The hallway shimmered with polished stone, glowing softly under the crystalline lights. Walls were lined with relics of ancient battles blades sealed in glass, photos of fallen heroes, and armor once worn by legends.
Souta looked around and said,
"These aren't just decorations... Each weapon here tells a story. Victories, losses... sacrifices. You can feel the weight of Kaigenshiro's legacy just walking through this hall."
Ren whistled low and said,
"Damn, this place has seen some shit..."
As they entered a massive training hall, Ren's eyes widened. Dozens of junior exorcists trained in separate zones some with elemental magic swirling in their palms, others practicing complex formations with high-tech firearms and gauntlets. Sparks flew. Yells echoed. It was intense.
"Over here," Souta said, waving them forward. "Special candidates like us get trained by elite instructors. You're not ready for how serious they are."
As they stepped in, the atmosphere changed. Waiting ahead stood Kesshō Kikan, his sharp eyes scanning the group. But beside him
A woman sat elegantly, crossing one leg over the other, her form practically glowing. Her name was Velmira Noir, a high-ranking spellcaster from Kaigenshiro, known for her devastating charm and even deadlier skills. Her outfit clung to her curves, the symbol of the Crystal Order resting above her chest.
Kesshō smirked and said,
"Yo, Souta. Brought the gang, huh? Lady Velmira here's been excited. Sir Valen said you kids are special."
Velmira looked up with a lazy smile and said,
"Hmm… So these are the ones from Sanctum? You've got some interesting faces here."
Souta nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
She stood gracefully, hips swaying with every step.
"Good day, everyone. I'm Velmira Noir, and I'll be handling spellcaster training. That means you, bookworms."
A man stepped beside her. His towering frame was wrapped in silver armor etched with glowing runes. His voice was deep but noble.
"And I am Commander Aster Malrick, in charge of physical combat training. Velmira handles the casters. I break the bones."
Velmira chuckled softly. "Come with me, casters."
Itsuki and Ayame followed her out. "Good luck!" Ayame waved.
Ren and Aria remained. Malrick crossed his arms.
"Alright. What do you use in battle?"
Aria posed seductively.
"I use a tiny knife... to silently cut down my prey. They never see it coming." She winked.
Malrick raised an eyebrow. "Huh."
He turned to Ren.
"And you?"
Ren unsheathed his blade, the crimson edge shimmering faintly.
"This is the Chi-no-Ha. Commander Aster Malrick gave it to me during my journey."
Malrick looked shocked for a moment… then burst into laughter.
"That sword? Kid, that's ceremonial trash. You been fighting with that?!"
Ren's face flushed. "It's... worked for me so far..."
Malrick narrowed his eyes. "Do you even know what it's for?"
Ren hesitated. "I... don't."
Kesshō walked over silently, took the blade, and SNAP! broke it in half.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Ren shouted, grabbing for the pieces.
Kesshō handed him a new sword. Sleek. Balanced. Glowing faintly.
"That one was a demon-detection relic. It changes based on the user's nature. Not meant for fighting. This one... is your new weapon."
Ren stared, heart racing.
D-Demon...?
His thoughts spiraled.
If that blade reacts to demons... then they should already know...
A voice whispered in his head,
They do know, Ren. The world's ending soon anyway.
"Ren!"
Ren snapped out of it. Kesshō raised an eyebrow.
"You good? You zoned out hard."
"Y-Yeah… I'm fine."
Souta looked back, worry in his eyes.
Shit... Please don't let them find out about him yet…
Kesshō clapped his hands.
"Alright, Malrick. Train these two. Souta, you're with me. Time to meet the Ivory Cross."
Kesshō slung an arm around Souta and walked off.
Souta looked back one last time at Ren.
I'm getting further away from him... I hate this… but maybe... it's meant to be.