Duels 1

It was now a week to the end of the month. And also, a week before Awakening Trial.

The atmosphere was quite tense as Instructor Itou walked into the class with calm and confident steps, her gait steady. She took a good look at the class and was quite surprised at the amount of concentration they had begun to show since about a two weeks ago. Even though it wouldn't save them from their predicament, a hint of approval still lingered in her gaze.

"Morning class. As you all know, you only have a week left before you are sent into the Nirad Realm. So the school has decided to cancel all classes—

"Wooooh!!!" Kim shouted cheerfully, her face lighting up with joy until...

"—and replace it with Combat Training."

Kim froze in disbelief as her dream of nonstop shopping crumbled.

"Also, since it'll be a combined work with all first years, all the other classes would be participating in the Combat Classes together." The Instructor added.

"W-what?"

The atmosphere got more tense as they realized the meaning of her words. According to Liam, the other classes contained mostly those stronger than them. Though some often time opposed, even they knew the gravity of the training. And this fact, made everyone tense—except one oddball.

"This would be fun." Sebastian said with a grin as he placed his legs on the locker.

"Is it compulsory?" Liam asked, his brows furrowed slightly.

"Yes. It certainly is compulsory and it will be quite... enlightening." The Instructor said with narrowed eyes, a mysterious glint flashing in her eyes.

"I expect everyone to be in the Training Facility by ten o'clock. Once again, good morning."

...

After their homeroom teacher left the class, the whole place was thrown into chaos and disorder as everyone vented their discontent.

Liam, seeing this, stood up and addressed the class.

"I know most of us are pretty nervous because this is going to be our first time going up against other classes. But still! I refuse to believe that our class has the weakest bunch. And to prove that, we'll be showing them not to underestimate us."

With a tone full of conviction, he spoke and could immediately feel the mood of the class change.

"Hell yeah! Let's give them a beat down!" Logan shouted with a grin while the others also cheered.

...

Soon, every first year student was gathered in the Training Facility. Their expressions were quite tense as they glanced around. Only a few had composed expressions like Liam, Hazel and Sebastian from Class-D, a purple haired boy from Class-C, a white haired girl with purple eyes from Class-B and a violet haired girl from Class-A.

A gaunt, dark skinned man six feet tall stood before them. He had sharp brown eyes and a bald head which reflected the florescent lights.

The homeroom teachers of each class stood a few paces behind him with their expressions full of seriousness.

"Good morning, cadets. I am Colonel Miguel — you will address me as such.

You've been briefed on today's training. I won't waste time.

You were chosen by this institution because you show promise. Now you'll prove it — not to some machine, but to each other.

Today's objective: test your strength, your will, and your discipline.

We begin immediately. I will call your names — step forward when called. No weapons. No restrictions. Stop when your opponent yields. Understood?"

He paused, his eyes flicking to the tablet in his hand.

"Victoria from Class-C. Hazel from Class-D. Step forward."

A girl with short blue hair and sharp green eyes with an almost permanent scowl on her face stepped forward and faced the man.

"Victoria Lewis from Class-C."

Colonel Miguel regarded her with a nod then watched as another girl with long black hair and brown eyes stepped forward and faced him.

"Hazel Kane from Class-D."

"Kane?" He mummured softly with a raised brow. 

'That's... General Raymond's daughter.' He thought, quietly surprised that she was placed in Class-D. Was she that weak?

"Alright. You may begin."

Victoria nodded then turned to face Hazel who had an equal amount of seriousness from her face.

Without any delay, Hazel took a boxing stance, her posture rigid yet flexible. Victoria reacted in response, clenching her fists and lowering her body.

Victoria rushed forward and lashed out with a side kick which Hazel parried relatively easily. Unperturbed, she pressed on with a series of punch and kicks. 

Hazel's eyes narrowed as she blocked every attack yet she realized she had been forced into defensive, not given a chance to attack at all.

A feeling of irritation sparked in her chest as she struggled to counter-attack. Victoria seemed to feel her irritation and smirked, irking her more.

[Body Clairvoyance]

She activated her ability which granted her a significant boost in strength and speed while also helping her predict anything related to her body—like an opponent's attack connecting.

With a roar, her eyes turned sharpened as she pushed Victoria back with a heavy punch.

~Huff~Huff~

She panted heavily as visible steam escaped from her mouth. Her hair rolled off her shoulders as she felt an unusual amount of strength surge through her.

Victoria's scowl deepened as she also activated her ability.

[Valkyrie's Blessing]

Similar to Hazel's ability, this one granted her great benefits like increased attack power and increased defense.

Her green eyes glowed briefly as her presence suddenly became sharper.

Pah!

Before she could even shift her footing, Hazel exploded forward, a blur.

Pah! 

A heavy blow slammed into Victoria's torso, stealing her breath.

The impact sent her sprawling—

She barely registered hitting the floor before Hazel was already above her, one boot planted on her chest, pinning her in place.

Victoria strained—clawing at Hazel's leg—

But the strength just wasn't there.

"I... surrender."

Through the dark bangs, she could see Hazel's red-brown eyes slowly reverting back to brown, yet she couldn't deny the feeling of fear and frustration that permeated her being.

"Winner—Hazel Kane, Class-D."