First Impressions in the Training Hall

Aqua and Casial stepped into the academy's training hall. Casial scanned the room, expecting it to be empty, but his gaze landed on someone already mid-practice—a senior student whose sword cut through the air with precision and purpose. Casial blinked in surprise, while Aqua simply nodded, as though he'd anticipated it.

"Hi there! Which year are you from?" Casial called out casually, raising a hand in a friendly wave.

The student turned toward them, momentarily startled. A smile broke across his face as he saw them. "I'm Adam, second year," he said warmly.

In this world, commoners bore no surnames, and Adam's simple introduction made it clear. Casial and Aqua exchanged a brief glance, silently acknowledging the fact, but neither held any concern for such status distinctions.

"We're freshmen," Casial said with a bright smile, walking closer. "I'm Casial Arsia, and this is Aquacriddle Rein." His voice carried the easy confidence of someone used to making friends effortlessly.

Adam's expression changed as recognition flickered in his eyes. Arsia—an imperial name, and Rein—a lineage steeped in nobility. He began to bow in respect, but Casial laughed lightly and waved it off. "No need for all that formality," he said, his tone good-natured. Aqua nodded in agreement and added, "Just call us by our names."

Adam hesitated for a moment, then returned their smiles. "All right," he said, visibly relaxing.

While the pleasantries unfolded, Aqua quietly activated his mana senses, instinctively gauging Adam's strength. His eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed the aura emanating from the senior. "A fourth-circle mana heart," he thought. "Comparable to mine, but with slightly less reserve. Impressive for a second year. He could be one of the top students."

"You're here for morning training too?" Adam asked, excitement lighting up his face. "I didn't see anyone doing that during my first year!"

"Training is important," Aqua replied with his usual measured calm, walking to a rack of wooden swords. He picked two, tossing one toward Casial with a flick of his wrist.

"How about a spar?" Casial said, catching the wooden sword clumsily. He had expected a firm "no," maybe even a lecture about the dangers of under-preparedness. Instead, Aqua simply gave him a small nod.

"Really? You're agreeing?" Casial asked, clearly taken aback. His lips curled into a grin. "This should be fun."

Adam's eyes sparkled as he positioned himself off to the side to watch. The prospect of seeing two prominent nobles sparring—a member of the imperial family and a scion of the House of Rein—was not something he could have anticipated for his morning. He'd also heard rumors of the reputation of Imperial family and Ray Rein, and his curiosity bubbled over. "This is going to be interesting," he muttered to himself, his heart racing with anticipation.

As Aqua stepped into position, his grip on the wooden sword steady and purposeful, Casial twirled his sword with exaggerated bravado, his grin widening. "Let's make this memorable," Casial said, his voice ringing with excitement.