Jake and Luna arrived at Starlight University, a vibrant and lively place that was a stark contrast to the controlled and restricted environment Luna was used to in her era. The landscape was a blend of sleek urban development and charming historical architecture, with the university standing as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural diversity. Its motto, "Bridging Minds, Shaping Futures," resonated throughout the community, encapsulating the university's commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an ever-changing world.
Students dressed in various outfits and carried different weapons, reflecting a freedom of expression that was unfamiliar to Luna. In her era, schools required students to wear dull uniforms and strictly regulated the types of weapons they could carry, with every action monitored closely.
"Jake, this is such a vibrant school. It's so different from where I come from!" Luna exclaimed, marveling at the different culture and traditions.
Jake, however, took it all in stride, as it was the norm in his time. "I don't think it's anything special; this is just usual."
Luna shook her head in amazement. "You have no idea how lucky you are right now—so much freedom, creativity, vibrancy!"
As they walked through the bustling heart of the campus, the university unfolded like a micro-universe. Jake and Luna's anticipation grew, buoyed by Jake's vivid descriptions of his friends who were about to join them. Their arrival was marked by a burst of energy and distinct personal styles that immediately enriched the group's dynamic. "I'd like you to meet two of my coolest friends," Jake said enthusiastically. "I think you'll get along great with both of them!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Carter_Brooks_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/ff/Hockey_Stick.png]
Suddenly, a hand was placed on Jake's shoulder from behind. "What's going on, Jake?" The voice belonged to Carter Brooks, a figure of unmistakable presence. His bold, spiked blond hair caught the sunlight, accentuating his lean and sculpted physique, which bore the marks of an active lifestyle and dedication to athletics. Dressed in a sleeveless grey hoodie that showcased his muscular arms, and dark green track pants that emphasized his agile stance, Carter embodied the essence of an athlete perpetually in motion. His attire, casual yet purposeful, reflected his dynamic spirit and readiness to face life's challenges. The black hockey gloves enveloping his hands, along with the hockey stick he casually wielded, were not mere accessories but expressions of his passion for hockey and his readiness for adventure.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a0/Akane_Miyazaki_Profile.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d3/Sai.png]
"Knock it off, Carter!" Jake laughed, as another voice chimed in from behind them. It was Akane Miyazaki who brought a sense of serene elegance to the group. Her neat, chin-length bob framed her face with precision, the dark locks accentuating her warm brown eyes that sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. Her petite, pear-shaped figure was gracefully accentuated by an understated light pink dress that flowed with her movements, highlighting her refined aesthetic. Despite her quiet and observant demeanor, there was an unmistakable strength about her, subtly hinted at by her choice of weapon—a pair of sais that she carried with ease, indicating her proficiency and confidence in their use.
"You two guys, stop messing around!" Ayane chided gently.
"Both of you are here at the right moment. There's someone I want to introduce you to!" Jake said, looking in Luna's direction.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
"So, who is this new friend of yours?" Carter asked playfully.
Ayane, pulling Jake's sleeve, asked in a soft, shy tone, "Is she your girlfriend?"
"Hey, guys, no! She's my distant relative," Jake clarified, while Luna shyly waved and said, "Hi," unsure of how to react.
Carter, his presence as striking as his reputation, met Luna's handshake with a charismatic grin that lit up his features. "Nice to meet you, too. My name is Carter Brooks! Jake's been pretty secretive about his 'distant relative.'" His words were light-hearted yet tinged with genuine interest, as he sincerely tried to make friends with Luna.
Luna reciprocated the handshake. "My name's Luna Estrella, nice to meet you."
She then turned her attention to Ayane, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, her contemplative and shy nature evident. "And you are?" Luna offered her hand, and Ayane slowly extended hers in return. "Ayane Mizaki," she replied softly, quickly pulling back her hand. "You're beautiful," she added shyly, her warm brown eyes looking downwards, revealing her lack of confidence.
"Thank you! You're beautiful, too!" Luna responded warmly, reciprocating Ayane's compliment.
"And are you here at our university for anything specific? I can show you around if you need!" Carter offered, always friendly and assertive. Not wanting to waste any time, Luna told Carter her objective. "I'm here to meet the professor in weapon history. I have some inquiries to make about the seven swords..." Luna replied, straightforward and focused on the purpose of her visit.
Carter, embodying the quintessential skeptic with his forthright and assertive demeanor, couldn't resist a playful scoff at the mention of the fabled weapons. Raising an eyebrow in a gesture that was both a challenge and a statement of disbelief, he chuckled, "Come on, those are just myths!" His laughter, though dismissive, betrayed a flicker of intrigue beneath his jest.
Unaware of the importance the seven swords held for Luna, Carter thought she was joking. His skeptical nature led him to laugh innocently, not realizing his words had offended her. Luna looked at him with an unhappy expression, feeling dismissed.
Akane, drawn into the conversation, found an opportunity to speak softly to Luna. "The seven swords... I don't think they exist..." Despite her reservations, she wanted to engage with Luna more, unaware that her words had also upset her.
Jake, noticing Luna's discomfort and understanding that his friends weren't aware of the real reason behind her quest, decided to mediate. "Hey guys, cut it out! Luna is serious about finding out more about the seven swords. We should talk to the professor of weapon history and let him decide whether it's fact or fiction," he suggested, his voice a beacon of optimism. "He's an expert on these legends; maybe he knows something about the seven swords."
Carter stopped laughing, and Akane gave a soft nod. They both agreed with Jake's suggestion, recognizing that it would be best to consult an expert. "I'm pretty sure the seven swords are just myths," Carter said, confident in his belief.
Together, the quartet walked towards the office of the professor of weapon history, eager to uncover the mystery of the seven swords and determine whether they were real or mere myth. Upon reaching the office, they found the door closed. Jake knocked politely. "Professor, we have something to ask you," he called out, hoping for a response. There was only silence, but the door, left unlocked, slipped open slightly with his knock.
"It seems like the professor isn't in. Should we wait outside?" Jake suggested, unsure of the proper protocol.
"I say let's go in and wait for the professor!" Carter, full of energy and enthusiasm, declared as he barged into the office, welcoming himself in. The others, uncertain but curious, followed his lead.
Inside, the office was a sight to behold. It resembled a museum more than a typical academic office. Glass cases displayed various replica weapons, each meticulously placed. "Woah, Jake! Look at this!" Carter exclaimed, pointing at a rare-looking katana. "Do you think it's real?" he asked, barely containing his excitement at the sight of the impressive weapons.
"We better not touch anything! If something breaks, we might have to pay for it," Jake cautioned, eyeing the replicas warily as they appeared quite valuable. Akane wandered the room, her curiosity piqued by the array of weapons, but she hesitated to focus on any one piece.
Luna, meanwhile, was still focused on her mission. She scanned the room, hoping to find any clues, books, or replicas referencing the seven swords. Her disappointment grew as she found none, a stark reminder of her previous encounters that led to dead ends. "You look disappointed, Luna. Don't worry; the professor should be here soon," Jake reassured her, hoping to offer some comfort. Luna nodded, though a nagging worry lingered in her heart that this might end like her past attempts—another dead end in the search for the seven swords' reality.
Suddenly, a man stepped into the office. "Ahem!" he cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the four teenagers. They turned towards the door, startled and unsure of how to proceed.