S1: Chapter 6 - Midnight Forest

The most prestige academy in the country marked the end of first enternance exams, with Leyce as it's new member.

...

About a week later, first school days started. In meanwhile, Kagutsuchi was introducing Leyce to Elements.

- They are based off of your natural energy. With proper training, you can unleash powerful moves.

- What's your element Kagutsuchi san?

- Fire.

- Huhh so cool!

After showing Leyce examples of fire element, he explained that most people unlock their element on first mission within academy.

- Very soon, you will go on a first mission with your classmates. It's most likely that you will first use your element there. After that, I will determine whether I'm a suitable teacher for you or not.

- What?? But I want to be your student!

- If your element isn't compatible with Fire, then I can't possibly teach you. It would be a waste of time. Don't sweat over it now. Let's first do things that we can do now.

And so, they continued their training until first school days.

*disclaimer: first school days will be excluded as they aren't necessary for the story - fillers. However, they will be included in future versions of the novel.*

.

- Who are we waiting for? - the teacher asked.

- Just a few people I think - a classmate replied

- Fine. Let's wait a bit more. I won't repeat the same plan twice.

...

- Fine, let's begin shall we. Outside of city, northern from entrance there is located a midnight forest. It has been said that-

- I'm so sorry I'm late!

- Tch this guy again - Kaichi was annoyed, he didn't even bother hiding what was on his mind.

- It's that kid from Enternance exams... - an girl thought

- Leyce can you for once not be late? You're interrupting me while I'm explaining the mission!

- To be completely fair it's our second week at this academy and I'm so lost on where is my group most the times.

- You're always so lost, but sure. If everyone is here now and no one will interrupt me, could I continue?

...

- So as I was saying, midnight forest. It has been reported that certain people from another country are scouting the area. Almost as if they are searching for something. This time the mission leaders will be second years students. They will accompany you on this mission. The mission is simple. Check whether it's true that someone is scouting our forest, and find out what are they after. In case of attack immediately retreat.

Everyone understood and it was time to go. In evening the same night, the group met at the gate of the city. There was total number of 8 people.

- All we have to do is search through the forest. To make everything go faster, we will split into groups.

- There isn't enough of us for groups of 3.

- It's fine. There is 3 of us second year students, and 5 of you. So we will have 3 groups, with one second year student and 2 first years. One group will have only one second and one first year members.

- That forest is scary I want to be in group of 3.

- Cry baby.

- Kaichi you're so rude!

- Both of you quiet. Leyce, would you mind being in group of 2?

- I'm fine with that.

- Good. Then you will be accompanied by Akane.

- Got it.

As they finished splitting into groups, it was time to go. The moment they came upon the forest, each group went a separate way.

About half an hour later, first sounds were heard. It was coming from the second group in the middle of the forest.

- What exactly are you guys looking for here? - a mysterious girl said.

- And who would you be?

- My name is Kayra. I'm one of the five fingers.

Five fingers?! Just what are they doing here. Or is she perhaps just bluffing? - thought Kaichi.

- Nice to meet you, Kayra. I'm the leader of this group and today's mission. My name is Hiroko.

- Pleasure to meet you. Now, please do me a favor and go back where you came from.

- No. We came here for sole reason of stopping anyone from scouting our area. You will be restrai-

Hiroko's sentence was canceled by a kick in stomach.

- Ahhhh, Kaichi save us!

- SHUT YOUR CRAP, IF YOU ARE SCARED OF FIGHTING WHY DID YOU EVEN BOTHER JOINING THE ACADEMY. LEAVE, MAKE A RUN FOR IT!

- I'm sorry Kaichi kun!!

The girl left immediately.

It was already a showdown between Kaichi and Hayra.

- perfect, Hiroko seems unconscious and Usagi left. If this one really is one of five fingers, can I actually fight her

alone?

- Will you entertain me? Both of your friends surely didn't put up a fight. Well I guess you really are the only men in your group.

I have to do it. This is my third mission already. Not to mention, I already unlocked my element. I'll fight her and win.

Wind Element: Air Slash

Kaichi was going in. An opponent whom he doesn't know the fighting style nor intentions, he made the first move.

Poison Element: Fatal Pierce - I got you!

Poison huh. Even if she intends to finish me in a single attack, it should be fine as long as she can't reach me. Due to my wind element, with air slash I can jump way over her and finish her from there instead.

Despite all the efforts, before Kaichi even realized it he was already on floor.

- Huh?

- Tch. Wrong target but that still works. I guess old people are even less resistant to poison aren't they?

Kagutsuchi was holding Kaichi. Kayra's move got Kagutsuchi instead.

- But.... How?

- The poison affected you before the battle even started. She doesn't necessarily need to hit you in order to poison you. You are unleashing attack from your lungs. The moment you used took breath for your first move, you poisoned yourself. - Kagutsuchi explained the situation to Kaichi

- You're quick old men. However, it's all over for you now that the poison is in your body. - Kayra

- Oh my what do we have here. Ladies shouldn't be like that you know? Respect the elders. - Himanishu

- Don't go lecturing me. I'll murder you too.

- I'm sure you will. Oops-, my sword fell, wonder what's gonna happ-

The moment sword hit the ground, ice emerged from the ground and at insane speed went towards Kayra. Unable to dodge it she was frozen up to her stomach.

Without hesitation, nor second thought Himanishu took her sword out, spinned it and put it back in its scabbard.

- Wonder what's gonna happen next don't you?

As she closed her sword, ice broke and with that, so did Kayra's frozen legs. They snapped in million pieces within ice crystals.

- AHHHHHH!!!

DAMN YOU, YOU UGLY BITCH! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS WITH YOUR OWN BLOOD. HE WILL MURDER EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!

During the time Himanishu was freezing poison within Kagutsuchi's body, on the right side of the forest it was quiet. Too quiet. The two of them, Leyce and Akane were getting to know each other until all of a sudden.

- Leyce!

Akane jumped and pushed Leyce out of the way, while reflecting the following attack.

Shocked, Leyce got back on his feet and he was well aware that they were under attack...