Scene: Ironvale Academy – Central Stadium, Morning
The sky was clear, the academy grounds buzzing like a festival.
Banners fluttered in the breeze. Dozens of clubs had set up tents and displays, while a long line of students filtered into the arena's elevated seating. Hover-drones zipped through the sky, streaming footage to giant holographic screens.
In the center: the main battle arena, a massive circular platform surrounded by light barriers.
This was the Interclub Exhibition Tournament—Ironvale's annual tradition where elite clubs displayed their strength.
Scene Shift: Entrance Hall – Athlete Registration Desk
Rin practically skipped through the lobby, carrying a large paper bag labeled "combat snacks."
Rin (beaming):
"This is so exciting! Can you feel it, Alina? The tension in the air!"
Aeris trailed behind her, hood up, shoulders tense.
Aeris:
"I feel something. Might be dread."
Rin:
"Come on! You walk around like you've fought wars or something—this is just school-level sparring!"
Aeris muttered something about how Rin didn't know the half of it.
The two approached the registration desk.
A bored-looking instructor scanned their forms.
Instructor:
"STAR Club? …That's a real club?"
Rin (cheerful):
"Sure is!"
The instructor raised a brow at Aeris.
Instructor:
"You the captain?"
Aeris (flat):
"No."
Rin (cutting in):
"Yes."
They stared at each other.
The instructor shrugged and processed the team name.
Scene Shift: Central Arena – Behind-the-Scenes Locker Room
Teams from all over the school gathered in preparation.
Some wore sleek combat gear. Others had customized exo-suits or spell-enhancing cloaks. Elite clubs stood out like lions among house cats.
And then there was STAR Club.
Time goes before entering the arena. In one of the smaller prep rooms, Rin stood alone in front of a narrow mirror—bouncing on her heels, her fingers fumbling with her glove straps.
Her jacket, too big for her frame, slipped down her shoulder.
Rin (quietly to herself):
"Okay… deep breath. STAR Club may be a joke on paper—but not today. Not if I'm standing here."
She turned to a small open case resting on the bench. Inside: her gear.
A worn utility belt with mismatched pouches.
Two small metallic spheres shaped like stylized stars—her drones, Star Sprite A and B.
A collapsible baton, the paint chipped but the handle reinforced with grip tape.
A coin-sized badge: the STAR Club's emblem—she'd embroidered it herself.
Her hands trembled slightly as she clipped the belt around her waist.
Rin:
"They've got gravity blades and gunstaffs... I've got a glowing stick and glorified kitchen timers."
She gave a short laugh, then tapped both drones lightly. They blinked blue and rose into the air with a soft hum.
Rin (muttering):
"Just... stay close and don't explode. Okay?"
She reached into her bag and pulled out a pack of hard candy.
Rin (grinning to herself):
"Combat snacks: sugar solves everything."
A knock came from the door.
Aeris's voice (from behind it):
"You done rehearsing your last words?"
Rin yelped, nearly dropping a drone.
Rin:
"Eeeep—I wasn't—! I mean—yes! Coming!"
She grabbed the baton, flicked it once—clack!—and it extended smoothly with a quiet electric buzz.
The reflection of herself in the mirror looked like someone in over their head.But her eyes held a spark.
Rin (whispering):
"We're not here to win... We're here to exist. That's enough."
She marched toward the door and opened it.
Aeris stood in the hallway, one eyebrow raised.
Aeris:
"You sure you're ready?"
Rin (deep breath):
"Nope. But you'll catch me if I faint, right?"
Aeris looked away, hiding something like a smirk.
Aeris:
"…I'll catch your unconscious body. That's the deal."
They walked side by side toward the arena gates.
.Aeris wore black uniform coat, with her vintage SKS-45 rifle slung across her back, the blade attachment quietly gleaming.
The whispers began.
"Who are they?""That's the wildcard team?""Is that a WWII rifle…?"
From one of the high balconies, a group of elite club members observed silently.
Among them—
Viora, president of Orbital Crown, eyes narrowed, fingers steepled beneath her chin.
Viora (quietly):
"...That girl again."
Another officer leaned toward her.
Orbital Officer:
"Should we investigate?"
Viora:
"No need. If she's who I think she is... the arena will reveal her."
Scene Shift: Just Outside the Arena
Rin adjusted her gloves, trying not to show how nervous she really was.
Rin (whispering):
"Thanks again... for doing this. I know you don't like crowds."
Aeris checked her blade, expression unreadable.
Aeris:
"I didn't do it for you. I did it because I don't trust this school."
Rin (smiling softly):
"But still. I'm glad you're here."
A bell rang across the stadium.
"Next match: Team STAR versus Silver Fangs – proceed to the arena."
The crowd roared with excitement.
Rin flinched.
Aeris stepped forward, expression cold and focused.
As they walked toward the stage—
Rin (nervous):
"W-Wait! Should we hold hands for courage?"
Aeris stopped walking.
Aeris (quietly):
"…I'll hold your wrist if you faint. That's the best I can do."
Scene End:
Above them, the lights ignited.
Cameras zoomed in.
The crowd silenced in anticipation.
And from the shadows of the viewing deck, unseen eyes locked onto Aeris.