"Starting tomorrow, we'll resume training. You'll learn about energy—how to control it, how to release it, how to use it, and so on. For now, you're dismissed. I'll see you tomorrow."
After these words, all five students headed toward the elevator. Sighing with a cheerful expression, Sai said, "Maybe we should go sit somewhere together?"
Hearing his voice, Emma snapped in anger. "Shut up."
Leo, Noi, and David looked at her in surprise. Sai, however, understood immediately. He said nothing and stared at the floor. Ryan also watched silently. He knew well why Emma reacted so strongly to Sai.
Without another word, Emma walked ahead, not even glancing at him. She entered the elevator and went upstairs alone.
David turned to Sai. "What happened? Why did she say that?"
Sai looked back at him and answered, "It's an old story between our clans."
Leo added, "The head of the Sakuragawa clan and the former head of the Divine Sword clan were enemies. The Sakuragawa leader stole the Heavenly Sword and wiped out all of their followers. Emma told me this during our duel, but she only mentioned the theft."
"I read about it myself," Leo continued. "It turns out he didn't just steal the sword—he destroyed every follower of the Divine Sword clan."
Sai lowered his eyes. "It's true. But that sin wasn't mine—it was the sin of my clan's leader. I despise him for it. Why should my grandfather's crimes weigh on my shoulders?"
Noi sighed. "That's rough, man. But the truth is, our world has long been like this. The strong kill, and the weak can't do anything about it. That's why people hate what they can't defeat."
Leo nodded. "You're right, Noi. I just hope things change someday. Let's go."
They left together, unaware that Ryan had been listening. His fists clenched, he turned away and left as well.
---
A month passed after that conversation. Training during this time was harsh and exhausting. Emma avoided Sai completely. Whenever he tried to speak to her, she refused to even let him finish.
For David, energy training proved especially difficult. While others mastered things in two days, he needed five or more. It frustrated him deeply. He even sought advice from Vincent.
Even Vincent admitted he'd never encountered such a case before. His advice was simple: "Awakened people can control energy in different ways. If you want to improve, I suggest you look into your own soul."
David frowned. "What does that mean?"
Vincent looked him in the eye and said slowly, "I don't know."
David blinked in disbelief. "What?"
"I truly don't know how you can look into your soul. Each awakened has a different kind of soul. You'll have to discover the path yourself. No one can guide you there."
Despite weeks of effort, David couldn't do it. Time slipped away. Just one week remained before the exchange program.
---
Vincent gathered his students and spoke:
"You've all done well. You've learned to control your energy more effectively, and thanks to that, you've managed to awaken the techniques of your attributes. This week you'll study your techniques on your own—I can't help you with that.
In a week, we'll head to China. Don't forget: many clan leaders will be present, and even one of the ten strongest people in the world. Understood?"
"Yes, Mister Vincent," they all replied in unison.
---
Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber cloaked in shadow, ten figures sat around a table. Their faces were concealed. One of them spoke in a quiet yet terrifying voice:
"Number Four, soon there will be an exchange program between the Chinese and American academies. Interfere with it."
He placed a capsule on the table. "Turn this into a half-mid-ranked demon. It could evolve into a full mid-rank, or if fortune favors, even reach half-high rank."
"Understood. I'll do it," Number Four answered.
In his thoughts, however, he smirked darkly.
Soon the day will come when our dominion rises above all. For we are… the Arctic.