First Impressions

Fenix wandered through the Academy Training Grounds, an open space filled with battle arenas, practice dummies, and obstacle courses. The air was thick with the sounds of clashing weapons, bursts of energy, and Awakeneds testing their newfound powers.

He had come here to see how others trained—to observe, to learn.

But instead, he found himself listening to a group of students standing near one of the elite sparring arenas.

"Honestly, I don't understand why they let just anyone in here," a voice echoed.

Fenix stopped walking.

The voice belonged to Leonidas Vaelstrom.

He turned to see a tall young man with platinum hair and golden eyes, wearing a pristine black and silver uniform, his posture regal and unshaken.

Leonidas stood with a few other noble heirs, all of them watching the commoner students with expressions that ranged from amused to outright disapproving.

"The Academy was meant for Awakeneds with true power," Leonidas continued. "Now? It's infested with nobodies, scavengers hoping to rise above their station."

A few chuckled in agreement.

Fenix felt his jaw tighten.

Leonidas locked eyes with him.

"Oh?" A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "And here we have another stray."

Fenix held his gaze, unbothered.

"You're a talker, huh?"

The noble heir raised an eyebrow. "And you're…?"

"Fenix."

Leonidas tilted his head. "Never heard of you."

"Good." Fenix crossed his arms. "I'd rather it stay that way."

There was a brief silence.

Then, Leonidas chuckled.

"Confident," he mused. "But confidence without pedigree is nothing but empty arrogance."

His fingers twitched, and suddenly, the ground beneath Fenix trembled.

A faint golden glow rippled across the stone as an invisible force pushed against him, testing, probing, demanding submission.

Fenix gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly.

He wasn't about to let some noble test him like a pet.

Leonidas narrowed his eyes. "Interesting. You're resisting."

The pressure grew stronger.

Fenix clenched his fists. The Flame of Chaos flickered within him.

His body burned with energy—his muscles coiled, ready to break through the force pressing against him.

Then—Leonidas let go.

The pressure disappeared.

Fenix exhaled slowly.

Leonidas smirked. "Not bad. For a stray."

Without another word, he turned, walking away.

The other nobles followed, throwing glances of amusement and curiosity at Fenix.

He watched them leave, rolling his shoulders.

'This Academy is going to be a pain.'

After the encounter, Fenix decided to clear his head.

He wandered into the Academy Cafeteria, a spacious, well-lit hall with long wooden tables, the scent of fresh food lingering in the air.

He wasn't in the mood to sit with any nobles, so he found an empty table near the back.

As he started eating, he overheard two voices arguing nearby.

"You're just mad because I'm smarter than you."

"Smarter? You almost set yourself on fire!"

Fenix glanced up.

Two students had taken the seats across from him, completely ignoring his presence.

A sharp-eyed guy with messy brown hair and a confident smirk.

And a girl with dark shoulder-length hair, calm but exasperated.

The guy, Dante Ryker, turned to Fenix and grinned.

"Hey. You look like you hate this place as much as we do."

Fenix blinked. "...I guess?"

Mira sighed. "Ignore him. He thinks everyone who isn't a noble is instantly his best friend."

"Because we should stick together," Dante countered. "That's what commoners do."

Fenix smirked slightly. "You're awfully friendly for someone I just met."

Dante leaned back. "What can I say? I have a good feeling about you."

Mira glanced at Fenix. "You look like someone who got dragged into something bigger than you expected."

She wasn't wrong.

Fenix took another bite of his food.

"...You two seem alright."

Dante grinned. "See? I told you he'd like us."

Mira rolled her eyes.

And just like that, Fenix found himself with company.

After eating, the three of them decided to test their skills together.

The training area was crowded, but they found an empty sparring zone and began warming up.

Fenix focused on controlling his new power.

Dante's agility-based abilities made him quick & unpredictable.

Mira's support skills gave them buffs & heightened awareness.

Between drills, they started talking—not about battle, not about strategy, but about normal things.

Dante: "So, Fenix, got any hobbies?"

Fenix: "...Surviving?"

Mira: "That's not a hobby."

Fenix: "It is if you suck at it."

Dante laughed. "Damn, alright. I'll take that answer."

They continued sparring, taking turns testing different techniques.

Eventually, Dante sat on the ground, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"So what's your deal? Why did you come to the Academy?"

Fenix hesitated.

He thought about his Trial. 

Then he simply shrugged.

"Guess I'm trying to figure that out myself."

Mira studied him carefully, but she didn't press.

Dante stretched his arms behind his head. "Well, whatever your deal is, you seem cool. Guess you're stuck with us now."

Fenix smirked.

'Not a bad first day.'

The training continued, the Academy's vast sky stretching above them.

For the first time in a long while, Fenix felt like he wasn't completely alone.