Combat Student? [2]

"Time to find a weapon."

After waving Kiran off I made my way out of the café and down to the nearest weapons shop. The cool breeze touched my face making for a serene walk, fall had just settled in and the leaves looked beautiful.

Haneul was extremely lively as well.

This city was amazing to come and visit as a tourist and even greater to live in, with Kiran and his family having immense influence over the area they made it the best home they could think of.

I've only lived on the outskirts of the city for most of my life, but I had recently moved to the district Kiran and his family have control over. It's an extremely modern and contemporary area of the city with the highest technology available.

It wasn't far from Aethra either.

Ding-

As soon as the doors slid open to the weapon shop a distinct sound could be heard. Not long after the initial sound a mature man appeared at the front desk of the shop.

"Welcome young man, what will you be looking for today?"

The man looked towards my direction with a warm and welcoming smile. He had a distinct accent and was wearing a sleek black suit with a slicked back hairstyle along with a clean beard.

"May I take a look at the swords you have in stock today?"

If I were to use a weapon at Aethra I needed something I was used to, the sword would be my best bet. I'm sure that swords are rather common within the academy but I had something that could differentiate me from the others.

My prior training with Scions.

"Of course you can sir, my name is Charles shall I lead the way?"

I nodded my head in response, the service at this store provided by Charles was amazing so far. Though that is to be expected at a high end weapons shop here in Haneul.

Smoothly making our way through the store both me and the clerk soon stopped at a door. He turned towards me and gestured for me to wait a moment, soon after he turned back towards the door and tapped on the touchpad located on it.

'This is pretty high end security huh?'

As the security door was lifted a slight breeze escaped from the weapons room, and the sight in front of me blessed my eyes.

"These swords look amazing.."

Charles stepped aside in order for me to walk into the room.

"Choose wisely sir."

He welcomed me into the room with a smug look on his face. Stepping into the armory the atmosphere gave off an aura of power.

"I chose the sword due to my familiarity with it but this… this is absurd. There are endless options."

I was in awe of how many swords they had in here, ranging from straight swords to katanas and scimitars. I could wield any of the swords in sight with my training so it was rather difficult to choose.

But I had decided before I even walked in.

"I'll take a regular straight sword."

Appalled by my sudden decision Charles raised one eyebrow and shot me a confused look.

"Sir are you sure? There are plenty of more unique and enticing options."

Turning towards Charles to look him in the eyes I briefly nodded my head. A straight sword would be a great place to get back into the swing of things, I'll need to work hard at Aethra.

****

21:00 | Azar Family House | Haneul City

"Young master welcome back."

The city streets could be seen shining with a distinct shimmer. The sound of rain mixed with the chatter of city crowds and bustling streets made for an awe aspiring mood. Stepping out of a limousine a young man could be seen entering a high class building.

"Good evening to you Henry."

Swiftly replying without even looking at the receptionist, Kiran made his way to the elevator located down the hallway. Minimalistic chandeliers could be seen hanging on the ceiling above him and the the walls were painted a dark grey color. These choices of decor made for a professional and sleek interior, it seemed fitting for a large family akin to royalty.

Entering the elevator Kiran clicked on the penthouse button. Not long after the elevator ascended for a brief moment before stopping.

Ding-

The doors to the elevator slid open revealing the beautiful interior of the Azar penthouse. It would be best described in simple terms such as the combination of oriental architecture along with industrial and corporate.

Bzzzzz-

Acting as if nothing had happened Kiran looked down to his watch to check on the notification with a blank expression.

'Students enrolled at Aethra shall arrive on campus tomorrow morning for the annual orientation.'

Scanning over the text on his watch Kiran closed the notification and walked to the edge of the penthouse. Nearing the balcony of the house courtyard a full view of Haneul could be seen.

'Guess I should I call him.'

Contemplating for a moment Kiran soon pulled out a smartphone and scrolled through his contact list.

—CONTACTS—

- Cyrus Azar

- Kalem Withers

- Henry Chen

- Asa Galen

- Keir Licht

….

Quickly scrolling through with his thumb he scrolled until he saw the person he needed to talk with. He then motioned his thumb to click on the contact name and moved the phone to his ear.

'Why is this fucker taking so long to pick up?'

Kiran could be seen getting angrier with each passing moment. Apparently Keir had an awful habit of not picking up the phone.

"Ah-hello? Kiran?"

'Tch he finally picked up.'

"Oi answer the phone when it rings dumbass."

Kiran was pissed at Keir per usual and rightfully so.

"Oh sorry about that, I just got home from the weapons shop."

Kiran looked dumbfounded for a moment before shooting back a question.

"Wait how can you afford high-tier weapons in that district? Aren't you broke? We had to sponsor your living space too since you're an Aethra student."

"Ah about that! The store actually offers free weapons for any Aethra trainee so that was a nice surprise the guy who works there was really nice too, his name is Charles."

The wind picked up as the rain had stopped not too long ago, the penthouse was so high up that the only sounds to be heard were the ones speaking on the phone and the slight breeze that made Kiran's hair sway.

"Charles huh? What was the name of this store? It could come in handy later if their products are well made."

Kiran waited for a reply from Keir but was met with an awkward pause.

"Ah- about that, I forgot the name."

"…"

"…"

Both boys were completely speechless, one due to awkwardness and one due to sheer disappointment.

"Ah whatever then, I just called to let you know everything is all set and ready to go for tomorrow."

Face palming, Kiran tiredly told Keir about his payments.

"Tomorrow?"

Keir asked in confusion.

"Check your watch dumbass."

Beep-

Abruptly hanging up the phone, Keir was confused by Kiran's last message. Not long after the call ended Keir went to his nightstand where his watch was located charging. Picking it up and looking at it he checked its notifications.

'All enrolled Aethra students are being called to campus tomorrow morning for the annual student orientation.'

Setting down the watch Keir decided that it would be best to get some rest a little earlier tonight.

After all his life would change tomorrow.