The students followed Aurelia through the Academy's grand halls, their footsteps echoing in the silence.
They soon arrived at a massive chamber, its towering walls lined with countless weapons of every shape and size. Swords, spears, bows, axes, daggers, and more—each weapon gleamed under the bright lights, waiting to be chosen.
The students gasped in awe as they entered the hall, their eyes wide with excitement.
Aurelia stood at the front, her arms crossed as she addressed the group.
"This is Academy's Armory Hall," she said, her voice carrying easily across the vast space.
"Here, you will each select a weapon that will become your primary tool in combat. Choose your weapons wisely as it will be with you throughout your time at the Academy. It will become an extension of yourself, so make sure it suits your fighting style and affinities."
She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the students.
"While it's possible to change your weapon later, doing so will require a recommendation from the respective weapon instructor. So it's better to make the right choice now.
"You have thirty minutes to make your decision. Once you have chosen return to me. Don't waste the time and don't touch anything carelessly. Understood?"
"Yes, Professor!" the students chorused.
As the students scattered to explore the rows of weapons.
Reo immediately made his way to the spear section his eyes lighting up as he examined the various options.
Kyle on the other hand headed toward the sword section.
As a swordsman it was the obvious choice.
At first he picked up a Jian, the weapon he had been using since he arrived in this world. But something felt off.
Despite all his training and taking down two silver rank monsters, his mastery over Jian was still stuck at Apprentice - 83% .
It wasn't improving no matter how much he practiced.
'Maybe the Jian doesn't suit me,' Kyle thought frowning.
'The original Kyle used it but I'm not him. I need to find something that fits me better.'
As he was deep in thought someone bumped into him.
"Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't notice you" Kyle said quickly, turning to see who it was.
Standing before him was Princess Eleanora D'Argent her light blonde hair shimmering under the light and her blood-red eyes calm and composed.
"It's okay" she said with a small smile. "It's my fault for bumping into you."
Kyle blinked, surprised by her politeness. "No, no, it's fine. I wasn't paying attention either."
Eleanora tilted her head slightly studying him. "You're Kyle Valemont, aren't you? Professor Aurelia's younger brother?"
"Yes, Princess" Kyle replied, a little taken aback.
"You can call me Eleanora," she said her tone warm but firm. "I'm not a princess here. After all we are all students her."
Kyle hesitated but nodded. "Okay… Eleanora."
She smiled her expression softening. "Have you selected your weapon yet?"
Kyle shook his head. "I'm thinking of choosing a sword but I'm not sure which type suits me best. I am not making progress with the Jian I have been using earlier"
Eleanora's eyes lit up. "I have already chosen mine—an Estoc"
"But I know a lot about swords. I can help you pick one if you would like."
Kyle remembered from the novel that Eleanora was known as a sword genius. This was a perfect opportunity to not only find the right weapon but also build a connection with her.
After all if he wanted to save her, he needed to get closer first.
"That would be great" Kyle said, nodding. "I would appreciate the help."
As they walked through the sword section, Eleanora picked up an Estoc for herself its elegant design perfectly matching her graceful demeanor.
Kyle tried it out swinging it a few times but it didn't feel right. He put it back and moved on.
From the longsword section Kyle picked up a sturdy blade.
He swung it a few times testing its weight and balance. It felt solid but something still didn't click.
"I think I will go with this," Kyle said, holding up the longsword.
Eleanora shook her head immediately. "No, no, the longswords doesn't suit you."
Kyle raised an eyebrow. "It doesn't?"
"Not at all" Eleanora said firmly.
She led him to the Japanese sword section and picked up a sleek slightly curved, single-edged blade. It looked like a katana but it has a longer blade with a black hilt.
"Try this" she said, handing him the sword.
"It's called a Tachi its a single-edged sword. I think it will suit you much better."
Kyle took the Tachi, feeling its weight and balance. As he swung it he felt an faint connection. It felt better than the Jian and longsword he choose.
"This… feels right" Kyle said, a smile spreading across his face.
Eleanora nodded, her expression satisfied.
"I thought so. Tachi is more versatile and suits your fighting style better than a longsword or a Jian."
Kyle glanced at her curious. "How do you know my fighting style?"
Eleanora's smile faltered for a moment but she quickly recovered.
"Just a guess" she said lightly. "You seem like someone who values speed and precision over brute strength."
Kyle nodded, deciding not to press further. "Well you were right. Thanks, Eleanora."
They made their way back to Aurelia who was waiting near the entrance. When she saw Kyle holding the Tachi, her eyebrows shot up.
"A Tachi?" Aurelia said, crossing her arms. "I thought you used a Jian before. Why the change?"
Kyle hesitated, glancing at Eleanora before answering.
"The Jian didn't feel right. Eleanora helped me pick this one and I also think it suits me better."
Aurelia's gaze shifted to Eleanora, her expression unreadable.
After a moment she nodded. "Alright. As long as it works for you. You can always change the weapon later."
Kyle nodded, gripping his Tachi firmly.
With that Aurelia registered there respective weapons.
****
Eleanora walked through the Armory Hall, her fingers brushing lightly against the weapons as she passed.
She already knew what she wanted—an Estoc. Its slender, precise design suited her fighting style perfectly. But her attention wasn't fully on her own weapon.
Her eyes kept drifting toward Kyle, who was standing in the sword section, looking lost.
'He's hesitating' she thought, her heart aching just a little.
In her past life, Kyle had chosen a longsword at first, only to switch to a Tachi much later. She couldn't let that happen again.
When she bumped into him, she saw the confusion in his eyes.
He didn't recognize her, of course. Not yet. But she knew him—his habits, his struggles, his potential.
"Have you selected your weapon?" she asked, her voice calm but warm.
When he admitted he was unsure, she offered to help. It was the perfect opportunity to guide him to ensure he chose the Tachi this time.
As they walked through the sword section, she picked up the Estoc for herself, its weight familiar and comforting. But her focus remained on Kyle.
When he picked up the longsword, she shook her head immediately. "No, that doesn't suit you."
She led him to the Tachi, her heart racing as she handed it to him. 'Please let him feel it.'
When he swung the Tachi, his eyes lit up. "This… feels right," he said, a smile spreading across his face.
Eleanora's chest tightened with relief. 'Good. He chose it.'
As they walked back to Aurelia, Eleanora couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. This was a small step, but it was a step in the right direction.
***