The morning light filtered softly through the academy's courtyard as Kazuki stood apart from the group, his mind racing. The upcoming two-on-two battle loomed, and with it came the question: who would be his partner?
His options were clear — Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong. But none were straightforward choices.
Tang San and Xiao Wu were the closest pair, their bond obvious and unbreakable. Kazuki knew teaming up with either one would likely mean he'd be overshadowed or forced into their dynamic. They'd instinctively team up with each other, and Kazuki could not afford to be sidelined.
Ning Rongrong, the proud heiress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, was tempting for her buffs and support. Yet Kazuki's instincts warned him. He knew too much of the undercurrents—how her clan schemed behind closed doors. The version of Ning Rongrong here was far from the mature, wise spirit master she would become. Instead, she was arrogant, lazy at times, and dismissive of others she deemed beneath her social standing. Trusting her fully was a risk Kazuki wasn't ready to take.
That left Zhu Zhuqing. Kazuki barely knew her. They had exchanged few words, and her thoughts remained a mystery. But something in her speed, her stealth, and her grace suggested a synergy with his own spatial manipulation. A hit-and-fade style that could catch opponents off guard and control the battlefield.
He considered other students like Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun — both strong but far too aggressive for Kazuki's calculated, methodical style. Their playstyles would clash, and Kazuki valued control over brute force. Oscar, though full of potential, was still weak early on and his soul skills wouldn't complement Kazuki's in a meaningful way.
His mind made up, Kazuki sought out Zhu Zhuqing.
Before he could approach, Ning Rongrong came striding up, a hint of a challenge in her eyes.
"I want to team up with you," she said, voice edged with both pride and hope.
Kazuki met her gaze evenly. "I appreciate it, but I think Zhu Zhuqing would be a better fit for my style. Her speed and stealth complement my abilities."
Ning Rongrong's face flickered with surprise and a moment of spoiled frustration, but she quickly masked it.
"Fine," she said, a forced smile tugging at her lips. "Next time then."
Kazuki nodded. "Next time."
The brief tension eased as Ning Rongrong turned away, but the moment hadn't gone unnoticed.
When Kazuki finally asked Zhu Zhuqing, she raised an eyebrow. "Why me?"
"I don't know you well, but your speed and stealth would mesh well with my spatial control. Together, we can hit hard and vanish before they even know what happened."
Zhu Zhuqing considered this, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I like the sound of that."
As they talked, they failed to notice Dai Mubai standing at a distance, watching intently.
His jaw tightened, and a scowl mixed with a smirk twisted one corner of his mouth. He wasn't angry — not entirely. It was jealousy, bitter and sharp. Watching Zhu Zhuqing lean into Kazuki's rhythm, exchange those silent nods of coordination… it was a scene he'd never witnessed with her before.
"So this is what she looks like when she trusts someone," Dai Mubai muttered under his breath.
His white robe fluttered as a gust of wind caught it. He clenched the folded cuff of his sleeve tightly — a gesture not of anger, but of regret, bitterness, and perhaps a hint of fear.
He could confront Kazuki. Demand a spar. Remind Zhu Zhuqing who she was betrothed to. But he didn't. Instead, with one last burning glance over his shoulder, he turned and walked away.
His heart raced with a sudden urgency — a mix of jealousy and awakening realization that things were changing, and his place beside Zhu Zhuqing was no longer guaranteed.
The tension simmered beneath the academy's calm exterior, as alliances formed, and new rivalries quietly began.
After sealing their reluctant alliance, Kazuki and Zhu Zhuqing made their way toward the registration area, the air thick with anticipation. The large stone archway marked the entrance to the Great Spirit Arena's tournament hall, where dozens of teams were already gathering.
"We need a team name," Zhu Zhuqing said, glancing sideways at Kazuki.
He thought for a moment, then nodded. "Silent Eclipse. It fits — we strike unseen, vanish before they know what hit them."
Zhu Zhuqing smirked, approving the choice. "Silent Eclipse it is."
At the registration desk, they signed their names together, officially entering the two-on-two competition under that name. Next, they each signed up for the one-on-one battles, their individual fates now intertwined with the coming clashes.
With formalities complete, they moved toward the arena seating to watch the ongoing matches.
The Great Spirit Arena was a sprawling coliseum, its stands packed with eager spectators and fellow students. The air buzzed with excitement and tension as combatants faced off, their martial souls clashing in brilliant displays of power and strategy.
Kazuki's sharp eyes studied each fight intently, noting techniques, weaknesses, and synergy between team members.
Beside him, Zhu Zhuqing remained silent but alert, her expression unreadable as she watched fighters land blows and dodge attacks with lightning speed.
Around them, other new students whispered bets and speculated on outcomes, but Kazuki's mind was elsewhere — already calculating, planning, and preparing for his own battles yet to come.
The stage was set. The trials had begun.