Yusei Subaru lay in the lush plains of the Zaurelias Empire, the gentle breeze rustling through the opulent grass around him. The landscape was tranquil, a perfect reflection of the peace that enveloped him as he meditated. Yusei was a striking figure, his appearance effortlessly commanding attention. His hair, a deep, oceanic blue, flowed down past his shoulders in loose, wavy strands that caught the light, giving it a shimmering, almost ethereal quality. His eyes were a piercing, crystalline blue, reflecting the sky and sea with an intensity that seemed to see through everything, calm yet powerful.
His features were sharp, perfectly symmetrical, with a jawline that could have been chiseled from stone. His skin was fair, with a subtle warmth, like porcelain touched by the sun. He wore traditional robes of blue and white, the fabric flowing gracefully around him, embroidered with patterns that resembled waves, hinting at the power he held within. Draped over his shoulder was a cloak, seemingly woven from the very essence of water itself, its surface rippling like the ocean in a gentle breeze.
Despite his serene appearance, Yusei exuded an undeniable aura of strength. He was a warrior at his peak, a man who had long since surpassed any who might challenge him. In this world, there was no one who could defeat him in battle. Yet, Yusei knew that even the greatest warriors must eventually step aside. He was nearing the end of his prime, and he had set his sights on training the next generation, ensuring they were prepared to take over when the time came.
He thought of his four apprentices with a sense of pride. One of them, Haru, had shown great promise, particularly because of the presence of Seisaku, the spirit that guided him, just as Seisaku had once guided Yusei. With these apprentices, Yusei felt a sense of security, believing that his legacy would be in good hands. Maybe soon, he mused, he could finally settle down—get married, have children, and live out his days in peace.
But as he lay there, enveloped in the tranquility of the plains, something disturbed the calm within him. A subtle but insistent tug in his soul, a warning from Seisaku. Yusei’s eyes snapped open, his relaxed expression replaced by one of concern. He slowly rose to his feet, scanning the horizon as he tried to understand what had triggered the warning.
Before him, the air shimmered, and Yohei appeared, his expression stern yet tinged with a knowing smile. Yohei, always the more serene and composed of the two, looked at Yusei with a hint of amusement.
"Your favorite student is about to get himself into trouble," Yohei said, his voice calm but with a slight edge of urgency.
Yusei groaned in annoyance, rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course he is," he muttered, rolling his eyes. It was just like Haru to dive headfirst into danger, despite all the warnings and lessons.
Yohei explained, "Haru is heading to explore a dungeon in the Ursab Forest. He’s about to come across a Beta-level Breacher."
Yusei sighed, exasperated but not entirely surprised. "That boy never listens," he said, though there was a hint of affection in his voice.
Yohei smiled, knowing full well how much Yusei cared for his apprentices, especially Haru. "You’ve got it sorted then?" Yohei asked, already knowing the answer.
Yusei nodded, his expression shifting from annoyance to determination. "I’ll take care of it."
With that, Yusei extended his hand, and a large, thick bubble of energy formed around him, shimmering with a pale blue light. He focused his power, feeling the air around him grow heavy with the force he was gathering. With a sudden burst of energy, Yusei shot into the sky, breaking the sound barrier in an instant. The ground below him blurred as he rocketed toward the Ursab Forest, knowing that he needed to reach Haru as quickly as possible.
It was going to be a long journey, but Yusei was determined to reach his student in time. After all, a Beta-level Breacher was no small threat, even for an Arknight like Haru. But Yusei had faith in his apprentice’s abilities—and he would be there to ensure that Haru lived to fight another day.
//////////////
The Breacher, looming ominously above them, focused its grotesque mouth into a terrifying, concentrated beam of energy. The air around the beam crackled with raw power, the light a blinding, searing pink that warped the space it passed through. It was a force of pure destruction, and as it charged, the ground beneath the Breacher trembled, small rocks and debris lifting into the air as if drawn to the energy. The beam crackled, growing in intensity until it was ready to unleash its devastating force.
Haru, Luis, and Angel stood frozen, their minds racing but bodies paralyzed by the overwhelming fear. Angel, despite his usual carefree nature, felt a cold shiver of terror wash over him as he realized this was likely the end. In a moment of sheer panic, he even felt the warm, humiliating sensation of his bladder betraying him, the ultimate acknowledgment of their helplessness. Haru, feeling the weight of his failure, silently prepared to face his demise, knowing he had done everything he could.
But just as the beam was about to be unleashed, a barrier of water materialized around them, swirling into a protective dome that shimmered with an ethereal blue light. The water was not just ordinary liquid—it pulsed with energy, forming an impenetrable shield that absorbed the force of the Breacher’s attack, dissipating the destructive beam into harmless mist. The trio stared in shock, their impending doom suddenly averted.
Haru immediately recognized the sensation of the water's energy. He exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and whispered to himself, "Master…"
Luis, standing nearby, barely caught Haru’s words, his eyes widening as the realization began to sink in. The water began to shift, wrapping around them gently but firmly, as if cradling them in a protective embrace. The liquid cocoon moved swiftly, dragging them out of the line of fire and away from the Breacher’s grasp. The creature, initially proud of its seemingly inevitable victory, hesitated as it saw them slipping away, confused by the sudden intervention.
As they were pulled to safety, a figure materialized in the air before them, descending gracefully to the ground. Yusei Subaru, his long, ocean-blue hair flowing like waves behind him, appeared with an effortless grace, his presence immediately filling the space with an aura of calm confidence. His robes, adorned with intricate patterns that mimicked the flow of water, fluttered in the breeze he seemed to carry with him that perfectly suited his tall height and stature at around 182cm. His piercing blue eyes, sharp and calculating, assessed the situation in an instant, but his lips curled into a teasing smile.
"Well, well, Haru," Yusei said, his voice carrying a light, almost mocking tone. "Getting yourself into trouble again, I see. Honestly, what would you do without me?"
Haru couldn’t help but smile warmly at the familiar, cocky persona of his master. Despite the gravity of the situation, Yusei’s presence was a comforting reminder that they were no longer alone. "Probably die, Master," Haru replied with a light chuckle, his tension easing for the first time since the battle began.
Luis, however, was not as composed. His eyes darted between Haru and Yusei, his mind struggling to process what he was witnessing. "Wait… You mean to tell me that *you* trained under him? *Him*?" Luis’s voice was a mix of awe and disbelief, his mind racing as he realized that the man standing before them was none other than Yusei Subaru—the strongest Arknight in the world and one of the three greatest Arknights to ever live, alongside his legendary father.
Angel, on the other hand, was simply glad to be alive. He slumped to the ground, his body shaking slightly from the adrenaline and fear that had gripped him moments before. "I don’t care who he is," Angel muttered, still catching his breath. "As long as he’s on our side…"
The Breacher, having watched its intended prey slip away, let out a furious screech. It thrashed its massive form in a tantrum, the ground quaking beneath its rage. The creature’s eyes locked onto Yusei, the realization dawning on it that this new presence was a threat far greater than it had anticipated.
"Oh, so *this* is the great Yusei Subaru," the Breacher hissed, its voice laced with a sarcastic, mocking edge. "The one they call the strongest Arknight in the world… one of the so-called greatest to ever live. You think you can ignore me and protect these children?"
But Yusei barely acknowledged the Breacher’s fury. He glanced over at the massive, grotesque creature with a casual, almost dismissive wave of his hand. "Oh, hush now," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "I’ll deal with you in a moment. Adults are talking."
The Breacher’s roar of anger grew louder, its form shaking with unbridled rage, but Yusei had already turned his attention back to the youngsters, completely unconcerned by the monstrous threat still looming behind him.
The tension in the air was thick, but with Yusei now standing between them and the Breacher, the trio knew that they were safe—for the moment, at least. The battle might not be over, but with Yusei on their side, the odds had just shifted dramatically in their favor.
//////////////
The Breacher, infuriated by Yusei’s casual dismissal, let out a deafening roar that shook the very ground beneath them. Its grotesque form quivered with rage, and in a fit of pure fury, it launched itself at Yusei with everything it had. The creature’s massive, segmented body moved with terrifying speed, its claws tearing through the air as it aimed to crush Yusei under its immense weight.
But Yusei remained perfectly calm, his expression unchanged as the Breacher’s hulking form closed in on him. Just as the creature’s claws were about to make contact, Yusei raised a single hand, and with a barely perceptible gesture, a barrier of water materialized in front of him. The water solidified into a shimmering, translucent shield that absorbed the impact of the Breacher’s attack effortlessly. The creature’s claws collided with the barrier, but instead of breaking through, they were halted mid-air as if they had struck an immovable object.
The Breacher screeched in frustration, its claws scratching and tearing at the barrier with increasing desperation, but Yusei didn’t even flinch. The water shield held firm, rippling slightly with each impact but showing no signs of giving way.
Seeing its physical attacks fail, the Breacher shifted tactics. Its mouth opened wide, gathering energy once more for another devastating beam attack. The air around the creature crackled with raw power, and the ground beneath it began to fracture from the sheer intensity of the energy it was channeling. This time, the beam that formed was even more concentrated, a piercing pink light that seemed to distort reality itself as it charged up.
The Breacher unleashed the beam with a roar, the destructive energy racing toward Yusei with a force that would have obliterated anything in its path. But Yusei simply extended his hand, his palm facing the incoming beam, and as the energy neared, the water surrounding him surged forward, forming a vortex that enveloped the beam. The water twisted and spiraled, absorbing the energy and dissipating it into harmless steam before it could even touch him.
Haru, Luis, and Angel watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with awe. The difference between Yusei and them was staggering. While they had fought desperately for their lives against the Breacher, struggling with every ounce of strength they had, Yusei was handling the creature’s most powerful attacks with an ease that seemed almost otherworldly.
The Breacher, realizing that its energy attacks were just as ineffective, let out another furious screech. Its body twisted and morphed, the segmented sections of its caterpillar-like lower half splitting open to reveal dozens of razor-sharp tendrils. Each tendril shot forward with lightning speed, aiming to ensnare Yusei and crush him with their immense strength.
Yusei’s eyes glimmered with amusement as he watched the tendrils approach. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a wave of water that surged forward like a living entity. The wave crashed into the tendrils, wrapping around them and freezing them in place. The water, now solidified into ice, held the tendrils immobile, preventing them from reaching Yusei.
The Breacher struggled against the icy bonds, thrashing wildly in an attempt to break free. But Yusei didn’t give it the chance. He raised his other hand, and the water that had been swirling around him coalesced into a massive sphere, glowing with a soft blue light. With a sharp, downward motion of his hand, Yusei sent the sphere hurtling toward the Breacher.
The water sphere collided with the creature’s body, and for a moment, the Breacher was completely engulfed. The sphere expanded, covering the creature in a swirling vortex of water, and then suddenly contracted, crushing the Breacher’s form with a force that made the ground tremble.
When the water receded, the Breacher was left reeling, its body severely damaged and its energy spent. It let out a weak, pitiful screech, its once terrifying presence now reduced to a shadow of its former self.
Yusei turned to face the Breacher, his expression still calm but now tinged with a hint of boredom. "Are you done yet?" he asked, his tone dripping with condescension. "I was expecting a little more fight from something as ancient as you."
The Breacher, now desperate and humiliated, made one last, feeble attempt to attack, but Yusei waved it off with a dismissive flick of his hand. A surge of water shot up from the ground, slamming into the Breacher and sending it crashing into the far wall of the cavern. The impact left the creature dazed, its body slumped and broken, barely clinging to life.
Haru, Luis, and Angel could only watch in awe. They had just witnessed a display of power that was beyond anything they had ever seen. The sheer difference in skill, control, and raw strength between them and Yusei was overwhelming. While they had struggled to survive against the Breacher, Yusei had toyed with it, effortlessly countering every attack and reducing it to a pitiful state.
Haru couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride, knowing that this man—this living legend—was his master. Luis, still struggling to process what he had just seen, was filled with a mix of admiration and disbelief. And Angel, despite his usual laid-back attitude, found himself grinning from ear to ear, just happy to be alive and witnessing something so incredible.
But the Breacher, though beaten, wasn’t ready to give up just yet. It let out a final, defiant screech, its voice trembling with both fear and anger. "You… You dare mock me, Yusei Subaru? I am a creature of the ancient world, a being of immense power! You will regret this—"
Yusei sighed, cutting the creature off mid-rant. "I told you," he said, his voice tinged with impatience. "I’ll deal with you in a moment. For now, just be quiet."
With that, he snapped his fingers, and the water surrounding the Breacher surged forward one last time, forming a tight cocoon around the creature and silencing it instantly. The Breacher’s protests were muffled as it was engulfed, the water forming a perfect prison that held it immobile.
The fight was over—if it could even be called a fight. Yusei had completely neutralised the Breacher without breaking a sweat, leaving the trio in awe of the sheer difference in power between them and the strongest Arknight in the world.
Yusei stood before the captured Breacher, his back straight and his gaze fixed on Haru, Luis, and Angel. The Breacher, once a fearsome predator, now squirmed within its watery prison, its grotesque body trembling in terror. Despite the creature’s pitiful state, Yusei never once turned to look at it. His focus remained solely on his students, as if the Breacher were nothing more than a trivial distraction.
"Watch closely," Yusei instructed, his voice calm and composed. "This is the power of The Ocean Arknight. Strength alone is not what makes one powerful—it’s how you wield that strength, how you master it."
As Yusei spoke, he raised his hand with deliberate slowness, and the water around the Breacher responded instantly. The liquid prison began to ripple and churn, swirling faster as it tightened around the creature’s form. The Breacher’s multifaceted eyes widened in fear, sensing its doom, but Yusei’s gaze remained locked on his students, his expression serene and untroubled.
The Breacher tried to struggle, its limbs thrashing wildly against the tightening water tendrils, but the more it fought, the more the water constricted, wrapping around its limbs and pulling it closer to the center of the vortex. The creature let out a panicked squeal, the sound echoing through the cavern as it realized it was utterly powerless.
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Yusei, however, showed no concern for the Breacher’s plight. His focus was entirely on the lesson he was imparting to his students. "Power is nothing without control," he continued, his voice unwavering. "You must learn to harness your abilities with precision, with intent. Only then can you truly call yourself a master."
The vortex of water intensified, spinning faster and faster around the Breacher. The pressure built up rapidly, the crushing force pressing in on the creature from all sides. The Breacher’s cries became more frantic, a high-pitched screech of terror and agony, but Yusei remained completely unfazed. His eyes never left the boys, and he didn’t so much as glance at the creature he was in the process of destroying.
With a calm, deliberate motion, Yusei clenched his fist. The water responded immediately, compressing the Breacher’s body with a force so immense that it began to implode. The creature’s form collapsed inward, the water crushing it into nothingness. The Breacher let out one final, agonized squeal, a sound of pure despair, before the water engulfed it completely, drowning its last breath and silencing it forever.
As the Breacher’s body disintegrated, the water absorbed its remains, reducing the once formidable creature to nothing but a faint mist. The ashes of the ancient beast were swept away, dissolved into the water, which Yusei then dispersed with a simple wave of his hand. The entire process had been carried out without Yusei ever looking at the Breacher, his focus solely on the lesson he was teaching.
"Remember this," Yusei said, his gaze still fixed on Haru, Luis, and Angel. "Strength without control is meaningless. When you master your power, even the most terrifying threats become insignificant."
The boys stood in stunned silence, fully aware that they had just witnessed something extraordinary. The magnitude of Yusei’s power, and his mastery over it, was something they could only aspire to. While they had fought for their lives against the Breacher, Yusei had treated it as little more than a minor inconvenience, destroying it without even giving it the dignity of his attention.
Haru couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride, knowing that this man—this living legend—was his master. Luis, still processing what he had seen, was filled with a mix of admiration and awe. And Angel, despite his usual carefree attitude, felt a profound sense of relief, just grateful to be alive and to have witnessed such power firsthand.
As the final remnants of the Breacher vanished into the water, Yusei allowed a small, satisfied smile to cross his lips. "Now then," he said, his tone lightening as he shifted back to his usual, more casual demeanour. "Shall we get out of here? I think you three have had enough excitement for one day."
The boys nodded, still in awe, but knowing they had just learned a lesson they would never forget. As they followed Yusei out of the cavern, they realised that this moment—this demonstration of what true mastery looked like—would shape their paths as Arknights. They had seen the difference between mere power and true mastery, and they were determined to close that gap, no matter how long it took.
//////////////
The next day, the group reunited with Jiro and Aslan, who had been anxiously awaiting their return. As the carriage approached the rendezvous point, Jiro and Aslan rushed forward, their faces filled with concern. But when they saw the state of their friends—bruised, exhausted, and visibly shaken—they were immediately taken aback.
"Haru! Luis! Angel!" Jiro called out, his voice tinged with worry. "What happened to you guys?"
Aslan, typically shy and reserved, stood frozen in place, his wide eyes scanning his friends for injuries. His pale complexion grew even paler as he took in the sight of their disheveled appearances. Haru had a few scratches on his arms, Luis had a bruise forming on his cheek, and Angel looked as if he had barely slept, his usually carefree expression replaced with one of quiet exhaustion.
Before any of them could respond, another figure stepped out from behind them—Yusei Subaru. The moment Jiro laid eyes on him, his jaw dropped, and he nearly stumbled backward in shock.
"Y-Yusei Subaru?!" Jiro stammered, his voice rising several octaves. He blinked rapidly, as if trying to convince himself that he wasn’t dreaming. "The Yusei Subaru? The Ocean Arknight? The strongest Arknight in the world?!"
Jiro’s reaction was instant and dramatic. He began to fanboy with an enthusiasm that bordered on disbelief, his eyes wide with admiration as he looked up at the legendary figure standing before him. "I can’t believe it! This is unreal! You’re… you’re right here! I’ve read so much about you, Master Yusei! I’ve heard all the stories! I never thought I’d actually get to meet you!"
Yusei, ever the cool and collected presence, smiled gently at Jiro’s exuberance. "It’s always nice to meet a fan," he said, his tone warm but tinged with his usual casual confidence. "But let’s not get too carried away, alright?"
Jiro immediately straightened up, trying to compose himself, but his excitement was barely contained. "Of course! I mean, yes, sir! I just… wow, this is incredible!"
Meanwhile, Aslan, who had been standing silently beside Jiro, simply stared at Yusei with wide, disbelieving eyes. Unlike Jiro, Aslan wasn’t prone to outbursts, but his shock was evident in his frozen posture and the way he struggled to find words. He had heard of Yusei Subaru, of course—everyone had—but to see him in person, standing there as if he were just another member of their group, was almost too much to process.
Aslan’s mouth opened and closed a few times, as if he were trying to say something, but no sound came out. His mind raced with a mixture of awe, fear, and confusion. How could someone so powerful, so legendary, be here with them? And more importantly, what did this mean for Haru, Luis, and Angel?
Haru, noticing Aslan’s stunned expression, walked over and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It’s okay, Aslan," he said with a gentle smile. "Yusei’s my master. He came to help us out when things got… well, a bit too intense."
Aslan looked up at Haru, his wide eyes slowly narrowing in understanding. "Your master?" he finally managed to whisper. "He’s… your master?"
Haru nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "Yeah. He’s been training me for a while now. And, well, we wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for him."
Luis, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, still visibly shaken by the previous day’s events. "It’s true, Aslan," he added, his voice a mix of respect and awe. "Yusei saved us from something… something we couldn’t have handled on our own. He’s… he’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen."
Angel, who was usually the one to crack a joke or lighten the mood, simply nodded in agreement. He looked at Yusei with a deep sense of gratitude, but also with a newfound respect. "Yeah, he’s the real deal, alright," Angel said quietly. "We’re lucky to have him on our side."
Aslan, still struggling to fully comprehend the situation, finally found his voice. "I… I’m glad you’re all safe," he said, his tone soft but sincere. "And… it’s an honor to meet you, Master Yusei."
Yusei, who had been observing the group with a patient smile, gave Aslan a reassuring nod. "The honor is mine, Aslan," he replied, his voice gentle. "You’re part of this team now, and that means we’re all in this together. You have nothing to fear as long as we’re by your side."
Aslan felt a wave of relief wash over him at Yusei’s words. Though he was still in awe of the legendary Arknight, he could feel the genuine warmth and reassurance in Yusei’s presence. Slowly, he began to relax, the tension easing from his shoulders.
Jiro, meanwhile, was still buzzing with excitement, his admiration for Yusei evident in every word and gesture. "I just can’t believe it," he said, his voice still filled with wonder. "I’m actually standing here with Yusei Subaru! This is the best day of my life!"
Haru chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance with Luis and Angel. Despite the dangers they had faced, the relief of being safe, and the presence of Yusei, had lightened their spirits considerably. It was a reminder that, no matter how dire things might seem, they were never truly alone.
As they began to prepare for the next leg of their journey, the group felt a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination. They knew that with Yusei by their side, they were stronger than ever, and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
//////////////
As Jiro prepared the raptors for the journey, he couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nervousness. It wasn’t every day that the strongest Arknight in the world, Yusei Subaru, casually announced that he’d be joining you for a ride. As Yusei approached the carriage, his relaxed demeanour contrasted sharply with the anxiety Jiro was doing his best to hide. The young driver fumbled slightly as he adjusted the reins, his hands a bit shaky at the thought of having such a legendary figure in his carriage.
"All set, Jiro?" Yusei asked with a playful grin, clearly aware of the effect he was having.
"Y-Yes, Master Yusei!" Jiro stammered, his voice cracking slightly. "Ready when you are, sir!"
Yusei chuckled softly as he climbed into the carriage with the others, settling in comfortably. Haru, Luis, Angel, and Aslan followed suit, taking their places as the raptors began to move. As they set off, Jiro focused intently on his driving, determined not to make any mistakes with such an esteemed passenger aboard.
Over the next few days, the group traveled together toward the grand city of Bulistan. The journey was filled with moments of bonding and learning, though Yusei remained somewhat enigmatic about their destination. Despite the boys’ curiosity, he kept any additional information about the academy close to his chest, offering only hints and playful remarks whenever they tried to probe for more details.
"Patience," Yusei would say with a smirk, "all will be revealed in due time. For now, just enjoy the journey."
As they traveled, it became increasingly clear to Luis, Angel, and Aslan that Yusei was quite the show-off. Whether it was casually displaying his mastery over water by creating intricate sculptures from thin air, or performing incredible feats of agility just to pass the time, Yusei had a flair for the dramatic. Haru, who had been with Yusei for some time, was already used to his master’s penchant for showing off, but the others had to adjust to the realization that the legendary Arknight enjoyed a bit of theatrics.
Despite Yusei’s larger-than-life personality, the boys grew closer during the journey. Angel Goldstone, who had initially seemed so carefree and nonchalant, revealed more about his background. The Tadashimas learned that Angel was a cousin of the main Goldstone family, but unlike his more competitive relatives, he was relatively laid-back and uninterested in the rivalry that had long existed between the Goldstones and the Tadashimas.
"You won’t have to worry about me stirring any trouble," Angel said with a grin one evening as they camped by the road. "But Lawrence and Emma… well, they’re another story."
Haru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What’s their deal?"
Angel leaned back, looking up at the stars. "Lawrence is pretty serious—always has been. He’s dedicated, disciplined, and kind of intense. He’s not the type to let things slide, especially when it comes to proving himself. Emma, on the other hand, is a bit more fiery, but she’s just as competitive. They’ve both got their eyes on being the best, so you’ll definitely have to watch out for them."
Yusei, who had been listening from the sidelines, nodded in agreement. "Lawrence was one of my former students back in the day. He’s not someone to take lightly. If you face him, you’ll need to bring your A-game."
As they continued their journey, the boys found themselves growing more excited—and more nervous—about what lay ahead in Bulistan. They spent hours discussing what the academy might be like, the challenges they would face, and how they would measure up against their future classmates. Yusei offered advice here and there, guiding them without giving away too much, and his presence brought a sense of reassurance that, no matter what happened, they had the support of one of the greatest Arknights to ever live.
Finally, as they neared the coast, Jiro called back to the group with a mixture of excitement and relief. "We’re almost there! Just an hour or so until we reach Bulistan!"
The boys exchanged glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The grand city of Bulistan, the place where their journey as Arknights would truly begin, was just within reach. They had come a long way, facing dangers they could never have imagined, but now, as they approached the city, they felt a surge of excitement for the new future that awaited them.
As the skyline of Bulistan began to emerge on the horizon, the group prepared themselves for the next chapter in their lives. They had grown stronger, both as individuals and as a team, and they were ready to face whatever challenges the academy—and the world—would throw at them. With Yusei by their side, they knew that they were ready to begin their journey into greatness.
As the carriage crested the final hill, the city of Bulistan came into view, and the group fell silent, their eyes widening in awe. Sprawled before them was a city of unparalleled beauty, a sight that none of them, save Yusei and Jiro, had ever imagined. The city was a grand tapestry of rich history and vibrant life, its skyline dominated by towering spires and magnificent temples that seemed to reach for the heavens.
Bulistan sat nestled between the sparkling waters of the Great Lake of Aramram and the vast expanse of the Sea of Kalkan. The city’s architecture was a stunning blend of old and new, with ancient stone buildings standing proudly beside more modern structures. The rooftops were a sea of red and gold tiles, glinting in the sunlight like jewels. Intricately designed bridges spanned the canals and waterways that crisscrossed through the city, their arches adorned with carvings of mythical creatures and legendary heroes.
The streets, visible even from a distance, were bustling with life. Markets overflowed with vibrant colors as merchants peddled their wares, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the calls of street vendors. The scent of exotic spices, freshly baked bread, and roasting meats wafted up to greet them, making the boys’ stomachs rumble in anticipation.
Towering over the city were the magnificent temples, their domes and minarets piercing the sky. Each temple was a masterpiece of architecture, adorned with intricate patterns and mosaics that told the stories of the gods and heroes revered by the people of the Kalkan Federation. The domes shimmered with gold and azure, reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display that made the entire city glow with a divine light.
"By God's Grace…" Haru murmured, his voice filled with awe as he took in the sight. "I’ve never seen anything like this."
Luis, usually composed and confident, was momentarily speechless. His sharp eyes roamed over the city, taking in every detail with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. "It’s… it’s incredible," he finally managed to say. "I’ve traveled all over the Zaurelias Empire, but nothing compares to this."
Angel, who had been leaning casually out of the carriage, let out a low whistle. "Now *this* is what I call a city," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "I might just have to stay here a while."
Aslan, who had never ventured beyond the familiar streets of Flanagan, was completely overwhelmed. His wide eyes sparkled with wonder as he tried to take in everything at once—the grand temples, the bustling markets, the endless sea of rooftops. "It’s… it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "I never imagined…"
Yusei, who had been watching their reactions with a fond smile, nodded in agreement. "It’s just as beautiful as the last time I was here," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "Bulistan has always been a city of wonders, a place where history and beauty come together in perfect harmony."
Jiro, who had been to Bulistan before, couldn’t help but puff out his chest with pride as he guided the carriage down the road toward the city gates. "This," he announced confidently, "is the Jewel of the Kalkan Federation. There’s no place quite like Bulistan, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll never forget it."
As they entered the city, the boys’ amazement only grew. The streets were alive with activity, people of all kinds moving with purpose through the bustling marketplaces and along the wide boulevards. The architecture up close was even more breathtaking, with the stone buildings adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant mosaics. Each alley and side street seemed to offer a new discovery—a hidden garden, a secluded temple courtyard, or a charming café tucked away from the main roads.
The sounds of the city surrounded them—street performers playing lively music on traditional instruments, merchants calling out to potential customers, and the laughter of children playing in the squares. Above it all, the melodic call to prayer echoed from the towering temples, a reminder of the city’s deep spiritual roots.
The carriage rolled slowly through the streets, giving the boys plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds. Everywhere they looked, there was something new and wondrous to behold. They passed by grand fountains that sparkled with crystal-clear water, their basins adorned with statues of gods and heroes. Ornate lanterns hung from the buildings, casting a warm, inviting glow over the streets as the evening approached.
As they made their way deeper into the city, they crossed over one of the many bridges that spanned the canals. Below, they could see boats drifting lazily along the water, their decks filled with passengers and goods. The water itself was a deep, reflective blue, mirroring the vibrant colors of the buildings that lined its banks.
Finally, as they neared the heart of the city, the grand temples came into full view, their towering spires and domes dominating the skyline. The largest of the temples stood at the center of a vast plaza, its golden dome shining like a beacon. The plaza was filled with people—pilgrims, merchants, and travelers from all over the world—each drawn to the temple’s magnificence.
"This is where it all begins," Yusei said, breaking the silence that had fallen over the group as they gazed in awe at the temple. "Bulistan is a city of wonders, but it’s also a place of trials. You’ll face challenges here that will test you in ways you’ve never been tested before. But if you face them with courage and determination, you’ll come out stronger for it."
The boys nodded, their excitement tempered by a newfound sense of purpose. They had come to Bulistan to grow, to learn, and to prove themselves as Arknights. And now, standing on the threshold of this magnificent city, they were more determined than ever to rise to the challenge.
As Jiro guided the carriage toward their final destination, the group couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within them. The grand city of Bulistan lay before them, filled with wonders and mysteries, and they were ready to embrace whatever the future held.
It was time for our heroes to enter the Academy and for their true journey as Arknights to finally begin.
//////////////
Hey there, it’s been a while since we last met back in Chapter 1. You’ve probably been wondering where I’ve been, right? Or maybe you’ve just been eagerly waiting for the ‘Class In Session’ part of the title to finally kick in. I get it—you’ve been craving that superhero academy vibe, ready to dive into the action, the training, and all the drama that comes with it.
But, let’s be honest—the author had a bit more build-up in mind. They wanted to set the stage, introduce you to the world, the characters, and the stakes. But now? Now we’re finally here. The journey’s begun, and it’s about to get real interesting.
So, here’s the deal: strap up, sit down, and get ready, because this series? It might just end up being longer than your favorite pirate treasure hunting anime. And I do mean *might*—depending on whether the author’s got the stamina to keep it going and see it through to the end. But hey, who knows, right?
So go ahead, dust off those nostalgia books, and get comfortable. Because guess what? Class. Is. In. Session!