The lady of the forest, part II

[Currently]

[Kingdom of Iskander]

[Iskander Academy]

[07:30 AM] [04/09/317 D]

Iskander Academy; the place where all prodigies, known as "Resonants", attend to polish their skills and increase their capabilities, being one of the three most important academies in the 7 kingdoms of humanity.

[Main Auditorium]

The preparations for the ceremony welcoming the new academy students were almost complete.

The student council group and the disciplinary committee assistants had been working hard since early in the morning.

Ashirin Daya—We're done with this.

The young Ashirin Daya, president of the student council of Iskander Academy, was checking the projected information window of her "Gear" on her left wrist. Her job was to organize the groups and grant permits for the necessary materials.

"Excuse me, president."

A voice makes her distract her attention from her information screen. The girl in front of her was the student council assistant, carrying an electronic tablet, which she held next to her chest.

The girl, with beautiful golden hair, adjusted her glasses with her right hand, after bowing to the president of the student council.

Ashirin Daya— Lia, Any problems to report?

With a wave of her right hand, the information window projected by her Gear vanished. The girl had salmon-colored hair and silver eyes, her beautiful face, although serious, guided her attention to her assistant.

Roselia de Agare—Chairwoman. All the preparations are already completed, the students are gathered at the training ground, ready to go to the auditorium. The hallways, classrooms, cafeteria and infirmary were searched and organized. Not a speck of dust can be found.

Roselia passed her report in order; everything was ready, only for one factor that had not yet been solved.

Factor that, for Ashirin, was still unknown.

Ashirin Daya— Okay, let the students come in, everyone to their places!

With a firm voice, the president ordered the members of the student council and the disciplinary committee.

However, she is interrupted by Roselia.

Roselia de Agare— This... if you allow me to interrupt you.

Roselia said in a fearful voice, and the young president's serious eyes focused on her again.

Ashirin Daya—Did you forget something, Lia?

The girl was a mess of nerves, hugging the electronic tablet on her chest, her body was slightly hunched and her gaze went from one side to the other...

Roselia de Agare— Well, we have a problem, we lost sight of the most qualified young man.

Ashirin Daya— ¿He?...

Ashirin's face paled at such a response, but he composed himself immediately, although he no longer had that serious expression from moments before.

Ashirin Daya— Wait wait wait! You're telling me they lost sight of a young first year!!!

Roselia de Agare—I have a group trying to find him and bring him in, but the young man has reportedly escaped every time we have come into contact with him.

Ashirin was staring at the ground, only her reasoning had abandoned him a moment ago, so she seemed to be spouting delirious words to herself.

Ashirin Daya—The tradition of the academy is that the best qualified student, both in the practical and written exam, is the one who gives the speech. Now it turns out that the best qualified student refuses to contact us. To top it off, I promised the director that this year I would make sure the welcome ceremony was a success. Now it turns out that I can't control a young man who is a year younger than me. I know... maybe if I get rid of him, I can make an excuse that he had an accident and that's why he couldn't come, yes I'll do that!

The young president, who was wandering among her thoughts, seemed to have found a solution, although it was not at all reliable.

Roselia de Agare—Please stop rambling and come to your senses, President. No one is going to believe that a young genius from the "Genpou" family suffered an accident on the way to the academy, in any case you would end up in prison or beheaded by Duke Toru Genpou.

Roselia had already recovered from her previous nervousness, now she was dedicated to scolding her president for her rambling behavior.

[``A memory´´]

The wind blew her hair and her clothing, she stood where she was once chosen as the guardian of humanity.

Her fluttering red hair and body were covered in blood, yes…That was the end of the road for a knight who fought to the end for what he swore and wanted to protect.

He carried out his decision to the end, fulfilling his duty.

Near her was a young gentleman, who observed her with sadness and admiration; The girl seemed to be in her last moments. Her voice sounded a little faint.

Knight Demir— Commander can you hear me? My commander did it...

The knight's trembling voice towards his commander seemed to break.

Alina Scarleth— Is that you, Demir? I can't make out your face.

The young woman's eyes had lost their light, she was dying standing in the middle of that wasteland with the bodies of thousands of knights who fell under her sword, covered in wounds. The ending was already written.

Demir— My commander...

The young knight's tears fell in a trail on his cheeks. He had always followed her, he never doubted her and only dreamed of the day when her much respected and admired commander could finally let go of his sword and live in peace.

That gallant figure of the young knightly lady that he always observed was at the end of his path.

Finally, in her last breath... the young woman remains silent, still holding her sword, she closes her eyes one last time, before going to her already earned rest, the young woman's body begins to rock and falls on her back in the wasteland among the knights she had murdered, now it was she who fell on that same ground...

[Kingdom of Iskander]

[West residential area of the capital Iskander]

[05:00 AM,] [04/09/317 D]

The orderly room in which the young woman spent her night's sleep was illuminated by the light projected from the TV. This was transmitting the news from the previous night, A sigh moan is heard in the room after the young woman awakening in her bed.

Eliza Scarleth— *sigh* that dream again...

Her head was spinning, she was dizzy, this caused Eliza to put her hand on her forehead and rest for a few seconds, slowly inhaling through her nose and exhaling through her mouth.

Eliza Scarleth— I thought they had finally disappeared, I hadn't had those dreams for a week now.

Eliza shakes her head after slapping both cheeks twice, and decides to leave her bed.

"TV. activate volume."

The TV. Before in silence, now resuming her audio, Eliza continues to take a shower listening to the news in the background.

[Newscast]

Reporter— This afternoon, the bodies of three second-year students belonging to the Iskander Academy were found at the entrance to the mesut forest, next to the Isel bridge. Police at the scene said it could be the same perpetrator of the sinister murder cases 17 years ago.

The water from the shower fell and hit the skin of the young woman with long red hair. The water slid over her skin until it hit the floor of the bathtub. This process was repeated, as if he wanted to get out of her that dream that he had just seen.

After a few minutes, she leaves the shower and brushes her teeth, her face still thoughtful. The expression of pain on her face remained there, as if that day in that wasteland was repeated. Shaking her head again, she slaps both hands on her cheeks and sets about getting ready to go to the academy.

After finishing arranging her hair with its corresponding ponytail hairstyle and dressing in her uniform, the young woman leaves her room towards the entrance of the house to start on her way to the academy.

``Eliza/Elizabeth Scarleth´´

Eliza Scarleth, the prodigious girl of the Scarleth family, at the young age of 14. Eliza was named second commander of the scarlet knights of the prestigious Scarleth family, and main force of the Iskander kingdom. Eliza has been in many battles against the "Novas" in her two years as second commander, and has emerged victorious from all of them.

Eliza Scarleth— It's quite cold, I should have dressed warmer today...

The streets were dyed white with snow, there were young students walking towards the academy, some were in groups talking and others were simply reading.

Eliza Scarleth—A warm car would be perfect, but that is something that a student, living alone on the basic salary, cannot afford. All of my salary as second commander goes to the training facilities for my soldiers…

Although she is 16 years old, Eliza decided to live alone, so her funds are very limited. She lives off her salary in the service of the king as commander of the scarlet knights of the Scarleth family, but it is not a dream salary either, because, in large part, it is directed towards the development of his subordinates.

So on many occasions it is difficult to make ends meet.

Eliza Scarleth—I still don't think I'll make ends meet, so I'll have to look for a part-time job.

[Iskander Academy]

[Training yard]

[07:30 AM],] [04/09/317 D]

The training ground is where they had gathered the students, who were waiting to be called to the auditorium for their welcoming ceremony. Many took advantage of the occasion to meet and talk with their new colleagues, make new friends and rivals.

"Hey! "You seem distracted"

The young woman, with a big smile and a friendly face, patted Eliza on the back, who seemed distracted by so many students together.

"Hey, Ruby, don't be so abrupt, jeez, excuse her for that, are you okay?"

The young woman, who apologized in a kind voice, was somewhat peculiar; The right half of her hair was a pastel pink, and the left was a grayish black. Her eyes matched her hair, her right iris was magenta and her left was silver, she had a pretty and gentle face.

Ruby Genpou— HAHAHA!!! I'm sorry-I'm sorry, you seemed a little distracted so I was trying to cheer you up, excuse me, okay? *wink*

Eliza Scarleth—Of course, you don't have to worry about this. I'm Elizabeth Scarleth, you can call me Eliza.

The young woman with short blue hair reacted to the surname "Scarleth".

Ruby Genpou— Oh! So you are a "Scarleth", that explains why I felt chills when I touched your back, Miss Second Commander, my name is Ruby, Ruby Genpou, but you can call me Ruru.

Akina Airi— Why Ruru?

asked the young woman with bicolor hair next to them.

Ruby Genpou— I don't know, it sounds good, don't you think?

"Sounds awful"

They both responded at the same time, Ruby seemed to have received a hard blow from her words, falling to her knees to the ground without courage.

Akina Airi—My name is Akina Airi, Nice to meet you, Eli.

Young Akina introduced herself, offering a sweet and warm smile to Eliza. 

Smile that Eliza returned.

The warm reunion of the new friends was interrupted by the sound of a chase.

"Stop them, group B on the left, group C on the right."

Groups of older students were chasing some students, apparently they were first-year students, like Eliza and the girls.

The chase passes by, which seems to be heading towards the terrace of the main academy building.

At that time, the call for the new students to come to the auditorium was heard over the academy's loudspeakers.

[auditorium]

All the students were already in the auditorium, the new students were on the first floor, while the seniors watched from the upper stands of the second, third and fourth floors.

The entire auditorium remains silent, while the president of the student council makes her entrance and stands behind the podium, to give the welcome speech to all the students at this new beginning of classes. After her, he best qualified had to give a speech to the freshmen.

Ashirin Daya— My name is Ashirin Daya, president of the student council, of the main military academy Iskander, young people, as you all know more than 75% of our planet is under the rule of the creatures called "Novas" ocean, land and air, it is dominated of these creatures, the battle on the liberation front is harder every day, thousands of soldiers give their lives on the front, day after day, although technology has advanced these 500 years, combat has not changed, it is not a surprise that the "Novas" constantly evolve, it is thanks to the resonants like you that humanity has a chance to survive, for 500 years we have been fighting tirelessly against those creatures, perhaps our war will not end with our generation, but let's do everything in our power for a better future for our loved ones, a better future for humanity. Welcome everyone to one of the three great academies of humanity. Iskander military academy. Wear your uniform with honor and courage!

"¡¡¡Yes sir!!!"

All the students responded in unison, after the speech of the main representative of the students of Iskander Academy, the president of the student council, Ashirin Daya.

Amidst the applause of the students, an explosion coming from the ceiling caught everyone's attention. The ceiling was beginning to crumble above them, but before the pieces of rubble could touch the students, they disappeared into the barrier that appeared around them.

"Everyone is fine? Looks like it's on time."

The young woman with light brown hair tied in a ponytail had an eyepatch over her right eye; Her serious face was towards the hole in the ceiling above them where the main person in charge was standing.

"¡YOH!"

The students in the auditorium looked up upon hearing the energetic voice of a young man.

Akina Airi—That's...

Ashirin Daya—The highest qualified student among the new…

mysterious student— His way of being will never change.

The second year girl said while smiling.

The young man on the roof jumped through the gap he had made before towards the main stage of the auditorium along with his partner who came with him; She was the first to introduce herself.

Sakura Genpou— Good morning everyone!! I am Sakura Genpou! And he is—

The young man stood behind the podium and kicked it. The podium left the auditorium through the gap in the ceiling that they had formed before to enter, standing on the stage raising two of the fingers of their left hand in victory. Along with a big smile, he introduced himself to everyone.

"Sorry for the delay, I got lost on the way and some stalkers were following us, by the way, lady with the eye patch, she's very pretty and everything, but I must tell you that I have a girlfriend, I already stopped following along with her group, I I forgot, young students who will be my classmates from today, try to have a good time during these 3 years of academy, my name is Taisei Genpou, it is a pleasure to meet you."

The students in the auditorium were speechless at what had happened, while the first-year students cheered Taisei and his sister for what they had just done.

Sakura Genpou—Brother, the director is coming, I can feel his presence.

Taisei Genpou—Shit, that's it, have a good start to school, I'm leaving!!

Taisei and Sakura left the auditorium through the gap in the ceiling that they had formed before.

The upperclassmen laughed, saying that this year it seemed like the academy had interesting students, while the disciplinary committee members all came out after Taisei and her sister.

Roselia De Agare— I'll call the cleaning club to take charge of cleaning the place, president.

Ashirin Daya— Well, I'm going to see the director. I have to apologize for this chaos.

The young woman was snorting, distressed by the events that had occurred in the ceremony that she had prepared with so much effort.

A little crestfallen, she left the auditorium after crossing the door.

[Iskander Academy]

[Main building]

[08:20 AM]

After walking for about 10 minutes, Ashirin arrived at the director's office. At the entrance the director's secretary was at her desk, typing something on the computer.

Ashirin Daya— Excuse me Miss Sapphire, can I come see the director?

The young woman, behind her desk, stopped typing and recognized the president of the student council

Zafiro Salazar— Oh! Daya, the director will arrive in a moment, you can come in and take a seat, there are already two students waiting, as soon as the director arrives he will attend to them.

The secretary, Zafiro, stood up and guided the young president through the door towards the director's office, where there were 2 familiar faces.

Ashirin was stunned when she saw them, while Secretary Zafiro introduced them.

Zafiro Salazar— Let me introduce them, they are Sakura Genpou and Taisei Genpou.

The young woman, with golden eyes, had a double pigtail hairstyle and the navy blue hair that characterizes the members of the Genpou family.

She was sitting on one of the sofas in the living room, with her legs crossed and a package of gummies in her left hand.

Sakura Genpou—Helloya, president! Nice to meet you, you can call me Sakura if you like, and the handsome young man here next to me, you can call him Taisei or Tai.

The young woman always had a cheerful smile, and brimming with hyperactivity, while her brother, Taisei, was sitting next to her, with his arms behind his head and legs stretched out crossed on the tea table in front of the sofa. Her face was serene, but she had a look of disdain in her eyes, which were staring at the windowpane behind the principal's desk.

He did not seem to be interested in the people he had around him, rather it seemed that his consciousness had drifted away to another place.

Ashirin observed both brothers, noticing that the girl was a cheerful young woman and did not seem to have bad intentions, while the boy in general, had not even turned to look at her, seemed like a totally different person than the one who had entered to the auditorium through the roof...

Ashirin Daya— What are you two doing here? They were being followed by the disciplinary committee just now.

Ashirin asked confused, Sakura responded with the carefreeness and joy that characterizes her. 

Sakura Genpou— If you talk about the girl with the eyepatch and her group, they are all in the infirmary, we had already gotten bored of escaping from them and we had an appointment with the director, so we had to get rid of them.

Ashirin, unable to control her anger upon hearing that her classmates had been sent to the infirmary, began to raise her aura, to which for the first time since she entered the director's office, Taisei's eyes focused on her with a glare. his calm voice addressed her.

Taisei Genpou—Ashirin was your name you said. As president you should learn not to jump to conclusions.

Ashirin calmed her aura by Taisei's words, and she asked what she meant by those words.

Taisei Genpou—I'm simply saying that none of your friends are hurt, I just put them to sleep because they were annoying, and about raising your aura against my younger sister, if you do it again then I won't just put you to sleep.

The bloodlust released by Taisei paralyzed Ashirin's body, a drop of sweat broke out on his forehead at the absurd pressure of that young man's aura.

The young man's aura suddenly vanished and after that, the door to the room opened as the director entered him.

"hahaha, I didn't expect anything less from my students, they are very excited from the first day"

The man had a robust body, an excellent physical condition, nothing to envy of young people, he was enormous despite his 80 years, his bearing was absolutely intimidating, but he had a cheerful smile and kind eyes.

Sakura jumps off the couch and jumps into the director's arms, who catches her and with her right hand ruffles the young woman's hair while she laughs widely.

Ashirin in the room cannot understand what is happening, while Taisei just huffs and looks away wanting to escape from that place.

Zafiro Salazar—Excuse me, director, the president of the student council is here to see you, you can leave your meeting with your family for later.

Ashirin Daya—(family, he said family... What is happening here?)

The director crosses the room and takes a seat behind his desk.

Ernesto Genpou— Miss President, as you do not know yet, my full name is Ernesto Genpou. And these young people who are here today are my grandchildren.

The shock for Ashirin was too much, causing him to lose his mind for a moment, but she came to her senses immediately.

Ashirin Daya—One moment! Ernesto Genpou! The current greatest elder of the Genpou family and one of the three great heavenly kings! It is an honor to meet you, I wish I could talk many things with you if you would allow me!

Ashirin's excitement was notable. Ernesto Genpou, one of the 3 great celestial kings, also known for being the strongest of the 3 celestial kings, making him the strongest man in the world.

Ernesto Genpou— Hahaha of course, as the president of the student council of my academy, I will be happy to take you as my disciple, but before that, I know you are coming because of what happened at the welcome ceremony, don't worry about it, I already knew that something like this would happen. Well, you see, my dear granddaughter Sakura, she really likes to cause disasters wherever she goes.

Ashirin Daya— I understand, don't worry, I'll take care of the repairs with the cleaning club.

Ashirin I bow my head as a sign of respect to the director, and after his words she left the room, to give space to the director's meeting with his family.

After the council president left, Taisei turned his gaze from her to the director.

Taisei Genpou— What did you call us here for, old man?

The director looked back at Taisei and smiled, placed his hands on the desk and began to talk to the young people.

Ernesto Genpou— Before we start, are you planning to join the research club?

Taisei's penetrating gaze was directed intensely at the academy director.

Taisei Genpou— That's not your business, is it? Director.

Sakura, seeing that the weather was getting more tense and heavy, decided to interfere since this could end badly.

Sakura Genpou— Brother, he already spoke with yoghito and the paperwork for him to enter the club has already been done. I'll go to the cheerleading club, my beauty can't be wasted in the research club, so I'll join the cheerleading club to cheer up my brother Taisei!

Ernesto Genpou— Hahaha, that's great, dear, make sure to give him lots of encouragement and change that grumpy expression he has.

Taisei Genpou— *Tsk* I don't always have this expression. Say it, old man, what do you want with us?

Ernesto's smile faded from one moment to the next, just as his happy tone of voice changed to a serious one.

Ernesto Genpou— Since you're joining the research club, there's something I need you and your club friends to do. I know you've worked with the club many times from outside the academy.

Taisei Genpou— I only help my friends, nothing more than that.

Ernesto Genpou— I know, that's why I can trust you with this. Sakura I need you to go to Sapphire and ask her to prepare all the reports on that case, tell her that way she will understand, then send it to the president of the research club.

Sakura left the room in a flash, leaving behind only a resounding "Yes."

Taisei let out a sigh and noticed that the elderly man was now standing looking out the window towards the training fields.

Taisei Genpou—The fact that you have given those orders means that I cannot refuse this request. Do you plan to endanger my friends with your affairs? Old man.

An indescribable smile is reflected in the glass for a few seconds, something that Taisei does not notice.

Ernesto Genpou—How long has it been since my son found you in that forest, not 17 years anymore?

Taisei stood up upon hearing the man's words, however, before he noticed it, Ernesto was in front of him. The older man was a few heads taller than him, so he must have tilted his head up. Ernesto leaned his body forward enough to have Taisei's face in front of his.

With a terrifying expression, the man spoke.

Ernesto Genpou— Tell me, boy, wouldn't you like to return to the place where they found you, what do you say? You're not going to say no to your father, are you?

Taisei's aura skyrocketed upon hearing the word "Father." The veins of his body swollen with blood, from the uncontrolled anger he felt; However, it was of no use. Ernesto grabbed him by the head with his left hand and lifted him into the air about 50cm off the ground.

With contempt in his voice, Ernesto continued speaking.

Ernesto Genpou— Listen to me, boy, you have a formidable talent. No one in this academy can stand up to you, except for your older sister Chial and your older brother Kagura. They are above you and I am above everyone in the world. You think raising your aura against me will do you some good. Everyone in this world is under my feet, do you understand?

Taisei smiled mockingly when he heard it, causing more anger in Ernesto, who increased the strength of his grip.

Ernesto Genpou— What is it that makes you so happy?

Taisei Genpou— You say you are above everything and everyone in the world, but your legs shake when you are in front of my older brother Yasuhika.

Ernesto's fury was becoming uncontrollable due to Taisei's provocation, however, he regained his composure and released the young man. Taisei shook his head a little as he held it with his right hand.

Taisei Genpou— *Sigh* I thought you would break my skull.

Ernesto laughed out loud when he saw the young man without a hint of fear.

Ernesto Genpou— I admire your courage, boy.

Taisei Genpou— Well, my father taught me that the Genpou should not be intimidated by anything.

The old man laughed even louder when he heard it.

Ernesto Genpou— You can go now, the report will be arriving shortly, don't disappoint me, boy, I'm expecting a lot from you and your group.

After ending the meeting, Taisei left the office to go to his class.

Behind him, as he crossed the door, there was only his grandfather's smile.

Taisei Genpou— You'll see, old man, no one uses me and my friends for their entertainment, I'm going to crush you at your game with my own hands...