Ariana awoke with a groan, the weight of yesterday’s events pressing down on her like a heavy fog. She blinked, the room still dark, and glanced over to where Day had sprawled across her bed the night before. It was still hard to believe he was here, sharing her space—especially after everything she’d learned about him in such a short time. Her eyes traced the outline of his form under the covers; he was still fast asleep, his muscular frame barely fitting in the narrow twin bed.

Carefully, she slid out from under the covers, keeping her movements quiet so as not to disturb him. The last thing she needed was for Day to wake up and start that irritating smirk of his. She glanced at her clock; it was barely six in the morning. If she was quick, she could get a head start on her routine before the other students started waking up.

Ariana made her way to the small bathroom, grabbing her toothbrush and toothpaste as she passed. The mirror above the sink reflected back a pale, tired version of herself—her dark curls were already starting to frizz around the edges, and the shadows under her eyes seemed a little darker than usual. She splashed some water on her face, hoping it would help shake off the remnants of a restless sleep. As she brushed, she caught herself glancing over at the closed door of the room where Day still lay. What was it about him that kept her off balance? Was it the power he held or the way he looked at her, like he could see right through to her soul?

As she finished up, Ariana took a deep breath and wiped her hands on a towel. There was no point in overthinking it. Day was her weapon now—whether she liked it or not. It was time to focus on what needed to be done today.

Quietly, Ariana slipped back into the room, where Day was still turned away from her, sleeping soundly. He looked so peaceful like this, not the fierce, intimidating figure she’d faced yesterday. It was hard to reconcile the two images—the brutal weapon form and this calm, relaxed man. She grabbed her bag and started to organize her things, her mind racing with what they’d need for the day ahead.

A low groan behind her made Ariana turn around, and there was Day, his eyes squinting against the dim light. “Mornin’, princess,” he mumbled, stretching out like a cat, his muscles flexing under the sheets.

“Good morning,” Ariana replied, her tone more clipped than she intended.

Day’s eyes wandered over her, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Didn’t wake you up, did I?” he teased, his voice laced with sleepiness.

Ariana rolled her eyes, turning back to her bag. “Just get dressed. We need to get to class.”

“Is someone eager for me to leave?” Day asked, his voice still light and teasing.

“Just trying to avoid another lecture from the dean,” she said, refusing to look at him.

Day swung his legs over the side of the bed, sitting up and scratching the back of his head. “Yeah, yeah, I know the drill. We need to get to class, sync up, and all that. Let’s get this over with.”

Ariana felt her heart rate quicken at the reminder of their training. “It’s not going to be easy,” she warned, her eyes flicking to the door as if it might offer a way out.

“Who said it would be?” Day replied, his tone serious now. “But we’re stuck together, like it or not. Might as well make the best of it.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah, let’s get through today. One step at a time.”

Day swung his legs over the side of the bed, a reluctant grin spreading across his face. “One step at a time, princess. Let’s go.”

Ariana grabbed her things and walked toward the door, trying not to feel the unease settling in her stomach.

As Ariana and Day made their way out of their small dorm room and down the hall, the early morning air was still cool, brushing against her skin like a gentle reminder that the world outside wasn’t waiting for them to catch up. They didn’t speak much as they walked, the tension between them palpable—neither comfortable with the proximity or the silence.

They reached the main courtyard of the academy just as the sun began to rise, casting a soft, golden light over the school grounds. Students were starting to gather, bleary-eyed and tired, whispering to one another as they found their groups. Ariana’s grip tightened around her bag, nerves bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Day seemed to notice, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he spoke.

“Ready for another day of being everyone’s favorite weapon?” he asked, his voice teasing but softer than usual.

Ariana shot him a look, one eyebrow raised. “Is that supposed to be a joke?”

“Not really,” he said, his tone sobering. “I know you’re probably used to this—being the people pleaser, always trying to make everyone happy. But this is different. You’re not just handling me; you’re responsible for more than just keeping me under control.”

She sighed, looking away as they crossed the courtyard, the sound of footsteps echoing off the stone walls. “It’s not just that,” Ariana admitted, her voice low. “I’m trying to prove myself. To myself, mostly.”

“Yeah? Proving something to Day?” he asked, his voice gentle, almost as if he were trying to be careful not to push too hard.

Ariana stopped in her tracks, turning to face him. “Maybe. I don’t know,” she said, frustration clear in her voice. “I’ve always been good at keeping everyone happy, but it’s never felt… real. Now I have to make decisions, real ones—decide if I can trust you, if you’re even worth the risk.”

Day took a step closer, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And what if I’m the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?”

“Then maybe it’s worth it,” Ariana said, her voice barely a whisper. “Maybe I need to take that chance.”

There was a moment of silence between them, and then Day nodded, his gaze intense as he searched her eyes. “Yeah. Maybe you do.”

They resumed walking, their path leading them toward the training grounds where the rest of the students were starting to gather. The sun was now fully above the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink. As they approached the group, Ariana felt her stomach clench. The students here were all watching them, the meisters sizing her up, the weapons looking at Day with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

“Welcome back, Ariana,” called out Dean Anderson, his voice booming over the crowd. “And Day. Hope you both had a good rest because today’s lesson is going to be a challenge.”

Ariana nodded, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. “Just trying to keep up.”

“Good,” the dean said, his eyes hard as they swept over the crowd. “Because today, we’re not just working on synchronization. We’re going deeper—learning how to really connect with your weapon, to trust them in ways you never thought possible.”

Ariana exchanged a glance with Day, the silent conversation passing between them. She could do this. She had to.

“Today’s mission,” Dean Anderson continued, “is a test of endurance and strategy. You’ll be working in pairs—meisters with their weapons—against a series of obstacles designed to push your limits. The first pair to successfully complete the course will receive extra credit, and maybe a little recognition. The rest…” He paused, letting his words hang in the air. “Well, let’s just say you don’t want to be at the bottom of the rankings.”

There was a murmur of agreement from the students as they shuffled into their pairs. Ariana glanced over at Day, her heart skipping a beat as he looked back at her, his eyes still unreadable.

“Looks like it’s us against the world, princess,” he said, his voice low, a hint of a smirk on his lips.

“Guess so,” Ariana replied, forcing a small smile as she held out her hand. “Let’s do this.”

Day took her hand, his grip firm and steady. “Together,” he said, his voice serious now, no trace of teasing. “Let’s show them what we’re made of.”

As Ariana and Day stepped up to the starting line, the rest of the students had already formed a line behind them, watching in silence. The air was tense with anticipation—this wasn’t just any test; it was a test of everything they had learned so far, a true measure of their bond. Ariana took a deep breath, her grip tightening around Day’s hand.

“Remember,” she murmured, barely loud enough for Day to hear, “we need to stay focused. One mistake and it’s over.”

Day’s fingers tightened around hers in response. “No room for mistakes then,” he replied, his voice calm but determined.

Dean Anderson stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the pairs gathered before him. “Alright, listen up,” he said, his voice cutting through the early morning fog. “This is the real deal, people. You’ll be navigating a series of obstacles that will test your synchronization and your strategy. These aren’t just physical hurdles—they’re designed to challenge your bond as a team. Fail to work together, and you fail the test.”

Ariana swallowed hard, her eyes locking with Day’s. They were in this together—no turning back now.

“Ready?” Dean Anderson asked, his gaze lingering on Ariana and Day before he raised his hand and dropped it with a sharp nod. “Go!”

The starting buzzer sounded, and the other students burst into motion, their weapons taking their respective forms, ready to assist their meisters through the first obstacle—a maze of thorny vines that twisted and turned in front of them. Ariana held onto Day’s hand tightly as they sprinted forward, her mind racing with strategies and contingencies.

“Remember,” she called over her shoulder as they approached the maze, “we need to stay in sync. Don’t let go of my hand.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Day replied, his voice steady as he transformed into his weapon form—a giant red battle axe with a single spike at the tip, the handle wrapped in bandages. Ariana took a deep breath, steadying herself as she took up a defensive stance in front of him, ready to navigate the maze.

They reached the first turn, and Ariana hesitated, her eyes scanning the twisting vines that seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. “Left or right?” she asked, her grip on Day’s handle tightening as she tried to focus.

“Right,” Day said immediately. “Trust me, princess.”

Ariana nodded, taking the turn at a sprint. The thorns scratched at her arms as they ran through the narrow passages, but she kept her eyes fixed on the exit—just a few meters ahead. They burst through the other side, Day transforming back into his human form as soon as they were clear.

“Nice work,” Ariana said, her breath coming in quick gasps as they raced toward the next obstacle—a set of wooden platforms suspended over a pit of what looked like quicksand.

“Thanks,” Day replied, his eyes scanning the platforms ahead. “We can do this—just have to keep moving.”

They leapt from platform to platform, Ariana counting silently in her head as they reached each one. It was harder than it looked—each platform was further apart than she expected, and the quicksand looked more like bubbling mud than anything she’d seen before. But Day moved like a shadow beside her, his strength and speed keeping them on course.

“Don’t look down!” he called as they made the final leap to the last platform. “Just focus on the next step.”

Ariana gritted her teeth and did as he said, her eyes locked on the end of the course—a pair of massive wooden doors with a red light above them that flashed with each pair’s progress. “Almost there,” she said, her voice barely louder than a whisper.

With one final push, they reached the doors and Day transformed, the red battle axe appearing before her with a flash of crimson light. Ariana reached out and touched the handle, feeling the power hum beneath her fingertips as she swung the axe forward, smashing through the doors with a loud crack.

“Done!” she shouted, her heart pounding in her chest as the light above their door turned green, signaling their victory.

Dean Anderson appeared moments later, his eyes scanning the scene with approval. “Good work, Ariana, Day,” he said, nodding at each of them. “You’re the first pair to complete the course. Impressive synchronization—clearly, your partnership is stronger than most.”

Ariana exhaled, her legs feeling like jelly as she let go of Day’s hand. “Thanks, Dean,” she said, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. “We had a good teacher.”

“Maybe,” Day muttered under his breath, but Ariana ignored him, her focus already shifting to the next challenge.

“Keep it up,” Dean Anderson said, giving them a brief nod before moving on to the next pair. “You’re just getting started.”

Ariana nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

As Ariana and Day made their way back to the training grounds, the other students were still talking about their performance—half impressed, half skeptical. The path back was quiet, save for the occasional murmur and the sound of footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Ariana felt a weight lifted off her shoulders; they had made it through the first challenge, and now it was time to prepare for the next.

“You did well back there,” Day said, his voice softer than usual as he glanced over at her. “You’re stronger than you think.”

“Thanks,” Ariana replied, the compliment catching her off guard. “So are you, apparently.”

“Just doing my job,” he said with a shrug, though there was something more in his eyes—an acknowledgment of what they had accomplished together.

They reached the entrance to the training grounds, where the rest of the students were already gathered, talking animatedly about the course they had just completed. Ariana spotted a few of her friends from her classes, waving them over as they approached.

“Hey, Ariana!” called out a familiar voice—Clara, a fellow meister with a mischievous grin. “Did you really just take down that course in one go?”

Ariana laughed, rolling her eyes. “Just lucky, I guess.”

“Lucky?” Clara said, nudging her playfully. “I call it skill. You and Day make quite the pair.”

Ariana glanced at Day, who was standing just behind her, his arms crossed as he surveyed the group. “Yeah, well, we’re still figuring things out.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Day muttered, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Don’t mind him,” Ariana said, smiling at her friends. “We’ve got a long way to go.”

“Hey, no rush,” Clara said, her grin widening. “It’s only your first day, after all. Plenty of time to mess things up.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Ariana replied, but her smile was forced as she glanced back at Day. He met her eyes and held her gaze for a moment longer than necessary, as if silently communicating something she couldn’t quite decipher.

“Alright, alright,” Dean Anderson said, stepping forward to regain control of the group. “I hope you all had fun with today’s challenge. But don’t get too comfortable—tomorrow’s going to be tougher.”

Ariana’s stomach churned at the thought of what might be coming next. She had a feeling that the academy was going to push them harder and harder, and Day was going to be the key to surviving it. She knew she needed to find a way to make this partnership work—because the alternative was failing, and that wasn’t an option.

“Listen up,” Dean continued, his voice low and commanding. “You’re dismissed for the day, but I expect you all back here tomorrow morning, bright and early. We’re going to hit the books—literally—before we move on to the next stage. Get some rest; you’re going to need it.”

With that, the students began to disperse, heading in different directions—some off to the dorms, others to the cafeteria. Ariana hesitated, looking over at Day, who seemed more relaxed now that the immediate pressure was off.

“So, what do you want to do now?” she asked, her voice casual, though she was really asking if they were going to survive the night together in the same room.

“Not sure,” Day replied, his eyes scanning the crowd before returning to her. “I guess we could grab something to eat?”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” Ariana said, though she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to leave the safety of the academy grounds. “Cafeteria?”

“Cafeteria,” Day agreed, turning on his heel and leading the way. “Can’t go wrong with cafeteria food, right?”

Ariana followed reluctantly, her heart thudding in her chest as they walked in silence. She didn’t know what the future held for them, but she knew she was about to find out—the hard way. If they were going to make it through this academy, they were going to have to figure out how to work together, flaws and all.

They reached the cafeteria a few minutes later, finding a table tucked away in the corner where they wouldn’t be disturbed. Ariana picked at her food, her mind still racing as Day watched her, his eyes unreadable.

“Worried about something?” he asked, breaking the silence with a low voice.

Ariana hesitated, then shook her head. “Just the usual. Trying to not screw everything up.”

Day’s expression softened, and he reached across the table, resting his hand over hers. “Hey, if anyone can keep us together, it’s you.”

Ariana looked up at him, her heart skipping a beat at the sincerity in his eyes. “Thanks,” she said softly. “That’s all I need to hear.”

As they ate, Ariana decided to break the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her. She set down her fork, glancing at Day. “So… why were you chained up in the basement? The teachers made it sound like you were a lost cause or something.”

Day paused mid-bite, his jaw tightening slightly. For a moment, she thought he wouldn’t answer, but then he leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. “Because I used to be angry. Real angry.”

Ariana tilted her head, watching him carefully. “Angry about what?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Every meister they paired me with—it was always the same. They’d grab me, try to force me into submission like I was just some tool. Half of them didn’t even know what they were doing. They didn’t deserve me, and I made sure they knew it.” His eyes darkened, and his voice dropped. “The moment someone I found unworthy touched me, I’d make their lives hell. Refuse to sync, throw their rhythm off, or just… let them fail.”

Ariana picked at her food, processing his words. She could almost see it—Day snarling and defying every meister, earning his reputation as a nightmare to work with. “And that’s why they locked you up?”

“Yeah,” Day said, his voice clipped. “The academy got tired of me ‘wasting resources.’ Figured they’d just stick me in the dark and forget about me. Until you showed up.”

Ariana blinked, taken aback. “Why me, though? What makes me so different?”

Day’s gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know yet. But you didn’t flinch. You didn’t try to force me or treat me like I was just a weapon. You… asked. That’s new.”

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she quickly looked away, focusing on her plate. “Well,” she said softly, “I guess I should be flattered.”

Day snorted, the tension breaking slightly. “Don’t let it go to your head, princess.”

Ariana’s thoughts swirled as she quietly finished her meal. Why had she been the one to break through to him? What made her special? Before she could voice the question, the sharp ring of the academy bell echoed through the room, cutting off her thoughts.

Day stood, stretching lazily. “We should go. Leon’s class is next, and trust me—you don’t want to be late.”

She frowned, standing up as well. “Why? What’s so bad about Leon?”

Day’s lips curved into a smirk as he slung his jacket over one shoulder. “Let’s just say he has a flair for dramatic punishments. And something tells me he’d love to see you squirm.”

Ariana groaned, grabbing her tray. “Great. Just what I need.”

“Come on,” Day said, leading the way out of the cafeteria. “Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you survive. Probably.”

“Not exactly reassuring,” she muttered, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips as she followed him.

As Ariana and Day entered Leon’s classroom, the room was already buzzing with energy. Meisters and weapons chatted in small clusters, their voices filling the space with a mixture of excitement and tension. But as Ariana walked in, she couldn’t ignore the whispers that followed in their wake.

“Is that Day? Thought he’d been locked up for good…”

“She’s working with him? Brave or stupid?”

“Wonder how long she’ll last before he ditches her.”

Ariana’s shoulders stiffened, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag. She glanced at Day, expecting him to react, but he just kept walking, his expression unreadable. The whispers didn’t seem to faze him in the slightest.

They found seats toward the back of the classroom, and Ariana took a deep breath, trying to ignore the occasional glances cast in their direction. Before she could say anything to Day, the door swung open, and Leon strode in with his usual commanding presence. The room fell silent almost instantly.

“Good morning, everyone,” Leon said, his voice sharp but not unkind. “Before we begin, I want to congratulate all of you for completing the training course yesterday. Not a single injury among you—a rare achievement.”

A murmur of pride rippled through the class, though Leon’s next words quickly silenced it.

“However,” he continued, pacing in front of the room, “yesterday’s course was child’s play compared to what lies ahead. If you want to succeed as meisters and weapons, you need more than just brute strength or clever tactics. You need synchronization. Without it, you’ll never unlock your true potential.”

Leon stopped in the center of the room, his piercing gaze sweeping over the students. “Now, who wants to demonstrate what synchronization should look like?”

Before anyone else could react, Kai’s hand shot up. “I’ll do it.”

Ariana’s attention snapped to Kai as he stood, his weapon—an unassuming girl with short, silvery hair—rising with him. Ariana realized she’d never seen Kai’s weapon in action or even heard much about her. The two of them walked to the front of the class with a calm confidence that caught everyone’s attention.

Leon stepped aside, gesturing for them to begin. “Go ahead.”

Kai and his weapon stood facing each other. They didn’t speak, but the connection between them was palpable. Their eyes locked, and the room seemed to hold its breath. Slowly, the girl’s form shimmered, transforming into a weapon in a flash of silver light. Ariana leaned forward, intrigued.

Kai stood still, holding his weapon—a sleek, double-edged spear with swirling black and white patterns etched into the blade. But it wasn’t just the weapon that captivated the room. A faint aura began to form around Kai, spiraling in black and white tendrils that seemed to pulse with his every breath.

Ariana watched, mesmerized. The energy wasn’t chaotic or wild—it was controlled, purposeful, and deeply connected. She could see Kai’s focus in the way he moved, the way the aura wrapped around him like a second skin. It was clear that he and his weapon weren’t just partners; they were nearly in harmony.

But not perfect. Ariana noticed the occasional flicker in the aura, a momentary lapse in its rhythm. Kai’s breathing grew heavier as he worked to maintain the synchronization, and though he succeeded, it was clear it wasn’t effortless.

Leon clapped his hands once. “Good. Not flawless, but close. You’re well on your way, Kai.”

Kai lowered his weapon, and the aura faded as he exhaled deeply. His weapon transformed back into her human form, giving him a brief nod before they returned to their seats.

Ariana tore her eyes away, her mind racing. Could Day and I pull something like that off? She glanced at Day, a question forming in her mind, only to find him already watching her.

“Daydreaming already?” he teased, leaning closer so only she could hear.

She ignored his tone, whispering, “Do you think we can do that?”

Day raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. “Of course we can. It’s basic stuff—but it’s all about connection. We have to be in sync. Our souls have to be aligned, moving on the same wave.”

Ariana frowned, processing his words. “Aligned… How do we do that?”

He shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “Takes time. Practice. Trust. You don’t just snap your fingers and make it happen.”

She chewed on her bottom lip, glancing back at Kai, who was still catching his breath. His display had been impressive, but it wasn’t perfect. Ariana’s chest tightened at the thought of trying to match—or surpass—that level of synchronization.

Leon’s voice cut through her thoughts. “This isn’t something you master overnight. Synchronization is a skill built over time with effort and understanding between meister and weapon. We’ll be working on it today, so I hope you’ve all brought your focus.”

Ariana took a deep breath, her gaze shifting to Day. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a steady, confident look. “Guess we’d better bring our A-game,” he said quietly.

She nodded, determination settling in her chest. “Guess we better.”

The classroom buzzed with energy as students paired off, diving into synchronization practice. Ariana lingered for a moment, observing the others. She spotted pairs she would’ve never expected—meisters and weapons from vastly different backgrounds moving together in surprising harmony. Some barely managed to summon a faint aura, their connections tentative and uncertain. Others radiated stronger energy, their auras creeping up to their shoulders or necks in a display of growing synergy.

Ariana’s gaze shifted to Day, who stood beside her with his usual nonchalance. “Are you ready?” she asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest.

He shrugged, a lazy grin tugging at his lips. “Let’s find out.”

In an instant, his body glowed crimson, shifting seamlessly into his weapon form. The massive battle axe appeared in her hands, its weight familiar but not as overwhelming as before. Ariana adjusted her grip, surprised at how much lighter he felt. She could feel the curious stares of the other students, their eyes drawn to the weapon in her hands. Few had ever seen Day’s weapon form before, and their whispers filled the room.

Ignore them, she thought, taking a deep breath.

“You’re overthinking,” Day’s voice echoed softly in her mind. “Relax. I’ve got you.”

Ariana froze for a moment, startled by the intimacy of his voice inside her head. “How are you—?”

“It’s part of the connection,” he explained. “Now stop panicking and focus. Close your eyes. Trust me.”

She hesitated but obeyed, her eyes fluttering shut. The world around her faded, replaced by the warmth of Day’s energy. “What do I do?”

“Listen to me,” he said calmly. “Visualize it. My voice. My soul. See it.”

In the darkness of her mind, a faint light appeared—flickering and purple, like a flame burning in the distance. It wavered, fragile yet unyielding. Ariana instinctively reached for it, each step drawing her closer to its warmth. The moment her hand extended fully, the flame leaped into her palm, steady and strong.

“Good,” Day murmured, his tone lighter, almost proud. “You’re doing great.”

Ariana’s eyes opened, and her breath hitched. Surrounding her was a massive, roaring flame of energy—purple and wild, radiating from her like a living inferno. It consumed the space around her, towering high above her head, licking the air with an intensity that made her skin buzz. The room fell silent as every student turned to stare.

Leon leaned casually against his desk, his arms crossed, watching her closely with an unreadable expression. On the other side of the room, Kai scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he leaned back against the wall.

Ariana glanced down at Day, whose voice rang in her mind again. “Not bad, huh? Told you I wasn’t just for show.”

She smiled faintly, her grip tightening on his handle. But her moment of pride was short-lived as Kai’s voice cut through the silence.

“Impressive… if you’re into brute force,” he sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. “You look like you’re barely holding him together. Honestly, it’s kind of embarrassing.”

Ariana’s stomach twisted, her focus faltering slightly. The flame flickered, and her grip on Day wavered. Kai’s weapon—a sleek, sharp blade resting at his side—transformed, its aura glowing faintly as he strode to the center of the room.

“Let me show you how it’s done,” Kai continued, lifting his weapon with ease. The black-and-white spiral of energy from earlier returned, wrapping around him in perfect rhythm. His aura was smaller than Ariana’s but controlled and steady, a stark contrast to her wild flames. “See? Power doesn’t mean anything if you can’t control it.”

Ariana gritted her teeth, her confidence wavering. “Is he right?” she whispered, her voice shaking.

“No,” Day said firmly, his energy surging. “Ignore him. He’s just trying to get under your skin. You’re better than this.”

As if to prove his point, Day’s aura flared, the flames growing hotter and brighter. The intensity pushed against the walls, forcing the other students to step back. The heat was almost unbearable, and several classmates shielded their faces from the force of it.

Kai stumbled back, his spiral flickering as he steadied himself. “What the—?”

“You talk too much,” Day’s voice rang out, calm yet sharp. “Let’s see if you can back it up.”

The two auras collided, Kai’s spiral crashing against Day’s flames in a visible clash of energy. The room vibrated with the pressure, the sound of crackling power filling the air. Ariana’s arms trembled under the weight of Day’s energy, her breathing growing ragged as she tried to maintain control.

“Day,” she gasped. “I… I can’t—”

“Breathe,” he urged, his tone softening. “We’ve done enough. Let it go.”

Slowly, the flames began to die down, shrinking until they disappeared entirely. Ariana lowered Day to the floor, collapsing to her knees as she struggled to catch her breath. Sweat dripped down her face, her body trembling from the effort.

Kai lowered his own weapon, his face pale but smug. “Told you. All flash, no substance.”

“Enough,” Leon’s voice boomed, silencing the room. He stepped forward, his expression sharp. “This is practice, not a competition. If you want to prove something, do it when it counts—not by showing off in my classroom.”

Ariana looked up at Day’s weapon form, her fingers brushing the handle lightly. Despite her exhaustion, a small spark of determination flickered within her. She could do this. They could do this. It would just take time.

Leon clapped his hands, pulling the room’s attention back to him. “Alright, everyone, settle down. Let’s refocus,” he said, his tone sharp but not unkind. “What you just witnessed was a perfect example of how diverse weapons and meisters can be. Some pairs radiate raw power; others exhibit precision and control. But the strength of a weapon’s aura comes down to one thing: the soul.”

The room grew quiet as Leon began pacing. “Every soul is unique—its resonance, its intensity, its purpose. Some weapons naturally possess a stronger aura because their soul burns brighter, wilder. Others, like Kai’s weapon, demonstrate finesse and balance. There’s no ‘better’ or ‘worse’—it’s all about finding harmony with your meister.”

Ariana scribbled notes diligently, her head nodding as she tried to absorb the information. Day, meanwhile, had returned to his human form and was leaning back in his seat, arms crossed and eyes half-closed. He tilted his head toward her. “Wake me when it gets interesting,” he muttered before closing his eyes completely.

Ariana rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She turned her focus back to her notebook, her pen scratching across the paper. A few minutes into Leon’s lecture, a soft voice interrupted her concentration.

“Hi,” the girl said, her voice bright and cheerful.

Ariana looked up to see a petite girl with short, spiky pink hair and a warm smile standing beside her desk. Behind her stood a boy of the same height, his messy brown hair and mischievous grin giving him a roguish charm. Ariana’s first thought was that he might be as much trouble as Day.

“I’m Mina,” the girl said, gesturing to herself. “And this is Scraps.” She jabbed her thumb toward the boy, who gave a mock salute. “We’re partners.”

Ariana nodded politely. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ariana, and this is—” She hesitated, glancing at Day, who was still pretending to nap. “That’s Day.”

Mina’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I know. You guys were amazing earlier! That aura you and Day pulled off was incredible.” She sat down on the edge of Ariana’s desk, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “Scraps and I have an electrical aura. It’s not as flashy, but it’s pretty cool when we sync up.”

Scraps smirked, crossing his arms. “Cool enough to fry anyone who gets too close.”

Ariana smiled, relaxing slightly. “That sounds impressive.”

“Thanks,” Mina said, sliding into the seat beside Ariana. “But seriously, you and Day? Total showstoppers. The way your aura flared like that—it was like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

Ariana flushed, feeling both flattered and embarrassed. “We’ve got a long way to go,” she admitted. “That wasn’t exactly… controlled.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Mina said with a dismissive wave. “Raw power like that? You’ve got something special. You just need to figure out how to hone it.”

The two girls continued to chat quietly as Leon’s lecture carried on. Mina’s infectious energy made it easy for Ariana to let her guard down, and she found herself genuinely enjoying the conversation. Scraps chimed in occasionally, his sarcastic remarks earning playful jabs from Mina, but his presence wasn’t as intimidating as Ariana had first thought.

By the time the class ended, Ariana felt a little lighter. For the first time since meeting Day.