Chapter 5: Challenge accepted!
At Academy, students train in Quantum Bending, mastering elements like Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Leaf, Stone, Mist, Lightning, and Ice.
This training fosters their dormant powers while building strong bonds with guardians for support. The curriculum encourages the exploration of their abilities through strategic exercises and real-world applications.
Performance in academic exams and Fight Competitions is crucial for achieving greatness. These competitions test students' skills, strategy, and bravery, requiring physical prowess and mental acuity.
Held in grand arenas before an enthusiastic audience, victories significantly enhance a student's standing and move them closer to elite status.
Students invest countless hours preparing for these events, strengthening camaraderie and respect among peers. For first-year students, the competitions offer a vital opportunity to prove themselves and gain recognition.
In the afternoon, after the morning class, students will have the opportunity for independent training. The morning session focuses on detailed techniques, while the afternoon allows students to train their unique abilities through self-directed practice.
+Quantum Air Bending, Training Ground
In the lively courtyard, groups of students gathered, their animated discussions creating an electric atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement.
Clusters of students, each with their unique talents, engaged in spirited conversations about their abilities and the day's training.
"I think it would be advantageous for both air benders and leaf benders to train in the same facility," suggested a student, his voice resonating with enthusiasm.
"Why's that? Aren't leaf benders considered the weaker ones?" a skeptical voice countered, drawing nods of agreement from others nearby.
A student with an air of mystery about him leaned in, eager to share something intriguing. "Have you heard of Atobe Keigo?" he asked, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
The others shook their heads, indicating their unfamiliarity. Seeing their interest piqued, he continued with a knowing smile, "He's that leaf bender who nearly made it to Class A."
"Wait, are you serious?" a student whispered to her companion, her tone filled with disbelief and wonder.
"Absolutely," her friend responded, her eyes bright with admiration. "I heard he has the ability to manipulate leaves with such precision that they can cut through stone. A leaf can be as formidable as his aura, earning him the title of Child of Nature."
The group fell silent for a moment, contemplating the implications of such power. A breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, enhancing the enchanting ambiance of their surroundings.
"By the way, why do you want to train with leaf benders?" another student inquired, his curiosity evident as he leaned forward.
The student who first mentioned Keigo took a deep breath, his expression growing more serious.
"Verdant Cyclone," he said, his voice filled with reverence.
"Verdant Cyclone?" a girl repeated, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes," he explained, his tone filled with excitement. "By merging the elements of Air and Leaf, users can generate a Verdant Cyclone—a swirling vortex of leaves and wind."
The group exchanged awed glances, their imaginations sparked by the possibilities. The courtyard seemed to come alive with the potential of their combined abilities, the air tingling with energy.
"This powerful cyclone can sweep away adversaries, clear paths, or even transport objects," he continued, gesturing animatedly as if conjuring the cyclone himself.
"The cyclone's force is amplified by the leaves' ability to cut through and disrupt structures," another student added, her enthusiasm evident as she envisioned the strategy at play.
"Imagine the possibilities in both battle and environmental manipulation!" another chimed in, his voice filled with excitement.
At that moment, Jin, who was nearby, overheard the conversation. He grinned and smiled,
"Well... I have to meet him at least once!" The meeting he desired was one that involved a fight.
Jin smiled while walking to the center of the training ground, and he exhaled deeply, allowing the latent energy within him to surge forth with unprecedented intensity. A vibrant, green luminescence began to emanate from his body, casting a brilliant glow that enveloped the area.
His guardian appeared behind him, amplifying the strength of his aura. The wind around him erupted with energy, swirling as if it had a will of its own, eagerly responding to his command. The wind guardian transformed into a Katana, its blade shining in a vivid light green.
Jin's sudden display of power left students in awe, silencing conversations and creating an overwhelming pressure that froze everyone in place.
His potent energy rippled through the training grounds, attracting the attention of others mid-training, who were stunned by the formidable aura. The atmosphere was tense as if nature itself was reacting to Jin's strength.
The powerful aura radiating from Jin was so intense that everyone at the other Quantum bending training grounds noticed it. The second and third-year students at their own training grounds felt the pressure emanating from him.
"Hoo!... Looks like the rookie wants to challenge us," remarked one of the third-year S・A students, grinning as he relished the moment of confrontation.
"Hahaha, we have someone who doesn't know their place stepping up," another chimed in, laughing as he spoke.
The other members fell silent as the leader of the third-year S・A team stepped forward, declaring,
"Indeed, we accept the challenge." He dressed in a kimono with his long hair danced elegantly in the breeze, and he held a katana firmly in his hand.
Meanwhile, the second-year S・A team gathered together;
"Um... Emm....I think we're in the second year, the era of peaceful moments without any enemies," one of them remarked, while the others nodded in agreement.
"We're just the support team, ya know," another chimed in, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder and flashing a grin. And another member chimed in;
"Woah!... The brave one... but welcome to hell, rookies," he said, his eyes gleaming ominously behind his smile.
The others merely observed him, their expressions reflecting a mix of annoyance and respect for his powerful aura.
In the meantime, Jin faced reprimand from Nakamura-sensei, caught in a tense atmosphere. The punishment of being confined to his dorm for one week left him unable to step outside.
In the evening, after dinner;
"Bravo, boy! Ehhh? Jin" Sei said, looking at Jin with a smirk.
"Hahaha...hahaha..."
"Shut up, KEN!" Jin yelled at Kenya.
"Huh? Which KEN are you talking about? There are two of us, ya know," Kenjuro chimed in with a smirk on his face.
"Both of you!" Jin exclaimed in a firm voice.
"Oi!... Sei, someone can sense your flame aura." Once he calmed down, Jin turned to Sei and said.
"I knew," Sei replied, while Kenya and Kenjuro widened their eyes in surprise and asked,
"WHO?" both exclaimed.
"SHUT UP, you annoying brat twins!" Jin gritted his teeth, irritated by the loud voices of the twins.
Jin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to rein in his frustration.
"Look, it's not just anyone. It's Shiba Takeru."
Kenjuro raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Huh!... Shiba!... Shiba Clan?"
"Hm!... the one with the fire aura," Jin confirmed, leaning back in his chair with a sigh.
"It's like he can sense everything."
Sei chuckled softly, her eyes dancing with amusement. "So?"
"It means you have to be careful," Jin warned, glancing at Sei with a serious expression. "If he figures out your true abilities, it could spell trouble."
"Well, I'm not worried," Sei replied with a confident smile. "I've got you guys"
The tension in the room eased as Kenjuro and Kenya exchanged a glance before bursting into laughter.
"Yeah, but who's looking out for whom here?" Kenjuro teased, receiving a solid punch on the back from Sei.
"Ouch! That hurt more than the last time, Kappa!" Kenjuro exclaimed, rubbing his back in confusion.
"Hah?" Sei replied, her eyes and voice filled with intensity.
"Alright, alright," Jin interrupted, rolling his eyes at their antics. "Let's focus on the task at hand."
Kenya nodded, his demeanor shifting to a serious tone, and remarked, "But he is your roommate, isn't he?"
"Uh!!..." Jin froze in surprise, wondering why he had overlooked that detail. He placed his hand on his forehead.
"Hahahaha..." Not just the combo twins, Sei joined in on the laughter as well.
"Hahaha... my stomach hurts from laughing! Hahaha!"
The person who finds joy in teasing Jin the most is Kenya. He continues to laugh while playfully embarrassing Jin and jokingly wanting to hit him.
But then, the atmosphere shifted, the streetlights flickered on and off, and a peculiar aura enveloped them. They exchanged knowing glances.
Out of nowhere, an object plummeted from the sky, causing the ground to shake and fracture, revealing the land's immense power.
"Arh... Arh..." The powerful shout reverberates, causing their ears to ring and showcasing their immense landing strength.
"Yuma!" Jin exclaimed and was surprised along with the others.