Renji stood before the mirror, his eyes steady and resolute. He tightened the straps of his backpack, a plain-looking but sturdy bag, with a normal dagger sheathed neatly on its side. Its grip was slightly worn, yet polished, he had sharpened and cleaned it thrice the night before. With a deep inhale and an even longer exhale, he focused his mind. Today marked the beginning of his academy journey. He wasn't nervous...he was thrilled.
Before stepping out, he adjusted his training weights, increasing them by twice the usual resistance. His arms and legs immediately tensed at the burden. It would be a long walk, but he preferred it that way. Every step, every breath, every moment.... it was a chance to grow stronger.
He descended the wooden stairs from his loft and arrived at the dining area. The aroma of hot soup greeted him like a warm memory. Sitting calmly was his grandfather, Ren, a stoic figure with graying hair and strong eyes that had seen both war and peace.
"You should hurry. The school opening will come soon," Ren said, sipping the soup with deliberate grace.
Renji smiled brightly, his eyes gleaming with youthful energy. "Thanks for the tip. Finally, I can train there more and get stronger."
A rare smile formed on Ren's lips. It was subtle but genuine. It had been a long time since he'd seen his grandson so eager. "Okay... make me proud," he muttered.
"Huh? What did you say?" Renji asked, puzzled.
"Nothing." Ren's eyes went back to his bowl. He focused on his food, but his heart was no longer in it.
After eating quickly and checking his dagger one last time, Renji headed for the door. He turned his head slightly and called out, "Bye!" His voice was cheerful, nearly shouting.
Ren stood by the table, his spoon resting still. He waved silently. His voice didn't answer, but his smile did. It was soft and proud, the kind of smile that only a guardian who had raised a fighter could give.
Renji turned back and began his journey. The house disappeared behind the bending road. His path ahead led to the capital and to a future he had dreamed of.
The trek was grueling. The weight burdened his every limb, each movement slow and taxing. He had made them heavier for a reason: to temper his body and spirit. But even then, the climb up the capital road was as punishing as trekking up a steep mountain.
Sweat trickled down his neck. His breathing grew heavier. Still, he refused to remove the weights. He accepted the challenge. One step after another, the scenery changed, farm roads turned into stone pavements, humble fields became structured districts.
Eventually, the towering capital walls loomed ahead. The gates opened like the mouth of a giant beast, swallowing those who entered and spitting them out into the ordered chaos of civilization. Renji's eyes widened. He had trained most of his life in the yard, never really straying too far from home. This....this was another world entirely.
He passed through the outer district, a mix of market stalls and commoner households. The liveliness of the place was a stark contrast to the silent training grounds he was used to. Shouts of vendors echoed, the clang of metal rang from blacksmiths, and the scent of roasted meat made his stomach twitch. But he didn't stop.
Weapons gleamed under the sun. Trinkets of various kinds caught his eyes: crystals, bone-carved amulets, mana-infused stones. He wanted to browse, to inspect, but he had a destination.
He moved past the market and crossed into the wealthy district. Here, everything gleamed with polish and wealth. Tall buildings, ornate designs, fences that served more as decoration than protection. For him, this was grand. The details, the arches, even the polished stone roads felt enchanted.
And then...he saw it.
The Academy....
A massive estate enclosed in walls that towered above even the district gates. The entrance was adorned with blooming roses and curled thorns, as if welcoming students and warning enemies at the same time. The seal of the school...a radiant sun behind a looming tower....shined from the center of the gates.
Students were already entering, many in black uniforms with blood-red linings, carrying books, weapons, and scrolls. Some, like him, weren't yet in uniform. He could tell from their eyes and movements that they were new. Fresh blood. Future contenders.
Renji took a step forward when he felt the pressure. Glares. Subtle at first, then sharper.
A group of noble-born students stood near the entrance, looking down on those walking past. Their uniforms were cleaner, custom-tailored, with extra gold linings that flaunted status. One of them: tall, blond, with a haughty expression, caught sight of Renji's dagger and plain garb.
"Look at that. Commoner already armed, thinking he'll become something," the noble boy said loud enough for others to hear.
"Hmm, a country bumpkin." One added.
A few chuckled. Another added, "He probably thinks he'll win a duel or two and rise above his class. Pathetic."
Renji stopped. He looked straight at the tall noble and raised a brow. "And you? Already talking trash before school starts. You training your mouth instead of your skills?"
The laughter paused.....then the wind blew next to them and blowing off some dusts on the process.
The noble's smile turned sour. He stepped forward, clearly agitated, his mana flaring just a little to assert dominance. But Renji didn't flinch. His body ached from the weighted trek, but his eyes remained locked.
"Better not make enemies on your first day, commoner," the noble spat.
Renji tilted his head. "Too late. You insulted me first."
A flicker of anger crossed the noble's face, "You know what? What I disliked the most was the commoner that is weak but talked like he was some big shot. You should grovel to the ground like you are... Worms should act like worms!" He shouted.
"Well you are the frog in the well not knowing the vastness of the Ocean!" Renji rebutted.
The noble was fuming in anger, "Hmm, okay commoner, you made this to yourself."
He threw his right glove at him and they were all shocked. Renji, then picked it up. "Ey! Stop throwing your belongings."
With that, they concluded, Renji accepted the duel unknowingly.
"Good!" His enemy smirked and then laughed as he accepted it.
He shouted, "[Fireball!]"