Survival Training & A Feast at Home

Pandora walked through the front door of her house, her expression as blank as ever. The moment she stepped in, her parents and younger siblings rushed to her, their faces brimming with joy—until she casually mentioned what had happened with the professor.

"HE TRIED TO FEED YOU WHAT?!"

Her father, a tall, muscular man with a booming voice, slammed his hands on the table, shaking the entire room. Her mother, a gentle-looking woman, was gripping a frying pan like she was ready to storm the academy and wage war. Her siblings clung to her, dramatic tears running down their faces.

"WE'RE GOING TO THE ACADEMY RIGHT NOW!" her mother roared, grabbing a rolling pin.

"I'LL DRAG THAT PROFESSOR OUT MYSELF!" her father added.

Her little brother sniffled. "Big sis... that's why you should've let me come with you! I could've taken him down!"

"You're five," Pandora deadpanned.

"And yet I have more battle awareness than you!"

Pandora, completely unfazed by the chaotic outburst, simply held up her hand. "No. I have already dealt with it. There is no need for further action."

Her parents and siblings exchanged glances before letting out over-the-top wails of frustration, pacing the house dramatically. Pandora, trying to make sense of their reactions, suddenly felt a sharp headache. She rubbed her temples as an odd sense of pressure welled up inside her, only to fade before she could grasp what it was. She brushed it off, not realizing that this was yet another sign.

The next morning at Ebonspire Academy, Pandora was once again approached by Lucian, the mysterious new transferee, who had taken a peculiar interest in her.

"Pandora!" he called out, smiling brightly. "I was wondering—what are your hobbies? What do you like? What do you dislike? What's your favorite food? Do you prefer the mountains or the sea? Cats or dogs? If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? If—"

Before he could finish, Grimm materialized in front of Pandora, raising his massive, armored arms like an impenetrable wall. "That's enough questions. State your business, human."

Lucian blinked. "I am stating my business—I'm trying to get to know her!"

Grimm narrowed his eyes. "Suspicious."

Lucian held up his hands, grinning. "Come on, I'm harmless. Look at this face! Does this look like the face of someone with bad intentions?"

Grimm did not blink. "I do not trust your face."

Pip and Blaze, Pandora's other spirits, popped out beside Grimm.

"He's definitely up to something!" Pip declared, dramatically pointing at Lucian.

"Or maybe he's just stupid," Blaze added, smirking.

Lucian looked from one spirit to the other, then at Pandora, who had been silently staring at him the whole time. "Are your spirits always like this?"

"Yes," she replied simply.

Before Lucian could continue interrogating her, the lesson began. The professor stood at the front of the class, his presence commanding attention.

"Today's lesson is about the life of an adventurer. It is not all about fame and glory—adventuring is dangerous work. You will encounter monsters, dungeons, and perilous quests, and if you are not prepared, you will not survive."

As the professor spoke, he conjured illusions of various monsters in the air, displaying different creatures they might encounter. Some students gasped in awe, while others gulped in nervousness.

"If you ever find yourself cornered by a beast far stronger than you, what is the first thing you must do?" the professor asked.

Pandora raised her hand. "Defeat it."

The class turned to stare at her. Some snickered, while others whispered in confusion.

The professor sighed. "No. The correct answer is 'run away.'"

Pandora tilted her head. "Why?"

"Because staying to fight a superior opponent is reckless!" The professor rubbed his temples. "Sometimes, survival is more important than victory."

Pandora remained silent. In her mind, the best way to survive was to eliminate all threats. But she didn't argue.

Lunchtime arrived, and Pandora sat at her usual table with Lilia, Raine, Darian, and Elric. The conversation was lighthearted until Lucian appeared, following Pandora like a lost puppy.

"You again?!" Raine snapped, his eye twitching. "Why are you always around Pandora?!"

Lucian grinned. "Because I want to be!"

Raine slammed his hands on the table, standing up. "That's it! I challenge you to a duel!"

Lucian's eyes sparkled. "Oh, that sounds fun! What are we dueling for?"

"For Pandora to never see your face again!"

Pandora, chewing her food, blinked. "I never agreed to that."

Lucian laughed. "I accept!"

Darian and Elric immediately grabbed Raine by the arms. "Nope. Nope. We are NOT starting a fight in the cafeteria."

"Unhand me!" Raine struggled. "This is for Pandora's honor!"

"She doesn't care!" Darian groaned.

Lucian chuckled as he sat next to Pandora, completely unfazed. "You have some interesting friends."

Pandora took another bite of her meal. "They are noisy."

"And you like them anyway, don't you?" Lucian teased.

Pandora didn't answer, simply staring at him, before turning back to her food. Lucian took that as a victory.

After lunch, an announcement echoed through the academy. "Attention, students! All first-years, report to the training grounds immediately for a special game."

Excitement and confusion buzzed through the students. As they arrived at the training grounds, they were greeted by instructors who explained the rules.

"This game is a test of survival. You must work together or betray each other to win. The last few standing will receive a reward."

Pandora tilted her head. "This seems… excessive."

Lucian grinned. "Sounds fun, right?"

Lilia paled. "I don't like the sound of this…"

The game began.

And chaos ensued.

As the bell rang, signaling the start of the much-anticipated Survival Training Game, excitement and tension filled the air. The students gathered in the academy's vast training hall, where glowing runes flickered to life on the floor, activating the Holo-Beast Arena.

Professor Alden stood at the center, his sharp eyes scanning the eager students. "Today, you will experience the trials of true adventurers. Your objective is simple—survive. You'll be facing a series of holographic monsters modeled after real creatures that roam the lands. Form your parties wisely, as teamwork is the key to victory."

Pandora found herself in a party with Lilia, Raine, Elric, Darian, and—to her mild annoyance—Lucian, who had stubbornly attached himself to her side. "Since you're all close, you'll fight together," Professor Alden declared. Raine shot Lucian a glare, while Lilia beamed, eager for the challenge.

The first challenge materialized before them—a Goblin. The small, green-skinned creature cackled, waving a rusted dagger.

"I'll handle this," Elric said confidently, drawing his sword. He lunged forward, delivering a clean strike, dispersing the goblin into light particles.

"Tch, too easy," Raine scoffed. "I hope the next one puts up a fight."

The second opponent, a Wolf, emerged, its red eyes glowing with hunger. Darian stepped up, using his spear to keep it at bay while Lilia cast an Ice Bind spell, freezing its legs. Lucian leaped in, delivering the final blow with surprising agility. He turned to Pandora expectantly. "Did you see that? Impressive, right?"

Pandora blinked. "You did what you were supposed to do."

Lucian gasped, placing a hand over his heart. "So cold… yet so captivating."

The third wave began, and this time, a Troll stomped into existence. It roared, shaking the ground as it swung its massive club.

"This one's tough!" Lilia warned.

"Allow me!" Raine declared, dashing in with his rapier. However, his attack barely left a scratch. "Uh-oh."

"Stand aside," Pandora said flatly. She raised her hand, summoning Grimm, Pip, and Blaze.

Grimm surged forward, a dark shadow slicing across the troll's arm. Pip zipped around its head, distracting it with rapid light bursts, while Blaze unleashed a fiery explosion at its chest. The troll roared in pain before collapsing into shimmering dust.

"You held back, didn't you?" Darian asked, eyes gleaming.

Pandora tilted her head. "Holding back? I was merely conserving energy."

Finally, the last challenge arrived—an Ogre, towering over them with bulging muscles and a wicked grin.

"Alright, team," Elric said, gripping his sword. "We take this one down together."

The battle was intense. The ogre swung its giant fists, forcing the team to dodge. Lilia cast defensive spells while Darian and Elric kept it occupied. Pandora's spirits worked in unison, overwhelming the ogre with elemental attacks.

With one final coordinated strike, the ogre dissolved into light.

The room erupted in cheers as the game ended, marking their success.

Later that evening, Pandora's home was livelier than ever. Her usually quiet space was now filled with laughter as her friends invited themselves over for a celebratory dinner. Her family—boisterous, affectionate, and the complete opposite of her—welcomed them enthusiastically.

Pandora's mother clasped her hands together. "Oh my stars! You brought friends home? I knew this day would come!"

Her father wiped away an exaggerated tear. "My daughter, finally socializing! I'm so proud."

Pandora blinked in confusion while Lilia giggled, and Raine smirked smugly. "Of course she has friends! Who wouldn't want to be around her?"

Lucian, who had also tagged along, leaned in. "True. She's absolutely fascinating."

Grimm crossed his arms. "I still don't trust you."

The evening ended with a raucous feast, stories shared, and laughter echoing through the house—a stark contrast to Pandora's usual quiet routine. As she sat among them, watching the warmth of her friends and family, an unfamiliar feeling crept into her heart.

Something she couldn't quite understand yet…