11 years ago...

The sun-drenched courtyard was filled with the sound of laughter and chirping birds. Four-year-old Jairen giggled uncontrollably as his older brother Yaro, nine years old and already showing a hint of responsibility, playfully teased him. Their tiny sibling, just a few months old, lay sleeping in a nearby cradle, oblivious to the joy surrounding them.

Yaro turned to tend to the baby, and Jairen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yaro, can I watch you chop wood?" he asked, his voice trembling with eagerness.

Yaro's expression turned serious, and he gently ruffled Jairen's hair. "Not today, little one. You need to help me keep an eye on the baby. I'll teach you how to chop wood when you're older."

Jairen's face lit up with a bright smile, and he nodded enthusiastically, already imagining the day he'd wield an axe like his big brother.

Yaro strode out into the crisp air, his axe slung over his shoulder, ready to tackle the day's chore. Jairen watched from the doorway, his eyes shining with admiration as his big brother disappeared into the trees.

As the sound of axe blows echoed through the forest, Jairen's imagination ran wild. He envisioned the three of them - Yaro, himself, and their baby brother - standing strong, united against any challenge that came their way. A fierce determination burned within him, and he clenched his small fists, ready to take on the world.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Yaro sneaked up behind him. With a playful growl, he pounced, making Jairen shriek in surprise. The younger boy's eyes widened, and he burst into laughter as Yaro chuckled and ruffled his hair.

Miraculously, the baby slept through the commotion, oblivious to the excitement. Jairen grinned up at Yaro, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "You got me, Yaro!"

Yaro smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Gotcha, little bro!"

Yaro dropped the load of wood onto the floor with a thud, his chest heaving slightly from the exertion. The wood would keep them warm tonight, he thought, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

But before Jairen could respond, the sky outside suddenly erupted in a blinding flash of light, like a wildfire exploding to life. The cabin's windows flared with an otherworldly glow, casting an eerie light on the brothers' faces.

Yaro's smile faltered, his eyes widening in alarm as he instinctively stepped closer to Jairen. The air seemed to vibrate with an ominous energy, and the baby stirred, emitting a faint cry.

Jairen's eyes were fixed on the windows, his face bathed in the unnatural light. His voice trembled as he whispered, "What's happening?”

The screams of their neighbors pierced the air, shrill and terrified. Yaro's face hardened, his eyes flashing with determination. He sprinted out the door, leaving Jairen to scramble after him.

"Yaro, wait!" Jairen cried, but his brother spun back, his expression stern. "Stay with the baby, Jairen! Keep him safe!"

Jairen's face scrunched in distress, but he nodded and dashed back to the cradle. He scooped up the baby, cradling him tightly as he watched Yaro disappear into the chaos.

Yaro grabbed his blade and axe, the weapons gleaming in the eerie light. With a fierce cry, he charged into the fray, ready to face whatever horror was descending upon their village.

The sounds of clashing steel, screams, and destruction filled the air, growing louder by the second. Jairen's heart raced, his eyes fixed on the door, praying for Yaro's safe return.

The village was ablaze, the once-clear sky now a deep, fiery red. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and blood. Yaro's eyes scanned the chaos, his heart racing with every snap of a burning beam or shriek of the terrified.

As he charged into the fray, he spotted a chilling scene: a man strangling a helpless woman, her eyes bulging in desperation. Yaro's axe flew from his hand, striking the attacker with precision, freeing the woman from his deadly grip.

The woman coughed, gasping for air, as Yaro rushed to her side. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes welling up with tears.

Yaro's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Ma'am, can you help me? My siblings are alone in our cabin. They need someone to keep them safe."

The woman nodded, still coughing, her eyes filled with determination. "Where is it?" she asked, her voice weak but resolute.

Yaro pointed towards the cabin, his eyes locked on hers. "It's a ways from here. Be careful, the path is treacherous, especially in your condition."

The woman nodded, her face set in a fierce expression. "I'll get there. I promise."

Yaro's axe slid from the attacker's lifeless body, its blade now stained with the blood of the fallen. He wiped it clean on his pant leg, his gaze scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. The village was a battleground, the streets slick with the blood of the innocent.

As he ventured deeper, a gruesome scene unfolded before him. Bodies littered the ground, some charred beyond recognition, others torn apart by some unseen force. Yaro's stomach churned in revulsion, his breath catching in his throat. He groaned, his eyes scanning the carnage with a mix of horror and disgust.

Despite the revulsion, he pressed on, his senses on high alert. He knew that in this chaos, danger could lurk around every corner. His axe at the ready, he moved with deliberate slowness, his eyes scanning the ruins for any sign of movement, his ears straining to detect the faintest sound of breathing. The silence was oppressive, heavy with the weight of death and destruction.

Suddenly, two masked figures burst from the smoke-filled alleyway, their eyes fixed on Yaro with a feral intensity. They charged towards him with a synchronized battle cry, their weapons at the ready.

Yaro stood his ground, his axe and sword poised for battle. With a swift swing, he brought the axe down upon the leg of the nearest attacker, the blade biting deep into the wood of the nearby building as the attacker's leg crumpled beneath him.

In the same motion, Yaro whipped his sword towards the second attacker, the blade slicing through the air with a deadly whisper. The attacker raised their arm, barely deflecting the blow, but Yaro's sword bit deep into their shoulder, sending them stumbling backward.

The first attacker, despite their maimed leg, lunged at Yaro with a snarl, their weapon flashing in the flickering light. Yaro parried the blow with his sword, his axe at the ready for the next strike. The battle was far from over.

The two attackers closed in, their eyes blazing with a savage fury. Yaro's mind raced with the grim reality - he was outnumbered, but he couldn't falter. Not now. Not when his brothers needed him.

Just as he braced for the next attack, a chilling scream pierced the air, sending shivers down his spine. Jairen's voice, filled with terror, echoed through the forest, seeming to come from the direction of their cabin.

Yaro's heart skipped a beat. His instincts screamed at him to rush to his brother's aid, but he knew he couldn't abandon the fight. Not yet. He had to dispatch these attackers, no matter how daunting the odds.

With a fierce cry, Yaro charged forward, his axe and sword flashing in the flickering light. The attackers met him head-on, their weapons clashing with his in a deadly dance. Yaro's focus narrowed to a single goal - end this battle, and rush to Jairen's side before it's too late.

Yaro's eyes blazed with a fierce yellow light, his pupils glowing like embers. In that instant, his sword flashed with an otherworldly energy, slicing through the attackers with a single, swift motion. The blade bit deep into the trees beyond, cleaving a swath of destruction through the forest, leaving a trail of splintered trunks and shattered branches in its wake.

The attackers crumpled, their weapons fallen, their bodies still. The forest was silent once more, the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves and the heavy breathing of Yaro.

With a swift turn, Yaro sprinted towards the cabin, his heart pounding in his chest. The yellow glow in his eyes faded, replaced by a deep concern for his brothers. He burst through the door, his sword still at the ready, prepared for the worst.

Yaro burst into the cabin, his sword still trembling with adrenaline. But his heart sank, his world crumbling around him. The cradle was empty, his baby brother gone. Jairen lay on the floor, his small body wracked with convulsions, his lungs struggling to draw air through the blood choking him.

Yaro's eyes widened in horror, his mind reeling with despair. He stumbled forward, his sword slipping from his grasp, as he fell to his knees beside Jairen. The voice behind him was like a cold wind, sending shivers down his spine.

"Hani...shi..." The voice was low, menacing, and seemed to carry on the wind, echoing through Yaro's mind.

As he turned to face the speaker, the cabin vanished, replaced by an endless expanse of desolate landscape. Yaro's eyes scanned the horizon, disoriented and lost. He screamed at the top of his lungs, echoing through the void, as he pounded his fists into the ground, his body shaking with rage and grief.

The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only the anguish in his heart, and the haunting whisper in his mind... "Hani...shi..."

Yaro stood atop a rocky outcropping, surveying the devastation before him. The landscape was a desolate wasteland, bodies reduced to charred skeletons and the air thick with the acrid smell of smoke and blood.

"I will change this world!" Yaro declared, his voice echoing across the ruins. "I will bring back the simplicity, the peace! I will be the King this world needs!"

As he spoke, a savage emerged from the smoke-filled horizon, eyes glowing with blue light. The savage charged towards Yaro with a bloodcurdling scream, sword raised high.

Yaro drew his own sword, its blade shining like a beacon in the fading light of day. With a fierce battle cry, he leapt into combat, the clash of steel on steel ringing out across the wasteland.

Yaro charged forward, his sword flashing in the fading light. The savage swung his own blade wildly, but Yaro dodged and weaved, his movements swift and precise. With a swift strike, Yaro knocked the savage's sword aside and plunged his own blade deep into the attacker's chest.

The savage's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled backward, Yaro's sword still buried in his chest. Yaro yanked his sword free, and the savage collapsed to the ground, defeated.

Yaro stood panting, his chest heaving with exertion. He glanced down at the fallen attacker, then continued his tread forward with one goal in his mind, to change the world.

Jairen's vision blurred, his senses fading away. He felt his life force ebbing, the warmth draining from his body. But then, a strange sensation coursed through him, like a gentle hum resonating deep within his soul.

His wounds began to tingle, the pain subsiding as his body started to repair itself. The gash on his neck closed, the blood flowing back into his veins like a reversed tide. His breathing steadied, his heartbeat strengthening.

As his vision cleared, Jairen saw the desolate landscape around him, the ruins of their village in the distance. He tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him back onto the ground.

“What happened?” he thought, confusion clouding his mind. “How did I...how did I come back?”

Jairen's head spun as he stumbled through the village, desperate to find his brothers. But they were nowhere to be found. Panic set in, his heart racing with every step.

He burst into the woods, calling out for Yaro. But his voice was met with silence. As he ran deeper into the trees, a sudden impact struck him from behind, sending him crashing to the ground.

Everything went dark.

When Jairen came to, he was disoriented and alone, his head throbbing with pain. He struggled to sit up, but a wave of nausea washed over him, forcing him back down, as he passed out.

Sudden chanting can be heard surrounding Jairen as he is out cold but can still hear these whispers.

As the whispering grew louder, the woods seemed to darken, shadows deepening around Jairen's motionless form. The whispering became a murmur, a haunting chant that seemed to seep into his very soul.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the trees, shrouded in darkness. It loomed over Jairen, its presence seeming to draw the very life force out of him.

The chanting grew louder, more urgent, and Jairen's body began to twitch, his eyes still closed. The figure reached out a shadowy hand, its fingers hovering over Jairen's chest…

The figure whispered "Ha..nishi" and placed two fingers on Jairen's chest. A single, echoing heartbeat sound resonated through the forest, like a drumbeat in the darkness. A sudden burst of dark purple light circled around Jairen, its edges pulsing with an otherworldly energy.

The light enveloped Jairen's body, casting an ethereal glow across the forest floor. The trees seemed to lean in, their branches tangling together above Jairen's motionless form. The air was heavy with anticipation, as if the very forest was holding its breath.

Then, in an instant, the light vanished. The figure was gone, leaving Jairen's body lying still and silent on the forest floor. The woods were quiet once more, the only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

Jairen's eyes remained closed, his chest rising and falling with slow, shallow breaths. His face was pale and serene, his body trapped in a deep coma. The forest waited with bated breath, its secrets hidden in the darkness, as Jairen's fate hung in the balance.

As Jairen's body lay motionless in the forest, his mind was elsewhere, lost in a sea of memories. The whispers of the forest grew fainter, replaced by the soft whispers of a loved one.

"Lani?" Jairen's voice was barely audible, his eyes fluttering open.

He found himself back in bed, surrounded by the warm glow of candles. Lani sat beside him, her hand on his chest, her eyes filled with worry.

"Jairen, you're back," she whispered, relief etched on her face.

Jairen's gaze locked onto hers, his mind reeling from the visions of the forest. He tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse from disuse.

"What...what happened?" he managed to croak.

Lani's eyes clouded over, her expression somber. "You've been asleep for days, Jairen. I was so scared..."

As Lani's words trailed off, Jairen's memories came flooding back. The attack, the forest, the figure...Hanishi. His eyes widened, his heart racing with the implications.

Jairen's eyes locked onto Lani's, his gaze intense. "I remember!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with excitement. "Everything! The attack, the forest, my baby brother.., and Yaro!"

Lani's face lit up with a mix of joy and concern. "Oh, Jairen, I'm so happy you're remembering!" She threw her arms around him, holding him close.

But as she pulled back, her eyes clouded over. "But, Jairen, I'm also worried. You've been through something traumatic. The way you were attacked, left for dead...it's no wonder you blocked it out."

Jairen's face fell, his mind racing with the memories. He nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "You're right. I saw...I saw things, Lani. Things I can't unsee."

Lani's expression softened, her voice gentle. "We'll face it together, Jairen. We'll get through this. But first, we need to get you out of bed and back on your feet."

As Lani helped Jairen sit up, he felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. But he pushed through it, determined to reclaim his life and face the demons that haunted him.

Lani helped Jairen sit up, propping pillows behind his back. "You've been asleep for four days, Jairen," she said, her voice filled with concern. "You missed four days of school. But I didn't leave your side. I stayed right here with you, waiting for you to wake up."

Jairen's eyes widened in shock. "Four days?! How...how did I sleep for so long?"

Lani shrugged. "The doctor said it was a combination of shock, stress, and exhaustion. Your body just shut down."

Jairen rubbed his eyes, trying to process everything. "I can't believe it. Four days. What about Yaro? And the village? Did...did anything happen while I was out?"

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Lani hesitated, her expression cautious. "We'll talk about that later, okay? First, let's focus on getting you better. You need to rest and recover."

Jairen nodded, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him. He knew Lani was hiding something, but he was too weak to press the issue. For now, he just leaned back into the pillows, grateful for Lani's presence and care.

Lani carefully handed Jairen a glass of water, her eyes monitoring his every move. "Sip slowly, okay? We don't want you to get sick."

Jairen nodded, his dry throat grateful for the cool liquid. He took small sips, feeling the water trickle down his throat.

Lani's eyes locked onto Jairen's, her expression serious. "Jairen, I need to tell you something. You may have...caused an earthquake or two."

Jairen's eyes widened in shock, his water glass slipping from his hand. "What?! How is that even possible?!"

Lani quickly grabbed a towel to clean up the spill, her voice calm. "I don't know, but the news is reporting some unusual seismic activity in the area, and it started around the time you...woke up."

Jairen's face was a mix of disbelief and alarm. "That's crazy! I'm not some kind of superhero or something!"

Lani smiled wryly. "Well, you're definitely something special, Jairen."

Jairen's eyes sparkled with amusement, his laughter mingling with Lani's. "Yeah, I guess I'm a bit of a mystery, even to myself!"

Lani playfully rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement!"

As their laughter faded, Lani's expression turned thoughtful. "Hey, we should probably check in with the school. They're probably worried about us...and Kael too."

Jairen nodded, his grin returning. "Yeah, and maybe we can come up with a believable excuse for our sudden disappearance!"

Lani chuckled, shaking her head. "Good luck with that! 'Hey, sorry I missed school, I was just busy causing earthquakes'?"

Jairen burst out laughing again, feeling a sense of normalcy return. "Yeah, that might not fly!"

Their laughter filled the room, a welcome respite from the uncertainty and strangeness that had descended upon their lives.

Lani's laughter trailed off as she heard the unexpected knock at the door. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she exchanged a wary glance with Jairen. "Who could that be?" she whispered, her voice laced with concern.

She cautiously made her way to the door, her heart beating a little faster. "Who is it?" she called out, trying to sound calm.

The response came firm and clear: "North District Security. We need to speak with Lani and Jairen."

Lani's eyes snapped back to Jairen, her expression worried. Should she open the door? What did they want? She hesitated, her hand hovering over the door handle.

Jairen, sensing her unease, slowly got out of bed, his eyes fixed on the door. "Lani, I'm here. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Lani took a deep breath, her mind racing with possibilities. She nodded, her hand closing around the door handle. With a gentle twist, the door creaked open, revealing two stern-faced security officers in crisp black uniforms.

The security guard's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting between Lani and Jairen. "We've had reports of unusual seismic activity in the area. Do either of you know anything about it?"

Lani's eyes widened in feigned innocence. "Earthquakes? No, we don't know anything about that. We're just as confused as everyone else."

Jairen nodded in agreement, his expression equally puzzled. "Yeah, we've been trying to figure out what's going on. It's pretty scary."

The guard's gaze lingered on them, as if searching for any sign of deception. "I see. Well, if you do happen to remember anything... unusual... please don't hesitate to contact us."

Lani forced a nervous smile. "Of course, officer. We'll definitely keep that in mind."

The guard's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, making Lani's heart race. She hoped their bluff was convincing enough. After a tense moment, the guard nodded and turned to leave, his partner following suit.

As the door closed behind them, Lani let out a sigh of relief. "That was close!" she whispered to Jairen.

Jairen's eyes locked onto hers, his expression serious. "We need to be careful, Lani. Whatever is happening, it's clear they're looking for answers. And they're not going to stop until they find them."

Lani let out a sigh of relief as she leaned against the door. "Well, that was close! I'm just glad they weren't asking about school."

Jairen chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, that would've been a whole different story."

Lani playfully rolled her eyes. "Like we need any more trouble."

They shared a laugh, the tension from the security guards' visit dissipating.

As they calmed down, Lani glanced at the clock. "Hey, we should get going. We don't want to be late for the academy."

Jairen nodded, already heading towards the closet to grab his uniform. "Yeah, let's get moving."

Lani followed suit, her mind still racing with thoughts of the earthquakes and the security guards' visit. But for now, she pushed those worries aside and focused on the day ahead.

As they prepared to leave, Lani turned to Jairen with a determined look. "You know, we're going to figure out what's going on. Together."

Jairen smiled, his eyes locked onto hers. "Always."

As Lani and Jairen walked through the academy's gates, they spotted Kael waiting for them, his eyes scanning the crowd with a mixture of excitement and worry. The moment he saw them, his face lit up, and he sprinted towards them, arms open wide.

"Guys! Oh my gosh, where have you been?! I've been searching everywhere for you!" Kael exclaimed, wrapping them in a tight hug.

Lani and Jairen exchanged a knowing glance, relieved to see their friend but also aware of the secrets they couldn't share.

"Hey, Kael! Missed you too, man," Jairen said, clapping him on the back.

Lani smiled, trying to deflect his questions. "We're sorry, Kael. We just... needed a little break, that's all."

But Kael was not so easily deterred. "A break?! You vanished without a trace! What happened? Were you guys on some secret mission or something?"

Lani and Jairen burst out laughing, trying to brush off his inquiries. "Secret mission? Us? Naaah, we're not that cool," Lani teased, playfully rolling her eyes.

Kael looked unconvinced, but his curiosity was momentarily assuaged by their laughter. "Okay, okay... but you owe me an explanation, guys. Later."

As they walked together towards their first class, Lani and Jairen exchanged a glance, grateful for their friend's understanding but also aware that they couldn't keep the truth hidden forever.

Professor Lyra's eyes scanned the room, her gaze settling on the trio. "Alright, class. Let's get started. But, Jairen and Lani, I need to see you both after class. Stay behind, please."

Kael's eyes widened, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Ouuuu," he whispered, his voice barely audible, but loud enough to earn a stern glance from Professor Lyra.

Lani's face flushed, her eyes darting to Jairen, who shrugged subtly. They took their seats, trying to ignore the whispered conversations and curious glances from their classmates.

As the lesson progressed, the whispers grew louder, speculation running rampant. "Did they get in trouble?" "Were they on a secret mission?" "Did they discover something big?"

Lani's eyes scanned the room, her face growing hotter by the minute. She hated being the center of attention, especially when she couldn't reveal the truth. Jairen, sensing her discomfort, reached out and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Professor Lyra's voice cut through the chatter, her eyes locked onto the trio. "Enough, class. Let's focus on today's lesson."

The room fell silent, but Lani knew the gossip was far from over. She exchanged a wary glance with Jairen, wondering what Professor Lyra wanted to discuss with them after class.

Professor Lyra wrote on the blackboard, her chalk scraping out the words "Complex Element Combinations" in bold letters. "Today, we'll be exploring the art of combining elements in innovative ways. This is a crucial aspect of magic, as it allows us to create complex spells and incantations."

Jairen and Lani exchanged a confused glance, their faces scrunched up in unison. "Complex element combinations?" Jairen whispered, his brow furrowed. "I thought we were just learning basic spells."

Lani's eyes darted around the room, realizing they were the only ones looking lost. Kael and the rest of the class seemed to know exactly what Professor Lyra was talking about, their faces lit up with excitement.

Kael leaned over, his voice barely audible. "You guys didn't do the advanced element reading, did you?"

Lani's face flushed, her eyes dropping in embarrassment. "Uh, no... we might have missed that part."

Professor Lyra's eyes locked onto them, a knowing glint in her eye. "Well, we'll get you caught up, don't worry. But for now, let's dive into the world of complex element combinations!"

As the lesson progressed, Jairen and Lani struggled to keep up, their confusion growing with each passing minute. They exchanged nervous glances, wondering how they'd fallen so behind.

Professor Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement as she pulled out a large poster, unfurling it with a flourish. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The academy rankings, thus far!"

The class leaned in, their faces eager with anticipation. Shay's hand was still raised, his question answered before he even asked.

Professor Lyra cleared her throat, her voice booming through the room. "In first place, we have Ito Mihada! Congratulations, Ito!"

The class applauded, their eyes scanning the poster as Professor Lyra continued. "In second place, Jack Herville! Well done, Jack!"

Kael's eyes lit up as he heard his name next. "And in third place, Kael!"

But Professor Lyra didn't say Kael's last name, leaving the class confused. Lani's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with questions.

The rankings continued, each name echoing through the room. "In fourth place, Lani Junes! Fifth, Icarus Inheart! Sixth, Jewel Lyra! Seventh, Ruben Ichime! Eighth, Sango Manjima! Ninth, Duke Eirfil! Tenth, Jairen Yaragashi!"

Jairen's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. "Tenth?! But I faced Eine... how is that possible?"

The class murmured in agreement, their eyes fixed on Jairen with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Professor Lyra continued, her voice unwavering. "Eleventh, Alumi Shingrad! Twelfth, Shay Warden! Thirteenth, Melody Bronze! Fourteenth, King Mackledore! And fifteenth, Mal Sulamite!"

The rankings stopped there, leaving the class in stunned silence.

The class erupted into a cacophony of emotions, a mix of shock, excitement, and confusion. Some students cheered and boasted about their rankings, while others looked on in disbelief.

Lani's eyes were fixed on the poster, her mind reeling with questions. "Fourth place? How is that possible? I thought I was doing well, but...?"

She glanced over at Jairen, who looked equally perplexed. "Jairen, you're in tenth place? But you faced Eine... that's not fair!"

Jairen shook his head, his eyes still wide with disbelief. "I know, right? I have no idea what's going on."

Meanwhile, Kael was grinning from ear to ear, his third-place ranking evident on his chest. "Yeah, I knew I was good! But Lani, you're in fourth place? That's awesome!"

Lani forced a smile, still trying to process her thoughts. "Yeah, thanks, Kael. I guess it's just... surprising."

The class continued to buzz with excitement and confusion, each student trying to make sense of the rankings. Professor Lyra watched over them, a knowing glint in her eye.

As the commotion died down, she spoke up once more. "Remember, these rankings are not the only measure of your success. What matters most is your growth and dedication to your craft. Keep working hard, and the rankings will take care of themselves."

As the bell rang, signaling the end of Professor Lyra's class, the students filed out of the room, their excitement and confusion still palpable. The dining hall was already buzzing with activity, but as soon as Professor Lyra's class walked in, a burst of applause and cheers erupted.

Congratulations and words of admiration flooded the air, directed at the top-ranked students, especially Ito Mihada, who walked into the dining hall to a thunderous ovation. The whole hall went ballistic, with students whistling, clapping, and shouting his name.

Ito smiled humbly, his face flushing with pride, as he made his way through the crowd. Jack Herville and Kael, ranked second and third, respectively, also received their share of accolades, but Ito was the clear favorite, basking in the glory of his number one spot.

Lani and Jairen watched from the sidelines, still trying to process their own rankings. Lani couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at Ito's success, while Jairen looked on, his eyes narrowed in determination.

"This is crazy," Lani whispered to Jairen. "I've never seen the dining hall like this before."

Jairen nodded, his eyes fixed on Ito. "Yeah, and it's only going to get more intense from here on out."

As they dug into their meals, Jairen closed his eyes in bliss, savoring the flavors of the jumbo glazed stuffed chicken buns. He devoured three pieces in quick succession, finally feeling nourished again after the morning's excitement.

The dining hall buzzed with conversation, the rankings dominating the discussion. "Can you believe Ito's in first place?" someone exclaimed.

"I know, right? He's a genius!" another student replied.

Lani leaned in, her voice low. "Do you guys think it's weird that the rankings only go up to 15?"

Jairen's eyes snapped open, his interest piqued. "Yeah, what's up with that?"

Kael, seated nearby, chimed in. "I heard it's because anything below 15 isn't considered qualified for the advanced programs."

The table fell silent, the implications sinking in. Jairen's eyes met Lani's, a determination burning within them.

"Well, that just means we have to work harder," Jairen said, his voice resolute.

Lani nodded, a fierce glint in her eye. "We can do this, Jairen. We just need to push ourselves."

The two friends clasped hands, a silent pact formed. They would strive to improve, to climb the rankings, and unlock the secrets of the advanced programs. The journey ahead would be tough, but they were ready to face it head-on.

Just as the lunchtime chatter was reaching a fever pitch, the dining hall doors burst open and Lady Ioanna swept into the room, her regal presence commanding attention. The students' eyes widened in shock, their mouths agape as they stared at the unexpected visitor.

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft rustling of Lady Ioanna's elegant robes as she glided across the floor. Her piercing gaze swept the room, her eyes scanning the students with an unnerving intensity.

Lani's heart raced, her mind reeling with questions. What was Lady Ioanna doing here? Why had she come to the academy without notice?

Jairen's eyes met Lani's, his face mirroring her shock and curiosity. Kael's eyes were fixed on Lady Ioanna, his expression a mix of awe and trepidation.

The room remained frozen, the students unsure how to react. Lady Ioanna's visits were rare and always significant, and her unexpected appearance sent a ripple of excitement and fear through the student body.

Without a word, Lady Ioanna strode to the front of the room, her presence commanding attention. The students held their collective breath, waiting for her to speak, their minds racing with possibilities.

Lady Ioanna's sword, its blade shimmering in the light, pointed directly at Ito, Jack, and Kael. "You three," she said, her voice firm and commanding.

The lunchroom fell silent, all eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Ito, Jack, and Kael exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale with anticipation.

Lady Ioanna stood tall, her gaze unwavering, her sword still pointed at the three students. She didn't move, didn't speak, just stood there, her presence exuding an aura of authority and expectation.

The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Lani's heart raced with curiosity, her mind wondering what Lady Ioanna wanted with Ito, Jack, and Kael. Jairen's eyes were fixed on the scene, his hand on the hilt of his own sword, ready to defend his friends if needed.

The silence stretched out, the only sound the soft hum of Lady Ioanna's sword, as if waiting for something, or someone, to make the next move.

The dining hall dissolved into a bright blue light, and the students found themselves teleported to a vast arena. The bleachers were filled with their peers, all eyes fixed on the surreal surroundings. Except for the top three on the ranking - Ito, Jack, and Kael - who stood in the center of the arena, facing Lady Ioanna.

The ruler of all nations stood tall, her eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "Teams of three will challenge me," she declared, her voice echoing through the arena. "You must work together, combining your abilities in innovative ways to emerge victorious."

The students gasped in shock, their minds racing with the implications. Jairen and Lani exchanged a look, their eyes then fixed on Kael, who stood alongside Jack and Ito, ready to face the challenge.

"We'll show you what we're capable of!" Kael declared, his voice filled with determination.

Lady Ioanna smiled, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "I'm eager to see what you've got."

The arena erupted into a flurry of activity as teams began forming, strategizing, and planning their approach. The air was electric with anticipation, the students ready to unleash their full potential.

Jairen turned to Lani, his eyes shining with determination. "Hey, Lani, I'll team up with you! We can take on Lady Ioanna together!"

Lani's face lit up with a smile. "That's great, Jairen! But we need another team member, since Kael is already on a team with Jack and Ito."

Jairen nodded, his eyes scanning the arena. "Yeah, you're right. We need someone with a strong skill set to complement ours."

Lani's gaze followed his, and they both spotted a student sitting in the bleachers, watching the commotion with interest. "How about Shay?" Lani suggested. "He's got impressive magical abilities and is always thinking strategically."

Jairen's eyes lit up. "Perfect choice! Let's go ask him to join us!"

Together, they made their way to Shay's seat, hoping to recruit him to their team.

Jairen and Lani rushed over to Shay, their faces filled with excitement. "Hey, Shay! We were thinking of forming a team with you!" Jairen said, barely containing his enthusiasm.

But Shay's expression was apologetic. "Sorry, guys. I've already joined a team with Alumi and Melody. We've been planning this for weeks."

Lani's face fell, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Oh no, we didn't realize that!"

Jairen's eyes darted around the arena, his mind racing. "We need to find another teammate, fast! The competition is going to start soon!"

Lani's voice was laced with panic. "But who? Everyone seems to have already formed teams!"

Jairen's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes scanning the crowd with a sense of urgency. "We can't give up, Lani. We need to find someone, anyone, who can help us take on Lady Ioanna!"

Lani's eyes sparkled with a sudden idea. "What about Professor Lyra's daughter, Jewel? She's a skilled fighter, and she's not on any team yet!"

Jairen's confusion quickly turned to excitement as he remembered the rankings. "Yes! Professor Lyra mentioned her - Jewel Lyra, ranked sixth! We have to find her, now!"

Lani and Jairen frantically scanned the arena, their eyes searching for any sign of Jewel. They spotted her standing alone, her eyes fixed on the competition with a determined gaze.

Without hesitation, they rushed towards her, their hearts pounding with excitement. "Jewel! Jewel Lyra! We need to talk to you!" Jairen called out, waving his hand to get her attention.

Jewel turned to face them, her expression curious. "What is it, Jairen? Lani?"

Lani took a deep breath. "We want you to join our team! We need your skills to take on Lady Ioanna!"

Jewel's eyes narrowed, her gaze intense. "I'm in. But we need to come up with a strategy, fast!"

Lady Ioanna's voice echoed through the arena, "I apologize for interrupting your lunch break, students. You have one week to train and prepare to face me. It won't be easy, but I hope you're up for the challenge."

With a flicker of her sword, the students found themselves back in the dining hall, seated in their same seats as if nothing had happened. The room erupted into confusion, students looking around in disbelief.

"What just happened?" someone asked, bewildered.

"I don't know, but I'm still trying to process it all!" another student replied.

Lani turned to Jairen, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did that really just happen? Are we really going to face Lady Ioanna in a week?"

Jairen's face was set in determination. "We have to be ready, Lani. We can't let her catch us off guard again."

Kael, Jack, and Ito walked over to their table, grinning. "Hey, looks like we've got our work cut out for us! Let's get training!"

The dining hall buzzed with excitement and nerves as the students began to discuss their strategy and prepare for the challenge ahead.

Ito smirked, his confidence overflowing. "I can take Lady Ioanna on alone, no team needed. I'm the strongest here, after all."

Jack and Kael exchanged skeptical glances. "Ito, that's impossible," Jack said, shaking his head. "Lady Ioanna is on a whole different level."

Kael chimed in, "Yeah, and Jairen took on Eine, the strongest of her knights, and held his own. Jairen has a better chance against Lady Ioanna than you do, Ito."

Ito laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But who's in the number one spot, huh? Me, that's who. And I always come out on top."

The tension between Ito and Kael was palpable, their rivalry evident in their banter. Jack shook his head, "You two are something else. Let's focus on training and working together if we want to survive Lady Ioanna's challenge."

Ito's smirk grew wider, but Kael jumped to Jairen's defense. "That's because Jairen was gone for four days, Ito! If he hadn't missed school, he would be in the number one spot, not you!"

Ito's grin faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Maybe, maybe not. But I'm the one in first place now, and I intend to keep it that way."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "We'll see about that, Ito. Jairen's skills are unmatched, and with his determination and our teamwork, we'll surpass you and take on Lady Ioanna together!"

The atmosphere grew more intense, the rivalry between Ito and Kael evident in their words. Jack intervened, "Hey, let's not forget our goal here. We need to work together if we want to succeed."

Ito smirked at Kael, "You're wasting your breath, Kael. Jairen already formed a team, and Lady Ioanna paired us together because we're the top three. But let's be real, we can't win without me. My skills are unmatched, and I'm the only one who can take on Lady Ioanna's level of strength."

Kael's face reddened, his eyes flashing with anger. "That's not true, Ito! Jairen's team is strong, and we can work together to take down Lady Ioanna. We don't need you!"

Ito chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Oh, but you do need me. And deep down, you know it. I'm the key to your survival, and you'd be foolish to reject my help."

Jack stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Ito, we appreciate your confidence, but we need to work together as a team. We can't do this without each other."

Kael's curiosity got the better of him. "What are your powers, Ito? And Jack, what about yours?"

Ito rolled his eyes, a condescending laugh escaping his lips. "Oh, Kael, you really don't know? How cute. My powers are far beyond yours, and I'm not going to waste my time explaining them to you. Just know that I'm the strongest, and you're just a pawn in this game."

He gestured dismissively, his hand waving Kael away. "Sit down, Kael. You're not worth my time."

Jack's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "Ito, that's enough. Kael, my powers are based on speed and agility. I can move faster than the human eye can track, and my reflexes are lightning-quick."

He shot Ito a sideways glance, his voice firm. "And I'm not afraid to use them to take you down if you keep acting like an arrogant fool."

Ito's laughter grew louder, but Kael's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean, Ito? What's so funny about Jack's speed?"

Ito turned to Jack, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Speed? You can move fast? HA! That's cute, Jack. But have you ever heard of merging with your ghost?"

Jack's confusion was evident, but a hint of concern crept into his expression. "Merging with my ghost? What are you talking about, Ito?"

Ito's question seemed to spark a wildfire of interest in the dining hall. Students nearby began to lean in, their ears perked up to catch the conversation. Whispers spread like a ripple effect, "Did he say merging with your ghost? What does that mean?"

The top three's table was now the center of attention, with all eyes fixed on Ito, Jack, and Kael. The air was electric with anticipation, as if everyone was waiting for a revelation that would change everything.

Ito leaned back in his chair, a confident smirk spreading across his face. "Let me explain my powers, since you're so curious. I have two resonances,I can merge with my ghost and tap into its abilities even further. My transformation stage is level 2, which gives me a significant boost in strength and speed."

He paused, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "And you don't even want to know what my ghost's abilities are. Let's just say it's not something you'd want to face in battle."

Ito's gaze locked onto Kael and Jack, his voice taking on a boastful tone. "But that's not all. My separate ability allows me to summon red beaming pillars from the ground, which can incinerate my enemies and heal my allies. It's a pretty handy skill to have in a fight."

He leaned forward, his eyes fierce and filled with sarcasm. "So, anything else you want to know? How about my ghost's name? Or my favorite way to dispatch my enemies?"

The dining hall was silent, all eyes fixed on Ito as he revealed the extent of his powers. Kael and Jack exchanged a look, their faces pale in comparison to Ito's radiant confidence.

Kael's mind wandered to Jairen, wondering how his friend would fare against Ito's impressive powers. But before he could even formulate a thought, Ito's voice cut in, as if reading his mind.

"What can little Jairen do against that?" Ito sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "He's got spirit, I'll give him that, but against my abilities? He wouldn't stand a chance."

Kael's eyes narrowed, his loyalty to Jairen flaring up. "You don't know Jairen like I do, Ito. He's got heart and determination. And his powers are nothing to sneeze at either."

Ito chuckled, his expression condescending. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. Do tell, what makes Jairen's powers so special?”

Jack's hand shot out, trying to restrain Kael, but it was too late. Kael's words echoed through the cafeteria, "JAIREN HAS A PURPLE GHOST EYE!"

The room fell silent once more, all eyes fixed on Kael in disbelief. Jewel's gaze snapped to Jairen, her eyes wide with surprise. Lani facepalmed, her forehead creasing in embarrassment.

Ito's smirk faltered, his expression frozen in shock. He seemed to be processing the information, his mind racing with the implications.

The cafeteria was still, the only sound being the soft hum of the lights overhead. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something to happen next.

Jairen's face was calm, but his eyes flickered with a hint of unease. He knew that his secret was out, and there was no going back.

The tension between Kael and Ito was palpable, their rivalry evident in their words. Jack watched with interest, his eyes flicking between the two, sensing the depth of their competitive spirits.

Ito's long legs carried him across the room, his eyes fixed intently on Jairen. He towered over the smaller boy, his voice low and menacing. "I challenge you to a duel at the arena."

The cafeteria held its collective breath, watching the scene unfold. Jewel's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Lani's face was etched with worry.

Jairen, seemingly oblivious to the tension, took another bite of his meat bun. His shrug was nonchalant, his voice casual. "Alright."

Ito's eyes narrowed, his face inches from Jairen's. "Don't think you can take me down, Jairen. I'll show you what a real fighter looks like."

Jairen's gaze never wavered, his expression serene. "I'm ready whenever you are, Ito."

The air was electric with anticipation, the duel at the arena looming like a storm on the horizon.

Ito's menacing gaze lingered on Jairen for a moment before he turned and walked away, his long strides devouring the distance. Jairen's laughter was carefree, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he turned to Lani. "Well, that was entertaining!"

But Jewel's expression was somber, her eyes clouded with concern. She realized that she was about to witness a clash of titans, a battle that would shake the very foundations of the academy. Her mind raced with the implications, her heart pounding in her chest.

As the news of the impending duel spread like wildfire through the cafeteria, the room erupted into a flurry of gossip and speculation. Students whispered to each other, their eyes gleaming with excitement and fear.

"Did you hear? Ito and Jairen are going to fight!"

"I can't believe it! Jairen's going to get destroyed!"

"No way, Jairen's got this! He's got the Purple Ghost Eye!"

"Ito's too strong, though. He's got two resonances!"

The buzz of excitement was noticeable, the anticipation building with each passing moment. The duel at the arena was going to be a battle for the ages, and no one wanted to miss it.

The bell rang, its loud clang piercing the air and signaling the end of the lunch period. But the excitement didn't dissipate, instead, it seemed to grow as students realized that the announcement was about to drop.

The intercom crackled to life, and Lady Ioanna's voice boomed through the speakers. "Attention, students! Due to the upcoming challenges, I am granting you all unlimited access to the training rooms for the next week. You will also be given a week-long break from academic classes to focus solely on your training."

The dining hall erupted into cheers and applause, students pumping their fists in excitement. The room was electric with energy, the anticipation of the duel between Ito and Jairen still simmering in the background.

"Well, it looks like we've got our work cut out for us!" Jack said, grinning at Kael and Jairen.

"Time to get to work!" Kael replied, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Jairen just smiled, his eyes fixed on some distant point, his mind already focused on the training ahead.And with that, the students of the academy poured out of the dining hall, eager to begin their intense training regimen, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Ito Mihada

Ghost eye: Dual red

Ability: Pillars of Eid

Allows user to summon red light pillars from the ground that can annihilate enemies and heal the user and whoever the user deems an ally

Resonance: Earth Resonance and Lightning resonance

Academy Ranking #1

Jack Herville

Ghost eye: single green

Ability: sound breaking speed

Allows user to react run and attack at speeds faster than light user may be able to run faster than time if trained enough

Resonance: Water Resonance

Academy Ranking #2