Blade institute: the unseen prophecy

9

The following week was intense, the Headmaster enforcing an unforgiving training regimen. The sun barely rose before we were summoned to practice, and we didn't finish until lunch. The field buzzed with energy as everyone pushed themselves to improve, striving to get faster and stronger—mostly laughing, joking, and keeping the atmosphere light.

"Bet you couldn't catch me if I ran!" Ethan challenged Sam, a playful sparkle in his eye.

"Oh please! You're slower than a snail!" Sam shot back, laughter dancing in her voice.

Even Evangeline chimed in, teasing Ethan mercilessly. "Just face it, Ethan, Sam's going to out-run you on the first date too!"

The back-and-forth banter felt like a balm, momentarily easing the tension in my heart. But still, Rian kept to himself on the sidelines whenever we would practice. I felt the chasm between us deepening when I caught glimpses of him training, striking opponents with precision. There was an intensity there that should have thrilled me but only left me with uncertainty.

Then, the Headmaster gathered us all in the center of the field, his imposing figure casting a long shadow as his voice boomed across the crowd. "Today, we'll test your skills. You'll duel! The first to draw blood wins. Prepare yourselves!"

Ethan was drawn against a girl named Jessica, slightly older and seemingly more experienced. The anticipation was palpable as they squared off.

"Show her what you've got, Ethan!" I urged, my heart racing.

Ethan lunged confidently, but Jessica countered quickly, her movements fluid. "Nice try!" she smirked, dodging his attack with ease.

The crowd cheered as Jessica found an opening, swiftly landing a hit. Ethan stumbled back, a single drop of blood marking his defeat. He grimaced but laughed it off, a good sport as the others clapped for Jessica.

Next, it was Sam's turn against Drake, whose muscles rippled as he took his stance. Their playful rivalry morphed into a fierce battle, but in the end, Drake's experience proved too much, and Sam fell to the ground, breathless and defeated.

"Drake! You show-off!" Sam laughed, her spirit undeterred. "You won this time!"

Then, it was Rian's turn against me. My heart raced as I stepped onto the field, adrenaline surging through me. This was my chance to finally face him.

"Are you ready?" Rian asked, his tone serious.

"I'm ready," I affirmed, even as my stomach churned with nerves.

The whistle blew, and we both lunged forward. I felt the weight of expectation on my shoulders as I tried to focus. Rian came at me fiercely, showing no mercy. Every strike was sharp, every move calculating. I struggled to keep up, but he anticipated my actions—countering everything I threw at him.

It wasn't long before I felt the sting of his blade against my skin. I stepped back, realizing he had drawn blood. Embarrassment rushed through me as the Headmaster's disapproving voice filled the air.

"Very poor form," he scowled, his eyes narrowed. "You need more discipline."

I stood there, heat rising to my cheeks, feeling a pang of frustration mixed with humiliation. As everyone began to disperse, I glanced at Rian, hoping to catch a glimpse of understanding in his eyes, but once again, he turned away, leaving me more confused than ever.

—

—
The headmaster's rigorous training had become an exhausting routine, each day melding into the next, pushing us to unlock our fighting potential. As we prepared for our long-awaited night off, his warning about vigilance echoed in my thoughts.

That evening, excitement buzzed through the air as I joined my friends—Jessica, Sam, Ethan, Rian, Rob, and Simon. I slipped into a sleek black leather dress that hugged my figure, the heels of my knee-high boots clicking confidently against the pavement. My friends matched my energy, dressed to impress as we set off to the local bar, eager for a night of fun.

Laughter filled the room as we teased one another, savoring the freedom of our youth. Rian, usually the reserved one, surprised us with his spirited jokes, especially when he boldly flirted with a girl across the room. We cheered him on, soaking in the carefree vibe.