic-looking white wolf that is used as a center piece. There were even some vending machines and several benches with students happily chatting with their peers. It was really hard to describe the tranquil scenery other than that of a peaceful academy.
But that was merely a front.
Such irony
Kazuki chuckled at the thought of that notion.
There was no mistake that, this academy and the others like it were just another military facility to cultivate new soldiers, in order to elevate the nation’s prestige to the rest of the world.
Coming back to his senses, he hastens his pace to reach the building that was located east of the marble fountain. There, he arrived at a long corridor. Looking at holographic information directory board on the wall, he searched for the specific room of the academy director.
While browsing the directory, he also noticed that the academy had various activities and events planned out.
From Club recruitment to School Festivals, it did a good job maintaining its masquerade as an enjoyable, fun-loving educational facility. But this, on its own—was also another way to help maintain the high morale of the students, who will eventually face the terror of the Xenos in the hell known as war.
Acquiring the information of the room he was looking for, he proceeded down the hallway after going up some flight of stairs.
Walking down the wide corridor, he noticed that all of the room in the 4th floor was either related to the student council or, the student affair committee. But there was one room that stood out from the rest.
And here, Kazuki stopped in his tracks.
In front of him were two, white, synthetic metal doors decorated with golden runic patterns. Each door was engraved with the crest of the school; A great white wolf that was biting on to a long silver sword.
Just as Kazuki was about to knock—
"...there is no mistake. We've double check them, even triple check our data. Delhi, Moscow, Beijing, Anchorage, even Rapa Nui are all reporting the same anomalies from their sectors. Rikuo, you, of all people should know the significance of these events..."
"Are you certain about this? If those places are really acting up again, I'm afraid it could only mean one thing."
Two voices could be heard from beyond the door. They weren't particularly loud, but Kazuki had some pride in his exceptional hearing. The first voice was somewhat distorted by static, but it was a clear, masculine tone. The second one was firm yet mixed with anxiety.
"The Council has already approved. We will to take immediate actions once all the preparations are complete. I'm currently on my way to Washington to discuss our findings with General McKnight. At the meantime, you should remain on high alert, just in case something comes up. I'll contact you for any update that we can get."
"I hope that this is just a misinformation."
"I also wish we are wrong. But we cannot take chances... Take care, my friend—"
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Farewell."
Soon, silence befell the room for a brief moment. Then—
"Fuu— looks like things are moving faster than we had anticipated. I hope that this all just a slight miscalculation. Now then—why don't come in and take a seat. Kazuki-kun?"
After hearing the modulated voice of the old man, the door slid open revealing a vast and spacious room. The floor was covered with a dark brown carpet, while the walls were decorated with paintings and a bookshelf filled with all sorts of books and files. Placed in front of the large window was a large oaken desk filled with a stack of documents. In the center of the room, there stood a rectangular glass table with white ivory legs surrounded by black leather sofas.
Taking a look inside, there was only a single elderly man present in that large room.
Sitting on one of the chairs, he was quietly drinking a cup of freshly brewed tea while indulging himself to its fragrant smell.
This person is Senjirou, Rikuo; the Academy Director of Ryouken Spirit Academy, and a veteran Tamer who have fought in the 3rd Xenodian War.
His long, silky white hair—which could make some girls jealous—was neatly combed back over his head, and his white beard reached down to his chest. He also had a rimless reading glasses strapped in his neck. The only thing missing was a wooden staff and you can easily mistake him for wizard character from a famous fantasy movie.
But instead of a wizard's robe, he was wearing a formal white business suit with a blue shirt and red tie. His entire appearance made him look more like a Mafia Don of some crime syndicate that would give you an offer you can't refuse.
"So you knew. I was sure that I was trying hard not to get noticed." Kazuki sarcastically said while maintaining a straight face.
"Ha. I maybe old, but I haven't grown senile yet, boy. Besides, you didn't even try to hide your presence"
Rikuo jested. Although, Kazuki did well in concealing his presence, it was merely on the level that regular people wouldn't notice him from the outside.
"Now, don't just stand there. Come in and take a seat."
Kazuki then strode the room towards the table. Taking the seat in front of Rikuo, he placed his bag just besides him.
"Would you like Green tea, Red tea, or Oolong? We also have some assortment of sweets."
"I'd like the red one—but enough with the pleasantries old man! I didn't come here to have a tea party with you. Now tell me, how did that old bastard convince you into helping him with this stupid scheme of his?"
Kazuki did a quick change of attitude—from nonchalant playfulness to dead serious—without missing a beat. His seriousness had a compelling air to it. Realizing that Kazuki was showing a solemn expression; Rikuo immediately fixed his care-free attitude in order to show his just as serious personality.
“You haven’t change. Still the sharp-tongued, rascal that I used to know, eh? But to answer your question—”
Rikuo adjusted his seating posture. Fixing his glasses and crossing his fingers in a steepling position, he looked at Kazuki with an intimidating aura.
“No. He didn’t convince me. Although his request was difficult, it wasn’t impossible to accomplish. Yet, he still used that one favor I owed him a long time ago as a bargaining chip. Seriously, he really has grown old to be wasting such important favors for things like this. “
Rikuo slowly reminisced the days he had with Kazuki’s Grandfather during their time in the front lines of the 3rd Xenodian War 45 years ago.
“It’s really hard to believe that we used to call him the “MAD DRAGON” back in the days. Maybe growing old has finally softened him up.”
“I seriously doubt that.”
Kazuki, on the other hand, was just listening to Rikuo’s words earnestly while giving away a few sarcastic comments.
“Well, enough of war stories. Since he entrusted me with his favor, I’ll do my best to grant his wish to the best of my ability.”
“So, I really don’t have a choice in this, do I? Fine, I’ll play along with this for a while. But don’t blame me if a student or two, get sent to the hospital at a regular basis.”
“You don’t need to worry about that, unlike other academies, Ryouken has a good number of people that can be worth your attention. But please try to restrain yourself from over doing it.”
“I’ll try… if I can.”
“For you, trying is already enough of an assurance. Well, with that said—”
Just as Rikuo was about to finish his words, the door slid open to reveal a beautiful young girl who was wearing the academy uniform.
Her platinum blonde hair was dazzling as her appearance, while possessing a firm and proper demeanor that says she has been raised as a prim and proper, elegant lady from a well-established family. She also had captivating purple eyes that could steal a man’s heart with a single glance. With her smooth white skin, a pair of long beautiful legs, a thin slender waist, and an ample bosom that was satisfactory in shape, her figure was truly full of feminine charm.
“Pardon for the intrusion Director Senjirou. But we have finished the preparations that you have ordered.”
“I see. You can leave the documents at my desk as usual. And good timing. Kazuki, let me introduce her to you. This here is Ichirou, Himeko. Ryouken Academy’s current Student Council President. Likewise, this is Yukikaze Kazuki.”
"It’s nice to meet you, Yukikaze-kun. As the Director said, I'm the current Student Council President of Ryouken Academy. I hope we get along well. You can just call me Himeko.”
"Well, Himeko-senpai, I'll be in your care."
Reaching out to take the hand extended to him, Kazuki returned her handshake while still sitting on the sofa.
“Well then, Kazuki-kun—“
As Rikuo was speaking, a thin, silver blade suddenly came crashing down over Kazuki’s head.
Full of killing intent, it had the intention to cut someone down in half.
With his sharp reflexes, Kazuki managed to stand up and block the blade with his right foot with blinding speed while releasing a tremendous amount of dreaded aura.
All of that was done in single moment.
“Hey old man, do you usually attack your new student that entered on their first day?”
Kazuki said those words with an apathetic yet care-free voice while his foot still hung in the air blocking the Directors’s sword.
“Ho—good reflexes. I see that you haven’t wilted down a bit.”
“Oh give me a break. You held back way too much when you used that stick of yours.”
“Kukukuku. Is that so? I was starting to wonder if it’s because you’ve started to neglect your training that’s why your grandfather sent you to my academy. Now I see that’s not the problem.”
Putting down his cane and sheathing the blade, Rikuo laugh boisterously. Kazuki did the same, and took down his foot while laughing along with the Director’s antics.
“With that settled, Himeko-chan. Do you mind showing him to the main building? You can drop him off with Akihiro-sensei at the faculty lounge.”
“There is no problem. I have something to attend to at the faculty along the way.”
“Excellent. I’ll leave him in your care.”
“Well then, please excuse us.”
Himeko bowed deeply at the Director before leaving the room, while Kazuki just shrugged his shoulders as he waved goodbye and then walked out of the office.
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Hello Everyone, this BionicFrost.
Thank You for taking the time to read my story. This is my first time submitting a fic. I don't really know what to do with all those random info in my head since it's hard to fuse them into a tangible paragraphs. But I will try to release chapters as fast as possible.
If you have any comments or constructive criticism, I am all ears.
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