Chapter 2 – Trials of Observation
The first light of dawn spilled over Libra, painting the quiet streets in soft gold. TENSHO IMARU yawned and sat up abruptly, noticing he had overslept again. His uniform lay crumpled on the floor, and he hastily pulled it on. Today, the academy had paired missions for Class C, and he couldn't afford to be late.
As Tensho ran through the streets, he noticed several new students arriving for the day. A girl carrying a small satchel struggled with the weight, and he rushed to help.
"Here, let me take some of that," Tensho said, lifting the bag.
"Ah, thank you! I'm Natsumi HAYAKAWA. First day here," she replied, smiling nervously.
"No problem. I'm Tensho Imaru," he said, adjusting his own pack. "Follow me; the shortcut to the academy is just ahead."
Along the way, he helped another student, a boy named Ryo TAKEDA, untangle his training ropes. By the time they reached Arcis Academy, the training yard was bustling with students.
Class C gathered near the central platform, while Class B sparred on the upper terraces under their new teacher, SAKURA YAMAMURA.
"Class C, listen carefully!" Renko called. "Today, you will pair up for missions. Each pair will be assigned to scout and observe in the training grounds. You will face small Rexes. Avoid confrontation if possible; survival and observation are key."
Students quickly paired up into five teams:
TENSHO IMARU & RENJIRO LUMINARA – Speed, Weapon Manipulation
KAI UMBRAXIS & AKIKO UMBRAXIS – Telekinesis, Shadow Manipulation
HARU LUMINARA & MIKA LUMINARA – Speed, Arcis Manipulation
TARO LUMINARA & RIKU LUMINARA – Telekinesis, Healing
SORA UMBRAXIS & KAZU UMBRAXIS – Elemental Manipulation, Teleportation
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Team One – Tensho & Renjiro
The pair moved through the forested training area. Tensho's Awareness allowed him to detect subtle shifts in the terrain.
"Watch that ridge," Tensho whispered. "Something's moving."
A small, shadowy Rex appeared, claws glinting in the morning light. Renjiro quickly shaped a short sword from Arcis energy and swung, eliminating the creature.
"Good call," Renjiro said. "Your observation saved time."
Tensho jotted notes in his notebook, mentally recording movement patterns and weaknesses.
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Team Two – Kai & Akiko
KAI UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis trees, lunging toward the pair. Kai lifted nearby rocks with telekinesis, throwing them precisely. Akiko created a shadow dome to trap a creature, allowing Kai to eliminate it.
Winner: Kai & Akiko
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Team Three – Haru & Mika
HARU LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Power: Speed
MIKA LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Power: Arcis Manipulation
Haru darted around the Rexes, creating afterimages to confuse them. Mika struck with Arcis energy bursts timed to Haru's movement, landing precise attacks. The Rexes scattered.
Winner: Haru & Mika
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Team Four – Taro & Riku
TARO LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Power: Telekinesis
RIKU LUMINARA
Class C
Clan: Luminara
Power: Healing
Taro hurled debris telekinetically at the Rexes while Riku healed minor injuries from skirmishes. Their careful coordination subdued all threats.
Winner: Taro & Riku
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Team Five – Sora & Kazu
SORA UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Power: Elemental Manipulation (water)
KAZU UMBRAXIS
Class C
Clan: Umbraxis
Power: Teleportation
Sora created arcs of water to block and push back Rexes. Kazu teleported strategically, allowing Sora to strike from blind spots. The Rexes fled, overwhelmed.
Winner: Sora & Kazu
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Meanwhile, Class B sparred on the upper terraces under Sakura Yamamura.
HIKARI LUMINARA
Class B
Clan: Luminara
Power: Speed
RENO UMBRAXIS
Class B
Clan: Umbraxis
Power: Shadow Manipulation
Hikari zipped around Reno, striking and dodging with incredible speed. Reno countered with shadow walls, pushing Hikari back. After a series of precise attacks, Reno landed the decisive blow.
Winner: Reno
AYUMU LUMINARA
Class B
Clan: Luminara
Power: Weapon Manipulation
FUMA UMBRAXIS
Class B
Clan: Umbraxis
Power: Teleportation
Ayumu struck repeatedly with his weapon constructs, but Fuma teleported to evade and counter. A final feint allowed Ayumu to land the finishing strike.
Winner: Ayumu
KENTA LUMINARA
Class B
Clan: Luminara
Power: Arcis Manipulation
SENRI UMBRAXIS
Class B
Clan: Umbraxis
Power: Elemental Manipulation (fire)
Kenta used precise Arcis strikes to disrupt Senri's fire bursts, landing a final hit after a prolonged exchange.
Winner: Kenta
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Tensho watched intently from below, noting every pattern, every energy fluctuation, every moment of weakness and strength. His Awareness allowed him to understand the flow of battle better than most, mentally mapping every interaction.
Returning from their missions, Class C regrouped in the yard.
"Today you learned coordination, observation, and adaptability," Renko said. "Class B's sparring should teach you the importance of timing, strategy, and precision. Observation will be your strength as hunters-in-training."
Tensho closed his notebook, determination burning in his dark eyes. Powerless today, but tomorrow… I'll be ready