Starless Reincarnation

Now, it was time for the second part of the trial. Unlike the earlier confrontation with a mana beast, this challenge focused on pure, unenhanced swordsmanship. No mana. No magical enhancements. Just skill, technique, and discipline.

Raven arrived at the sparring grounds, a circular platform of polished stone surrounded by a silent, expectant crowd. This was where the academy tested an applicant's raw ability with a blade. It was said to be the truest measure of a swordsman's potential.

At the center of the arena stood Miss Calla Lysque, one of Eldoria Academy's most renowned instructors. Her reputation for strict but fair evaluations was well known among both students and faculty.

Miss Lysque was a commanding figure. Her long, dark brown hair was swept into a meticulous bun, and her light purple eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to evaluate Raven before the match even began. She wore an ornate ensemble—a dark bodice adorned with gold embellishments and red accents, layered over a white skirt that flowed gracefully as she moved. Black gloves covered her hands, and a small gold ornament rested against her chest, completing the image of poise and authority.

Raven approached the center of the arena, her katana sheathed at her side. Despite her composed demeanor, her eyes studied Miss Lysque with the precision of a seasoned warrior.

Miss Lysque raised her chin slightly, acknowledging Raven's presence. "Raven Vermillion," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I've heard much about your performance thus far. However, swordsmanship without mana is a different game entirely. Do you understand the rules?"

"Yes, ma'am," Raven replied with a small bow. "No mana, just the blade."

"Good." Miss Lysque's light purple eyes glinted with approval. She unsheathed her rapier, its polished surface gleaming under the magical lights that hovered above the arena. "You'll be evaluated on technique, adaptability, and composure. Don't hold back, and don't expect me to."

Raven nodded and unsheathed her katana, the blade's flawless edge catching the light. She stepped into her stance, feet firmly planted, katana held at a slight angle, ready for anything.

The crowd fell silent, the tension thick in the air.

Miss Lysque moved first, her rapier darting forward in a precise thrust aimed directly at Raven's shoulder. It was a probing strike, designed to test her reaction.

Raven sidestepped with fluid grace, her katana parrying the strike with a sharp clang. The blades met, and the sound echoed through the arena.

Miss Lysque didn't waste a moment, following up with a series of rapid thrusts and slashes, each delivered with impeccable form.

Raven's katana became a blur as she deflected each strike, her movements efficient and deliberate. She didn't overextend, nor did she rush to counter. Instead, she studied Miss Lysque's rhythm, looking for an opening.

"Good reflexes," Miss Lysque remarked as she shifted her stance, her strikes becoming more unpredictable. "But reflexes alone won't win this match."

Raven smirked faintly. "I was thinking the same about you."

Miss Lysque's strikes suddenly changed tempo, a feint aimed at Raven's torso transitioning into a low sweep toward her legs.

Raven pivoted, her katana swinging downward to meet the rapier with a loud clash. The force of the block sent a small shockwave up her arms, but she held firm, countering with a swift upward slash that forced Miss Lysque to retreat a step.

The crowd murmured in surprise.

Miss Lysque's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression unreadable. "Impressive. Your technique is sharper than most applicants."

"Your moves are predictable," Raven replied evenly, her grip steady on her katana. "But you're holding back."

Miss Lysque chuckled softly. "Perceptive. Let's see how you handle this."

She shifted into a more aggressive stance, her rapier moving in quick, precise arcs that forced Raven onto the defensive. The strikes came faster now, each one aimed to exploit any potential opening in Raven's defense.

But Raven didn't falter. Her movements were calm and measured, each parry and block executed with flawless precision. She began to counterattack, her katana sweeping in wide arcs that forced Miss Lysque to adjust her positioning.

The duel reached a crescendo, the sound of clashing steel reverberating through the arena.

Finally, Miss Lysque stepped back, lowering her rapier. She studied Raven for a long moment, her light purple eyes softening slightly. "Enough."

Raven sheathed her katana and stood at attention, her breathing steady.

"You've demonstrated exceptional skill and control," Miss Lysque said, her voice carrying a note of genuine respect. "Few applicants can keep up with me, let alone match me in technique. Welcome to Eldoria Academy, Raven. I guess you really are a Vermillion."

The crowd erupted into applause, their earlier whispers of doubt replaced with admiration and awe.

Raven offered Miss Lysque a respectful bow before turning to leave the arena. At the edge of the platform, Celia greeted her with a wide grin.

"That was amazing!" Celia said, practically bouncing on her heels. Her fiery orange eyes sparkled with excitement as she threw her arms around Raven in a half-hug. "You looked like you've been training for years! I swear, everyone was watching you like you were already some kind of prodigy."

Raven adjusted her katana's sheath on her hip and gave a faint smile. "I guess that's what it looks like after training with our mother every day for six months. Trust me, if you'd seen the number of times she hit me with that wooden sword, you'd understand."

Celia laughed, her voice ringing out in the bustling arena. "Well, whatever she did, it worked. You're going to fit in here perfectly. Let's go celebrate!" She practically tugged Raven toward the edge of the sparring grounds, her energy infectious.

"Celebrate? Don't we have to check the results first?" Raven asked, her tone measured but curious.

"Check results?" Celia snorted, rolling her eyes playfully. "Don't be silly. Didn't you hear what Miss Lysque said earlier? She welcomed you to the academy! And she's one of the strongest professors here. If she's impressed, it's a done deal."

Raven blinked, processing her sister's words. "I guess you're right… So, what then? What does celebrating even mean here?"

Celia grinned mischievously and draped an arm over Raven's shoulders as they walked. "Oh, don't worry about the details. I know just the place! There's a little café on campus with the best pastries and the sweetest mana-infused drinks. It's practically a rite of passage for new students."

"Mana-infused drinks?" Raven raised an eyebrow. "I thought I wasn't officially a student yet."

Celia gave her a mock gasp of offense. "Are you doubting me, little sister? Trust me, you've already proven yourself ten times over. You're in. Now, come on, I'll treat you! Consider it a reward for not embarrassing the Vermillion name."

Raven sighed, though the corner of her lips twitched upward in amusement. "Fine. But only if you don't call me 'little sister' in front of anyone."

"No promises!" Celia said with a wink, tugging her along.

As they made their way through the academy grounds, Raven couldn't help but notice the stares and whispers from passing students. Some looked impressed, others curious, and a few seemed almost wary.

"She's the one from the Vermillion family, right?"

"Did you see her sparring earlier? She practically had Miss Lysque on the defensive."

"But doesn't she use dark magic? That's not common for Vermillions…"

Raven kept her expression neutral, but she could feel the weight of their attention. Her thoughts flickered briefly to her past life—a world where recognition came from fear and bloodshed. This was different, but it still felt oddly heavy.

Celia nudged her. "Ignore them. You'll get used to it. Vermillions always draw attention. You're not just anyone, you know."

Raven glanced at her sister and nodded slightly. "I suppose I'll have to."

"Exactly," Celia said, her tone light but firm. "Now, let's eat. You're going to need your energy for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? What's tomorrow?" Raven asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.

Celia smirked, her eyes twinkling. "Orientation, of course. And don't worry—it's just a little introduction to academy life. You'll be fine."

Raven wasn't entirely convinced, but she let it go. For now, she decided to focus on her sister's plan. After all, celebrating her first step into this new life didn't sound so bad.