Phew... I manage to reach the training arena just in time.
It's massive.
A huge dome covers it, and the stands around it are packed with people—students and teachers.
I just hope big sis didn't realize I was missing...
I immediately look toward the center of the field.
About ten meters in front of my big sis stands a boy with blond hair and hazel eyes. I recognize him right away.
Kellen Wynne!
Big sis talked a lot about him.
She says he's an incredible fighter.
They say he's the second-best student in all of HESPARC Academy.
For the opening duel, they always choose two of the strongest students.
It's meant to show the newcomers what they could become one day.
It's no coincidence they picked Kellen Wynne and big sis.
Those two are seriously strong.
I can't wait to face him myself!
Both he and my sister wear tight black uniforms made for student duels.
It looks amazing on big sis.
She already looks beautiful, but with that suit... she's stunning.
Her chest, her body—everything stands out perfectly in it.
What bad luck...
The fight is already at its final stage.
I missed my big sis's entire performance...
«You're really incredible, Alexia...» Kellen murmurs.
He is visibly exhausted.
His body is surrounded by white flames—the Sacred Flame.
He grips in his hand a sword made entirely of fire.
Alexia is armed the same way, but she doesn't look good...
She seems even more tired than him, and her body is covered in cuts and bruises.
Luckily, they'll be healed right away thanks to the academy's amazing technology.
«...but now it's time to end this fight! Get ready, I'm coming!»
Kellen slightly bends his knees, then charges at Alexia like lightning.
A trail of white fire stretches behind him like a comet.
The ground cracks faintly beneath him as he moves.
His slash comes down fast and hard toward Alexia.
She blocks it with her flaming sword, and a violent shockwave explodes around them.
But Kellen twists his torso and lands a powerful kick right in her stomach.
The blow sends her flying backward.
She crashes onto her back, sliding for several meters.
In that moment, her black suit starts flashing red.
It's the signal—she's taken enough damage to lose the match.
Oh no! Big sis lost...
But she's smiling.
Weird.
She's never been the type to accept defeat so calmly.
Maybe the academy changed her too.
«That was close. What an amazing fight, Alexia. You get stronger every single day!»
Kellen compliments her with a tired smile.
«By the end of the year, I'll surpass you, Kellen. Count on it!»
The two shake hands as the crowd bursts into applause.
Then, Alexia leans in and brings her lips close to his ear.
«I'll be waiting for you in my bedroom to continue our... duel. Let's see if you can handle the second round,» she whispers softly.
Kellen turns bright red.
Their passion for combat is insane.
They even want to train during their free time.
I seriously admire them!
Speaking of bedrooms... I need to hurry and unpack!
It's already late, and I might miss dinner if I don't move fast!
I start running toward my room as fast as I can.
Big sis told me many things about the Alpha dorm.
She said it's the most luxurious in the academy, reserved only for top students.
In the Beta and Gamma dorms, rooms are shared. Here, everyone has their own.
HESPARC Academy is huge.
It takes me nearly twenty minutes of full-speed running to reach my room.
I can't wait to flop onto the bed. I'm exhausted.
I wonder how soft the mattress is—and that sea view.
I'm so excited!
I open the door quickly and shut it behind me right away.
Oh, finall—
WHAT THE...?!
In the middle of the room stands a gorgeous girl with short black hair and emerald green eyes.
She stares at me with a mysterious expression.
Her curvy body is soaking wet, and she's wrapped in nothing but a towel.
She must have just gotten out of the shower.
But this is my bedroom. I'm sure of it!
What the hell is happening?