Chapter 7: First Day of School

The sun barely peeked over the horizon when the bells of Elitia Academy tolled, echoing through the dark castle. A chilling wind swept through the halls as students groggily emerged from their dorms, some more eager than others.

In the corridors of Alpha House, doors creaked open as students filed out, adjusting their uniforms—black coats lined with silver, crisp white shirts, and polished boots. Some wore their weapons strapped to their belts, while others carried enchanted books or staffs, symbols of their magical abilities.

Alphas Combat Class

The sun had barely risen, yet the arena of Elitia Academy was already alive with anticipation. The students stood in a loose formation, weapons in hand, waiting for Professor Sienna Valcroft's instructions. The walls of the grand training arena were lined with old battle scars—proof of past duels fought within these grounds.

Professor Valcroft paced before them, her piercing amber eyes scanning each student. "Combat is not about brute strength or mindless aggression," she stated. "It is about skill, strategy, and knowing when to strike. Today, we assess your abilities. Pair up—you will fight until I say stop."

The students exchanged glances when professor Valcroft announced that there opponent is their dorm mates

And since ms. kaesy do not have her dormate..."I....will be...." Then someone interrupted professor Valcroft...he entered the combat hall with strong and commanding aura....it was professor Vaughn

" I will be her opponent...I want to see what Ms. Seneca is capable off" Professor Vaughn said, with a slight smile on his face

---

The Duels Begin

Kaesy Dane Seneca vs. Professor Vaughn

Kaesy tightened her grip on her rapier, eyes locked on Professor Vaughn. He stood there, completely at ease, hands behind his back. He hadn't even drawn a weapon.

"Go on," Vaughn said, smirking. "Show me what you've got."

Kaesy lunged, fast and precise—only for her sword to be knocked from her grip before she even registered his movement.

Her heart pounded. What—?

"You're quick," Vaughn mused. "But not quick enough."

Gritting her teeth, Kaesy spun into a kick. Missed. She punched. Dodged. Another kick—caught.

Before she could react, Vaughn twisted her momentum and sent her stumbling. She barely caught herself, breath ragged.

"You fight with a lot of spirit," he continued, his tone almost amused. "Too bad spirit doesn't win fights."

Kaesy growled, launching herself at him again—only to find him gone.

A sudden tap against the back of her neck. She froze.

"Dead," Vaughn whispered, voice laced with amusement.

Kaesy spun around, face burning with frustration. "You—!"

Vaughn chuckled, stepping back. "Relax, Seneca. At least you lasted longer than I expected."

Her fists clenched. "I'll wipe that smug look off your face next time."

Vaughn smirked. "I look forward to it."

As he walked off, Kaesy swore under her breath. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

Chrisha Van Dele vs. Aella Reeze Wilson

Chrisha spun her daggers between her fingers, smirking. "Try not to embarrass yourself, Aella."

Aella flexed her fingers around her blade's hilt. "I should be saying that to you."

The moment Valcroft signaled, Chrisha lunged, her daggers a blur of silver. Aella parried effortlessly, using her sword to redirect the attack. The clash of metal rang out as they exchanged strikes—Chrisha darting around Aella with speed, Aella countering each move with precision.

"Not bad," Aella admitted, dodging a slash. "But predictable."

Chrisha feigned an attack before twisting her blade mid-swing, forcing Aella to block in an awkward position. Aella chuckled. "Oh, you are getting better."

Celsy Rielle De Obelia vs. Keisha Mayie Van Hanss

Celsy stood firm, calculating Keisha's movements. "I'm not falling for any tricks."

Keisha grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Who said anything about tricks?"

She charged without hesitation, fists glowing with energy. Celsy dodged the first strike but barely avoided the second. Keisha was fast—too fast. Celsy narrowed her eyes and stepped back, waiting.

As Keisha lunged again, Celsy twisted, catching her off-guard and sweeping her legs out from under her. Keisha landed hard but rolled back to her feet.

"Alright," she admitted, shaking off the dust. "You are good."

Kim Lovie vs. Rheem Rosie Clain

Kim twirled her staff, eyes playful. "Don't go easy on me, Rheem."

Rheem smirked. "I won't."

Kim struck first, her staff aiming for Rheem's shoulder. Rheem ducked and countered with a swift kick, sending Kim stumbling back. Kim recovered quickly and spun, striking again, forcing Rheem into a defensive stance.

"Fast reflexes," Rheem noted, deflecting another strike.

Kim grinned. "You have no idea."

Winter Briaella Cross vs. Ella Kim

Winter adjusted her grip on her sword, eyes sharp. "Show me what you've got, Ella."

Ella nodded and stepped forward, slashing in a precise arc. Winter blocked with ease, Ella launched another attack. Their swords clashed in rapid succession, neither giving an inch.

"Impressive," Winter muttered as she avoided a strike aimed at her side.

Ella smirked. "I train hard."

Winter lunged, forcing Ella to backpedal. "So do I."

Avrille Lentz vs. Mary Julieth Taylor

Avrille observed Mary carefully, waiting for an opening. Mary, however, was already on the move, attacking with a precise thrust.

Avrille sidestepped and countered with a sweeping kick, but Mary anticipated it and jumped back.

"Smart," Avrille admitted.

Mary smiled. "I study my opponents."

Avrille lunged, testing Mary's defenses. "Then let's see if you've studied me enough."

Rachelle Hampton vs. Jhenny Sailish

Jhenny adjusted her grip on her twin daggers, circling Rachelle. "Are we going to fight, or just stare at each other?"

Rachelle raised an eyebrow. "Patience. The first to strike often loses."

Jhenny scoffed and dashed forward. Rachelle waited until the last second before sidestepping, causing Jhenny to miss.

"See?" Rachelle teased.

Jhenny grinned. "Oh, now it's personal."

Leslie Tamayo vs. Cora Millie Clifton

Leslie held her sword steady while Cora tapped her fingers against the hilt of her dagger.

"You look nervous," Leslie commented.

Cora shrugged. "I am nervous."

Leslie smirked. "That's when people are the most dangerous."

Cora surprised her with a sudden strike, forcing Leslie to block quickly. "See?" Cora grinned.

Khierra Sky Smith vs. Velia Lair Luther

Velia stood silently, studying Khierra.

Khierra raised an eyebrow. "Not much of a talker, huh cous?"

Velia simply nodded, then lunged without warning. Khierra barely dodged in time.

"Alright then," Khierra muttered. "Let's do this."

Ynah Blair vs. Rayah Denise Van Goh

Rayah smirked. "No hard feelings?"

Ynah cracked her knuckles. "Only if I win."

Rayah attacked with controlled force, while Ynah dodged and countered with speed. It was a battle of endurance, neither willing to give in.

Rosette Miyumi vs. Felia Owen Herrera

Rosette sighed. "I don't like fighting."

Felia tilted her head. "Then I'll make it quick."

Rosette suddenly moved with unexpected speed, dodging Felia's first attack with ease. Felia grinned. "You're full of surprises."

Rey Vien Windsor vs. Riyami Yuuki

Rey Vien smirked. "Try not to hold back."

Riyami rolled her eyes. "I wasn't planning to."

Their weapons clashed as they fought in sync, neither gaining the upper hand.

Chezka Slovack vs. Charline Oneida

Chezka leaned against her weapon. "You sure you want to do this?"

Charline simply raised her sword. "I do."

Chezka sighed. "Alright. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Axel Devuncheek vs. Micko Lee

Micko grinned. "Let's make this fun."

Axel smirked. "I don't do fun."

Micko lunged, forcing Axel into a defensive stance. "That's too bad."

Harvie Deogracia vs. Ruscell Montenegro

Harvie cracked his knuckles. "No magic, just skill?"

Ruscell nodded. "Let's keep it fair."

They charged at each other, fists meeting with equal force.

Justin Pritz vs. Carl Perez

Carl smirked. "Hope you're ready."

Justin rolled his shoulders. "Let's find out."

Theodore Janssen vs. Kent Jeremiah Bainbridge

Theodore eyed Kent. "You look strong."

Kent grinned. "So do you."

Their battle was fierce, both testing their strength against each other.

---

The matches continued until Professor Valcroft finally called for them to stop. Some students panted from exhaustion, others stood unscathed but wary.

Valcroft crossed her arms. "Some of you have potential. Others—" her gaze swept over them, "—need work. But this was only the beginning."