Discordia.A vast world where many sentient races lived, it consists of nine main areas and countless other uncharted areas. The uncharted areas are typically inhabited by monsters and other beings that doesn't conform to the civilization of the Nine Areas.Power and prestige are the currency of this world. With those two in abundance, one can do almost anything. Justice, rules, and law... with enough power and prestige, one can decide what counts as those abstract concepts. And now...The sound of metal clashing resounded loudly on the shore.Once. Twice. Thrice. And keep on repeating. The clash of the two metals raised sparks that lit up the shore. Those clashes were so fast, it was impossible for an ordinary human eye to follow the movements of the two sharp metals that were continuously clashing fiercely.There was no other sound on the shore, not even the sound of the waves crashing at all, because part of the beach had been frozen. The large part of the seawater on the shore ha
He opened his eyes and saw a familiar ceiling. He turned his head to the side. A lot of beds with white sheets and pillows. Light blue curtains. Scent of medicine in the air. Yup, this is unmistakably the Infirmary of his combat school. He had made frequent visits here before, and apparently today was also one of them. He stretched his body carefully, feeling that there was nothing wrong with his limbs. Looks like someone has healed his wounds and also cared enough to put at least his jacket and pants back to cover his body. However, his shirt was gone, probably too dirty and bloody to put back on. And his head, which was wrapped in rather thick bandages, feels rather heavy and dizzy. What did happen before, he could hardly remember. What was clear to him, is that he had stay the night in the infirmary because something happened the other day. Hmm, wait… a fight. Yes, a fight. He remembers that he fought Iceheart in a duel and it kinda went south quickly… The memories start com
-Later, that night-In the vast lands of Discordia…Aetzer was a great city and kingdom. The houses were made of fortified and magically enhanced bricks, they have steep and gabled roofs with round angle. Most, if not all of them, have small towers with clear-glass dormers on it. Those who are more security and warfare-oriented chose to place turrets on top of those towers.Some who are more inclined in artistic sense have their houses decorated with statues and detailed woodworks. Or simply painted their houses with bright colors. In short, it could be said that the designs are layered, cluttered, ornate, and eccentric. But that's not all.There were factories on the corners of the city. Iron machinery with rotating gears working on whatever their purpose, like providing power for the city and producing food. The clockwork-based constructs run delicately in the background.It was always a busy place to live in. People from many races trying to live their life, making the best of thei
Tenma snapped his eyes open. He blinked few more times and remembered he was home. He had no nightmare last night. And all is well. The sun has risen, and its warm light has shone through his balcony. Despite that, he felt a slight chill. He realized it's because he isn't wearing any clothes, the lower part of his body covered by only a blanket. He also noticed something else lying on the bed with him. Noa was sleeping beside him, her body covered by the same blanket that concealed his. Her bare chest was concealed by her long crimson hair, now untied. There was something serene and calming in her contented expression. Something that also brings a smile to his face. He took his time looking at her sleeping face. She was smiling about something even in her sleep, he doesn't know what, but it must be good to warrant such an expression. Not wanting to disturb whatever good dream she's having, he slowly and carefully try to get off the bed. As Ten
He smiled as he remembered everything that happened last night. And everything that happened last night were like blurred memories. He could remember some notable details, like him flipping her over so he can be on top and---nope, nevermind that. The memories start coming back faster than he thought, and he'd already reminisced too much this morning. He would rather stop lollygagging and start being productive now. He begins to collect Noa's clothes from all over the room. As Tenma gathered her clothes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and happiness wash over him. It has been a long time since they were together, and he was very grateful to have Noa in his life. Once he had collected all of her clothes, he folded them neatly and placed them on the chair near the bed, so Noa can see it when she wakes up. Then he cleaned up the room for a bit. It simply won't do to have it all messy from their activities last night. Reina will have a fit if she
They decided to jog around as they raced their way to the school. Not that they were late, but simply as a form of warming up for today's activities. It's also fun to compete in something trivial like this sometimes.Reina leads in the front, awfully chipper and energetic, while Sabrina puts up a measured pace in the middle, occassionally eyeing Tenma and Noa who were in the rear.Tenma was purposefully slowing down because Noa suddenly had a limp. He knew why she had that, and felt rather guilty. Must be because what they did last night. He quietly decided to make it up by his actions."Are you okay?" He asked."It's okay, don't worry about me." She assured."No can't do." Tenma shook his head. "I'll carry you."He casually and gently lifted her off her feet, putting her in his arms. One arm under her legs and the other supporting her back. Noa yelped in surprise, but she had no time for further react since Tenma started to run faster than
Shortly after...They made their way to the second floor too, although they weren't trying to hurry at all. They entered the Elevator in a pleasant silence, just the two of them. As they arrived at the second floor, they can see the other students wandering and passing by each other. Some are fussing over something that they didn't bother listening to, but they can take a good guess.Of course, the Field Exam. The third and second years will have to undergo a mission decided by the school staff outside the school itself, with the supervision of teachers or graduates. The first years will have it a bit easier, their exam will be held inside the school environment.On the way to their own class, they passed over a set of statues made of emerald. They are life-sized, so they can almost be mistaken as actual people sometimes. Those statues are displayed on a circular room that serves as a hub that connects to all the pathway to the classes.Three statues. One
-Back at Aetzer-A tall woman with long blonde hair styled entirely in large drills walked out of the Elevator and into a room. Her blue eyes, as blue as her formal uniform, swept around the room briefly. It doesn't look luxurious at all, with only exception of the silver wares and beautifully framed pictures on the tables, pictures of students long since graduated.And sitting behind a desk was the Headmaster of Agni Veritas Academy, Cort Van Hellsing.He is tall and has shoulder-length ashen black hair, with bright amber eyes and a cheerful smile. He has a light complexion and sharp facial features. He is dressed in formal attire of a headmaster, all black except the white shirt beneath his suit. He wears a circular glasses."Good afternoon, Angelica." He addressed the woman. "I take it you're here to report?"The office of Headmaster was situated at the highest floor of Agni Veritas, also known as Firewatch Tower. As the highest point at Agni Veritas Academy as well as in Aetzer, a
Tenma looked at Sabrina who’s walking slightly ahead of him, putting his arms behind his head and sighed wearily. He did volunteer to accompany her just for today, and he does want to make Sabrina forget about her work even for a bit… but maybe asking her what they’ll be doing in her day off was a mistake. He should have taken more initiative and planned ahead…Because Sabrina wants them to go register their Mission License and try out an official mission. Which means, it’s a real job, and runs counter to what his intention for today was. He really wants Sabrina to take her mind off her work, not taking more job. Mind, if it was any other day, he would take the job without any complaint. But today is not supposed to be work day…… fine. I’ll make this work. I’ll make today fun somehow!Tenma and Sabrina stopped in front of a huge wooden door that is furnished by a large fire-shaped black emblem. Only one building holds such emblem, which is the building of…The Swarthy Order, the offic
That afternoon... Somewhere in Aetzer, Tenma walked back and forth on an observation deck. It was a place with quite a breathtaking view. He could see almost all of the City Kingdom at a glance. He decided to stop walking soon after, facing the railing and the skyscrapers across him. He breathes in and spreads his arms, feeling the sunlight and wind breeze caressing his body gently. The sun is already up high in the sky but it doesn’t feel that hot. It’s only slightly windy too, feels like this is a perfect weather for hanging out with friends outdoors. However… He doesn’t feel like hanging around with too many crowds today. He silently observed the city that’s bustling with activities below him, before looking back to the horizon far away. Enjoying the scenery from the place he’s standing. The observatory deck, it was not an easy place to find… in fact, someone found this place first and shared it with him. Said person are among the few people that he truly values, so this place
Agni Veritas Academy is a school running on meritocracy. The highest authority a student can wield here depends on their capability. The holding of power is selected on the basis of their ability. That means the smarter one is, the stronger one is, the higher grade one is, those qualities will be what defines one’s worth in this school. That is where the Class Ranking comes in, a system that was invented by a previous Headmaster few generations before Cort Van Hellsing. A student will be admitted into the Class Rankings when they reached their second year in the school, after their value and merits is assessed. The student’s attendance, their academic scores, their combat performance, those qualities will be calculated into a certain number that will make their final grade… and it does not only serve as a sign of one’s competence. It gives them certain rights that the first year students do not have. When someone reaches the realm of upper-ranked students, they will be given small a
Mission License. It was a precious priviledge only granted to students who passed the Field Exam or fulfilled certain conditions. With Mission License, students can take actual missions like the ones who have official graduated from school. They are granted this right because they have proven themselves capable by passing the Field Exam, those are designed specifically like real missions. Of course, the Mission License isn't absolute pass to take part in every mission available. There are missions that required certain conditions that has to be fulfilled before one can even consider to take these missions. These matters are handled carefully within The Swarthy Order, the official organization that records and takes notes of the mission taken… whether it's completed, or failed. The purpose of the Mission License itself was to give the students experience of working under the Order… to give them the taste and benefit of working, to teach them the sense of satisfaction, to find meaning
In the Infirmary of Agni Veritas Academy, one young man sits quietly on a bed, having just woken up from a long night's sleep. A young man with blue undercut hair and a slim yet athletic body. It didn't help that his hospital gown really doesn't hide his toned figure.He figures that since some medical staff members and students that passed by his bed stole some glances at him, he more than fulfills the criteria of a body people would kill to have. He'd even heard some appreciative whispers directed to his way. He couldn't help but to grin.Of course, he didn't cultivate his body this way for showing off to people. He's not that vain, obviously. However, he has to admit he still felt quite the ego boost from that.A little confidence won't hurt anyone. Especially in this world where you need to be confident, not just strong, to make a real difference. At least that's what his father told him. A strong but meek person won't change anything since they are too afra
Everyone was silent in that Lecture Hall, captivated by the footage that has started playing from the projector.A vaguely humanoid entity that looks like its entire being was comprised of pitch-black steel that somehow doesn't reflect the sunlight walked forth into the battlefield, but its steps weightless as a feather. No eyes. No nose. No mouth. Nothing. On its face, there was simply nothing but black. In its hand it was grasping some sort of sword. And by 'some sort of sword', it means it was only shaped like a sword… but it wasn't really a sword, because it was made of black and red energy, instead of any sort of metal. The blade and the hilt are entirely comprised by that dark energy.The entity walked into the battlefield as another figure charged at it. The figure was a pasty white humanoid with massive black bat wings, with their eyes entirely crimson like it was filled by blood. Their nails are crooked claws, which seen as the figure raised its hand and chanted.It was Magi
They are inside the school now, walking out the Elevator and onto the Second Floor, where all the classrooms are. Normally they would part ways now since they're in different class, but since today is Joint Class, they will have a class together now. There's little to no reason to separate…Tenma kept his enthusiastic spirits from before, eager and ready to receive the lesson that he had read ahead. Meanwhile Sabrina walked beside him, her overall mood has dramatically shifted from sulking to a rather cheerful one. That's totally have nothing to do with the prospect of having some quality time with the black-haired young man today, without any interruptions.But before that can happen, they have a school schedule to get through first. Sabrina smoothed her expression, trying to hide her eagerness from everyone they passed. She was supposed to be a stern and proper member of Student Council, so at least she has to keep herself in check.Tenma however, looked as neutral as ever. Whether
Sabrina sighed as she and Tenma walked casually together towards their school, Agni Veritas Academy. It was still raining, although not as hard as before. They shared a black umbrella together, their shoulders lightly touching. She silently recalled what happened earlier in the morning.They had breakfast together, just the two of them, so they did it on her house since no one else was there.Reina was staying over at Tachie’s dormitory, just as Tenma said. Noa was nowhere in sight, but Tenma looks unconcerned about it so that means nothing bad happened.She didn't ask what happened, but it was still a rare occasion that only happened once in a blue moon. It was a quiet morning that she would always cherish. It really was quiet… but it's not out of awkwardness. Both of them weren't the type that likes to talk too much anyway.“I guess I’ll cook something for our breakfast...” She said.“Nah, let me handle that.” Tenma interrupted. “You just sit there and wait.”“But it’s my home…”“Jus
Sometime in the past…It was raining. The skies were dark. In an open field where there was nothing but water droplets from the rainfall, two bodies lay motionless. One was a brown-haired woman, eyes closed as if in peace, there was no breathing from her. Next to her, there was a little girl who's crying and ignoring everything else.The other one, a black haired man, was bleeding profusely, his breathing ragged. Next to him, there was a little boy, who's trying his best to stay strong for the little girl."Mister, my mom and dad will come soon. They will help… they can do anything!" He said with shaky voice. "Please, just hold on…"He tried feebly to stop the man's bleeding with his hands, but it was no use. The bleeding did not stop, and the man has lost too much blood…"No… don't worry too much, young man. It's too late for me." the man softly spoke. He was fading quickly. "It's okay. Tell Kaito and Frieda you did your best…""Y-you know my parents…? How did you…""We're old frien