It was now a week to the end of the month. And also, a week before Awakening Trial.
The atmosphere was quite tense as Instructor Itou walked into the class with calm and confident steps, her gait steady. She took a good look at the class and was quite surprised at the amount of concentration they had began to show since about a two weeks ago. Even though it wouldn't save them from their predicament, a hint of approval still lingered in her gaze.
"Morning class. As you all know, you only have a week left before you are sent into the Nirad Realm. So the school has decided to cancel all classes..."
"Wooooh" Kim shouted cheerfully, her face lighting up with joy until-
"... and replace it with Combat Training."
Kim froze in disbelief as her dream of Last minute shopping crumbled.
"Also, since it'll be a combined work with all first years, all the other classes would be participating in the Combat Classes together." The Instructor added.
"W-what?"
The atmosphere got more tense as they realized the meaning of her words. According to Liam, the other classes contained mostly those stronger than them. Though some often time opposed, even they knew the gravity of the training. Except one oddball.
"This would be fun" Sebastian said with a grin as he placed his legs on the locker.
"Is it compulsory" Liam asked.
"Yes it certainly is compulsory and it will be quite enlightening" The Instructor said with narrowed eyes, a mysterious glint flashing in her eyes.
"I expect everyone to be in the Training Facility by 10 o'clock. Once again, good morning"
...
After their homeroom teacher left the class, the whole place was thrown into chaos and disorder as everyone vented their discontent.
Liam, seeing this, stood up and addressed the class.
"I know most of us are pretty nervous because this is going to be our first time matching up against other classes. But still! I refuse to believe that our class has the weakest bunch. And to prove that, we'll be showing them not to underestimate us"
With a tone full of conviction, he spoke and could immediately feel the mood of the class change.
"Hell yeah! Let's give them a beat down!" Logan shouted with a grin while the others also cheered.
...
Soon, every first year student was gathered in the Training Facility. Their expressions were quite tense as they glanced around. Only a few had composed expressions like Liam, Hazel and Sebastian from Class-D, A purple haired boy from Class-C, A white haired girl with purple eyes from Class-B and a violet haired girl from Class-A.
A gaunt man 6-feet tall stood before them. He had sharp brown eyes and a bald head which reflected the florescent lights.
The homeroom teachers of each class stood a few paces behind him with their expressions full of seriousness.
"Good morning cadets, I go by the name Adelugba Miguel. You may call me Colonel Miguel. I believe you all have been briefed on the intense training that would commence today. As cadets chosen by this institution, I hope your results are as satisfactory as your seniors. Today, I'll be gauging your abilities by piting you against each other and not some mechanically programmed bots. Without any delay... Victoria from Class-C and Hazel from Class-D please step forward"
A girl with short blue hair and sharp green eyes stepped forward with a signature scowl on her face stepped forward and faced the man.
"Victoria Lewis from Class-C"
Colonel Miguel regarded her with a nod then watched as another girl with long black hair and brown eyes stepped forward and faced him.
"Hazel Kane from Class-D"
"A Kane?" He mummured softly with a raised brow.
'That's a military family name' He thought.
"Alright. You are allowed to attack your opponent without any restrictions but use of weapons are not allowed."
Victoria nodded then turned to face Hazel who had an equal amount of seriousness from her face.
Without any delay, Hazel took a boxing stance, her posture rigid yet flexible. Victoria reacted in response, clenching her fists and lowering her body.
Victoria rushed forward and lashed out with a side kick which Hazel parried relatively easily. Unperturbed, she pressed on with a series of punch and kicks.
Hazel's eyes narrowed as she blocked every attack yet she realized she had been forced into defensive, no being given a chance to attack at all.
A feeling of irritation sparked in her chest as she struggled to counter-attack. Victoria seemed to feel her irritation and smirked, irking her more.
[Augmentation]
With a roar, her eyes turned red as she pushed Victoria back with a violent punch.
~Huff~Huff~
She panted heavily as visible steam escaped from her mouth. Her hair rolled off her shoulders as she felt an unusual amount of strength surge through her.
Victoria's scowl deepened as she also activated her dormant ability.
[Valkyrie's Blessing]
Her green eyes glowed briefly as her presence became sharper.
Pah!
However, before she could move, she felt a force slam into her as her vision spinned. By the time her mind cleared, she registered that she was on the ground with Hazel's feet firmly planted on her torso.
Through the dark bangs, she could see Hazel's red eyes slowly reverting back to black yet she couldn't deny the feeling of dread that permeated her being.
"Winner is Hazel Kane from Class-D"