The rise of the unorthodox

Days had passed since I started training with Devin. He had created a special regimen to improve my strength, stamina, and combat prowess.

In the mornings before class, we ran the mountain trail to build my stamina. After classes ended, he'd work on my combat abilities. Later, we'd meet again at the training field, where he'd have me punch wooden planks, lift weights, and perform other drills.

All this intense training had left me drained. On top of everything, I had to keep my hair extended at all times to boost my energy reserves. The constant strain left me exhausted. And Devin, well, he was an extremely tough trainer. Harsh, even.

…..

It was time for Madame Evergreen's weapons class, and today, we'd be sparring. I always looked forward to these classes, especially when others fought. It was the best way to understand fighting styles and tactics.

When I entered the class, a handful of students were already there—some talking, others practicing, all anticipating the upcoming battles. I made my way to the corner of the room and sat down, waiting for Madame Evergreen.

The book I'd been reading drifted back and forth in my mind. It felt almost like it was calling to me. I decided I'd ask Mr. Sayo about it next time I saw him.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" I heard a voice behind me. I turned to see Devin, dressed in joggers and a hoodie, not his school uniform. I wasn't in mine either.

"Shut up and mind your own business," I sighed, standing up.

We walked toward the center of the room together. "You know, we're friends. Would it kill you to be nicer to me?" he said, scratching the back of his head. It was a gesture he made often, like he couldn't help it.

"Whoever said we were friends? I'm just using you as a stepping stone to reach my goals," I replied, deadpan.

He laughed. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

I punched him in the arm, but as usual, he didn't flinch. At this point, I'd gotten used to it.

To be honest, I did consider him a friend. He was supportive, and he wasn't boring to talk to. He still had a bit of a nasty attitude, but he didn't show it too much around me.

After some more banter, Madame Evergreen finally arrived.

"Good morning, darlings. Ready for today?" Her heels clicked as she walked through the hall.

When she reached the center, she smiled brightly. "Today, you'll use what I've taught you to fight each other. You may also use your abilities. Let's see how well you adapt."

A flurry of murmurs spread through the room.

"Now, calm down, darlings. I'm sure you're all aware of the tournament happening in three weeks. If you don't learn how to fight opponents using their abilities, you'll likely fail. Time to adapt," she explained.

She pointed to a girl dressed in a black jumpsuit, with black hair and green eyes. Her slender body gripped a long spear made of basic material. "You, come forward."

The girl stepped into the center, standing tall with her spear ready.

Madame Evergreen pointed again, this time at a tall boy with light brown hair and yellow eyes. He held a bow and arrows, checking them carefully.

"Alright, you two, come to the center and begin when I signal. Remember, don't kill your opponent. To win, you must knock them out." Madame Evergreen began walking away from the center, leaving the two sparring partners to prepare.

As they took their positions, Devin leaned in and whispered, "His stance is sloppy. He's gonna lose."

"How would you know?" I asked.

"Trust me," he replied, a confident grin on his face.

After moving a safe distance away, Madame Evergreen gave the signal, and the fight began.

The boy quickly manipulated his hands in circular motions, causing a tower of earth to rise beneath him. It elevated him several feet above the girl, giving him a height advantage for his ranged attacks.

He smirked, feeling confident. His opponent had no way of reaching him at this distance.

He began firing arrows, each one hitting its mark with precision. The girl struggled, blood starting to stain her jumpsuit as she was pierced by several arrows. It looked like she was losing badly.

"I thought you said she'd win," I nudged Devin, poking his arm.

Devin just smiled. "She will, trust me."

I wasn't convinced. The girl was stuck, unable to move, as the boy controlled the earth beneath him to trap her with large rocks, weighing her down.

It seemed like the fight was over. But suddenly, the girl's stomach began to glow with a bright light. She looked up at her opponent and smiled.

"Sorry it took me so long to retaliate. My ability requires a lot of energy to gather," she said.

The light shot out from her stomach, bright orange in color. It blasted through the rocks and the pillar the boy had created. The boy fell from his elevated position, landing with a loud thud on the ground.

The girl wasted no time. She rushed forward, spear in hand, and with one swift motion, slammed the blunt end of it into his head with a resounding crack. It echoed through the room.

Madame Evergreen clapped her hands. "Well done, darling. Your abilities made this fight a spectacle. Be sure to check in with the nurse, and take him with you." She pointed to the unconscious boy on the ground.

Devin nudged me with his shoulder. "I told you she'd win!" A cocky smile spread across his face.

I rolled my eyes. "Lucky guess."

Madame Evergreen clapped again, louder this time to get everyone's attention. "Alright, next fight! Let's go, you two." She pointed at Daniel and another student I wasn't familiar with.

The next battle was about to begin.

This was going to be fun.