The next morning, the sun had barely risen when the students of Class 1A gathered in front of their homeroom.
Luna Everyloon was already waiting.
Her long violet hair swayed gently in the breeze, but her posture was all business.
"Follow me," she said without preamble, spinning on her heel.
No one dared to question her. Her authority carried a weight they were beginning to understand.
---
🏋️ Training Hall #1
Luna led them into the first-year training hall — a building large enough to fit a small stadium, with clean marble floors and enchanted glass windows that filtered the heat but amplified echoes.
"This will be your second home," she said flatly. "Get used to it."
No one replied.
"Today, we start with basics. A simple endurance test."
She pointed to a glowing rune on the ground that activated the training course.
"Run 100 laps around this hall. You have 15 minutes."
Murmurs exploded in the crowd.
"That's impossible!"
"This place is huge!"
Luna raised an eyebrow.
"If you're aiming for mediocrity, the exit is behind you. Run, or leave."
---
đź’¨ The Run
A horn blew.
Students dashed forward.
Some fell behind within two laps. Others paced themselves.
Only 12 students finished within the time limit.
The rest sat or collapsed, gasping for air, drenched in sweat.
Luther, of course, finished with time to spare. He hadn't even broken a sweat. But instead of feeling superior, his mind was somewhere else…
> She looks so damn cute when she's angry.
Luna's glare swept the exhausted class like a blade.
"Pathetic."
No one spoke.
"You think this is a game? You think because you can swing a sword or throw a spell, you're ready for war?"
She stepped forward, her voice dropping.
> "If you slack now, you die later. You think the Demon King's army cares how tired you are? You think war gives breaks?"
Everyone froze. Her eyes narrowed.
> "Next time you fail that run... I will personally kick you out of this school."
Shock rippled through the students.
Even Levi's usual confidence faltered.
Only Luther had a dumb smile on his face.
> That fire in her voice. That's one of the reasons I fell for her…
---
⚔️ Sparring Session
After a tense silence, Luna waved her hand.
A large enchanted bowl floated into the room.
"Time to train with each other. Everyone will draw a number. If two people pull the same number, you're sparring partners for the day."
One by one, students reached in.
Luther dipped his hand into the bowl.
Pulled out: Number 1
Seconds later…
"Number 1," said Levi Oroboros, lifting his card.
Their eyes met.
Luther gave a small, amused smirk.
> Of course. This universe loves its irony.
---
Pairings
Luther (Rank 1) vs. Levi (Rank 2)
Levi cracked his neck and got into stance, eyes burning with resolve.
> "Let's see what the gap between first and second really looks like."
Luther simply slid a foot back, hand resting casually on the hilt of his blade.
> This could be fun.
---
Valeria (Number 9) vs. Tarn (Rank 20)
Tarn was wiry and sharp-eyed — ranked dead last in the class. A scout-type fighter.
He gulped when he saw the mountain of muscle in Valeria's arms and the fire-red hair that screamed danger.
She cracked her knuckles lazily.
"Don't break too fast," she said, not unkindly.
He gulped again.
---
Samuel (Number 2) vs. Vivian (Rank 6)
Vivian had pale blue eyes and jet-black hair. A mage like Samuel, but clearly not used to pressure.
She looked scared — but didn't step back.
Samuel scoffed.
"You sure you pulled the right number?"
Vivian gave a small nod.
"Tch. Don't cry when I win."
---
Aurora (Number 7) vs. Kale (Rank 15)
Kale was a wiry kid with sharp bones and tired eyes.
He looked down at Aurora — literally. She was barely to his shoulders.
But when her golden hair began to shimmer, and her calm violet eyes locked onto his…
He suddenly felt cold.
---
🧠Luther's Thoughts
Luther stood across from Levi, stretching idly.
> This is good. I need to test their limits anyway.
He glanced at Aurora, who was calmly correcting her stance against her opponent, even with a small bruise on her cheek.
> She doesn't back down. I respect that.
He saw Valeria lifting her broadsword with one hand like it was a feather.
> Monstrous strength.
Samuel, already building a fire spell, grinning arrogantly.
> Too much pride. Needs humbling.
Then, finally, his gaze landed on Levi.
Levi's stance was textbook perfect.
His breathing was sharp.
His spirit was lit.
> Let's see how close you really are to catching me.