"What's going on here? Why is everyone raising their voices? Is this how you disrespect the academy we all aspire to join?" The voice, though soft, resonated with undeniable authority, drawing everyone's attention to the registration area. Kenji watched in surprise as Akari Hoshi approached the counter, a look of displeasure on her face.
The employee at the counter, who had been mocking Kenji just moments before, paled at the sight of Akari. His arrogant smirk vanished, and his body tensed with fear.
"Miss Hoshi," the employee stammered, offering a clumsy bow. "N-nothing was happening. We were just having a small disagreement."
Akari eyed him with disapproval. "A disagreement loud enough to be heard throughout the stadium?" she said accusingly. "Is this how you treat the academy's applicants? With contempt and humiliation?"
The employee swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Akari's gaze. "No, miss," he muttered, his voice trembling. "I'm very sorry. It won't happen again."
Akari sighed and turned to Kenji, an apologetic look on her face. "I'm really sorry, Kenji," she said. "I didn't want you to go through this. This idiot always goes too far."
Kenji shrugged, trying to downplay the incident. "Don't worry, Akari," he said. "I'm used to being treated this way."
Akari frowned, clearly disagreeing. "You shouldn't get used to it," she said. "You deserve respect, just like everyone else."
She took Kenji's registration form from the employee's hands and quickly reviewed it. Then, she gave the young man a serious look.
"Make sure Kenji gets the treatment he deserves," Akari said firmly. "And if I hear anything like this again, I swear I'll make sure you regret it."
The employee nodded, not daring to meet her eyes. Akari handed Kenji back his form and smiled.
"All set," Akari said. "You're now officially registered for the practical test. I wish you the best of luck, Kenji. I know you'll do great."
Kenji returned her smile, feeling confidence return to his veins. "Thank you, Akari," he said. "Your support means a lot to me."
As Kenji and Akari made their way toward the stands, the same arrogant boy who had accompanied her earlier approached them, interrupting their conversation. It was Itsuki Kaito, the heir of one of Kazehana's most influential families—and Kenji's future rival.
"Akari," Itsuki said impatiently. "They're waiting for you in the VIP section. Your friends want to watch the matches with you."
Akari sighed, clearly frustrated. "Itsuki, I already told you I don't want to go to the VIP section," she said. "I want to watch the matches with Kenji."
Itsuki frowned, looking at Kenji with disdain. "Don't be ridiculous, Akari," he said. "You can't waste your time with this commoner. You have a reputation to maintain. Your family depends on you."
Akari crossed her arms defiantly. "I don't care about my reputation, and I don't care what my family says," she said. "I choose my own friends. And I want to watch the matches with Kenji."
Itsuki sighed in resignation. "Suit yourself," he said. "But don't say I didn't warn you. This boy will only bring you trouble."
He turned to Kenji and shot him a cold, resentful look, full of warning. "Stay away from Akari," Itsuki said in a threatening voice. "Or you'll regret it."
Kenji met his gaze firmly, showing no sign of fear. He wouldn't let Itsuki intimidate him or drive him away from Akari.
"You should go, Kenji," Akari said. "I don't want any problems, and besides, my aunt wants to see me now to accompany the event."
"I understand," Kenji said, trying to hide his disappointment. "See you later, then. And good luck with your test."
Akari smiled at him before following Itsuki, who shot him one last glare. The other elite students accompanying them looked at Kenji with either disdain or curiosity as they walked away.
With Akari gone, Kenji continued moving through the stands until he came across a boy with red hair and a few freckles on his face. The boy smiled kindly and asked if he could sit beside him. Kenji shrugged and responded with a question of his own: "Why aren't you sitting with your friends?"
The red-haired boy shook his head. "I didn't come here to make friends," he said. "I came to prove my worth to get into the academy, and having some company would make the long wait before my test a little more bearable."
Kenji chuckled at the comment and nodded. "You're right. Well, I'm Kenji. Nice to share this time with you," he said with a big smile, extending his hand.
The boy shook his hand firmly and replied, "I'm Hiroki Akamine. Nice to meet you."
Hiroki was very friendly and had a talent for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each warrior and their beasts. He had made it to the semifinals in inter-school competitions in another region and had transferred to Kazehana because his grandfather insisted that Ryūsei Academy was the best option.
As they debated the best ways to combine attacks for maximum damage, Hiroki suddenly shouted, "Kenji, I think your name just came up on the screen!" He pointed excitedly at the stadium's central display.
Kenji turned his head and saw his name flashing in giant letters next to another applicant's name and the arena number where his battle would take place.
Finally, his moment had arrived.