Sharing Strengths

Chapter 7: The Alliance of Strangers

The three of them gathered at the far edge of the courtyard, away from prying eyes. Rei watched them carefully—Souta, the confident warrior, and Akari, the unreadable fighter.

Souta leaned against the academy wall, arms crossed. "So, what's your deal?"

Rei adjusted his glasses. "If you're talking about why I'm here, it's simple. I need to survive."

Akari raised an eyebrow. "Survive? Most people here are aiming to dominate. You're thinking too small."

Rei gave a small smile. "I'm a realist. You both seem capable, and if we form a team, our chances of making it past this ridiculous entrance exam increase significantly."

Souta chuckled. "You're pretty straightforward, huh?" He tapped his temple. "I like that. But before we talk about teaming up, I need to know what you bring to the table."

Akari nodded. "Agreed. You already look like the weakest here. Why should we take you seriously?"

Rei took a deep breath. This was his moment.

Rei: "I don't fight with brute strength. I fight with my mind. I see everything—patterns, weaknesses, openings. I can analyze an opponent's movements in real time and predict their actions. In a fight, I can tell you exactly how to counter anyone."

Souta's smirk faded slightly. He studied Rei for a moment, then chuckled. "That's interesting."

Akari, however, looked skeptical. "And? So, you can 'see' everything. That doesn't mean you can do anything about it. If you're weak, you're just a spectator."

Rei exhaled. "That's why I need people like you two. I can see the path to victory, but I need allies who can act on it."

Souta ran a hand through his silver hair. "Not bad. So, you're saying we should carry you?"

Rei met his gaze, unflinching. "No. I'm saying I'll make sure you never lose."

A tense silence followed.

Then Souta grinned.

"Hah! Alright, I'm in. This should be fun."

Akari crossed her arms. "You agreed too quickly."

Souta shrugged. "You don't get it, do you? A guy like this? He's dangerous. Not because he can fight—but because he can make people who can fight even stronger. Imagine having someone who can tell you the best way to win in every battle."

Akari frowned, but then sighed. "Fine. But if I feel like you're holding me back, I'm leaving."

Rei nodded. "Fair enough."

Souta leaned forward, suddenly serious. "Alright then, since we're a team now, let's lay it all out. What are your strengths?"

Souta Arclight – "The Lightning Striker"

Abilities: Inhuman Reflexes & Lightning-Speed Combat

Souta's reaction speed is nearly instant, allowing him to dodge and counter effortlessly. His fighting style revolves around aggressive, unpredictable strikes. He has elite training from a renowned warrior family.

Souta: "I don't fight. I dominate. Speed, reaction, and precision. If someone moves, I'll already have hit them twice before they realize it."

Rei nodded, storing the information. "Your strength is overwhelming offense. You'll need someone to balance you out defensively."

Akari Kisaragi – "The Untouchable Shadow"

Abilities: Perfect Evasion & Counter Combat

Akari has perfect body control, allowing her to dodge nearly anything. She specializes in counterattacks, using her opponent's strength against them. She never gets hit.

Akari: "I don't get caught in a fight. I let my enemies make mistakes and punish them for it."

Rei smirked slightly. "That makes you the opposite of Souta. While he's an unstoppable force, you're an immovable object."

Akari narrowed her eyes but didn't argue.

Rei Kurogane – "The Observer"

Abilities: Perfect Analysis & Tactical Prediction

Rei can instantly analyze an opponent's fighting style, weaknesses, and habits. He has flawless memory—once he sees a technique, he never forgets it. He can predict and plan battles ahead of time, creating strategies mid-fight.

Souta grinned. "Well, look at that. We've got a speedster, a ghost, and a mastermind. Not bad."

Akari sighed. "It's not terrible."

Rei folded his arms. "Then it's settled. We're a team."

They all exchanged glances, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Souta grinned. "This is gonna be fun."

Akari nodded. "Just don't slow us down."

Rei smirked slightly. "Trust me. You'll want to listen to me if you plan on surviving."