Morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, falling directly across Leo's face.
"Ugh…"
He turned to the other side, trying to escape it—but before he could drift back to sleep—
THUD!
"Get up, we're going to be late!" Ray's voice rang out as he kicked the side of Leo's bed.
Leo groaned and slowly sat up. "You know, you could wake me up like a normal person."
Ray smirked. "If you woke up like a normal person, I would."
Leo sighed, running a hand through his hair before getting out of bed. Something about today felt… different. He couldn't explain it, but there was a strange pull in the air.
After getting ready, the two of them headed toward the academy building.
The hallways were filled with students—some chatting, others rushing to their classes. The usual noise surrounded them, but Leo's attention drifted elsewhere.
And then—
THUD!
"A-ah!"
A soft, startled voice echoed nearby.
Leo turned.
A girl had tripped near the hallway corner, her books scattering across the floor.
For a moment, she froze, clearly embarrassed.
Without saying anything, Leo walked over and crouched down, picking up one of her books.
"Are you okay?" he asked calmly.
"I-I'm fine!" she replied quickly, her voice slightly shaky.
She tried to stand… and nearly lost her balance again.
Leo reached out and caught her arm before she could fall.
"…Careful."
Her face flushed instantly.
"S-sorry… I'm really clumsy," she said, avoiding his gaze.
Leo handed her the books. "Here."
"Th-thank you…"
A brief silence settled between them.
"…I'm Leo."
She hesitated, clutching the books tightly against her chest.
"…A-Alina," she said softly."…Alina Moonveil."
For some reason, the name lingered in Leo's mind.
Before he could say anything else—
"LEO!" Ray shouted from a distance. "Are you planning to skip class?"
Leo glanced back, then at Alina.
"See you around," he said.
Alina gave a small nod.
"…Y-yeah."
Classes passed slower than usual.
Leo wasn't sure why—but his thoughts kept drifting back to that girl.
Alina Moonveil…
By lunchtime, the cafeteria was already crowded.
"Hurry up, or we won't find a seat!" Ray said, dragging Leo along.
They managed to grab a table just in time.
Leo had just taken a bite of his food when—
CRASH!
A loud noise echoed across the cafeteria.
Everyone turned.
And there she was again.
Alina stood frozen, her tray tilted awkwardly as food spilled onto the floor.
"…I'm so sorry…" she murmured, clearly panicking as people began to stare.
Leo let out a quiet sigh.
"I'll be back," he said, standing up.
Ray smirked. "Yeah, go on, hero."
Ignoring him, Leo walked over to her.
"Hey."
Alina looked up—and immediately recognized him.
"Y-you…"
Leo picked up the fallen tray. "Relax. It happens."
"I keep messing things up…" she said softly, her voice almost breaking.
Leo shook his head. "You just need to slow down."
He helped her clean up, then walked with her to get another tray.
This time, she moved much more carefully.
They sat at a quieter corner of the cafeteria.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
Then—
"Thanks… again," Alina said, fidgeting with her fingers.
Leo nodded. "You should watch where you're going."
"…I try," she replied with a small, embarrassed smile.
For the first time, Leo noticed it clearly.
She wasn't just clumsy.
She was shy.
"First time here?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yeah… everything feels a bit overwhelming."
Leo leaned back slightly. "You'll get used to it."
She looked at him for a moment… then gave a small nod.
"…I hope so."
After lunch, students began heading toward the training grounds.
The atmosphere had changed.
It felt heavier. More serious.
Alina walked beside Leo, holding her books close to her chest.
"…Um, Leo?"
"Hm?"
"…Do you know what we're doing today?"
Before he could answer—
"ALL STUDENTS—ASSEMBLE!"
A commanding voice echoed across the field.
Professor Sophia stood at the center, her presence instantly silencing everyone.
"Today," she announced, "you will begin your combat sparring."
A wave of tension spread through the crowd.
Alina stiffened slightly.
"S-sparring…?" she whispered.
Leo glanced at her.
"Yeah," he said calmly."Looks like it starts now."
Alina swallowed nervously, tightening her grip.
Leo stepped forward, his eyes sharpening.
The air itself felt charged.
This wasn't just training anymore.
This was a test.
And as students began taking their positions—
The real battles were about to begin.