Everybody gathered in the grand hall, taking their seats quietly. In front of them stood an immense, stern, and elderly man. Despite his age, his presence alone silenced the entire room. With just a single gaze, no one dared to speak—because everyone knew who he was.
The man who had defeated countless beings and creatures. The one who had saved Astreon from numerous threats. The founder… and the principal of Astria Academy. His voice echoed throughout the hall.
"This year has already begun remarkably well. We have witnessed both expected… and unexpected talents. Three black badges have defeated three gold badges in the entrance examinations."
A brief pause followed, his sharp eyes scanning every student. "This academy is built upon strict rules. Anyone who disobeys them will be expelled immediately." The weight of his words settled heavily in the room. "I wish you all success in becoming exceptional students of this academy. Now… proceed to your classrooms."
The first day at Astria Academy began like any other. Students filled the halls with a mix of excitement and tension. Classrooms buzzed with whispers, laughter, and quiet rivalries forming before a single lesson had even begun. Nick sat near the window, his expression calm as ever, observing everything without truly engaging.
For a moment, it felt… normal. But normal never lasted long in Astria Academy. The classroom doors slammed open. A tall, sharp-eyed instructor stepped in, his presence instantly suffocating the room. His gaze swept across the students like a blade. "Enough wasting time," he said coldly. "All of you—training grounds. Now." No explanation. No introduction.
Just an order.
Within minutes, the entire class stood in the massive training arena. The ground was made of reinforced stone, built to withstand brutal combat. The air itself felt heavier, charged with anticipation. The instructor stood at the center.
"You want to prove your worth?" he said. "Good. We'll do it properly." He raised his hand. "A tournament. Round of sixteen. Then quarterfinals. Then the final two."
A wave of excitement—and fear—spread through the students.
"Fight with everything you have," he added. "This academy does not reward the weak." The matches began. From the very first round, one name spread like wildfire.
Nick.
He didn't just win—he dominated. Every opponent fell quickly, unable to even touch him. His movements were precise, effortless… almost unreal. It was as if he had already fought these battles a thousand times before.
No wasted motion. No hesitation. Just victory. On the other side of the bracket, Kael advanced with strategies and confidence. But in the semifinals—
Everything changed. He faced a red-haired boy. Lloyd. The third black badged who had beaten a gold badge.
From the very beginning, it was clear this wouldn't be an ordinary fight. Lloyd moved with raw intensity, his attacks unpredictable yet powerful. Kael tried to outsmart him—but for the first time, someone pushed him back. Again.
And again. Until—Kael fell.
Silence spread across the arena. The red-haired boy stood tall, breathing heavily, a faint smile forming on his lips. Lloyd had won.
The finals were set.
Nick.
Lloyd.
"So, we meet at last." Said Lloyd and Nick replied with a "Yeah, let's make it quick." The entire class held its breath. The moment the signal was given—They moved. The clash was instantaneous.
A shockwave tore through the arena as their attacks collided, cracking the ground beneath them. Dust rose into the air as both fighters pushed forward without restraint. Nick's calm precision met Lloyd's explosive aggression. Strike after strike. Impact after impact.
The ground shattered beneath their feet. The surroundings began to crumble, unable to withstand the sheer force of their battle. Students watching from afar could barely follow their movements. They were on a completely different level.
Minutes passed—yet neither gained the upper hand.
Equal.
Perfectly matched.
Then—The entire training ground gave way. Stone collapsed into dust. Cracks spread uncontrollably.
"Enough." The instructor's voice cut through the chaos. In an instant, the fight stopped. Both Nick and Lloyd stood frozen, surrounded by the ruins they had created.
"…This match ends in a draw."
Silence. Then—Lloyd laughed. A genuine, exhilarated laugh. "That was insane!" he said, grinning. Nick looked at him for a moment… then let out a small chuckle.
"…Yeah." Something unspoken passed between them.
Respect.
From that moment on—They weren't just rivals. They were friends. But the day wasn't over. The instructor stepped forward once more, his expression unchanged. "You've proven your individual strength," he said. "Now you'll learn something far more important."
The students listened closely. "You will form teams."
A pause.
"Five members each. Only from this year."
Murmurs spread instantly. Then the final blow—"Those without a team… will be expelled."
Nick, Lloyd, and Kael stood apart from the others. A strange tension surrounded them. Some students looked at them with fear. Others with resentment. To some, they were nothing but black badges. To others—They were monsters. No one approached. No one spoke.
Kael clicked his tongue in frustration.
"…You've got to be kidding me." Lloyd scratched his head, still smiling—but even he looked uneasy. "Well… this just got complicated." Nick remained silent. But for the first time—There was a problem he couldn't solve with strength alone.
As the sun began to set over Astria Academy—The three stood there, surrounded by distance, whispers, and uncertainty. Frustrated. Isolated.
And without a team.