Real Battle Simulation?

Real Battle Simulation.

That's what they called it, anyway.

L'arc Academy had always been intense, but lately, the intensity had increased up to a level I hadn't felt before. Each day blurred into the next, marked by endless drills, sparring sessions, and tactical scenarios designed to break us down and rebuild us stronger.

But this felt different.

It was as if like we weren't just training anymore.

We were preparing for something real, something tangible and threatening.

Ray noticed it first, always sensitive to the subtle shifts around us. Carmilla noticed it, too. We never spoke about it openly, but I could see it in the way our instructors exchanged tense looks and how their voices lowered whenever cadets approached.

The rumours spreading among the students didn't help; whispers of skirmishes between races, tensions escalating once again. The fragile peace we'd all hoped to preserve seemed ready to shatter at any moment.

One afternoon, after yet another gruelling drill, Ray, Carmilla, and I sat in the mess hall at our usual spot by the window. The meal tasted bland, and my appetite was lost somewhere between fatigue and anxiety.

"Have you heard anything more?" Ray asked quietly, stabbing absently at his food. "Feels like something big is brewing out there."

Carmilla nodded, thoughtful. "I've overheard instructors whispering. This isn't just a few border disputes. There's a genuine fear that this will escalate. Everyone's on edge."

I stared out the window, watching the training fields outside, my heart heavy. "It's more than that. The scenarios they're running... they're too specific, too real. It's as if they know what's coming but won't tell us outright.

Ray leaned back, exhaling slowly. "Whatever it is, we'll face it. We're stronger now, together. But I agree; something doesn't feel right."

Carmilla reached over, gently placing her hand on mine. "Ray is right... right now, we've got each other, Thal. Whatever comes, we'll handle it together." She said, reassuring me.

Her sincerity gave me brief comfort, but I couldn't shake the unease creeping through my bones. The outside world was changing rapidly, and eventually, it would reach us, too.

***

The following morning, the tension at the academy hit a new peak. Instructor Hale summoned all the senior cadets, us included, for an urgent briefing. I stood beside Ray and Carmilla, my muscles tight with anticipation as Hale addressed us.

"Listen carefully," Hale began sharply, her ebony face stern, white hair catching the sunlight filtering into the courtyard. "Today's exercise won't be a simulation. This is real. We've detected unauthorized movements close to the academy's perimeter. We suspect a potential threat."

The murmuring among cadets stopped abruptly.

Everyone understood the implications.

Hale's voice cut through the silence. "Your mission is simple—locate the intruders, gather intel, and neutralize them if necessary. This isn't a drill, so stay alert. Understood?"

"Yes, Instructor!" our voices echoed together.

Unlike what I had expected. The people here now are ready. I thought there would be more people afraid than normal. Yet, from the looks of everyone here... they seem prepared to defend humanity with whatever it takes.

As we geared up, Ray clapped a reassuring hand on my back. "Ready for this, Thal?"

I smiled thinly. "As ready as I'll ever be."

I am not alone anymore... I should remember that.

Flashes of my past appeared. Yet I shook it off. My determination is fueling my spirit.

Carmilla tightened the straps on her armor, determination lighting her crimson eyes. "We stay sharp, watch each other's backs, and we'll be fine."

***

We moved out swiftly, cutting through dense forests surrounding the academy. Every shadow seemed hostile, every rustle a potential ambush. We stayed alert, communicating silently through glances and subtle gestures. Training had made us efficient, but the reality was unpredictable.

It wasn't long before we discovered signs of intrusion, branches snapped unnaturally, disturbed ground, and mana residues indicating someone had recently passed through. Ray knelt, examining a few broken twigs. "They're close."

My pulse quickened as we pressed onward, moving silently but swiftly. Then, we stumbled into a clearing, evidence of recent combat visible everywhere. Scorched earth, discarded weapons, blood stains too real to be mistaken for training.

"This was deliberate," I muttered, kneeling to inspect a broken sword. "Whoever they were, they're skilled."

Carmilla stepped beside me, scanning the area. "We need to report this. This is more serious than anyone expected."

Ray shook his head, determined. "We can't turn back now. If there's a real threat nearby, we have to handle it before it reaches the academy."

I hesitated, torn between protocol and Ray's stubborn bravery. However, the thought of letting danger approach the academy unchallenged was what led to my decision. "Fine. But we move carefully."

We tracked the enemy carefully, following traces of mana deeper into the forest. The tension was suffocating, adrenaline humming through my veins. Eventually, voices carried through the trees, low and harsh, clearly hostile.

We silently dropped into cover, watching through thick foliage. A group dressed in dark armor stood gathered in a makeshift camp, speaking in hushed tones. Weapons glinted ominously.

Ray's eyes hardened. "This is our chance. If we wait, they might reach the academy."

I glanced at Carmilla, who gave a slight nod. We knew what we had to do.

We sprang into action simultaneously. Ray crashed into their lines first, his mana-infused sword cleaving a wide arc, scattering them.

I followed immediately, striking precise blows at vital points.

Carmilla stayed behind us, her mana spreading in protective arcs, shielding us and supporting our attacks.

Chaos erupted, combat raw and brutal.

The enemy quickly recovered, counterattacking fiercely, forcing us into tight coordination. I blocked a heavy swing, countering swiftly to disable my opponent, adrenaline sharpening my senses.

Ray moved fluidly, overpowering his foe with decisive force. Carmilla's healing spells and buffs surged through us, fueling our resilience.

Slowly, the enemy's formation began to fracture under our unified assault.

Sensing defeat, they retreated hastily, their escape ragged and desperate.

"We can't let them regroup," Carmilla urged, breathing heavily. "We need intel."

We pressed our advantage, ensuring they fled utterly, leaving behind weapons and scattered gear.

Finally, silence fell over the battlefield. We stood panting, exhausted but alive.

The forest fell eerily silent, the distant sound of retreating footsteps fading into nothingness. Breathing heavily, I wiped sweat from my forehead, my heart still pounding from the adrenaline.

Ray leaned against a tree, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Carmilla stood nearby, eyes alert, her mana still humming gently in the air around us.

"Everyone okay?" I asked, glancing around at the scattered remnants of the fight.

Ray nodded sharply, though exhaustion marked his features. "I'm fine. Just a scratch."

Carmilla stepped toward him instantly, channelling a soft glow of mana from her palm. "Let me take care of that."

While she tended to Ray, I moved through the remains of the battlefield, carefully examining the gear left behind by our opponents. Something felt foreign.

The armor wasn't a standard issue; it bore unusual markings, tribal patterns etched subtly into the darkened metal. I knelt beside one of the fallen enemies, carefully removing the helmet to reveal a face that stopped me cold.

 I stared into features unmistakably demi-human: slightly elongated facial structure, sharper teeth just visible between parted lips, and the unmistakable wolf-like ears partially hidden by their hair. A wolfkin.

"Demi-humans," I murmured in disbelief, my voice barely audible.

Ray and Carmilla glanced sharply toward me. Carmilla's eyes widened slightly as she moved closer. "What did you say, Thal?"

I stood up slowly, helmet still in hand, turning to face them both. "These weren't elves or human insurgents. They're demi-humans—wolfkin, from the demi-human territories."

Ray stepped beside me, his jaw set firmly as he took in the sight. "But why would the demi-humans cross into academy territory? They've kept strictly to their lands since the treaty."

Carmilla's gaze hardened thoughtfully. "Something must've driven them here. Desperation, orders, maybe internal conflicts."

I shook my head slowly, frustration gnawing at me. The uneasy peace we'd fought so hard to build was cracking faster than I'd realized. "This complicates everything. If the demi-humans are breaching our borders, it won't stay quiet for long."

Ray exhaled deeply, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "We need to get this information to Instructor Hale immediately. She'll know how to handle it."

I nodded grimly, still holding the helmet tightly, a heavy weight settling in my chest. "Agreed. The academy needs to prepare. This is just the start."

As we gathered ourselves to leave, my eyes caught one last glimpse of the fallen wolfkin. Anger and sorrow swirled painfully within me. The demi-humans had always seemed distant neutral parties to the tensions that plagued us. But now, they had made themselves a threat, willingly or not.

One after the other...

All of those bastards dared to do this to us?

I gritted my teeth. But I refused to stand idle... I have to find a way to prepare for this.

"Let's go," I said quietly, leading the way back toward the academy. Ray and Carmilla followed silently. Each lost in thought. The world we'd fought so desperately to protect was unravelling once again, pulling us inevitably into its chaos.

***

Our report to Instructor Hale and senior staff was brief but tense. They absorbed our words grimly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"You handled yourselves well," Hale admitted finally, her voice quiet. "But this isn't isolated. Security will tighten immediately. Remain vigilant—this may escalate."

As she was about to dismiss us, I asked frontally. "You must have an idea of what happened. Please tell me your deductions." Ray and Carmilla also looked at Hale demanding her input.

A moment of silence appeared before Hale decided to answer. "A territory domino..."

I see... so she's saying that...

"Due to some other race trying to occupy the demi-human's territory, they held the initiative to search for lands beyond the reach of the aggressive races."

Haah... I can already guessed who was behind it.

"Zuatha Il Zikmel strikes again huh? Even now she still finds to do crazy shits."

Hale stayed silent and asked... "Why did you think it was her?"

"What else?... She had a copy of my blood. It'll be easy to track where I was. Not to mention, what is the last intelligent race besides humans and also more proficient than us in using Mana? There is no other race except the elves."

I know that, because demi-humans are driven by instinct most of the time, the same applies to the spirit race.

"I supposed you're assumptions may be correct."

"I know I am right," I said, exiting the office. Ray and Carmilla followed as we returned to our quarters. After a few more minutes, we settled quietly by the familiar oak tree.

"Well," Ray sighed heavily, leaning back. "Our first real mission. Can't say it was boring."

Carmilla smiled faintly, though worry clouded her expression. "It's clear our peace is fragile. We're not just cadets anymore. We're protectors."

I met their eyes, gratitude filling me despite my worry. "It's reassuring. Knowing we have each other."

Ray chuckled softly, nudging me. "Like I'd let anything happen to you two."

Carmilla smiled genuinely, her red eyes gentle. "We'll keep each other safe. No matter what comes."

Sitting there, our bonds solidified even more firmly. Despite the looming threat, I found strength in their unwavering presence. We were no longer just survivors; we were defenders of the fragile peace that remained.

Yet... I can't let that go.

That night, I couldn't sleep.

Memories stirred in the dark, haunting images of South Jaka City resurfacing painfully.

I exited my quarters and stood quietly by the window of our dormitory, staring into the night sky.

Behind me, Carmilla's soft voice broke the silence. "Can't sleep?"

I glanced at her briefly, nodding silently.

She approached gently, leaning against the window frame beside me. "Thinking about earlier?"

"About everything," I admitted softly. "The world's changing again. I can feel it. Yet I am not ready yet."

She nodded slowly, red eyes thoughtful. "Whatever comes, we'll face it. Remember, you're not alone anymore."

I would like to believe that.

Yet. I need to believe in my abilities first. If I don't become stronger, first and foremost. I can't believe what you or Ray said.

I exhaled shakily, letting her words anchor me. "I know. And that's the only reason I can face it."

She smiled warmly. "We all carry burdens. But together, they become bearable."

In time, she will understand that I am such a phoney liar.

As silence returned comfortably the future was still uncertain, filled with looming threats and hidden dangers.

I must get stronger somehow.

That face... that smile...

I'll rip it out of your face.

Zuatha Il Zikmel.