«You're three minutes early. Congrats, kid. Punctuality is everything for a Monster Reaper.»
Shin Tendo praises Chris while puffing on a cigarette.
Not exactly the kind of behavior you'd expect from an instructor.
Especially not in front of such a young student.
«T-Thank you, Professor Tendo,» Chris replies with a small bow.
Jasmine and Alexia sit in the front row of the bleachers.
«Why did you call me here, Professor Tendo?» Chris asks, his voice curious but cautious.
Shin grins.
«We're at the training field. What did you think I called you for? A cocktail party?»
Alexia narrows her eyes.
She stares at the professor with a sharp glare, as if scolding him silently for treating her little brother like an idiot.
Shin notices and just sighs.
Then he looks back at Chris, this time with a tone more fitting for someone in his role.
«To earn early access to the HESPARC Academy, you won the Under-16 U.S. tournament. Am I right?»
Chris nods silently.
Every year, all Sacred Flame users under sixteen—those who aren't old enough to enroll—can enter a yearly tournament held by their local HESPARC division.
Chris won the most recent one.
«Then why don't you show me what you're made of?»
Chris's eyes widen.
So do Jasmine's and Alexia's.
«I-I... do you mean... I have to fight you, Professor Tendo?»
«Exactly. But only if you're up for it. And if you manage to impress me, I might even consider giving you extra credits. They could boost your final year evaluation. Of course, I won't be fighting at full strength. I'm not about to hurt a student. So? Do you like the idea?»
Chris falls silent, thinking.
~Fighting Professor Tendo... I don't stand a chance. Not even if he were blindfolded. But...~
Chris's eyes grow more determined.
~I didn't come here just to learn. I came to test myself against powerful opponents. And Professor Tendo is the strongest I could ever face!~
White, shining flames begin to burst from Chris's body—the Sacred Flame.
A sword made of solid fire forms in his hand.
~...and anyway, he said he wouldn't hurt me...~
Flames ignite in Shin's hand as well.
A sword of white fire forms in his grasp.
«Our little brother is really brave,» Jasmine says proudly.
«Our...?» Jasmine repeats, glaring at her.
«Yeah... MY little brother isn't afraid of anything!» Alexia snaps back—her eyes filled with admiration and affection for Chris.
Shin gestures with his hand, signaling Chris to attack.
Chris doesn't wait.
He dashes forward at full speed, leaving behind a white trail—like a comet.
—BOOM!
When their blades clash, a shockwave explodes.
The air blast messes up Jasmine and Alexia's hair.
Chris's slashes come fast and relentless.
They rain down from every direction.
But Shin blocks them all effortlessly.
He fights with his right hand, while holding a cigarette between his lips with his left.
«Your fighting style is obviously still rough. But you've got talent. I'll give you that,» Shin comments calmly, deflecting every blow with ease.
Chris doesn't answer.
He stays focused on his attacks.
But no matter how hard he tries, not a single strike lands.
«Well, it was predictable...» Jasmine says, her voice genuinely disappointed.
She didn't expect a different outcome.
But dreaming doesn't cost anything.
«Yeah, but...» Alexia replies, her tone firm.
«My little brother still has an ace up his sleeve!»
«An ace up his sleeve...?» Jasmine repeats.
«Just wait and see.»
Chris tries one final thrust.
This one too gets blocked with ease, just like the others.
Then, Shin slightly twists his torso—a knee strike slams into Chris's stomach.
He used only a fraction of his strength.
But it's enough to send the boy flying for several meters before crashing to the ground.
Chris gets back on his feet, under Shin's disappointed gaze.
«Why are you holding back? And I was hoping to see that power—the one that let you win the national tournament.»
«B-But, Professor Tendo... That kind of power is forbidden during duels...»
«It's forbidden in duels between students.
I know I still look young and charming, but I graduated a long time ago,» Shin points out.
«Alright...»
The white flames around Chris vanish instantly.
So does the sword.
«Open your eyes wide, Jasmine,» Alexia announces. «You're about to witness the power of a god!»