After classes ended, Zara walked alongside Elira and Mia, making their way toward the training hall.
The courtyard was still buzzing with students heading to their next activity, chatter filling the air.
Suddenly, Mia's eyes locked onto someone in the crowd. "Selena!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the noise. "I'm here! Stop walking!"
Without waiting, she dashed off like an overly enthusiastic fangirl, weaving through the students with wild energy.
Zara watched her go with a wry smile. "She really doesn't hold back, does she?"
Elira gave a small laugh and nodded, matching Zara's expression. "Not even a little."
Zara picked up her pace to catch up to Selena as well, following behind the ever-enthusiastic Mia.
Once they reached her, Mia spun around with a big smile and gestured dramatically between everyone."Selena, this is my friend Zara—and that's Elira! And she," Mia said, pointing proudly at Selena, "is Selena!"
Elira gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you."
Selena returned the nod to Elira, but when her eyes landed on Zara, she simply gave a slow shake of her head. No greeting. No words.
Zara blinked, slightly caught off guard.
Mia looked between them, puzzled."Wait... do you know Zara, Selena?"
Selena answered plainly, her expression unreadable."Yes. I know her. We train together with the sword. She's also my neighbor."
Mia blinked. "Ohhh… so you do know her!"
Zara scratched the back of her head with an awkward chuckle. "Yeah, we've crossed swords a few times. She's… intense."
Elira smiled gently. "That makes sense now."
Mia still looked a bit confused but quickly recovered, throwing an arm around both Zara and Selena's shoulders—despite Selena stiffening a bit."Well then! That just makes us all one big happy group!"
Zara gave Selena a side glance and smirked. "More like one tense group."
Selena exhaled slowly. "...I'm still not your friend."
Mia pouted. "Yet!"
As the group entered the training hall, a small group of well-dressed nobles stepped forward, blocking their path.
At the front stood a tall boy with slicked-back golden hair and an arrogant smirk—Alex.
Mia's eyes narrowed immediately. "Ugh, what do you want now, Alex?" she snapped.
Alex ignored her, his sharp gaze locking onto Zara.
"Don't forget our bet, Zara," he said with a smug grin. "I hope you're prepared to lose."
Then, with an exaggerated, theatrical bow, he turned on his heel and strode off with his entourage, their laughter trailing behind them.
Zara crossed her arms, watching him go. "He's way too proud for someone I'm going to crush."
Seeing Zara so confident, Selena spoke up in her usual calm but firm tone."Don't underestimate any opponent. He might have some tricks up his sleeve."
Zara gave her a glance, a bit surprised but thoughtful.
Mia, on the other hand, crossed her arms and frowned."Hmph! Alex? He's just a lazy show-off with no real power. What tricks could he possibly have up his sleeve?"
Selena didn't respond, just looked ahead with a serious expression. Elira, walking quietly beside them, added softly, "Still… it doesn't hurt to be careful."
Zara gave a small nod, her earlier grin softening."Alright, alright. I'll stay sharp. But I'm still going to win."
Just then, the large doors to the training hall swung open with a loud creak.
A tall man with sharp features and a confident smile stepped inside—Jason, the academy's combat instructor.
He clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, students! Today's matches will determine your rankings. Step forward when your name is called."
He pulled out a list and began reading aloud:
"Selena, you'll fight… Drakan."
Selena's eyes narrowed slightly, while across the hall, Drakan smirked to himself.
"Elira… you'll be facing Mia."
Mia blinked. "Wait, me?! Against Elira?! She's so calm—how do I even fight that?!"
Elira gave a polite smile. "Let's have a good match."
Jason continued, glancing toward Zara with a grin."Alex versus Zara."
A quiet murmur rippled through the hall. Zara smirked and cracked her knuckles.
Alex, already waiting in the corner, gave her a mocking wave.
Jason went on calling names, but Zara's focus had narrowed. Her first real test was about to begin.