Chapter 22: She

Kairi dreamed about something, it was something that she always dreamed about, but she would always forget it when she wakes up. All that she could remember is a fiery landscape and cries of dying people, and a loud roar. She did not know what caused this roar, a beast? But she was not sure either because she had a feeling that it wasn't. But it couldn't be human, can it? But right now, there were more important matters, she then quickly went to bath, then took her breakfast, prepared for school and went right away. Her day was not the same as she could feel something was watching her, but at the same time she would be safe this way, if what Kaito said is true. As same as always, Val met up with her at the Academy's gate. They went to class together. Right now, the ranking should be completed. Because of this, class was held at the Battle Hall, the stage was removed since there would be no battles today, students were asked to gather there.

Instead, a huge pillar was placed in the middle, in which the names would be written. Students were more lively, since this is the day they were waiting for. The chance to prove themselves. And not all was happy. Commoners, never in history, got a place in this huge pillar of stone. They were never treated as humans in the first place. For the Nobles, they were nothing but a failure.

A man then climbed atop of the pillar of stone, he was wearing a brown leather jacket, gloves, a scarf on his neck, a dog mask, a cap, black pants and black shoes. He was completely covering his body. He was one of the teachers in this Academy, but no student have seen his face. Not even a teacher, but he was recommended by the Tower of Magic, so the Academy has to accept.

"Your attention please!" the man said.

The students then gazed upward to see the covered man.

"As you see, we gathered you here for the results of the Academy's magic competition"

The students then listened more carefully, hoping that their names would be chosen. There were thousands of students in this Academy and only a hundred of them would be chosen to fight in the Selections.

The covered man then spoke a language they didn't know. New students were confused. Soon, the huge stone reacted suddenly, beams of light came from different sides of the Battle Hall, the students were grouped in different locations to avoid getting hit by this beam. The beam of light hit the huge stone, it was writing the names. The new students were surprised, but the old ones were not, since they would see this yearly. Some even lost hope that they would be selected since their names were not even written once.

This lasted longer than the students anticipated. The beam of light also seemed that it won't stop.

"As you can see, we are selecting more students. But we are adding one more test" the covered man said.

"We are adding another 2v2 Duel, but this time, you'll select your own teammate. Since you know your own power, then you should know who to partner with" the covered man added.

As more and more names are being written, more students are gathering and finding their partners. The top students of the Academy, including Kairi, got a huge crowd since many wants to partner with them. Getting a compatible and strong partner increases your chances of success. Kairi is ignoring the crowd around her, even with Val helping her, they can't disperse the crowd. Kairi was currently searching for Kaito, since she has a slow casting speed, having Kaito as her partner should fill her weakness. She can also ask him to teach her about "Speedchanting".

However, she can't do that with this huge crowd. She has to think of a way to at least reduce their numbers.

"How about.." Kairi thought.

"I will only choose those who have high casting speed"

Now that Kairi stated her requirement for a partner, her crowd dispersed. Only leaving a handful of them. She then asked them to wait as she said she still had some personal matters to attend to.

She then went to find Kaito. She ran around the Battle Hall, hoping to see a glimpse of Kaito. Luckily she saw him in one of the crowds. As she tried to get a better view of him, she noticed that he was talking with someone. It was a girl, she has a long white hair reaching her waist, her eyes were as blue as the night sky. She also has an insignia in her left arm, signifying that she is a Noble. This again confused her. Kaito, he who never likes attention is now with someone. Kaito then pointed at the exit of the Battle Hall. The girl nodded her head. Kaito then left the Battle Hall. Since he left, Kairi decided to talk with the girl. Somehow, she felt that her face was familiar. She soon saw Jake running towards the girl.

"Why were you talking with him?" Jake said, panting.

"Is it wrong to talk with my partner?" the girl answered.

"What?!" Jake was very surprised.

Kairi felt the same. The more she tries to know Kaito, the less she seems to know. Having him as her partner is very important to her since she can continue to ask him questions. She then remembered Kaito's offer to talk in his house. But this time, more scouts and a personal bodyguard is spying her. Maybe if Kaito can somehow block the sound from his house, they can talk freely. Knowing him, he who has a lot of secrets, it was possible. She planned to meet him today. But as for now, she would investigate on why would he partner up with someone else, let alone a Noble. She also has to find a partner since she didn't know when would the teacher act again.