The cheers around the Warrior PvP Court slowly faded as the battle finally came to an end. Students from both Reikosha Academy and Griffin's class continued talking excitedly, replaying every moment they had witnessed. What had started as a friendly spar had turned into a battle neither side would forget.
Kairo stood in the center of the arena, breathing heavily with the Black Spartan resting on his shoulder. His shirt was torn, bruises covered his body, and sweat dripped from his face, yet a smile slowly appeared.
"...I actually did it."
Not long ago, he would've lost before the fight had even begun. Now, he had defeated someone who had once overwhelmed countless students.
Oko let out a long laugh as he sat on the cracked floor, rubbing the back of his head.
"Hahaha... you're seriously unbelievable, Kairo."
Kairo scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I honestly thought I was going to lose..."
"You almost did."
Oko stood up and stretched his arms before walking over to Kairo.
"But that's what made it fun."
Without warning, he lightly punched Kairo's shoulder.
"You've gotten ridiculously strong."
Kairo laughed.
"I still have a long way to go."
Oko smiled.
"So do I."
The two looked at each other before laughing together, earning confused looks from everyone watching.
"...Weren't they trying to beat each other up a minute ago?" Daiki muttered.
"They're boys," Aoi answered while sipping her milk. "They solve everything by punching each other."
Yuki simply rolled her eyes.
"Idiots."
Tyouro suddenly sprinted across the arena.
"KAIROOOOO!"
Before Kairo could react, Tyouro wrapped both arms around him.
"YOU WON! YOU ACTUALLY WON!"
"O-Oi! I can't breathe!"
"Hahaha! You're stronger than me now! This is unfair!"
Yura slowly walked over with her usual calm expression.
"...Congratulations."
Kairo smiled warmly.
"Thanks, Yura."
She looked away immediately.
"Don't misunderstand. You still have a lot to improve."
"...Right."
"But..."
She paused for a brief moment.
"You fought well."
Kairo blinked before smiling even wider.
"...That means a lot."
Nearby, Kimimaru silently watched Kairo. His expression remained unreadable, but his eyes stayed fixed on him.
"...That aura..."
Ishika peeked out from behind Kimimaru's shoulder with a playful grin.
"What is it, Maru?"
"...Nothing."
"You noticed it too."
Kimimaru didn't answer.
He had only sensed it for an instant during the battle.
That strange darkness surrounding Kairo...
It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
"...Maybe I'm imagining things."
At the edge of the arena, Griffin folded his arms with a proud smile.
"Looks like your student surprised everyone again."
Shougo nodded quietly.
"He exceeded my expectations."
"He even beat Oko."
"He earned that victory."
Griffin chuckled.
"You know... I was beginning to think Oko would stay undefeated forever."
Shougo looked toward Kairo, who was laughing together with Oko and Tyouro.
"...His strength wasn't the reason he won."
Griffin glanced at him.
"Hm?"
"He kept thinking."
Griffin smiled.
"That's very Kairo."
Before either of them could continue, someone suddenly stole the sandwich from Griffin's hand.
"...Huh?"
Lady Chōko happily took a huge bite.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
Griffin stared at his now empty hand.
"...That was mine."
"So?"
"You literally took it while I was holding it."
She puffed out her cheeks while chewing.
"I was hungry."
"You've been hungry since this morning."
"And I'm still hungry."
Shougo sighed, already expecting this.
"Did you even pay for that?"
Lady Chōko immediately looked away.
"...Maybe."
"...You didn't, did you?"
"No comment."
Tyouro burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Griffin just got robbed!"
Kairo covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.
Even Oko couldn't help smiling.
Griffin pinched the bridge of his nose.
"...One day you're going to pay for your own food."
Lady Chōko gasped dramatically.
"That's such a cruel thing to say!"
She suddenly poked Griffin's forehead.
"You're supposed to treat a beautiful lady!"
Griffin looked completely exhausted.
"...Who told you that?"
"I did."
"...Of course you did."
Everyone nearby laughed, while Lady Chōko proudly finished the stolen sandwich as if nothing had happened.
After the laughter settled, Shougo stepped into the center of the training court and cleared his throat.
"Everyone."
The students immediately turned toward him.
"You all fought well today."
His calm gaze swept across every student.
"Victory and defeat aren't what matter most."
He looked directly at Kairo.
"What matters is that every one of you grew stronger than yesterday."
Kairo quietly tightened his fists.
"...Yes, Sensei."
Shougo gave a faint smile.
"So don't become satisfied."
The students nodded.
"Tomorrow morning, all of you will receive your next mission."
Excitement spread through the group.
Another mission meant another chance to grow.
Another chance to become stronger.
As everyone began talking among themselves, Lady Chōko quietly grabbed another plate of food from the nearby table.
Griffin noticed immediately.
"...That's mine too."
She froze for exactly one second before smiling innocently.
"...Finders keepers?"
"...That's not how it works."
She giggled, stuck out her tongue playfully, and ran across the courtyard with Griffin chasing after her while everyone else burst into laughter. For a brief moment, Reikosha Academy was filled with nothing but cheerful voices, warm sunlight, and the simple joy of being together. None of them realized that beyond the peaceful walls of the academy, ancient forces were already moving in silence. But for today, none of that mattered. Today was a day to celebrate growth, friendship, and the beginning of a new chapter in every one of their lives.