Mission Begin

One week later

Arcon and Ian had just finished their trainings and headed to Arcon's room. "Where is your roommate", Ian asked as he made himself comfortable on Arcon's bed. "She's probably challenging another person", he said with a sigh. "She sure is one persistent girl. She really wants to get out of here", he said with a grin on his face. Arcon chose to ignore the meaning behind his words and laid on Fena's bed.

"What about the shadow empress. It has been a week since your meeting. I hope you're holding up well". Arcon since after the meeting had been tailed but he couldn't confront the person due to obvious reasons. He had also become popular even among the upper classmen who often challenge him, but he finds one excuse or the other to evade the challenge.

Ian saw the look on his face and sighed, "It's only a matter of time till you're unable to dodge the duels you receive. If you know this girl so much, why don't you just ask her for protection". Arcon began laughing as he heard this statement while Ian just looked at him, all confused. "If it was that easy, trust me, I wouldn't be in such predicament", he countered as he just sighed in defeat. "Unfortunately for me, the only reason why we know each other is because she wants to destroy me", he added.

"Destroy you? But why? Did you offend her?" he asked but Arcon shook his head. "I wish that was the case at least I would be aware of why this misfortune has befallen me. The reason for her actions is stupid and crazy", he said as he clenched his hands tightly.

"So, what is it?" he pressed on. "According to her, I'm meant to be her rival", it was Ian turn to start laughing. He laughs so hard that he fell to the ground and pounded the floor. Arcon's eyes twitched as he saw his friend laughing. He understood that it was a very stupid and obviously crazy declaration but laughing just poured salt to his wounded pride. "Sorry for laughing that hard. In my defence, anyone would have done the same", he said as he tried his best to hold back his laughter.

"That is by the wayside. Do you want to go watch Fena's match?" Ian asked. Arcon shrugged, "Give me a moment to freshen up", he went to the bathroom and came out few minutes later all refreshed and ready to go. "You know. I wish I was among the top 20. I really am getting sick of this uniform", Arcon said as he adjusted the jacket. "How much points do you have?" Ian asked. "Just enough to last me for the month. Let's go then", he pulled Ian as they made a run for it to Combat Arena I.

They reached there five minutes later and to see the place about a quarter filled with students and teachers. "I half expected this place to be filled to the top. Most of these guys love it when there is bloodshed and would give anything to see it even if it means instigating a war", Ian whispered but Arcon ignored all that he saw and pounded his head. "Your imagination is getting ahead of you", he drags Ian till they found a suitable space with little people. They both sat there and watched the fight.

Arcon was shocked to see who Fena's opponent was. It was none other than Shina. Over the passing week, Arcon didn't get the chance to talk to Shina but now there was something different about her. The air around her seemed tense while she gave off a radiance of a warrior. She had greatly improved in just one week. Fena launched various attacks, but she just waded them off or totally destroyed them. Her eyes were liked that of a fierce tiger and her movements were as nimble as the wind. Her body control and energy control were something else. It was like he was gazing at another person.

"From the looks of things, the battle must be coming to an end", a voice behind them spoke. They both looked back and saw a person wearing a cloak which only revealed their white hair and gold eyes. "What do you think?" he asked totally ignoring their cautiousness. "I'm not sure how to answer that", Arcon replied as he watched the battle. He then caught on to what the stranger meant. Though, they seemed to be fighting on an even ground, Shina had used considerably less energy than Fena and the effects were starting to show. Fena had become slower and started creating smaller and less effective weapons. The match had already been decided just by the looks in their eyes. While one had the eyes of confidence, the other had the eyes of desperation.

Just like expected Shina landing the finishing blow not long after. The crowd cheered her on as she tried to help Fena but she was rejected by the injured Fena who stumbled out of the arena. Shina raised a hand as the crowd cheered more. She isn't in the top 10 for nothing. Soon after, she also left the arena, and the spectators began making their exit. Arcon was about to leave but stop as he looked at the stranger who was gazing at him.

"If you're here to challenge me. I would have to decline as Miss Suki has alerted me to meet her after this", he stated. The stranger laughed, "Don't flatter yourself kid. You may be popular, but you have done nothing to stir my interest. I just came to check in on you as par the shadow empress' wishes", upon hearing that name, he froze up. The gut notices this and continues, "You'd be wise to stay clear of her trouble. You may be special to her but if care isn't taken, you may die before you reach where she has envisioned you", he then disappears.

Arcon sighed in relief but as he was about to move a hand held him back. He turns and sees the guy who had just disappeared. "One more thing, she said that I should inform you that you will pay dearly for calling her stupid and crazy", he vanishes again. Arcon's eyes widen, and he slumped to the ground. Thoughts of death went through his mind as he stretched out his hands to Ian who held it, "Tell my mother, I love her", he said and fainted.

Arcon woke up in his room. He sat up and saw Fena angrily pacing around. He knew better than to ask her about her problem, so he decided to let sleeping dogs lie. "You sure are a frail person", she said. Arcon braced himself for the onslaught that was to come and this time she really let him have it. After she was done Arcon was kneeling on the ground, and she was fuming. She stomps past him and bangs the door as she leaves. "She sure is one scary person", he thought as he goes to wash his face.

He looks through the window and sees it is already getting dark, so he decides to stay put and rest up well. He lays back on his bed and soon enough he was sleeping peacefully.

The next day,

Shina wakes up quite early, so she decided to do some minor stretches. Unlike the first dorm, the second was quite elegant. The room was twice as large and was neatly organized with chairs at one corner, shelves at the other, desks and the beds were close. The bed was huge and soft, they lived as though they were in luxury. The room was decorated and organized based on the preferences of the owners. The two crystal chandeliers hung side by side at the center.

Once she is done, she goes for a quick jog and does some meditation before getting prepared for school. This was her everyday routine and it proved quite effective. She was driven to train so hard because of the indescribable feeling of dread she felt on that day. That was a feeling she never wanted to experience again, the feeling of powerlessness. After an hour, she was ready to head out. Her roommate, Andorra, who was like her counterpart just woke up from sleep. She was a red demon like Shina, had long red hair, crimson red eyes and an average figure. "Up and running as always", she said as she got up. She lazily scratches her messy hair as she watches Shina leave. "She sure is one dedicated girl", she proceeds to continue her blissful dream.

Shina arrived at the classroom few minutes later. The class had energy enhancing crystals and three rows of chairs were made from granile (skin of a type of monster, it's very soft) but other than that, it was the same as the normal class. She arrived very early so she met no one on the way but on getting to class, she saw a guy sleeping at the far end of class. She walked in and had her sit at the front, closed her eyes and began to meditate.

She stayed in this state till she was interrupted by someone who just kept shouting her name. She knew this person all too well. "Keep it down, Roxy", she said as she brushes Roxy's hands away. Roxanna chuckles, "As serious as always. I'm jealous", she decides to sit beside her. "So have you got any new opponents today?" she asked. Shina shook her head, throughout this first week, she had fought four matches. She had wanted to face with Dark, who was considered the strongest in their year, but he always brushes her off. She challenged Andra, who was second to him but lost to her.

"A guy from second year challenged me though, you want to come watch?" Roxanna said proudly as she puts her hand on her hips and smiles. Shina chuckles and nods," It won't hurt to see you fight at least". "What do you mean by that?" Roxanna pouts while Shina giggles and like that they leaped from one topic to the next till Mr. Dante, their instructor came in.

He was a tall guy with short black hair and grey eyes. He wore black plain trousers and white shirt. He had a commanding aura around him as he walked to the podium at the centre. The students scrambled to their seats.

Name: Dante Ego: Conqueror Inherent talent: Lightning

"Today, we will be having a demo mission", some of the students gasp while others just nod. "You will be divided into three groups which will be called later. But be aware that though this is only for practice, any mistake you make will cost you dearly and only you will bear that responsibility. So you have the next hour to get prepared". He swiftly leaves the class which was enveloped in chaos. Students running here and there, others making plans while some kept to themselves. Shina decides to excuse herself, but Roxanna catches up to her on her way to the restroom.

"What are you up to?" she asked with a cheeky smile. "Why don't you use your precognition to find out", she puffed as she increases her pace, but Roxanna easily keeps up with her. "I guess there is no ignoring you", she said as she stops in her tracks. Roxanna just smiles and does a peace sign. "Which team would you like to be on", Shina asked. "Yours obviously", she replied with a confident smile. "Why did I even bother asking", she sighed as she smacked her head with her hand.

They were soon wrapped up in their little world till it was time to head back. They arrived just before Dante entered the class. "Well, these are the teams, the captains and the members".

Team A

Dark (C)

Shina

Rose

Rue

Reign

Mule

Dalla

Team B

Andra (C)

Heles

Roxanna

Sindra

Law

Sol

Emersi

Team C

Heracles (C)

Adrian

Andorra

Alvina

Quinn

Akkun

Valdos

He opens the bag which he brought with him and pulls out what looked like a small mirror. "Buckle up", a bright light flashed round the room, and they found themselves in front of a cave. Some of the students marvelled at what just happened. "Your mission is simple. Go into this cave and get at least 200 soul crystals. The number you bring back will be used to access you for other missions and watch out for the monsters in the cave. They are quite dangerous and remember, your life is in your hands. You may begin". He has done all he needs to do, so, he makes himself comfortable on a chair around the entrance.

The groups hurdle together to make their strategies. "So, what are we going to do, captain?" Rue asked. Rue was a short guy with dark grey hair and brown eyes. He wore a red sleeveless shirt and black joggers. Dark clears his throat, "We're going to be in three groups: the defence, the scout and the carriers. Rue and Mule will be our scout, I and Shina will defend will the rest of you will be the collectors and carriers. Roles could be changed depending on the situation so be on guard". His voice is low, so they strained their ears to hear him. They understood what he had to say, so they were the first group in.

The cave was wide and dimly lit by some green crystals. In front of them are 3 pathways stretching into the darkness. "Which path do we take?" Dalla asked. He was the tallest in the group. His eyes and hair were a dark shade of brown. He is a bit muscular and wore the school's uniform. "We'll take the middle path", Rue said. They all nodded and ran down the middle path just when team C entered.

Rue created several spheres of light which helped to illuminate the place they were. "This place smells like a pier (i.e., the home of slimy and crawling monsters)", Reign said. Reign, an average heighted guy with a fit physique, gold-red hair and yellow eyes. He wore a red top with a hydra enigma on it and black shorts. "Stand back!" Rue shouted as they came to a halt. Further into the darkness, ominous sounds were heard. "They are moving slow but they are coming closer", he said in alert. "What are they?" Shina asked. "Grinches", he replied.

He shot a big ball of light in the air which enabled them to see the monsters. They were green headless, burly monsters with eyes on their palm and a mouth on their stomach. They started increasing their pace as they saw the intruders. "Be careful", Mule shouted as he stomped the ground. The earth rose up, forming a wall in front of them. "Mule, when they reach the wall, bring it down. Shina and I will handle them ourselves. He nods and as soon as the monsters closed in, he brings the wall down, killing some of the monsters. The monsters began to make a weird sound and rushed at them. <Wind Scythe> She swings her hand diagonally and a huge blade of wind cuts through the monsters. She uses the wind to push them all back and just then notices their large number.

"There are a lot of them", she said. "Leave the rest to me", he replied as he stepped forward. The monsters got back on their feet and rushed at him. <Nebula> A small black ball comes out of his finger, and he launches it at them. It rips through the first few monsters at the front then it begins to suck in all the monsters around. In less than 10 seconds, all the monsters were gone. They looked at Dark in awe as he adjusted his uniform. "Can you locate the soul crystals?" he asked Rue. "Yes, it is a bit deeper into the cave, but we are not so far off. If we hurry, we'll be there in no time. But there are still monsters lurking around", he said in delight.

"This guy is really something else. He took out all those monsters in one attack. I guess I still pale in comparison to him", Shina thought as they continue their quest, but little do they know about the monster stalking them from above.