Darkness Unveiled

"It's already 7:30," Aqua said, his gaze flickering to the clock on the wall. The dim golden light of the training hall cast long shadows across the polished floor, giving the room a faint glow. "We need to return to our room and prepare for class. It seems we'll have to start training earlier from tomorrow. We didn't get much time today—and it's partly because someone took forever changing into their uniform." His tone was calm, though the slight upward curve of his lips betrayed a hint of teasing.

"What! It's not my fault!" Casial protested immediately, puffing out his cheeks in mock indignation. His exaggerated expression made him look more like a sulking child than the esteemed prince of the Arsia Empire. "I've never woken up this early before—but don't worry, I'll be on time tomorrow." His dramatic declaration earned him a small, amused smile from Aqua.

"I need to go too," Adam interjected, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "I have my own class to get to." With a quick wave, he hurried off down the corridor, his footsteps echoing softly as he disappeared into the distance. Aqua and Casial watched him leave before they started heading upstairs to their shared room.

As they ascended the spiraling marble staircase, Aqua broke the silence. "Do we need to bring real swords for training? I don't know much about the academy's swordsmanship classes."

Casial's lips curled into a mischievous grin, his expression practically glowing with the anticipation of showing off. "Of course! How else can we practice properly? Real swords are essential." His tone carried the smug confidence of someone who enjoyed having the upper hand in a conversation.

Aqua raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Then do you happen to have a spare?"

Casial came to an abrupt halt on the stairs, turning to Aqua with an incredulous look. "Wait—you didn't bring your sword?"

"I did," Aqua replied evenly, his voice steady. "But it's not suited for training. It's too dangerous to use casually."

Casial's grin widened, his curiosity instantly piqued. "Dangerous, huh? What did you bring? A fifth-grade sword?" Though his tone was playful, the glint in his eyes betrayed his genuine intrigue.

"Yes, it's a fifth-grade sword. It's currently sealed," Aqua said matter-of-factly. He reached into his subspace artifact, a subtle shimmer in the air accompanying the motion. When he pulled out his weapon, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The long black sword gleamed menacingly, a crimson stone embedded in its handle pulsing faintly like a heartbeat. The blade's surface was pitch black, exuding an ominous mana aura that seemed barely contained.

Casial's jaw dropped as he took a step back, completely taken aback by the sheer presence of the weapon. The craftsmanship was impeccable, and the sword's restrained power was palpable. "What…? Not even I, a prince, have a fifth-grade sword!" Casial's voice cracked slightly as he managed an exaggerated pout, his expression comically dramatic despite the gravity of the situation

.

"It's called Darkness," Aqua said, his tone softer, almost reverent. He held the blade carefully, as though it were a cherished memory in physical form. "Ray gave it to me as a birthday present on my tenth birthday. I named it because of its appearance."

Casial blinked, his initial awe giving way to amusement. He burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the stairwell. "The sword is impressive," he admitted, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "But your naming sense is… terrible."

Aqua simply smirked, letting the comment slide as they continued their ascent, the faint hum of the blade's mana following them.