Tonto Acedemy 1

[Dekar]

Okay to get a few things out of the way: the character in here are not based off forum character any match up in names is purely coicidental (there is one exception and it does not pertain to any of my characters I just thought this name was cool).

Second this is an original story it is not based off anything else and is entirely of my own design

Third this takes a long time to make and since I'm working on my Fate/stay fics as well it will take a long time to release thank you an enjoy







I am rudely awakened by a loud ringing sound.

: Let me sleep just a little longer.

I roll over sleepily and smack my alarm clock several times until it once again becomes silent. Then I close my eyes, intending to fall back asleep when I suddenly hear a familiar voice.

Voice: Hey, Renji, you up?!

It was the voice of my mother. I reply with an unintelligible grunt. Normally she would have just let me be, but today she stomps up the stairs and swings open my door.

Renji’s Mom: Renji, what are you doing? If you don’t hurry, you’re not going to make it.

She starts to violently shake my limp body, and after a few moments, I’ve become at least partially conscious.

Renji: What is it, Mom? And what do you mean by “not going to make it”? Make what?

Renji’s Mom: Did you honestly forget? Today is the day you leave for Tonto Academy.

Renji: Right, the day I—WHAT!?

Suddenly I’m fully alert and awake.

Renji: What time is it!?

Renji’s Mom: About 7:00.

Renji: Crap! I’d better hurry! I must have forgotten to reset my alarm! Mom, can you make me some toast?

Renji’s Mom: Certainly. Do you need help packing?

I shake my head, already putting on the clothes I had set aside the previous night. I had done all my packing last night so I could sleep a little later today. I swiftly run to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.

Renji’s Mom: Renji, your toast is ready!

Renji: Coming!

I run into my room, grab my suitcase and bag, and run downstairs, and begin to eat the toast. I shove the last piece into my mouth and move for the door when my Mom stops me.

Renji: What is it, Mom?

Renji’s Mom: Here, take this with you. Your father said to give it to you when you could handle the responsibility.

Mom hands me a metal case about a third the size of my suitcase. My Dad was gone on a work-related trip. He’s been away for about two years now but he calls us or sends us letters when he can. I strap my bag over my shoulder, pick up a suitcase in each hand, and set off to the train station. It takes me about twenty minutes to walk to the station from my house if I move at a good pace and I left with about forty minutes until my train leaves.

Renji: Looks like I’ve got plenty of time. It’d suck to miss the train. I’d have to wait until tonight to leave.

I reach the station with about 20 minutes to find my train as expected. I see several people around my age carrying plenty of bags and decide to follow them. After an unexpectedly long walk, I reach my train with about five minutes left before boarding.

Renji: Wow, I’m glad I gave myself some extra time.

I wait around for five minutes and get on the train quickly. Finding an unoccupied booth, I store my bags and take a seat. The train starts up and, after about an hour, we reach the next station in the loop. A couple dozen people pile onto the train.

: Excuse me, is that seat taken?

I look up and see a guy who appeared to be around the same age as me indicating the seat across from me. He wore glasses and had light brown hair. He also had a wiry build, but seemed physically capable enough.

Renji: No, it’s free. You can take it if you want.

: Oh, thanks.

He stores his bags and sits down across from me. He extends his hand and smiles.

: Hello, I’m Jake. It’s nice to meet you.

I shake his hand firmly.

Renji: I’m Renji Tengen. Nice to meet you as well.

Jake: So, you’re gonna be a student at Tonto as well?

Renji: Yeah.

Tonto Academy is a highly selective school that trains fighters. The graduates normally join the knights, become mercenaries, or join the one of the city guilds. The courses range from arcane magic all the way to stealth operations training. I graduated with honors in all combat evaluations at my high school and was top of my class in normal studies as well.

Jake: I’ve heard rumors that this year has a lot of promising applicants. The standards are even higher than usual.

Renji: Well, even if that’s true, I have no intention of letting anyone stand in my way.

Jake: Whatever you say.

Jake shrugs as my boast didn’t really concern him.

Jake: Well, we’ll get to find out just how strong everyone is in the skill assessment that takes place after we arrive.

Renji: Skill assessment? I wasn’t aware they were having one.

Jake: Yeah, I heard Tonto likes to keep records on the strength and progress of all of its students.

Renji: Really? That’s impressive.

Jake: Well, no point in worrying about it.

Renji: You’re pretty laidback, aren’t you?

Jake: I know my skills. If other people are better, stressing over it now won’t achieve anything.

Renji: I guess you’re right. Well, we’ve got a while ‘til we get there. I’m gonna get some more sleep.

Jake: And you were calling me laidback?

Renji: You are.

I close his eyes and drift off to sleep. In my dream, I hear a melodically female voice.

Female Voice: You are the one who must defeat the evil and chaos that will soon arise in this world.

Renji: You must be joking. How can I do such a thing?

Female Voice: You will not do it alone. There are others tied to this quest, to which you will be drawn together by the bonds of fate.

Renji: How am I supposed to know who these people are?

Female Voice: When the time is right, you shall know.

Renji: Wait, what do you mean “evil and chaos”? And who are you?

Female Voice: I’m afraid we are out of time right now.

I’m awakened by someone shaking my shoulder, I groggily open my eyes and see Jake trying to awaken me.

Jake: Hey, Renji, we’re here. Get up.

Renji: Oh, okay, I’m up, I’m up.

I slowly rise to my feet, grab my bag and two suitcases, and follow Jake off the train. As he gets off, he stops dead in his tracks and stares at the school. Having come from a slightly smaller school, the grand scale of Tonto was intimidating.

Jake: Renji, what’s wrong? Losing your nerve?

Renji: N-Not a chance.

Suddenly, I hear a voice from behind me.

: Really? You’ll lose it soon enough.

Renji: What did you say?

I turn around and behind me was a student carrying a duffel bag, what appeared to be a bow, as well as another bag of something I couldn’t determine. I glared at him. He had brown hair and was very tall. He also had a certain keenness to his eyes as he stares at me.

Jake: It’s been a long time, Nathan.

Nathan: I suppose it has, Jake.

Renji: You know him?

Jake looks at me with a bit of a strained smile.

Jake: Unfortunately.

Nathan: Hey! I’m not that bad.

Jake: I suppose not. Though I’ve gotta say I didn’t expect to run into you so early.

Nathan: Me neither. …Oh. Sorry, Jake, but if I gotta go or else sis’ll get pissed at me for sure.

I watch Nathan run towards the school at breakneck speed.

Renji: So how do you two know each other?

Jake: Nathan and I went to a summer training camp together. He may not seem like it but he’s a pretty nice guy once you get to know him.

Renji: How many people get that far?

Jake: I’d say maybe twenty five percent.

A bead of sweat drips down my temple as a let out a nervous laugh. There certainly weren’t that many people like that where I came from.

Renji: Sounds like he’s got issues.

Jake: He did, but his inborn defenses from them now get kinda exhausting. Well, either way he’s still a top-tier applicant and his sister is a teacher here.

It seems that the two of them are friends. I wonder if I’ll meet any people I know.

Jake: Anyways, it looks like they’ve set up the field for the assessments.

We walk through the courtyard and finally reach the school. Outside there is a large crowd of students.

Staff Member: We will now be conducting the close quarters combat testing. Everyone look at the board to see who your opponent is.

I look over at the board I see my name I was fighting someone named Leo. I looked at the other match-ups. Jake was fighting someone with a low ranking. Looking at Jake, it shouldn’t even be a fight. Then I saw Nathan’s name. He was fighting someone named Piotr. They were both ranked at top-tier so it would likely be a good fight.

Staff Member: Please make your way to your designated combat ground.

I walked to Combat Zone 3. Leo was waiting there with a large axe.

Renji: So we’re allowed to use our own weapons?

Staff Member: Yes, this area has a non-lethal barrier which will prevent strikes from causing serious injury.

Renji: I understand.

I was about to open my suitcase when I see the case Mom had given me. I still had no idea what was in it, so I decided to see. When I opened it, I noticed a pair of short swords – one black and one white – each resembling a falchion resting in the case.

Renji: No way… It’s dad’s “Twin Fangs”.

The Twin Fangs were a pair of short swords used by my old man. They are supposed to be very powerful and more-or-less unbreakable. I pick them up. They were light – an excellent weight for a short sword.

Leo: So you’re gonna try and stop my axe with those wimpy short swords? This match’ll be over quick.

Renji: I couldn’t agree more.

Staff Member: BEGIN!

Leo stomps his foot on the ground producing a shockwave directed at me. I nimbly leap to my right narrowly avoiding the attack, but I was off balance and Leo took advantage of this to move in quickly. He swings his axe down at me, but I was able to block it by crossing my dual swords in front of me.

Leo: Is this really all the top rankers have?

Hearing this, I lift my right foot knocking myself off balance but I plant a swift kick in his stomach. He backs up several steps recovering from my kick. As he does, I move in to attack, but I am greeted by the other end of his axe as he slams the shaft on my left shoulder causing me to grunt in pain.

Renji: Dammit!

Leo: Is that it?

Leo was overconfident and was underestimating me. I would have to show him the error of his ways. I cross the two swords in front of me and I observe him closely taking everything in. The next round of attacks would decide this fight.

Leo: Time to end this.

Leo bull-rushes me at a speed much faster than one would expect of an axe wielder. He takes a great swing with the axe as if he were trying to chop down a tree. I duck under the attack but the sword in my left hand is hit, sending it flying. But this was my chance. Moving without hesitation, I quickly sprung up and struck him in the temple with my remaining fang, earning an instant win.

Staff Member: This battle is over! The winner is Renji!

I quickly bow, pick up my sword, and store the Twin Fangs in my luggage. I then go off to watch the match between Nathan and Piotr. When I arrive, I’m shocked at what I see. Nathan was narrowly dodging swing after swing from his opponent. Piotr was a solidly built boy who looked to be about a year older than me. He appeared to be wearing contacts as he had a glasses case next to his luggage.

Jake: Well, this fight is quite interesting.

Renji: What do you mean?

As I say this, Piotr’s silver sword clashes with Nathan’s black one. But it was clear that such clashes worked in Piotr’s favor as Nathan had slid several inches back after the strike. Nathan was fighting well, but he wasn’t able to get through Piotr’s defense and, after about five more minutes of fighting, Piotr landed a decisive blow to Nathan’s neck.

Nathan: Damn! How could I lose!?

Jake walks over to Nathan.

Jake: What did you expect? You were facing another top-tier fighter; there’s always a chance you could lose.

Nathan: Yeah, I suppose you’re right. But I don’t have to like it.

Jake: No, you don’t.

Nathan gets up to shake Piotr’s hand after they bow, but Piotr was already walking away.

Piotr: …A waste of my time.

Nathan: I’ll get you yet.

Staff Member: The next event is archery.

Jake: Your specialty.

Nathan: Yup. They’ll even let me use my bow.

Jake: Nathan, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t your actual equipment take away from your accuracy?

Nathan: Yeah, a little, but it’s what I’ll be using so I’ll do it anyways.

I watch as Nathan takes out a black bow with a string so tense I thought it might snap. He then opens up his smaller bag and from it draws three black serrated metal arrows. The arrows were oddly shaped as well. The head was only slightly larger than the shaft, and instead of feathers, metal fins guided the arrow. The head was also much longer – about a fourth of the arrow was its head.

Renji: What is that?

Nathan: Custom arrows. They can only be fired from this bow; any other would instantly break.

I step up to the line. The targets were extremely far away, the closest being about 100 meters. I pull back the bowstring and release the first arrow. It sails and hits the first target almost dead center. I fire a second arrow. This one hits the ring just outside the bull’s-eye. I fire a final arrow which strikes the last target but it was a clumsy strike hitting the 4th outer ring.

Nathan: Looks like I’m up.

Renji: Well? Let’s see it “Mr. Master”.

Nathan takes his bow and mounts one of the black arrows on it. He then pulls back on the string as if it were a normal bowstring, which would require a great amount of strength. He then fires the arrow. Not only does it hits the bull’s-eye, but it even goes through the target. He fires his second arrow; again it goes straight through the target. He fires his third arrow; this time, he doesn’t hit the bull’s-eye but instead hits the second innermost ring – again piercing through the target.

Jake: Well done, as always.

Nathan: Thanks, but do you mind, Jake?

Jake: Not at all.

Jake walks forward and extends his palm, the three arrows suddenly drawn to his hand blunt-end-first. He takes them and returns them to Nathan.

Nathan: Thanks.

Jake: No problem.

Renji: A magnetism spell?

Jake: Yeah, it’s pretty basic in my school.

Renji suddenly realizes that although he was the top student at his old school, things here were going to be much different.

Nathan: Well, we’ve got the magic assessment next.

Jake: What spell are you gonna do?

Nathan: Well, alteration magic is my strongest suit. I’ll probably go with that.

Jake: Sounds good. Think I should show off?

Nathan: Of course. It’d be insulting if you didn’t give it your all.

For the magic exam, we had to demonstrate our strongest spell. My skill lies in barrier and sealing magic, so I decided to create a powerful barrier. The test went over well and I got good marks, but then I saw Jake’s test.

Jake: Meteo!

Meteors fall from the sky and land on a designated impact zone. The officials and students were stunned.

Renji: Amazing… You can do such advanced spells already?

Jake: Yeah, but there is still plenty I need to learn.

Nathan soon after caught up with us and the three of us walked into the school at last, lugging around our luggage and starving for food.

Renji: Well, this is definitely going to be an interesting year.

The three of us slowly walked through the immense double doors before us. When we looked inside, there was a lavished banquet fit for royals.

Renji: This is amazing.

Nathan: Well, well. Not too shabby.

Jake: Well, it’s pretty rare when people are actually happy to see you, Nathan. What kind of lies did your sister tell them?

Nathan: Shut up!

Nathan looks away in a huff, but he soon gets over it and looks towards me.

Nathan: Renji, I’ve got some old friends to go see, so I’ll see you later.

Renji: Sure.

Jake: Actually I’ve got some business to take care of as well.

Jake and Nathan go their separate ways leaving me alone when I suddenly hear a familiar voice.

Piotr: I’m so hungry. Why can’t we eat first, then hear the speech?

I turn around and see Piotr, the guy who had defeated Nathan in melee combat during the skill assessment. He had acted a little cold after the fight but he seemed like he was an okay guy, so I decide to try and talk to him.

Renji: You’re Piotr, right?

Piotr: Do I know you?

Renji: Oh, sorry. I’m Renji Tengen. I watched your battle during the skill assessment. It was really impressive.

Piotr: Oh… Thanks.

Piotr’s stomach grumbles, and after it does, a woman with brown hair steps onto the stage in the front of the hall.

Woman: Everyone, please quiet down.

Her voice was pretty but it had a stern tone to it which seemed to demand respect. Everyone in the hall quickly quieted down as instructed.

Woman: I am Professor Andrea, and I will be one of your instructors throughout your time here at Tonto Academy. In behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to welcome all of you to Tonto. Now, the Headmaster will make his address.

I watch Professor Andrea step away and see an older man step out onto the stage. His hair was steel-grey and he had stern and hardened features. If I had to describe him in two words, they would be “battle hardened”.

Headmaster: Hello. I am the Headmaster of Tonto academy. You are all here because you have passed the difficult entrance exam or have received recommendation from your school. You are all the best and the brightest and you each have the potential to become exquisite warriors. As long as you are a student here, you represent this academy and are expected to behave as such. You will each learn and refine your abilities and learn effective teamwork and leadership while attending. I look forward to seeing how you all progress. However, none of this can be done on an empty stomach, so eat so that you can show us all why you are here!

The Headmaster walks off the stage and sits at the head of the staff table. Meanwhile, I take a seat, reach out and grab a piece of chicken, and take a bite.

Piotr: This is good.

I look over and see that Piotr has already piled food onto his plate and is in the process of devouring the mountain of food.

Renji: You know, if you shovel it down like that, you won’t fully enjoy the taste.

Piotr swallows and looks at me with an almost philosophical look.

Piotr: No, you see, if I eat fast, then I simply enjoy the taste more quickly. And the faster I eat, the stronger and better the food tastes.

I stare at him and blink several times. I had never met someone with such a philosophic approach to eating. I decide to give it a try and quickly begin to down my food. Dinner ends after about an hour and we go to a large board which informs us of who our roommates are. I walk over to check and am surprised by the name I see.

Renji: My roommate is Piotr?

Nathan spots me and walks over.

Nathan: So who’s your roomy?

Renji: Actually, it’s Piotr.

Nathan: Really? I sympathize with you. I’m rooming with some guy named Albert.

Renji: Actually, I sat with Piotr during dinner. he seemed like a pretty good guy. I just get the feeling he doesn’t deal with people very much.

Nathan: Well, whatever. Listen, I’m gonna go to my room. I’m kinda sleepy after how busy today has been.

Renji: I know what you mean.

Suddenly I felt sick. I the all the food I had eaten must have hit me at once and I felt nauseous.

Renji: Excuse me, I’m not feeling so well, so I’m gonna get going.

Nathan: Okay, just don’t puke in the hall.

I pick up my bag and begin to move towards the stairs. My room was on the second floor. As I race up the stairs, I pass a girl heading in the opposite direction. I don’t think I’ve ever met her before, but still something seemed oddly familiar.

Renji: This is no time to be staring at other people.

I walk from room to room holding my aching stomach. After about 5 minutes, I finally find my room and weakly take out my key and enter the room. The room was fairly large. It had two beds a desk and two closest and dressers.

Renji: Oh man… I think I’m gonna…

I race into the bathroom and heave into the toilet. After I regain some of my strength, I flush and walk out into the room. Piotr is sitting on his bed with a satisfied look on his face.

Renji: How can you eat like that?

Piotr: What do you mean?

Renji: I ate maybe half of what you did and got sick. Are you even human?

Piotr: I burn a lot of calories, so naturally I have to eat a lot.

Renji: I think this goes beyond that, but I suppose that’s just the way it is. Oh, by the way, how did you do on the archery and magic assessments?

Piotr: Not that it really matters, but my archery assessment was pretty standard. I hit all three targets but no bull’s-eyes. My magic assessment went pretty well. I used a divine enchantment to smite hell spawns that the examiners summoned.

Renji: Wow, that’s pretty impressive.

Piotr: I suppose, but magic isn’t something to rely on. It’s just there to augment my sword and archery is unneeded. After all, real men fight an opponent head-on.

I smiled. I was starting to get an idea of what kind of person Piotr was. I had only been here a day, but I was sure that the people I met today would become even more powerful in the near future.

Piotr: Hey… Get up.

I awaken to a loud voice. I sit up still in a daze and looks back and forth around the room. Eventually, my eyes come to rest on my new roommate.

Renji: Oh, hi, Piotr. Goodnight.

I flops back down into bed and try to go back to sleep.

Piotr: I said get up.

I grumble incoherently in response to Piotr’s attempt to awaken me. Suddenly, I feel something heavy slam into my stomach causing me to lurch forwards.

Renji: Who’s there?

I look over and see Piotr holding a textbook. He looked like he was getting ready to throw it at me.

Renji: Piotr, throwing a textbook at me is kinda overboard, isn’t it?

Piotr: Well, I’d get in trouble if you’re late for breakfast, so get up.

I start to get out of bed. But before I do, Piotr stomps out of the room.

Renji: I guess he really is uncomfortable around people.

I slowly crawl out of bed and get dressed. Today we were going to be introduced to our teams. Tonto Academy separates applicants into teams. These teams are basically our class and range in size. We also go assignments as a group. I decided to dress more casually. I put on a maroon undershirt a dark grey unbuttoned button up sweater, and dark blue jeans. I decide to leave the twin fangs and leave my room. As I walk out into the hall, a female voice yells out.

: I’m sooo late!

I look to my right, but it was too late. She collides into me, knocking the both of us over.

: Oww, I’m very sorry, I was in a hurry and wasn’t watching where I was going.

Renji: Don’t worry. I’m fine, I think.

The girl had fallen on her back and was now sitting up rubbing her head with an apologetic look on her face. Suddenly the girl seems to calm down a bit and looks at him tilting her head slightly.

: Renji!

Renji: Huh?

I shake my head and look at the girl. She had long black hair, dark eyes, and an athletic agile but thin build. She was wearing blue jeans and a sleeveless black shirt over a white short-sleeved shirt. I shake my head to orient myself.

Renji: Wait…Samantha?

Samantha: Hey, it’s been a while Renji.

Renji: What are you doing here?

Samantha: What do you mean? I’m a student here.

Renji: What? I thought you said you didn’t make it at graduation.

Samantha: I said that ‘cuz I hadn’t decided if I was going to come yet.

Renji: Oh. Well, it’s good to see a familiar face. How’d your assessment go?

Samantha: Well, I suppose it went okay. The assessment is more geared towards combat related students like you than stealth or infiltration specialists. I managed to win my fight but I struggled against a low ranking second-tier fighter. My archery was okay, I suppose. I hit the first two targets, and my magic was cloaking magic, which got some attention.

Samantha and I get up and begin to walk towards the meal hall.

Samantha: So how’d your assessment go?

Renji: Mine went pretty well, but I met these three guys who were amazing.

Samantha: Really?

Renji: Yeah, they were amazing in their strengths, but they all did well in all three categories.

Samantha: Well, it looks like our school’s valedictorian has realized just how small of a pond he came from.

Samantha and I reach the meal hall.

Renji: Yeah, but you don’t seem that surprised.

Samantha: Well I’ve met top-tier students before so I knew how amazing some of them are.

Renji: Heh. Well, I feel a little under-informed.

Renji and Samantha sit down at a couple of free seats and look around.

Renji: So how have you been doing? You’ve probably already made a lot of friends.

Samantha: Well, not as much. I’ve more been catching up with an old one.

Renji: Really? You should introduce me sometime.

Samantha: Sure. In fact, you can probably meet him after we eat.

Renji: Him? I didn’t realize he was that kind of friend.

Samantha looks at Renji then smacks him lightly in the side of the head. Renji looks at her confused.

Samantha: Renji, don’t jump to conclusions please. He’s just a childhood friend of mine.

Renji: Oh, okay.

I have known Samantha since I entered 9th grade. She’s always been a very bright and cheerful person. When I first met her, I thought that she was poorly suited to a combat profession, but she can get very competitive and is excellent and stealth tactics, but she doesn’t like to steal unless it’s for mission purposes. I suppose the best title for her would be a noble rogue. However, Samantha is a very outgoing person so I’m surprised she hasn’t already developed a circle of friends.

Samantha: So. Who are these three guys that you met?

Renji: Well, they’re kinda hard to describe. It’s probably better if you meet them yourself.

We make small talk and quickly finish our food. Afterwards, the two of us get up to go check out the classes, but as we leave, I hear a familiar voice.

Jake: Hey, Renji!

Jake walks over to us with a smile. He notices Samantha and introduces himself.

Jake: So, are you two going to check out the classes?

Renji: Yeah, what about you?

Jake: I’m actually heading that way as well. Let’s go check it out together.

Renji: Sure.

Jake, Samantha, and I walk out of the school, since the boards were so big, the classes are displayed outside. We notice Nathan sitting under a tree.

Nathan: Jake, you’re late.

Jake: Yeah, I know. I was looking for Renji.

Nathan: You should’ve told me. I would have helped you look it would have been faster.

Jake: If I had come to find you, it would have taken even longer.

Nathan: I guess you’re right.

Samantha looks back and forth between Nathan and me.

Renji: What’s wrong?

Samantha: Oh, nothing. I’m just surprised you two know each other. Small world, I guess.

Nathan: Oh, hey, Samantha. How’s it going?

Samantha: I’m okay, I suppose. I’ve just had an eventful morning.

Suddenly Nathan glares at me. I didn’t even want to think what was going through his head right now.

Samantha: Stop it, Nate. It’s not Renji’s fault.

Nathan immediately relaxes and his features return to normal.

Jake: “Nate”? Do you two know each other?

Nathan: Oh, that’s right. I never told you, did I? Samantha is my childhood friend. We used to live close to each other before I moved and our parents were really good friends so we spent a lot of time together.

Jake gives Samantha a look of pity.

Nathan: Hey! What’s that look for?

Jake: Nothing. Don’t worry about it.

I look at the three; Nathan seems to act differently with those two than he does with other people. He seems less controlled and sadistic – “childish” wouldn’t be an entirely inappropriate phrase, though perhaps a little harsh.

Nathan: Come on, let’s go check out the classes.

Samantha: Looks like he’s retreating.

Jake: Nathan hates to look weak, even if he says he doesn’t care what others think.

Samantha bows to Jake with an apologetic smile.

Samantha: Please don’t hold the way he acts against him.

Jake: Hey, Samantha, what is the relationship between the two of you?

Samantha: I used to look after Nathan. He tends to get into trouble or procrastinate from important matters, so his parents had me help to make sure he stayed out of trouble.

I felt a little lost for a moment, but then I hear Nathan call something. Apparently he had realized we weren’t following him.

Nathan: Hey! Come on, I don’t have all day!

Samantha and Jake follow after Nathan and I follow suit. We walk through the expansive courtyard to the practice field where the melee assessment had taken place. In front of us sat about a dozen boards with the classes posted on them, but we were only concerned with the board to the farthest right which dealt with the classes for the top-tier students.

Nathan: Oh, here we go. There are only two top-tier classes huh? Well, there are only about 16 top-tier students, so I guess it makes sense.

Being a top-tier student is basically the same as receiving a full boat scholarship mixed with being an honors student. We are taught in special classes and don’t have to pay tuition, but in order to maintain our status, there are various tests and assessments we have to pass. Second-tier students can also challenge us for our place if they meet certain conditions. Taking a deep breath, I look at the board. We were the 1st class.

Renji: The teacher is Mr. Gradner, and the students are Jake, Samantha, me, Piotr, Nathan, Sarah, Rachel, and Iris.

Jake: Looks like we’re supposed to go meet our classmates at the archery range.

Nathan: Cool, let’s go!

Samantha: Yeah, I’d like to meet my new classmates as well.

The four of us set out for the archery range. After about a 5-minute walk, we arrive. Out front was a large man who was build like a rock. He was about 2 inches taller than Nathan and had large defined muscles and a chiseled jaw. He was bald and made – no attempts to hide it – and had deep brown eyes. The intimidating figure looked down at the four of us.

Gradner: You must be Jake, Renji, Samantha and Nathan. Hurry inside the others are already here.

As we enter, I see Piotr sitting with his eyes closed and back against the wall. The three girls were dispersed about the room. One of them, a girl with short blonde hair and light skin who seemed to be about 5’7”, was practicing some kind of martial arts. Another with longer brown hair and a slender frame was humming softly as she examined the equipment. And the third who had short brown hair and a mature and delicate looking build sat in the seiza position with her eyes closed.

Gradner: Okay. Now that everyone is here, introduce yourselves and your strengths.

Nathan: Yo. I’m Nathan, and my strengths are archery and tactical combat analysis.

Samantha: I’m Samantha, and I specialize in stealth and most forms of infiltration.

Renji: I’m Renji. Nice to meet you. I am a balanced fighter, and I’m also good at barrier magic.

Jake: My name is Jake. I’ve studies most schools of magic but have the strongest grasp of destruction magic.

The next to speak is the blonde girl who had been practicing.

: I’m Sarah. I’m an unarmed specialist who has studied various kinds of augmentation magic.

After Sarah introduces herself, the girl with longer hair who had been humming to herself in the corner smiles and greets us.

: Hello, my name is Rachel. I use ancient hymns and can handle most animals.

The girl who had been sitting in the seiza position gets to her feet and bows to the rest of us. She then looks off with a soft smile and a gentle expression. Even though I’ve never met her, I couldn’t help but think that there was something familiar about her.

: My name is Iris. I am skilled with long weapons like naginatas and spears. I’m also familiar with runic magic.

She smiles and I couldn’t help but notice how stunning she is. I can feel my cheeks redden slightly, but I quickly suppress it. Piotr gets up and looks at everyone. He makes a formal bow.

Piotr: I’m Piotr. I’m a swordsman and I have a decent grasp on healing and holy magic.

Gradner looks around the room with a stern face and then a slight smirk appears. I look around the room. Most of the others seem satisfied with the introduction, but Nathan seems uneasy. Suddenly Gradner smacks the ground with his hand and a shockwave spreads out from him. Nathan jumps over the shockwave and Iris uses her spear to hang from the ceiling and avoid it. But the rest of us are taken completely by surprise and are knocked over by the attack. Gradner laughs.

Sarah: What the hell was that!?

She was obviously pissed off, but it was justified considering what had just happened. I looked at Gradner confused but grabbed a nearby training sword and prepared to defend myself.

Gradner: Relax, I just was testing the waters. You should all be ready. I am trying to get a sense of refined or natural skills each of you have. I will find out about them through various situations.

Sarah: Well, what’s the big idea attacking all of us?! How is that supposed to show you our skills!?

Gradner: Easy. Look who’s still standing.

Sarah: Huh?

It seems Sarah just now noticed that Iris and Nathan had avoided the attack.

Gradner: Well, that’s about what I expected. Iris holds herself like a practiced fighter; she’s probably been in many realistic if not real battles and has developed a certain instinct, which caused her body to react even before comprehending the situation. Nathan is an archer to begin with and seems to be observant; people like him normally have a natural awareness of danger so he was likely prepared for me to attack.

Nathan looks at Gradner surprised. Iris merely nods and the rest of us are impressed as well.

Nathan: You were able to figure all of that out just from that?

Gradner: Yes. All of you have talents like these, I’m sure. That is what makes you top-tier and what allow you to excel in your type of combat.

Everyone looks at Gradner with a look of amazement and Gradner claps his hands together.

Gradner: Well, for starters, let’s see just how good you all are.