The training grounds buzzed with tension. A ring of hunters formed in the courtyard, their whispers sharp and eager.
At the center stood Kazuki Hozuki, sword at his side, facing Ryse Fieron, the flame prodigy of noble blood.
Ryse's grin widened as his mana began to shimmer around him like living fire.
"It's been a while since I crushed a little nobody," he thought, licking his lips. "This should be fun."
A burst of flame exploded from his hand. Kazuki barely dodged, the heat kissing his cheek. Another came, and another — but Kazuki's reflexes danced faster than Ryse expected. He weaved, ducked, rolled, and stepped through the inferno like a shadow in motion.
"Whoa, his movements are amazing," one hunter muttered.
"Yeah, but for how long can he keep dodging?" another replied.
Kazuki's breath steadied. His eyes glowed with determination.
You think power makes you better than everyone else, he thought, but you're wrong.
Ryse's smirk faltered as Kazuki inched closer with every dodge.
Then, in a flash — steel met flame.
Kazuki's sword cut through the fire like it was air, extinguishing it in an instant. Gasps echoed across the courtyard. Even Ryse blinked in disbelief.
Kazuki tilted his head, calm but defiant.
"Hey, princess… how does it feel losing to a powerless nobody?"
The insult burned hotter than Ryse's flames.
Fury erupted. Mana gathered at his leg, igniting it like a torch as he swung a blazing kick sideways.
Kazuki jumped high, twisted midair, and slammed his boot into Ryse's face with sharp precision. The noble boy flew across the courtyard, crashing to the ground.
Landing on one knee, Kazuki looked down at him.
"How does it feel being looked down on now?"
For a moment, silence. Then Ryse laughed. Softly at first… then louder, louder — manic and echoing.
He rose to his feet, a grin spreading.
"Look around you," he said.
Kazuki frowned. "What kind of question is that?"
"We're in HQ. The dorm area," Ryse said, his tone low and deliberate.
"You think I'd go all out here?"
One of his friends snickered.
"In case you didn't notice, Ryse was holding back. He'd destroy this place if he didn't."
Ryse brushed off dust from his shoulder.
"You're lucky, Kazuki. I know a place where we can go all out. No rules, no limits. Let's settle it there… later."
Kazuki sheathed his sword, meeting Ryse's fiery stare.
"Sounds good to me."
With a frustrated grin, Ryse turned and walked away, his two lackeys trailing behind him.
Several hunters approached Kazuki, awe in their voices.
"Where'd you learn to move like that?"
He just gave a small smile.
"An old friend of my uncle's taught me," he said, and walked off.
As he headed toward the dorms, his mind drifted.
Four years ago… after Father died.
I was thirteen, powerless, and angry. I couldn't wait for magic to awaken — I trained instead.
My uncle took me to a martial arts master, and that's where I learned to fight.
The memory faded. Back in the present, he entered a dorm room with three beds.
"Is it fine if I just… sleep here?" he murmured, realizing he didn't even know if there was a free spot.
He stepped back into the hall.
A sleepy-looking boy waved at him.
"Hey! You must be new here too!"
Kazuki blinked. Did this guy just roll out of bed?
"Yeah, I am," he replied.
"Nice! I'm Riku Asahina. You?"
"Kazuki."
"Full name?"
Kazuki hesitated. "I'd… rather not say."
"Fair enough," Riku grinned. "I don't judge."
Kazuki gave a small nod. "Actually… I don't have a place to sleep."
"No problem! You can share my room," Riku said cheerfully.
Kazuki blinked again, surprised. Man, this guy's too kind.
"Thanks. Really."
He dropped his bag in Riku's room and picked up his sword.
"Going to train already?" Riku asked.
"Yeah. Gotta make it count."
The sun dipped low, painting the training field gold.
Kazuki's sword moved in steady arcs, his movements fluid and precise.
Every swing echoed years of quiet frustration — every breath, a vow.
By nightfall, he stopped. Sweat dripped down his chin. He stared at the dark sky above.
When I was a child, I was scared. I used to hate the way people looked at me. But now… I feel different. I want to fight. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life.
The quiet was broken by a familiar voice.
"There you are!"
Sayaka jogged toward him, her silver hair gleaming under the moonlight. "I knew I'd find you training alone again."
Kazuki turned slightly, his heart steady but his thoughts restless.
Sayaka… the girl who helped me up when I fell. The reason I'm still here.
"Did Ryse give you a hard time?" she asked, smiling gently.
Kazuki, lost in thought, didn't hear her.
She always acts so cheerful around me, he thought. Today… I'll ask her something I've always wanted to ask.
Sayaka's smile softened.
"Me and Ryse go a long way back, so I know him well…"
Kazuki's gaze lingered on her.
What is it… that you hide behind that smile?