The outside of the tavern was alive with sounds as students practiced their moves with weapons clashing while their feet shifted on the ground. From the sidelines the professors observed as the scene played out before them.

"Seems as though most of the students have picked their partners, this is so exciting. Watching the next generation before our very eyes.” Professor Imara said.

She glanced over at Professor Mach, who was smoking a Lucient. He flicked it out and gave her a disapproving look.

“Quit being so giddy, you know half these children won’t pass.” he said sternly. “Our main priority is to weed out the ones who aren’t up for the task.” He scoffed

Professor Imara smiled wryly, “Hm that maybe true but this year feels special. When have we ever had a large group of prospects. Perhaps this time will be different.”

“Only time will tell, Imara. Don’t get your hopes up; they’ll only be crushed if you expect too much.” He replied.

“I remember why I stopped working with you.” she said muttering under her breath. “But you must admit there is some talent down there.”

Mach sighed after hearing her comment. “You are correct, I do have my eyes on a couple of students.” He said.”

“Really!” her eyes perked up. “You must tell me who, I would love to hear your insight on scouting.”

“Not now Imara, I will tell you later.” his tone exhausted.

“Why not we still have time?” she said.

“Because Erina looks like she has something to say.” He said.

They both turned away to face the shy professor. “Erina hesitated before speaking up, her voice soft but urgent.”

“I just wanted to inform you that there was an incident near tomorrow’s testing ground. The Head administrator asked me to inform you two.” She said politely.

“Great. Just what we need—another extra variable to consider,” said Imara.

“It’s fine, before we take the students back to inn, I'll go talk to the administrator. Imara and Erina, you are in charge for now. I’ll be back.” said Mach.

“Yes sir. We won’t let you down. Imara said mischievously.

Back outside the Tavern

Abell continued to observe Masako’s movements carefully, unlike anything he’s ever seen. Each strike more gracefully than the last.

How does she stay so calm? Abell thought, recalling the tension with Nona earlier. She looks like she has no partner. Maybe I should ask her.

Without hesitation, Abell walked up to her in a hurry not wanting to waste any more time. As the time was winding down.

“I think we should team up.” he said boldly.

Masako paid him no mind, as she kept practicing her movements.

“I don’t think she heard me,” Abell said aloud. Excuse me, I think we should team up. He shouted.

Masako stopped on a dime with her legs stopping perfectly symmetrically facing Abell. “I heard you.”

Abell frowned “So you just didn’t respond?”

“Well, I was in the middle of something, however I apologize, I seem to be a bit heated over that situation.

“That makes sense, I don’t understand how you stayed so calm, I would’ve challenged her right then and there.” He said.

“Well, yes, I can understand your frustration however I cannot act so rash.” she replied. “Anyways you asked to partner up for tomorrow’s exam?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Yea, you seem strong, also standing up to Nona helps. I can’t stand people like her”. He said angrily.

“I see, you think I'm strong...” She said while her voice trailed off. “well, I do not have a partner yet.”

“So, let’s do it.” He said his patience running thin.

Masako looked at him with intense focus.

“First off, if we do partner up, I expect you to take my considerations seriously,” Masako said, her tone steady. “Please refrain from close contact. I prefer space while we train. It helps me focus,” she said, her voice soft but firm. And lastly, I would like to see your shin.” She glanced at him, waiting for a response.

Abell looked at her with slight frustration causing his eyebrows to twitch.

“Who does she think I am, some pervert?” He thought.

“Fine, fine. Let’s just get this over with. I accept your conditions.”

Masako turned away chuckling slightly. “Good, now let me see your shin.” She said.

“Um what’s that mean? Abell asked.

“Oh, my apologies, Shin is how we say trait in the eastern region.” she said.

“Hm okay well I'll get started. He replied.

Abell stretched out his hand which resulted in a flash of light emanating from his palm. as a faint glow began to gather around his fingers. The energy crackled like electricity, swirling in a tight, spiraling pattern before expanding outward.

A radiant blade of light formed from dancing energy while its edges remained razor-sharp and emitted a powerful crackle.

The hilt was seized smoothly while the blade became a natural extension of his arm. The weapon materialized immediately as a simple yet powerful demonstration of his command of energy.

Masako’s eyes widened at the sudden blade that materialized in Abell’s hand. The glow was uniquely majestic.

“Amazing...” she quietly mustered.

The sudden flash of light caught other students off guard.

One student watched in awe. “What the...? That sword is it made of light?”

Another student, standing with their partner, raised an eyebrow. “People here have traits like that huh.”

Gaius looked at Abell and scoffed. “What an Idiot, showing his ability off so early.”

The light cutting through the air caused Professor Imara to raise an eyebrow while she watched from the sidelines. While watching Abell she tilted her head and narrowed her eyes as the blade became solid in his hand.

"Erina, look at that" while pointing at Abell. “That light—have you seen anything like it?”

“No ma’am, it looks incredible.” She said.

Masako remained silent only observing, Abell broke the silence.

“So, are we teaming up tomorrow?” He asked

“Uh, Sure we can. Apologizes for making you display your shin I did not think it would gain this much attention.”

“It’s okay, I don’t care if people see.” He said.

Her eyes glanced at him briefly with an expression that gave nothing away and she answered in a low tone “If you say so,” before warning him to stay low tomorrow.

“Masako! It’s almost time to leave come join us.” one of her friends said.

“Well see each other tomorrow for the exam um...” She stuttered

“Abell.” he said.

“Yes, tomorrow Abell, Rest well.” She said walking off.

With that, Abell turned and walked off, the glowing traces of his blade still lingering in the air for a moment. ““Tomorrow’s exam won’t be easy. But it’s exactly what I’ve been waiting for.” he said.

Meanwhile Back in the Tavern

Gaius scanned the remaining students, most were mingling and eating with others.

“all weaklings.” He thought

His gaze shifted to a hooded student, near the counter. They seemed as if they were alone, but it was odd no one else noticed them.

He walked pushing a group of students out of his way causing them to react angrily.

“What’s your deal?” One of them asked.

“Hey let’s not mess with that guy.” A female student said.

Gaius looked their way for a few seconds, His gaze caused them to leave.

Finally, he made it to the counter.

“Hey, you.” He said nonchalantly.

“Me?” the student asked, clearly surprised.

“Yes, you let’s team up for tomorrow. I can see no one has talked to you since we’ve arrived.” He said.

“Oh yes you are correct. I'm surprised you can” they said.

“Well, I'm used to laying low and hiding.” Anyways let’s team up time is almost up.” He replied.

They watched him and said with a subtle smile tugging their lips, “I noticed you, but you seem to disklike teamwork.”

“I do. But it’s either this or get disqualified.” Gaius said.

“I can handle myself. I don’t need anyone to support me but when we collaborate, we compensate for each other’s deficits.” The student said.

“I don’t have weaknesses.” Gaius said.

“Everyone has weaknesses.” They said.

“Hmph, Tomorrow then. Gaius headed toward the inn door while saying “Don’t slow me down.”

“Sure thing, By the way my name is Lira.” The student said while taking off their hood. Dark hair strands fell loosely around their face while they did their thing which exposed their calculating eyes and intense gaze that stood out against their simple look.

“Good to know.” He said before leaving.

In Front of the Tavern

Mostly all the students were gathered in front of the tavern and ready for some rest. Professor Imara and Erina walking towards the large group.

Professor Imara began to speak.

“I hope all of you have enjoyed the food and made some connections. We are here to fight but also to build these strong bonds. For now, though it is time for you all to rest for tomorrow, it is an important day for all of us and the future of this country.”

The murmurs around the room died down as the students gathered their belongings, their attention now fully on the speaker.

“We will be escorting you back to the inn as of this moment. Professor Mach had some business to attend to, so I’ll be escorting the boys please follow me.”