Chapter 1 - A New Storm

"These things usually go fast, but it's still taking a long time."

, said the lad while riding a train bound to Golden Chalice Academy.

The school is located on a distant remote island that took two hours by train. Because of this, students are less distracted by the outside world. Most of their necessities are provided by the school including shopping malls amd restaurants for recreation and entertainment. Once the term starts, students are not allowed to leave the premises if not allowed by the principal.

" Wow! The sea never ceases to amaze me." he said as he admired the beautiful scenery of the ocean floor as the train passed an underwater tunnel.

" Right?" spoke a girl from the seat behind him. " They said that this ten kilometer long tunnel was made by only six months. Amazing, right?"

The lad looked back and saw an elegant girl with a short brown hair wearing a school uniform facing the opposite direction as him.

" Um- ", he spoke as to get her attention.

" Oh, I'm sorry ", she said, " I was just glad to hear that someone else was also delighted by the beauty of this underwater tunnel."

The girl stood while fixing her brown hair that got caught by her naturally long lashes.

" I'm Alex, Alex Celestine. Nice to meet you, um- ",

" My name is Wade."

" Just Wade? No last name? ", she asked.

Wade stood silently and tried to look away.

" It doesn't matter. Nice to meet you Wade!" Alex said as she reached out her hand to him.

His facial features sparked Alex's curiosity. He had a natural white hair, a perfectly shaped nose and his eyes were pitch black. It's as if there were no irises in his eyes. Just a plain dark lens that would make you drown if you stare at it too much.

" It's nice to meet you, too.", he replied while shaking her hand.

" You're a freshman from the Golden Chalice Academy, right?", she asked.

" Yes, how did you know?",

" Well, most young people riding this train are usually students from the academy including me."

" Oh, you're a student there, too?"

" Yep, I'm a second year student and a president to one of the clubs in the academy.",

" Wow, you must be famous being a club president in just your second year.",

" Not really, ehe- ", she answered while shyly scratching her head. " The other clue that made me think that you're a freshman is that you don't have the aura bracelet yet."

She said while pointing at her right wrist showing a unique bracelet with a thin and light structure.

Wade firmly grasped Alex's wrist and curiously stared at the bracelet,

" So this is the famous aura bracelet.",

" Um- ", Alex gently spoke while in pain. She tried pulling her hand, but it was of no use.

" I'm so sorry!", Wade apologized sincerely as he gently let go of her wrist.

" I was just curious. It's my first time seeing these in person."

" It's okay.", she replied, " I was just surprised with your grip strength. Most guys couldn't hold my hands steady, you know."

" Really? I didn't notice I was being hard. I'm really sorry." Wade said while bowing his head.

" It's okay, don't sweat it.", she said.

" Well, this train won't arrive for at least 50 more minutes, why don't you sit beside me. It's more fun talking to someone during long rides like this.", Alex said while smiling.

" Yeah, I guess you're right.",

Wade slowly walked towards her seat and sat beside Alex.

They talked about many things slowly getting comfortable with each other's company while laughing and pointing at things that interests them. After talking for a while, both of them got really sleepy and dozed off.

: NEXT STOP, GOLDEN CHALICE ACADEMY:

: NEXT STOP, GOLDEN CHALICE ACADEMY:

: WE'RE TAKING A STOP FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUR PERSONAL NECESSITIES :

: WE'RE TAKING A STOP FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUR PERSONAL NECESSITIES :

Wade woke up after hearing the public address from the train.

" I need to pee, why doesn't this train have bathroooms,.sheesh."

As he was about to stand up, he realised something heavy was in his lap.

Alex was sound asleep and was using his lap as a pillow.

Wade gently patted her head, " How can you be so defenseless around people you barely know."

While patting her head, Wade sensed bloodlust coming from behind.

Suddenly, two tall cloaked men stood in front of him.

" Don't move, if you don't want to get hurt.", Said the one in front. " We only want the girl."

" Let's hurry up brother, we only have 10 more minutes until the train leaves.", said the other one.

" What do you plan to do with her?", Wade asked while covering Alex with his arms.

" It doesn't concern you boy.", the man in front said as he reached out his hand to grab Alex.

Wade quickly pushed Alex, but gently enough to only make her sit upright. Before she could gain consciousness, Wade grabbed both men in the neck and dragged them to the back of the train car.

" Huh? I could've sworn that Wade was sitting next to me.", Alex spoke while rubbing her eye.

" Oh, we're at the last stop. Maybe he went to the bathroom."

Suddenly, a hand grabbed Alex's shoulder. She immediately grabbed the person's wrist and threw him to the ground by reflex.

" Aghhh!! ", Wade shouted in pain as he was slammed to the floor.

" Wade!!", Alex exclaimed as she saw the person's face. " Are you alright?? I'm so sorry! I was surprised and did it on reflex!"

Wade slowly stood up while holding his back,

" I'm alright, it was my fault scaring you like that, no worries."

" Are you sure??" she anxiously asked.

" I threw you really hard, regular people would have broken their backs after that."

" Well, I guess I got lucky." he said with a smile.

Alex sighed in relief.

" Fine, then. As long as you're okay. But don't sneak in on me again, okay?".

" I'll be more careful next time.", he replied.

: EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS, NEXT STOP : GOLDEN CHALICE ACADEMY:

: EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS, NEXT STOP : GOLDEN CHALICE ACADEMY:

Wade and Alex settled down and the train started moving again.

At the station, there was a commotion. Security arrested two suspicious men that were found strapped and unconscious at the station's waiting area.

The guards had to carry them both for they were out cold.

" What in the world happened to these two?", asked the head of security.

" Witnesses said that a young man dragged them both out of the train and strapped them tightly to the waiting area bench.", replied one of the guards.

" If that young man is a student of the academy, then it must be possible."

Both unconscious men were carried to the patrol car and was transported to the nearest police station.

The train ran smoothly as it passed through a tunnel beneath a mountain near the sea.

" The academy should be visible when this tunnel comes to an end.", Alex said.

After exiting the tunnel, Wade saw the huge island with only the train's railroad connecting the island from the main land.

At the center was the Academy. With it's size, it can be clearly seen from a mile away.

" Wow!", Wade gasped as he saw the breathtaking view.

" Amazing isn't it?", said Alex. " The island is equipped with all the facilities needed for our trainings and entertainment."

" Sebastian, you crazy bastard. You really did it.",

Wade softly said while staring at the island with his hand touching the glass looking at the island with awe.

" Did you say something?", she asked.

" Nope", he quickly replied.

" Okay. Well, we should be arriving soon."

: WE HAVE ARRIVED AT GODLEN CHALICE ACADEMY:

: PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BELONGINGS BEFORE LEAVING THE TRAIN:

Both of them walked out of the train, as well as a few more students and in front of the station was the gates of the academy.

" We're here!" Alex exclaimed. " Our luggages will be delivered to our rooms courtesy of the academy."

Wade looked up at the tall gates and walls of the academy.

" Well, I need to go ahead and take care of some stuff.", Alex said. " All you need to know is in the student's guide book and I told you about the basic stuff at the train."

" Okay, thank you so much." Wade replied.

" No need to thank me. See you later!"

she said while walking away.

Wade waved at her as she was getting farther away.

" For now, I guess I need to register in one of the dorms.", he said while opening the guide book.

+++++

Just like all schools, the Golden Chalice Academy have a student council body to keep the students in line and help with the school activities. In this particular school, only the strongest are qualified to enter the student council body.

One of it's current members is Rafaela Ravenclaw.

" Look, it's Rafaela!", said one of the students as they saw her patrolling around the main gate of the Academy.

" She's so stunning."

" So elegant and dignified."

" I would die a happy man if she stepped on my face."

" Not to mention, being the Vice-president of the student council in her second year."

" Yeah, she's undoubtedly the strongest female in our school right now."

People couldn't help but admire Rafaela. She has a hourglass like figure with a long night black hair, with enchanting black eyes and a strong commanding voice. Her superior attitude attracts people around her boys and girls alike.

" Where the hell is Alex?" , Rafaela thought to herself, " Being late again on her first day as secretary. Now I'm stuck patrolling and tending to the newcomers alone."

" Um, excuse me."

Rafaela turned around and saw a young looking lad with white hair and a pitch black pupil. So black that it looks hollow, like it's missing it's iris.

" What's with his eye? Is he blind? Or has problems with his vision?", she thought.

" Yes? Can I help you with some thing?."

" Actually, I'm having a hard time finding the registratio-".

Wade suddenly stopped talking. He leaned closer to Rafaela and placed his hand into her cheek. He stared into her eyes as his face was only an inch apart from hers.

" What's wrong with him?", Rafaela thought unable to move due to the shock of the sudden event.

" What's happening?", said the students who were passing.

" Are they gonna kiss?"

" Look! Raven is being touched by a guy!"

" Your eyes", Wade whispered, " I didn't expect meeting a pure bred Ravenclaw here. Your kind are usually hidden and silent people."

Rafaela was puzzled, this boy knows about her clan even though their presence to the public is nearly invisible even with the government.

A group of students gathered around them without them noticing. Gossiping and staring at them made Rafaela return back to her senses.

" Get away frome me!", she shouted as she sharply swiveled her arm towards Wade.

" Whoops! I'm sorry, I was just intrigued. I didn't mean any harm.", Wade took a quick step back and apologized for his rudeness.

" How dare you touch my face with your dirty male hands!!"

Rafaela took out a spear out of nowhere and launched it towards Wade.

Wade quickly evaded for the spear was directly aimed at his forehead.

" Woah! That's dangerous lady!", he exclaimed.

" Are you gonna fight???", asked one of the students behind Wade.

" No, man.", he immediately replied. " I was just asking around cause I was a little lost."

" Ehh? Is that all?"

" What a bummer."

" Here I thought I'd get to see Raven in action after the long summer break."

" Hitting a woman is strictly against my morals. I'd feel sorry for them.", he added.

Wade suddenly felt a strong bloodlust coming from Rafaela.

" You'd feel sorry for me?", Rafaela grinned while lashing out a katana,

" It's been a while since someone thought so little of me."

" Huh? Are you mad-"

Rafaela suddenly dashed towards Wade, swinging her sword with the intention to kill.

" Hey! Give me a break! ", Wade pleaded as he was doing his best dodging her refined sword skills.

( At the school entrance)

" Rafaela surely will be mad at me for being late again." Alex thought while running towards the Academy gate.

While walking along the school's front assembly ground, Alex saw a swarm of people cheering and shouting, as if they were watching a cockfight.

" Hurry up! I heard Raven is fighting a first year student with white hair and dull black eyes.", said one student while pulling her friend towards the mob.

" It can't be, right?" Alex ran towards the crowd, forcibly pushing her way towards the center of the jam.

" Excuse me! Coming through!"

Rafaela held the sword with both hands and posed a charging stance ready to strike.

" Your head is mine!"

Rafaela leaped towards Wade with an astounding speed, pointing her sword directly to his neck.

: EQUIP: STEEL GLOVES :

Alex suddenly jumped between the two of the and grabbed the sword with one hand which looked like it was wrapped with a pure steel boxing glove.

" Alex!", Rafaela exclaimed. " Get out of the way! I need to teach this new guy some manners."

" Relax, Raf." she replied while slowly bringing her sword down. " It would damage the student council's reputation if you engage in petty fights like this at the start of the new term."

" Yo! Alex!" Wade greeted her with a smile.

" Hello, Wade.", she replied.

" Cool glove you got there."

" Oh, this?" Alex raised her wrist and deactivated the glove. " It's a portion of my Aura armor that I materialized."

" Wait, Alex.", Rafaela said with a puzzled look. " You know this guy?"

" Yep, we sat together on the train before coming here."

"It's Alex! ", the crowd shouted, " the school's strongest females and student council members are both here!"

" We should get going," Alex said to avoid more commotion.

" Wait!", Rafaela exclaimed, " We're not finished new guy!"

" It's Wade", he replied looking very annoyed. " It's just like Alex said, it's pointless having these petty fight at the start of the term."

" Petty?", Rafaela angrily asked.

" Fine! I'll make it official! I challenge you to a duel!"

" The Raven challenged him to a duel! This is a big news!"

" A duel?", Wade scratched his head.

" Hey, Raf-", Alex calmly spoke to Rafaela.

" Maybe you're taking this a bit too far-"

" Stay out of this Alex!" she said with an asserting tone.

" You might not know this being a newcomer and all; All duels here must have an equivalent condition. If I win, you must leave this school first thing tommorow morning."

" What? She can do that?", Wade asked Alex.

" Technically, she can. But only if you agreed to the duel and lost. Duel conditions here are absolute. You can lose everything if you're not careful.", she replied.

" Wait, what do I get if I win?", he asked.

" Pfftt, HAHAHAHA!", Rafaela laughed while holding her stomach.

" You're right. Not that you could ever beat me, but we at least need to make an equivalent condition to make it an official duel. How about making me your personal slave if you win."

" WOOAAAHHHH! ", the crowd cheered after hearing Rafaela's declaration.

" She's seriously going to do that?"

" The Raven is unbeatable anyway, having her as your slave is just a dream for us commoners."

" STEP ON ME RAFAELA!!!"

" What do you say? Not a bad deal right?", Rafaela arrogantly asked Wade.

" Ugh, how did I get into such a cliche situation?", Wade grumbled.

Alex once again tried to calm Rafaela down,

" Raf, c'mon. We don't need to make such a big fuss abou-",

" Okay, let's do it.'

" What!?" Alex blurted out.

" Ooohhhh!!! He accepted!!"

" There's no going back now!"

" My condolences to you kid!"

" Hah! That's more like it!" Rafaela unequipped her sword and turned around.

" I'll be waiting for you at 1700H in Arena Two. Keep in mind that forfeiting is bound for an instant loss. So please don't run away without a fight."

Rafaela walked away gracefully and the crowd began to disperse.

" Why did you accept the duel!??", Alex shouted at him.

" Well, I need someone to guide me around school and show me the ropes. I can't depend on you forever. I don't want to annoy you, my very first friend here at school. Having a slave on the other hand is quite handy.", he replied.

" Quite handy you say!?", Alex exclaimed,

" Rafaela is currently the strongest female at school! She became the vice-president of the student council in her second year because of the outstanding display of skill. Even the Student council president, who is the strongest in the whole academy never picked a fight with her!"

" Seriously?"

Alex nodded in response.

" I'm in trouble, aren't I?"

" Don't ask me. Gahh!", Alex sighed loudly.

" Besides, I won't mind helping you out." she said with a soft voice.

" What was that?", he asked.

" Nothing!", she replied. " C'mon! I'll help you register and take you to your room. It'd be a pain if you start something again while I'm not looking."

" That'd be a great help!"

" It's nothing, since this will be the last time that I could help you anyway." she depressingly replied.

+++++

" This is it, Room 210."

Alex unlocked the door and pushed it open.

" This could have been your room for the school life you could've had here. Enjoy it while you can.", she opened the curtains and windows to lighten up the room.

" Wow! The bed is so big! ",

" It's a standard size bed here.", she replied. " Higher ranking students have bigger rooms and even have monthly stipends."

" Really?", he said while feeling the softness of the bed. " This school surely is amazing."

" Well, I have to go. Test the stove and the shower if it's working and make sure you get enough rest for this afternoon.", she said while wakling towards the door.

" Where are you going?", Wade asked.

" Aren't you tired from the trip, too? My bed is big enough for both of us. You can sleep beside me if you like?"

Alex's face blushed from being flustered.

" What are you saying to an unmarried woman like me? You pervert!"

" I just meant going to sleep and rest together." he replied with a straight look on his face.

Alex realized he wasn't joking,

" *sigh, I guess you're one of those clueless types.", she said. " I have some things to do right now, but I'll take on your offer next time, if we ever meet again *wink." Alex said as she left the room.

Wade looked at the window and admired the view from his dorm room.

" This place is so peaceful, I'm quite jealous, Seb."

--END OF CHAPTER 1--