Ariana stretched carefully, wincing as the soreness from her match reminded her just how far she'd pushed herself. The aches weren't unexpected, but they were a stark reminder of how close she'd come to her limit. She glanced over to the spot where Day usually sat, only to find it empty. It wasn't like him to vanish without saying something, but she figured he'd turn up eventually.

As she sifted through her wardrobe, trying to pick something comfortable to wear, a sudden knock at the door startled her. Curious and a bit wary, she peeked through the door's peephole and sighed in relief when she saw Mina standing there.

Opening the door, Ariana barely had time to greet her before Mina stepped in and pulled her into a tight hug.

"You scared the hell out of me yesterday," Mina said, her voice a mix of relief and reprimand. "Don't you ever do that again, okay?"

Ariana chuckled softly, hugging Mina back. "I didn't plan on passing out, you know. Guess I just pushed too hard."

Mina stepped back, studying Ariana with a critical eye before nodding, seemingly satisfied that her friend was okay. "Well, you missed one hell of a show after you left."

"Oh?" Ariana asked, raising an eyebrow as she closed the door and motioned for Mina to sit. "What happened?"

Mina's eyes lit up as she flopped onto the couch. "The upperclassmen's fight—it was insane. The whole arena was shaking. There was this guy with a thunderstorm aura and this girl with fire so hot, the rain from his storm couldn't even touch her."

Ariana's curiosity piqued. "And? Who won?"

Mina leaned forward, her expression serious. "Honestly? No one. They both collapsed after their final clash. It was like watching gods fight. The ground cracked, magma shot up, the rain turned into steam—it was nuts. The upperclassmen were cheering like crazy, but the underclassmen? They were running for their lives!"

Ariana let out a low whistle, imagining the scene. "Sounds like I missed a spectacle."

"You did," Mina said, shaking her head. "But honestly, after what you went through, I'm glad you weren't there. That kind of energy? It was suffocating. Scrap and I barely stayed to watch the end."

Ariana sat beside Mina, processing the story. "Sounds like the kind of fight I'd want to see up close... someday."

Mina gave her a sidelong glance. "You're insane, you know that? But then again, that's why we're friends."

They both laughed, the tension from the previous day finally starting to ease. As the morning sun streamed through the window, Ariana felt a sense of calm settle over her.

Ariana finished getting dressed, glancing over at Mina. "Where's Scraps? Why isn't he with you?" she asked.

Mina crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. "The weapons used by the winners of the matches get together afterward. They're planning some big event for all the weapons at the school."

Ariana paused, her hands hovering over the buttons of her shirt. It didn't take her long to put two and two together. "So, that's where Day went..." she muttered.

Before Ariana could button up her shirt, Mina stepped closer and stopped her.

"Wait. What's with those marks on your chest and collarbone?" Mina asked, her eyes narrowing as she pointed.

Ariana froze for a moment, looking around nervously to make sure no one else was nearby. Lowering her voice, she leaned in and confessed what had happened with Day in the shower.

Ariana hesitated mid-motion, her fingers hovering over the buttons of her shirt. Mina's sharp gaze had already zeroed in on the faint marks on her chest and collarbone, and there was no dodging her question now.

"Spill it," Mina said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "I know that look. Something juicy happened, and you're not getting out of this until you tell me."

Ariana sighed, glancing toward the door as if she might escape, but Mina stepped in front of her, blocking the way. Resigned, Ariana sat on the edge of the bed, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Alright," she started, her voice low. "But promise me you won't freak out."

Mina smirked, plopping onto the bed next to her. "No promises, but I'm listening."

Taking a deep breath, Ariana recounted the events of that night after her talk with Leon. How Day had refused to leave her side, even when she protested, and how the tension between them had reached a boiling point in the shower. Her cheeks flushed as she described the heated exchange, the vulnerability they'd shared, and how it had left her with both emotional and physical marks she hadn't fully processed until now.

Mina's eyes widened as the story unfolded, her expression shifting from shock to amusement, and finally, to curiosity. "Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me Day—your Day—actually made a move?"

Ariana nodded, her face burning. "Yeah... I guess you could say that."

Mina let out a low whistle, leaning back with a grin. "Damn, girl. I didn't think he had it in him. So, what now? Are you two... you know, a thing?"

Ariana shrugged, looking down at her hands. "I don't know. We didn't exactly talk about it afterward. Everything's been so chaotic with the matches and... well, everything else."

Mina nudged her playfully. "Well, you'd better figure it out soon. Day doesn't strike me as the type to play games. And honestly? You two make a pretty badass pair."

Ariana couldn't help but smile at that, though the uncertainty still lingered in the back of her mind. As much as she cared for Day, she wasn't sure where they stood now—or where they were headed.

"Thanks, Mina," she said, buttoning up her shirt. "You always know how to put things in perspective."

"That's what I'm here for," Mina said with a wink. "Now, let's get moving. If Day's at that weapon meeting, we've got time to sneak into the cafeteria and grab the good snacks before the lunch rush."

Laughing, Ariana grabbed her bag and followed Mina out the door, her thoughts still swirling but her spirits lifted by her friend's unwavering support.

As Ariana and Mina sat down to eat lunch, Ariana couldn't help but mention how weird it was that the top student in their class was after Day.

Mina shrugged casually, taking a bite of her food. "It's probably just to prove she's really the best now that you're number two."

Ariana nearly choked on her drink, her face turning bright red as she quickly wiped her mouth. "Wait, wait, when did I become number two?" she asked, incredulous.

Mina shrugged, taking a casual bite of her sandwich, clearly unbothered. "Come on, Ariana. You were obviously one of the top contenders in the last match. You and Day both did amazing, but after that display, it was clear that you were right behind him. So, yeah, you're number two now."

Ariana stared at her in disbelief. "How? What makes you think that?"

Mina raised an eyebrow, setting down her sandwich and leaning back in her chair. "Well, let's break it down. You nearly beat Elena, a top-tier fighter in her own right. You held your own and even pushed her into a corner a couple of times. You're incredibly skilled, Ariana. And with Day? It's just a given. People are going to take notice."

Ariana blinked, trying to process the information. She hadn't been expecting that outcome. "I didn't even realize it was that obvious," she muttered. "I've never thought about rankings or being number two. I just wanted to keep pushing myself."

Mina smirked. "That's exactly why you're number two, Ari. You've got the drive, the focus, and you don't back down. People respect that. And now that Day's showing up as top dog, well... you're right behind him, and everyone knows it."

Ariana let out a heavy sigh, still feeling slightly overwhelmed by the weight of the words. She had no idea how much the ranking would affect things, especially in a place as competitive as this school. She was used to working hard, pushing herself, but being called number two—in anything—was a different kind of pressure.

"Do you think Day realizes what this means?" she asked, glancing at Mina.

Mina leaned in, lowering her voice. "Not sure. But I'm willing to bet he feels the heat now. He's always been confident, but being the best? It changes things. People will be watching him more closely. And you too, now that you're at the top with him."

Ariana chewed on that thought, the weight of the shift in their dynamic sinking in. It made sense—after all, Day had been steadily climbing since their first fight, and now that they were so closely linked, their fates were undeniably intertwined.

"What do I do now?" Ariana asked, her voice softer, almost to herself.

Mina raised an eyebrow, offering her a knowing smile. "You do what you always do, Ari. You keep pushing forward. You've got what it takes to be number one. Just don't let anyone—including yourself—forget that."

Ariana and Mina finished their lunch and made their way to Leon's class, the halls buzzing with the usual energy of students heading to their next lessons. As they walked, Ariana noticed that they were still missing Scraps and Day, but she didn't say anything—too much had happened, and she wasn't sure what to make of it yet.

They entered the classroom and took their usual seats near the back, a familiar sense of comfort settling over them. The room was bustling with students, but something caught Ariana's attention. At the front of the class, four students stood talking quietly amongst themselves.

Mina, ever observant, leaned toward Ariana and pointed out the group. "Those two? They were in the last match yesterday."

Ariana squinted at them, trying to place their faces. She remembered the fight, but these students didn't stand out as much as the weapons did. "And the other two must be their weapons," she said, her tone thoughtful as she tried to piece it all together.

Ariana glanced up to the front of the class, spotting the four kids standing there. She hadn't expected to see them so soon after the intense match. The two boys and two girls were clearly the same fighters from the arena, still looking a bit worn from their battle but standing tall with an air of confidence. The boy looked sharp, his gaze steady and calm. The girl with fiery orange eyes stood beside him, her flame-themed outfit still radiating a little heat even in the cool classroom. She grinned, clearly still energized from the battle.

Ariana noticed the other two—their weapons—also seemed like they were sizing up the room. One was a girl with short, platinum blonde hair, looking poised and calm, wearing an outfit that appeared lightweight but practical. The other was a boy, tall with messy brown hair and a relaxed posture, but his eyes sparkled with intelligence.

Mina leaned closer to Ariana, her voice low as she spoke, pointing toward the four students. "Those are the top four from yesterday. The boy with the spear and the girl with the hammer—they're both weapons and fighters, you know? They're not just working with their weapons, they're also the ones wielding their abilities."

Mina leaned closer to Ariana, her voice low as she spoke, pointing toward the four fighters. "Those are the top four from yesterday. The boy with the spear and the girl with the hammer—they're both weapons and fighters, you know? They're not just working with their weapons, they're also the ones wielding their abilities."

The girl with the hammer caught Ariana's eye for a moment, giving her a half smile, which Ariana awkwardly returned. It didn't help that she knew how brutal the fight had been the day before." Seems like they're getting ready to introduce themselves," Mina whispered. "Let's see what they've got to say." Ariana leaned back in her chair, her eyes still following the group at the front of the room. She couldn't help but feel a bit of tension building.

The boy with glasses stepped forward first, his voice calm and controlled as he addressed the class. "Hello," he began, pushing his glasses up slightly. "I'm Arden, and this is Vyn." He gestured toward the weapon standing next to him—a tall, platinum-haired girl with a serene expression. Vyn's eyes were sharp, and there was an air of quiet power surrounding her, despite her calm demeanor. She gave a brief nod to the class, acknowledging their attention without saying a word.

Arden continued, "Vyn and I specialize in precision and control. I focus on the flow of the battle, while Vyn brings her immense power into play." He glanced at her, giving a slight, almost unnoticeable smile. "Together, we've learned how to strike with lethal efficiency."

Mina leaned over to Ariana, whispering, "They're serious. Arden's the strategist—he analyzes and directs the battle. Vyn's the powerhouse, but she follows his lead. They're pretty unbeatable when they sync."

Next, the red-haired girl stepped up with a fiery grin. She had a strong presence, her aura almost crackling with energy. "I'm Kira, and this is Solis," she said, pointing to the tall, tan-skinned boy standing beside her. Solis gave a brief wave, his intense gaze sweeping across the class. He was dressed in a practical outfit, suited for combat, and Ariana noticed a few burn marks on his jacket—evidence of his abilities.

Kira continued, "We don't mess around when it comes to firepower. Solis and I—well, we're like a volcano. I bring the heat, and he controls the raw power that erupts." She smirked as she looked at Solis. "He likes to keep things explosive."

The boy, Solis, nodded with a quiet confidence. His presence was almost overwhelming—like standing too close to a furnace. "We don't hold back," he said simply, his voice low but firm.

Mina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she whispered to Ariana, "Kira's all about fire—her hammer can reach insane levels of heat. Solis... his power is raw, but they balance each other out. It's a lot like what you and Day have, just more... explosive."

Ariana nodded, intrigued. She hadn't realized how complex the relationships between Meisters and their weapons could be. Seeing these pairs in front of her—each one so different—made her think about the potential with Day. Maybe they had something similar, but with their bond, she could tell that they still had room to grow together.

The introductions wrapped up, but the atmosphere in the room still crackled with the energy of the battle from yesterday. Everyone seemed to be silently sizing each other up, knowing that the competition was only going to get fiercer from here on out.

Leon smiled at the excitement in the class, clearly pleased with the interest his students were showing. He stepped forward, crossing his arms over his chest. "Alright, settle down," he called, raising his voice just enough to command attention. "What you saw yesterday was a prime example of teamwork in action. The Meisters and weapons were each demonstrating what makes their bond so effective in combat." He glanced toward Kira, Arden, and their weapons, who all stood at the front, still in their human forms. "Now, let's talk about the dynamics at play."

The students quickly began to fire questions. One eager student raised their hand immediately. "Kira! How do you manage to control your fire so it doesn't burn everything around you?"

Kira smiled, clearly enjoying the attention. "It's all about control. The fire doesn't come from me directly. Solis has the ability to regulate the heat, allowing me to manipulate it safely. We sync up in combat—when I strike, he channels that power through his weapon form. It's about trust, and knowing when to unleash, and when to hold back."

"Vyn, you mentioned precision earlier," another student asked, looking at the pale-haired weapon. "How do you manage to keep that precision when your weapon's so powerful?"

Vyn nodded thoughtfully, her voice low but confident. "It's not just about raw strength. With Arden's guidance, I focus on the flow of battle. I position myself based on his directions, and we use the environment to our advantage. Precision is a mental thing for me—it's about knowing exactly when and where to strike, not just swinging wildly."

The room buzzed with more questions, but Arden held up a hand to quiet the class. He looked over at Kira, who gave a slight nod, signaling that she was done answering for now. Arden stepped forward, pushing his glasses up once more.

"Our connection," he began, "is about synchronization. It's not enough to just have power, or to simply be able to fight on your own. You need to be able to understand and predict your partner's next move. Vyn and I spent years training together. It's not about me telling her what to do—it's about learning to move as one, even when the battle is chaotic." He turned to the class, making eye contact with a few students. "It's a constant push and pull between the two of us. And that's what makes a Meister-Weapon partnership effective."

Another student raised their hand. "So, you don't just focus on your own fighting style, but also on understanding each other?"

"Exactly," Arden replied, nodding. "You can't function in sync if you're not willing to understand how your partner fights. And that takes time, patience, and trust."

Kira laughed lightly, her fiery demeanor now softened. "It's definitely a lot of work, but when it clicks? It's like nothing else. We work in perfect harmony—or at least, we try to," she added, giving Solis a teasing look.

Solis, who had been relatively quiet up until then, smirked. "We try to make sure she doesn't burn everything down while I'm controlling the power."

The class erupted in laughter, lightening the atmosphere a bit, but Leon's voice quickly brought their attention back to the lesson at hand.

"Exactly. That's the balance every team must find," Leon said, turning back to the class. "This is what you'll be learning in this course. To understand your partner as thoroughly as you understand your own abilities. There's a bond between you and your weapon, and it's something that must be cultivated over time."

He smiled at the group before continuing, "Now that we've had this discussion, let's get to work. Time to start practicing what you've learned."

Ariana's mind was racing as she processed everything she'd just heard. The teamwork, the synchronization, the bond—she glanced over at Day's seat, imagining how they could grow together, like Kira and Solis, or Arden and Vyn.