Lying on my back, Frustration and determination waged a battle in my heart as I came to terms with the glaring gaps in my swordsmanship. My eyes followed the clouds as they shifted and morphed in the sky.

In the distance, I couldn't help but watch in awe as my fellow swordsmen showcased their extraordinary skills. Their blades moved with an almost ethereal grace, executing intricate parries and strikes that left me dumbfounded.

With each breath, I contemplated the boundless sky above, its infinite potential. My current shortcomings were mere stepping stones and I knew that with dedication, I could overcome them.

I strolled toward the dormitories on the school grounds, and I found myself interrupted by Ryuu's unexpected request."Hey, Yuri, can you spare a moment?"

Curious, I replied, "Of course, Ryuu. What's up?"

"You'll discover that soon enough." he responded

Together, we made our way toward a grandiose castle-like structure nestled by the edge of a vast, glistening lake."What exactly is this place?"

Ryuu elaborated, "This is where the Scelta reside."

The Scelta were renowned as the elite within our academy, and Ryuu himself was considered a once-in-a-millennium prodigy. Maybe he was also a part of this group, but why did he bring me here?

Upon reaching the castle-like structure, we were greeted by the other three Scelta members.

A striking girl with long, flowing silver hair who also wore a beret introduced herself warmly, "You must be Yuri. I'm Ash; it's a pleasure to meet you."

I nodded in response, but before I could reply, another Scelta, a rugged figure bearing numerous facial scars and a missing left eye chimed in, "You seem rather small, don't you? I'm Eden, and I hope your skills match your reputation."

"The pleasure is mine, Eden, and rest assured, I won't disappoint." I replied confidently.

‘Disappoint him? I don't even understand why I'm here,’

Lastly, the leader of the Scelta, a tall individual with short, blond hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward "I am Akira, the head of the Scelta. I hold immense respect for your father, Yuri. While this may be a formality, I wish to extend an invitation to the son of the Scelta's founder to join our ranks."

In formality huh, like I would want to be friends with a bunch of rich kids, I politely declined, stating firmly, "I appreciate the offer, but I tend to work better alone."

Turning away from the Scelta, I started my journey back to the dormitory. Akira, attempting to provoke a reaction, remarked, "I have a feeling you'll come to regret this."

Rejecting the Scelta, the prestigious path that my classmates so eagerly embraced, was no small feat. I had already sensed a degree of animosity from my peers, and I knew that this refusal would only make me a larger target

I continued my solitary walk and, by chance, stumbled upon a colossal opening in one of the nearby hills. Could this be…?

The entrance concealed a labyrinthine catacomb system beneath the very grounds of our academy. My insatiable curiosity compelled me to venture further into the dimly lit underground. As I delved deeper into the catacombs, an eerie ambiance enveloped my senses

Hidden within the catacombs, I stumbled upon a concealed chamber where cloaked figures gathered, shrouded in the obscurity of shadows. Their hushed conversations sent shivers down my spine, revealing a chilling truth—The Swordmaster Academy concealed a covert underground crime organization, the Shadows of Rockbourne. Maybe i could figure out why they targeted us.

With bated breath, I strained to eavesdrop on their clandestine discourse:

"The neighboring village remains resolute in their defiance. We must instill fear and make an example of them."

"I have cultivated valuable connections among the academy's instructors. They will ensure that our nefarious activities remain undetected."

"But what of Akira? He possesses insatiable curiosity, constantly prying into matters that do not concern him."

"Akira poses no threat as long as he remains oblivious to our true agenda. He can continue his training, blissfully unaware."

"The academy's vast resources lie at our disposal. We wield the power to manipulate the institution's power structure to our advantage."

I continued to play my clandestine role, blending seamlessly among the members of The Shadows of Rockbourne, hiding in plain sight. If there was a threat on Yuki and Ryuu I could act swiftly to stop them.

After my clandestine encounter in the catacombs, I made a hasty exit, my mind a whirlwind of confusion and fear. The revelation of the sinister organization hidden within our academy had shaken me to my core.

As planned, I met up with Yuki at the same small cafe nestled in the heart of the academy town.

Yuki's cheerful smile and warm greeting did little to ease the turmoil within me. She sensed my unease and concern etched across my face. "Yuri, is something wrong?" she inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

I hesitated for a moment, my gaze darting around the cozy cafe, as if the very walls had ears. My voice dropped to a hushed tone, "Yuki, I… nevermind."

Yuki leaned in closer, her crimson red eyes locked onto mine, filled with both curiosity and worry. "Yuri, you can trust me. Whatever it is, we've always faced challenges together. You know I'm here for you."

I appreciated Yuki's unwavering support. But the fear of implicating her in the dangerous secrets I had uncovered gnawed at my conscience. I took a deep breath and shook my head, feigning a reassuring smile. "No, Yuki, it's really nothing. I'm just overthinking things. Let's enjoy our time here and forget about it."

Then a sharp strike fell on my head. “Ouch, what the hell.” She was small but her punches hurt.

“Do you think im stupid or something.” her anger was growing by the moment, so i decided to tell her about The Scelta instead of the shadows.

“Fine, Ryuu took me to see the Scelta and they invited me to join.” I said.

“That's great, it's rare to be invited in your first year.” she leaned closer her face filled with excitement. “So did you meet my friend Ash?”

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Ash? hm long silver hair, big boobs?”I responded, and once again she punched me. I felt like every punch made me lose brain cells.

“Yeah, so that means you're going to live with them now?” she asked.

“Nah i rejected them.”her face shifted from excitement to disappointment. “They only invited me because my father founded the group.”

“Ah your father, well I guess you want to earn your way in?” She said as she took a bite of the small cake she had ordered. Yuki has a sweet tooth and not just that, a never ending appetite.

“Yeah, I guess.”

***

With the unsettling revelation of The Shadows of Rockbourne lurking beneath the surface of the Swordmaster Academy, I found myself navigating the precarious balance between my secret investigation and my academic responsibilities.

As the sun cast its gentle morning glow over the academy, I sat in the classroom, listening attentively to the lectures of Master Kenzo. I was a diligent student, determined to excel in both academics and combat training.

The topic of the day was the intricate art of swordplay, a subject I had always been passionate about. However, my thoughts kept drifting. Short blue hair… It was the girl from the tavern. She was wearing a graduation robe, damn there goes my chance once again.

During breaks between classes, I discreetly continued my investigation into The Shadows of Rockbourne, seeking to uncover their hidden agenda and dismantle their sinister operations.

Every day followed a predictable routine for me. I devoted my time to my studies, striving to absorb as much knowledge as possible. In the evenings, a delightful tradition awaited, then Yuki and I ventured into the bustling heart of the city for dinner. Occasionally, her friend Ash and sometimes Ryuu joined us, adding to the lively atmosphere of our outings. Once our meal was over, I embarked on a somewhat secretive adventure - sneaking into the mysterious catacombs

Within those dimly lit catacombs, secrets and conversations echoed through the damp, stone chambers. My purpose was to eavesdrop on these clandestine discussions. If I ever stumbled upon something truly sinister or out of line, I felt a duty to intervene and thwart any harm that might arise from The Shadows. This has been my routine for the past 6 days.

However, tonight was unlike any other. The catacombs buzzed with an electrifying tension that hung in the air. The discussions had taken a perilous turn, revolving around a dangerous objective - the elimination of Akira. It became evident that I was not the only one keeping a vigilant eye on The Shadows' nefarious activities. My feelings about Akira were complicated, i didn't like him but certainly i didn't want him to die.

Though the darkness of the catacombs provided some semblance of concealment, Taiki, the organization's formidable second-in-command, remained a watchful sentinel. His ever-present suspicion cast a shadow over me. It seemed as though his piercing gaze could penetrate even my most carefully crafted façade.

Abruptly, Taiki's intense focus honed in on me, and his gruff voice cut through the room, demanding my input on the unfolding matter. "You there, newcomer," he growled, locking his gaze onto mine. "What's your perspective on this operation? Your silence has been conspicuous.”

Caught off guard, I responded, my voice quivering slightly, "Well, I believe it's imperative that we approach this task with extreme caution. Given that our target is a prominent member of the Scelta, it might be wise to conduct a more thorough investigation."

"An investigation, you say?" Taiki mused, his tone laced with skepticism. "That's an intriguing suggestion, newcomer. Now, tell me, what have your 'scouting' efforts uncovered?"

Shit, my heart raced as I scrambled to fabricate details of an imaginary mission, acutely aware that any admission of my deception could unravel my precarious charade.

However, Taiki remained unconvinced, drawing closer until his voice dropped to a treacherous whisper. "I don't buy it, newcomer. Something about you doesn't add up. You're not who you claim to be."

A shiver of dread swept through the room, causing an unsettling murmur of suspicion to ripple among the gathered members.

Anxiety gripped my heart as I watched the leader remove his white mask revealing a scar covered face, his left eye was missing. His presence casting a shadow of uncertainty over the chamber. Eden had turned out to be the leader of The Shadows of Rockbourne. That's when I realized there was no reason to scout Akira. Eden and Akira are third years, Eden must already have him figured out.

"Now that you're cornered, what's your next move?" Eden taunted, his voice dripping with confidence.

I hesitated for a moment, a feeling of helplessness washing over me as I assessed the dire situation. "There is nothing I can do," I finally admitted, but I couldn't help but smile and grip my blade ready to at least take someone with me.

Eden's grin widened, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "I am disappointed," he said mockingly. "Here I thought there was something to your claims of working better alone."

I swallowed hard. "My time will come, I will be the greatest swordsman," I responded, a touch of defiance in my voice, "when I've learned all there is to know and I suppose when I become more experienced as well."

Eden halted, his gaze piercing through me as he spoke ominously. "That's assuming you leave here today."

With a swift motion, I drew my sword, preparing myself for the impending confrontation. The other members, save for Eden, mirrored my action, forming a formidable assembly of thirty adversaries.

"Stand down," Eden ordered his men. "I have a proposition for you, Yuri." Even if I managed to defeat half of his followers, I'd be too fatigued to continue the fight.

"Do you understand why one should avoid fighting the same opponent repeatedly?" Eden inquired, his tone now more measured.

"I believe it's because they can learn your fighting style," I responded, my mind racing as I tried to piece together the implications of his words.

"Correct," Eden acknowledged with a nod. "That's why I'll permit your departure if you challenge Akira to a duel for his position within the Scelta." Huh, well maybe more girls will be attracted to me if i become the schools number one.

I couldn't help but be curious about Eden's motives. "What do you stand to gain from this, and how can you be sure I'll defeat him?" I countered, my skepticism clear.

“ I will ascend to leadership, extending my influence within the institution." Damn good plan, scarface.

"And do not underestimate your abilities," Eden continued, "I will train you and you will not fight this battle alone.”

With newfound determination, I accepted his proposal, agreeing to work under his leadership. Eden assured me that he would be in touch soon, but the following day, everything remained as uncertain as ever.

***

In the city of Rockbourne, Yuki and I took a break from our usual cafe runs to go for a walk.

As we walked down the cobblestone streets, our swords by our sides,"Hey Yuri, want to have a friendly sword fight? Just to see who's better?" Yuki suggested with a mischievous grin.

I couldn't resist her playful challenge and agreed, "Sure, let's do it." We found a quiet alley to spar in, and the sound of our swords clashing filled the air.

Our fight was intense, with sparks flying as our swords met. We circled each other, locked in a focused stare. Yuki's quick and precise moves showed her skill, and I couldn't help but be impressed. "You're really good," I admitted.

Yuki's smile softened, showing a warmth beyond our friendly competition. "You're not bad yourself."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden light over Rockbourne, our fight turned into a graceful dance. Our movements matched perfectly, as if we were dancing to a special tune only we could hear. The clash of swords turned into a closer connection, one that went beyond competition.

"Yuri," she whispered, her voice barely heard over the rustling breeze.

I turned towards her, our faces very close. "Yes, Yuki?"

In that peaceful instant, words felt unnecessary. We stood there, looking into each other's eyes, our hearts beating in a rhythm.

But our day was more than just a sword fight; it was filled with shared moments and new discoveries. We wandered through the bustling market square, tried tasty pastries, and laughed together as we enjoyed the flavors of Rockbourne. Yuki's eyes sparkled with joy when she found a beautifully illustrated book of medieval legends in a charming library. We read stories side by side, our shoulders touching.

We stumbled upon a serene garden illuminated by lanterns, a hidden paradise in the heart of the city. We sat on a stone bench, our fingers intertwined, and Yuki spoke softly, "This has been wonderful."

I nodded, feeling a deep bond with her. "Yeah, I'm already excited thinking about the next time we will be together."

Our eyes met, and the unspoken sentiments hung in the air. In that moment, under the moonlit sky, I realized something. It was a connection that had deepened with each passing moment.

We continued to explore the city, hand in hand.