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In the depths of darkness, the meeting room doors opened with a loud clatter of heels.

Expressionless faces settled into the cold metal chairs.

Before them lay a round table, with four seats symbolizing the head position left unoccupied.

From the three seats now occupied, a blue hologram flickered to life. Each person was a powerful figure recognizable to anyone.

The presence of the holographic figures overwhelmed the meeting room.

Breaking the flowing silence, a deep voice from one of the holograms resonated across the room.

“Well then, shall we begin? It is unfortunate that we cannot meet in person to discuss our matters. Especially the incident regarding the Grand Mage.”

As a man dressed in a dark blue lab coat surveyed the room, a bald man with a rugged demeanor responded sharply.

“What’s so unfortunate? There’s no reason to pity that pathetic old man. The fact that he fell apart due to those small-time terrorist groups shows just how weak they truly are.”

In rebuttal to the man’s words, a woman with green hair chimed in mockingly.

“Commander. It’s true that Magnavis has been careless, but to wholly blame the old alliance for it is unwise. I hope that your shiny head doesn’t reflect the level of your reasoning. The Ariel Group is not an organization to underestimate.”

In response to the woman’s remark, Commander Cordo scoffed.

“Administrator. Isn’t that why we requested security reinforcement from you? It’s not like you can condemn us for blasting about when you couldn’t even uncover the traces of the Ariel Group for months. And Vanguard collapsed? They must have fled to the continent in fear. How ludicrous they looked whining about regaining their pride after the humiliation inflicted by some arrogant terrorists.”

“It was a strategic retreat. It’s objectively a successful operation considering how much clan power was preserved. You can’t just label it as cowardice.”

“You should have gone for an all-out war! That’s a sign of a lack of will. You were only embarrassed by backing down like that. You know as well as I that humiliation on this turf means destruction. You only provided an opportunity for the Federal Army to intervene. Valefor is getting old now too.”

Watching the two bicker, Secretary General Fegan interjected in a cold tone to admonish them.

“Both of you, let’s stop here. We have gathered to discuss our plans so far and the recent situations.”

At the Secretary’s words, the Chief Administrator of Arshite and the Commander of Restraid turned to look at him.

“The whereabouts of the Ariel Group remain elusive, while the Federal’s carrier fleet has dominated the western region for several months. Moreover, incidents continue to emerge in the academy city, across the continent, and beyond the gates and walls into the otherworld. We must not forget our purpose for being in Rustroom.”

Commander Cordo scoffed again, crossing his arms.

“Of course. We are always prepared. Now, let’s get down to business. Elena, you go first.”

The Administrator of Arshite began to explain.

“First, the whereabouts of the Ariel Group remain a mystery. They seem to have dropped from the sky. I speculated they might be receiving federal support like the Obsidian Legion in terms of armament and equipment, but that remains unconfirmed. However, I have secured some important clues and measures.”

At that moment, the two powerful figures behind the hologram received new information through a secret line.

“Our investigations revealed traces of them infiltrating through sewers or vents. While we can’t be certain, there’s a significant likelihood that they possess the ability to pass through walls or pillars.”

Listening to the Administrator’s explanation, the two exchanged opinions.

“The security procedures and checks have been reinforced. The command structure has also been further decentralized. It has become more complex and slower to respond than before, but this is the only way to cope with simultaneous attacks.”

“Administrator, following the counsel of the team you dispatched, we have decentralized the command and control systems between underground and aerial. There’s no way it will collapse at once.”

After wrapping up their exchange of information and opinions, they turned to the next subject.

“Commander, how is the Colossus plan coming along?”

“It’s stuck for now, but there should be results within the next few years. By the way, the noise from inside and outside is getting louder.”

“The federal gaze is quite sharp for moving our main forces. That scholarship officer from the Inspection Bureau who was newly appointed last year isn’t to be underestimated either.”

“For the time being, we should lie low. We’ll have to outsource.”

The secret meeting continued for a while longer.

**

As the short winter break came to an end, the second semester of the first year at Aegis Academy was just around the corner.

The Violets started a new day once again with the refreshing morning sunlight.

“Strong and powerful morning!”

The Violets got up from their seats, tidied their bedding, washed up, and prepared breakfast.

Out of boredom, they turned on the TV, and today’s news was on repeat.

[The Abyss Clan has made an unfortunate exit during the Redport region exploration…]

[The trial related to Polaris Academy is still ongoing.]

Perhaps it was the morning rush hour; all it brought were dull news.

An unfortunate reality for the unemployed Violets.

“This one looks a bit interesting.”

As they flipped channels, they caught sight of a person swinging a sword inside what appeared to be the parliament building.

[The passing of the ban on duels and the amendment of the disaster compensation bill have collapsed… 26 injured in the aftermath of a duel.]

[Senator Lemar, boasting a record of 20 consecutive wins, declares ‘a duel is the sacred tradition of the Federal Assembly.’]

More news about politicians having a grand old fight today. Though it’s called the parliament, it’s just a duel arena where they battle over laws.

Watching the broadcast, a humorous thought crossed their minds.

“Should I become a congressman too?”

“That sounds super fun!”

Filling all the seats with myself. Then I could do anything, right?

“Let’s pass the Violet Welfare Act!”

“And we’ll draft the law for constructing a theme park exclusively for Violets!”

“How about taxing citizens and clans? Just collecting 1000 credits from each person…”

Even after breakfast, that thought wouldn’t leave my head.

A Violet with a gold badge must be something cool.

While I was grinning ear to ear in the training ground, Instructor Frederick asked.

“Hey, what’s got you so happy? Is it because the day to go to a new academy is nearing?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much…”

When I brought up the news a moment ago, the instructor clicked his tongue.

“There you go again. Politicians are naturally like that.”

“Seeing that made me think being a member of the assembly would be fun. I think I could do it well, right?”

After pondering my words for a moment, the instructor finally spoke with a subtle expression.

“If you ever enter the assembly in the future, don’t just blow things up if you don’t like it.”

“Come on, no way…”

I can’t understand why people keep worrying that I might blow something up as soon as they see me.

“If it’s a dream you genuinely desire, I’ll support you. But it will be tough to get appointed as a congressman without a recommendation from a clan or the military, so you should look into that first.”

Come to think of it, how does one even become a member of the Federal Assembly? There must be a way.

“But Instructor, why did you call for me this morning?”

“It’s nothing much, just that I have a proposal for you, Violet.”

As he spoke, the instructor pulled out a large book.

The shining left arm prosthetic, newly fitted, handed over the book.

“What is this?”

“This is a textbook containing the unique close-combat techniques of Polaris Academy. Fortunately, I had it with me before the academy was lost.”

“Are you saying…?”

I felt something quite unsettling at that moment.

“I’ve been making you build a foundation over the past months. Now it’s time to start properly. Albert will also begin teaching seriously, so I need to pass on important knowledge as well.”

The instructor continued in a serious voice.

“Though the academy may have vanished, that knowledge hasn’t been lost. I want to teach it to you.”

“Really?”

Suddenly, a question popped into my mind. Why do I have to learn this particular thing?

“Instructor, but I’m already a student at Aegis Academy. Is there really a reason to learn this? After all, I’ll end up learning their swordsmanship or weapon techniques anyway.”

In response to my question, Instructor Frederick began clarifying.

“You’re right. Normally, I wouldn’t have brought it up at all. Learning half-baked would only interfere with your studies. I believe that Polaris is the best academy as a first-year student, but I acknowledge Aegis Academy’s level. However, they have their own issues.”

“What issues?”

“The weapon techniques at Aegis Academy tend to be more defensive. And they have a tendency to overly pursue balance. While there’s nothing wrong with considering both large monster battles and one-on-one matches, there’s also nothing particularly outstanding about them.”

The instructor lifted a one-handed sword and began slicing through the air.

“Of course, there are plenty of offensive weapon techniques and swordsmanship as well. I’ve heard stories that the old federal army developed powerful techniques for one-on-one combat. But do you think techniques meant for dealing with people would work against monsters? To subdue the monsters with varying sizes and traits, you need the proper techniques.”

The sword moved slowly, tracing a shape in the air.

“The martial arts of Polaris are different. This is a technique devised specifically for battling monsters. The behavioral patterns of monsters and humans differ fundamentally. Their species and features are all different. Naturally, you must fight them in a different way.”

The instructor took a pause before speaking in a serious tone.

“I wouldn’t have taught this to other children. It would hinder their new learning. But Violet, you’re different from the other students.”

“What makes me different?”

Instructor Frederick pointed to the other Violets and said.

“There are many of you! You can take in countless streams of information from various places and still act without problem. You can even implement magic in parallel operation. So I thought, perhaps out of foolish sentimentality for Polaris, you might be able to handle this technique. And…”

After a moment’s hesitation, the instructor continued.

“I suddenly had an interesting idea. What would happen if you fused the techniques I teach you with the swordsmanship learned from another academy? Wouldn’t you be able to produce an even more superior martial art? Perhaps a technique of invincibility that all hunters and warriors dream of could be born.”

The instructor’s words carried a proposal. It was also a wish imbued with some expectation from him, having once been a warrior handling a sword.

“Um… now that I think about it, that sounds plausible!”

We first asked.

“Can you show us a martial arts demonstration?”

“Just watch and then decide.”

I carefully observed the instructor’s demonstration.

“Make sure you pay close attention. This is a technique stained with the blood and sweat of many seniors from Polaris during the great war.”

The instructor’s sword whipped through the air like a wildfire, drawing a massive trajectory. The seamless movements flowed dynamically.

“Amazing…”

The slashing path of the blade cutting through the air resembled waves crashing against cliffs.

The grand movements evoked a colossal tsunami.

The swift strikes came crashing down like thunder on the ground.

Sometimes, it felt unstable.

It was like watching a small boat struggling against a storm.

Dangerous, yet intense.

Before long, the Violets found themselves clapping unknowingly.

“Wow, that’s awesome!”

“Why didn’t you teach us this earlier?”

The instructor smiled in response to our fervent reactions.

“I was worried that teaching to those who lacked the basics would lead to misunderstandings. So, have you made your decision?”

Without hesitation, I shouted.

“I want to learn!”

We were filled with anticipation. The martial arts exclusive to Violets…

“We’re going to create the Violet martial arts technique!”

This was just a few days before going to Aegis Academy.

 

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