EPISODE 4

CHAPTER 7

After the team formation announcement, the atmosphere in the open hall of Ebilityz Academy loosened slightly, though the air of anticipation remained. Shira, the newly introduced Academy Captain, stepped forward again.

“Alright, listen up,” her soft yet commanding voice drew the attention of all eight students. “My name is Shira. I am the Captain of this academy. My element is Wind, and my Ability allows me to control threads created from wind energy. I will make sure every rule here is followed.”

Shira briefly explained the facilities: the main training hall, various outdoor fields for different element practices, and of course, the well-maintained cafeteria.

“For today,” Shira continued, glancing at her wristwatch, “we’ll have our first night training. I want all of you to get to know each other and build compatibility. Tonight, gather at the training grounds at nine. Don’t be late.”

“Yes, Captain!” the students shouted.

With a simple nod, Shira and the other instructors left, leaving the eight new students alone.

Ryota stood still, nerves clashing with curiosity. He wanted to leave and find his dorm, but someone grabbed his shoulder.

“Oi, you’re Ryota, right?”

Ryota turned. It was Randy Owen, his partner in Team 1. Shadow element, purple.

“Uh, yeah. That’s me.”

Randy grinned, his mischievous smile easing Ryota’s tension. “Oi, you like ramen?”

Ryota frowned. Why that question? “Uh… yeah, I guess.”

“Alright then, let’s go!” Randy dragged him along. “Everyone’s gathering at the cafeteria. Best place to get intelligence!”

Ryota just nodded and let himself be pulled into the crowd.

At the cafeteria, Randy kept his promise. He bought Ryota a hot bowl of ramen and sat with several other team members. Ryota, however, ate quietly, his mind swirling: the Yang Bloodline, Lightning, his grandpa, and Mura with one arm.

Randy, chatting and joking loudly with everyone, noticed Ryota hadn’t spoken a word. Suddenly, he smacked the table.

“Listen up!” Randy shouted. “This is the new kid. Ryota Arizona. Our Lightning boy. Make sure he feels at home!”

Ryota flushed red, but Randy just laughed. Suddenly, Shiyo Yamada, the Leaf element user, walked up.

“Oi, Ryota. Let’s have a spicy ramen showdown,” Shiyo challenged. “Whoever lasts longer wins.”

Ryota was startled but didn’t want to look weak. He agreed.

Shiyo won easily. He burst out laughing at Ryota’s red face, sweat dripping, eyes watery from the spice.

“Woi! That’s cheating!” Ryota groaned, chugging water. “I’m a weak-tongue! I can’t eat spicy stuff!”

Shiyo chuckled. “Fun training with my dad, wasn’t it?”

Ryota paused, memories resurfacing. “Yeah,” he nodded. “Even with one arm, he beat me a million times.”

Shiyo’s expression softened—pride mixed with sadness. “I know my dad is strong.” He then whispered, “Back then, my dad and the other six instructors—seven including Uncle Mura—fought Rager, Gregory’s father, after his betrayal. My dad lost his arm in that fight.”

Ryota sighed softly, staring at his empty bowl. Who is my family, really? he wondered.

Randy returned, breaking the mood. “Oi, gossiping without me?”

Shiyo smirked. “We were talking about the best ramen in the world.”

Randy sat beside Ryota, his tone suddenly serious. “Honestly, me, Shiyo, and the others have been here for two months. But because we were waiting for the eighth Yang descendant, the official training was delayed. That’s why we already know each other.”

Randy looked at Ryota. “Every ten years, a new Yang descendant is born. And when the evil Yin side finds out, they try to kill that child.”

Ryota stiffened. Lucky I’m still alive…

“Come on, it’s almost evening. Let’s walk around,” Randy suggested.

Ryota and Shiyo nodded. The three of them ran out of the cafeteria, circling the academy building. While running, Ryota accidentally bumped into someone.

A cold-faced boy—Gregory Alan, Water element user and owner of the Intelligence Ability—stared at him emotionlessly. Before Ryota could apologize, a loud bell rang.

TRIIIIING! TRIIIIING!

It signaled one thing: everyone must gather.

Night training was about to begin.

CHAPTER 8

The sharp bell cutting through the evening silence forced all students to rush toward the outdoor training grounds. When Ryota, Randy, and Shiyo arrived, the other five students, four Instructors, and Captain Shira were already there.

“Thirty seconds late,” Shira said coldly, her expression calm. “On a battlefield, thirty seconds means life or death. Ryota, Randy, Shiyo—punishment.”

The three exchanged glances. In front of everyone, Shira ordered, “Fifty push-ups. Now.”

They immediately dropped down and began their push-ups. While doing so, Ryota’s eyes accidentally met Gregory Alan’s—Water element, expressionless, emotionless.

We ran the fastest… how did he get here first? Ryota wondered.

After finishing, they stood up, panting, and joined the line. Shira continued explaining the academy curriculum.

“Each element has three Forms,” Shira said. “And each Form has three Moves. Your task is to master at least one Move from your First Form.”

Suddenly, Sensei Izumi Haruka, Instructor of Team 1, stepped forward with a sword in hand. Her expression was strict, without a single smile.

“Here’s an example,” He said. He raised her sword. “First Form: Dirt Cleaver!”

In a flash, she swung it, releasing a sharp wave of earth energy that sliced the ground perfectly, leaving a deep line. The students gasped and applauded.

“Impressive,” Shira continued. “Now, follow your respective Instructors. Learn at least one basic Move tonight. It will be important for tomorrow.”

Training Behind the Academy:

Ryota and Randy followed Sensei Izumi into the quiet forest behind the academy. Moonlight and faint lamps were the only guides.

Upon reaching a secluded spot, Izumi told them to show their weapons. He drew her wooden sword—the same one used in the demonstration.

Ryota glanced at Randy. “Oi, Randy,” Ryota teased, “you hiding your sword, or did you leave it at the cafeteria?”

Randy grinned. He clenched his hand, and instantly, a sharp, dark aura formed a blade—his Shadow Sword.

“Hahaha! My sword looks way cooler and more dangerous than your ancient relic!” Randy laughed.

Ryota frowned. “But mine is prettier and stronger.”

“Just an antique sword, hahahaha!” Randy shot back.

Izumi cut off their bickering. “Enough. No matter how great your swords look, if you don’t know how to use them, they’re useless. Show me what you can do.”

The Real Compatibility Test:

Without warning, Izumi suddenly attacked Ryota.

Her strike was fast, aimed at Ryota’s shoulder. Ryota barely dodged in time. Even though she used a wooden sword, Ryota had to block and retreat.

Izumi didn’t stop. He switched to Randy, but Randy reacted quickly, blocking her strike with his Shadow Blade.

Now it was a one-versus-two fight, but Ryota and Randy were completely uncoordinated. Their attacks were wild. Randy’s Shadow Sword nearly collided with Ryota’s blade. Izumi, cold-faced, dodged everything effortlessly.

“You two look incredibly weak,” Izumi said flatly. “If this is how you cooperate, you won’t achieve anything. You might as well leave now.”

Hearing that, Randy looked at Ryota. He gave a confident smile—a signal of teamwork. Ryota nodded. That silent exchange changed everything.

Their strategy shifted. No more reckless attacks. Randy used his Shadows to disrupt Izumi’s vision while Ryota slipped between the dark gaps. Izumi finally had to exert a bit more effort.

Seeing the improvement, a small smile formed on Izumi’s lips—a nostalgic smile, as if remembering her own youth.

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