Kaya was standing in the sparring field on the eleventh floor of the training building . Three girls and two boys were surrounding her. A lot of other students were watching the show from the side-lines.
One of the large screens was showing a countdown timer. As soon as the timer hit zero Kaya and the five people surrounding her moved simultaneously. Kaya rushed at the two girl who were holding guns. They started firing at her. Kaya easily deflected the bullets and continued onward. The other three came between the girls and Kaya.
To most it looked like a deadlock however those who knew Kaya already predicted the result. If bloodline abilities were permitted the result will have been slightly different but if its only weapon and hand fighting, less than handful of students from their term could even survive against Kaya.
Kaya charged at the three people blocking her way. Her movements were so precise that it seemed like the bullets were dodging her rather than the opposite happening. She bridged the distance between them with a few broad steps. All the three attacked Kaya at the same time.
Kaya was unfazed. She deflected the first two swords but for the third one she counterattacked with her full strength. The opponent was thrown back. Taking the opportunity presented in front of her she lunged at the two shooters at the rear. The shooters began to shoot hysterically but still not a single bullet hit Kaya.
After reaching them Kaya punched one in the stomach and hit the hilt of her sword in the stomach of the other. The two girls fell down clutching their stomach. Finally she rested her gaze on the remaining girl and boy. She pointed her sword at them and started to approach them. When she came close to them they attacked in conjunction. She countered the two attacks simultaneously and the pair was thrown back. Before they could gain their balance she was in front on them. The next instant they both were sprawling over the floor clutching their stomach.
"If you want to challenge me at least learn to hold a sword properly", Kaya proudly announced.
"Wait it's not over" the first guy to get knocked, who was also the least injured, tried to save their self-esteem but just one glance from Kaya was enough to make him shut his mouth.
"Anybody next?" she asked looking at the gathered audience. When nobody said a word she wore her black jacket and went out. After her departure the place was again abuzz with noise.
After coming out of the training building Kaya headed straight towards the Training Arena. 'Rubia must have finished her test by now 'she thought.
Kaya Steins. She was an orphan. Her mother was killed by monsters. Before his death her father accomplished many meritorious deeds by killing monsters for the sake of revenge. Due to this Count Argos offered her a title of noble. She declined it and asked to become a Knight instead. Count Argos laughed and took her to his house.
There she met Rubia and Red. During daytime she would practice and train while at night she would study with them. The bond between them became stronger. But soon Red had to leave for the Academy and only Rubia was left with her. She seemed very naïve at first glance but after staying with Rubia for some time she discovered that she was much more intelligent and stronger than she let on.
To become a Knight the easiest method was to pass from Gnosis-Academy with very high scores so Kaya also left for the Academy a few years later. After one year when she met Rubia a lot of changes had transpired in her. The naivety was still there but the aura around her had changed.
That day one year ago she pledged her service to Rubia under certain circumstances. A pledge which can only be broken by death.
The subsequent year Rubia also enrolled into the Academy. Every once in a while they sneaked out at night to have a spar to improve Rubia's fighting skills. Although she had no bloodline ability her recovery speed was much faster than even many Exceeds. Coupled with the insane training she did every day; it could be said that even some Exceeds will not be her match in the future.
While reminiscing about the past Kaya had already reached the Training Arena. Standing in front of the Arena, waiting for Rubia was her best friend Anna Hearts.
"Hey Anna when will she be coming out? It's already been two hours since she went inside."
"Maybe some problem occurred. I'm sure she will come out soon." Anna replied with a smile.
"I wanted to ask..." before Anna could continue the large door behind her slid aside and Knight Farmount came out with the half conscious Rubia lying on a floating bed.
"What happened!?" Anna and Kaya exclaimed at the same time.
" Don't worry, it's nothing serious. I'm just completely exhausted. I will be okay after some rest." Rubia replied in a carefree manner while waving her left hand, which was covered in bandages.
"You should take more care of yourself." retorted the angry Anna. This was not the first time something like this has happened. Although she knew Rubia was a fighting maniac but she still felt bad when she saw Rubia injured all the time.
"Hey Ann I am totally fine. Really", Rubia replied with the same cheerful voice.
"Remove that smile from your face. It's making me angrier." Anna said with a sharp edge to her voice.
Rubia knew better than to argue with an angry Anna so she shut up.
"What was the result?" Kaya asked Knight Farmount.
"She narrowly passed"
Hearing this Kaya furrowed her brows. She knew Rubia better than anyone and how strong she was. After looking at the bandages on her left hand she had an idea what had transpired. She felt sad as it was partly her fault because she injured Rubia thinking that she will be completely healed in time for the test. But last night's injuries were much more serious than she had expected them to be.
By now Rubia had also reconciled with Anna and they were chatting happily.
After her Digi-watch gave her a message, Kaya intervened between Rubia and Anna, "We are ready to go."
"Sorry Kaya, I didn't realize that I was making you wait", Anna said apologetically. After whispering something in Rubia's ear she went away.
Kaya touched her watch to the bed and soon got control over the it.
She looked at Knight Farmount and said, "Thank you for taking care of Rubia."
"Don't mention it. I was only doing my duty. Due to this I also witnessed something interesting."
"Well, we shall also get going then," Kaya bid farewell to Farmount.
"If you ever come to Dedron be sure to visit my home. I will always welcome you with open doors." Rubia waved her hand at Farmount as the moving bed was going after Kaya.
Knight Farmount just watched as the two disappeared behind the buildings. After filling the results of this last test he will finally be ready for vacation.
After walking for some time Rubia and Kaya reached the Airship parking area. They didn't have to search for long before they discovered their ride. At the VIP area was a very well kept and shiny Airship which had a design of a Lapis Lazuli, which represented House Lapis, on both of its wings. And standing in front of it was a man with a very familiar face.
"Welcome Miss Rubia and Miss Kaya. You have undergone a complete change in the time you were here." said the blonde man.
"I too missed you, Jon." Kaya replied with a smile. Hearing her remark Jon's face darkened. He didn't know what he had done to her that she always picked on him. Several times he even had nightmares because of her only. Alas there was nothing he could do about it as she was stronger than him.
"If we start now we will reach there by dusk. Jon if I get late, you are dead." Rubia commented while still lying on the bed.
Jon gulped and hurriedly ran to the pilot's seat. Kaya climbed the airstairs to the Airship followed by the bed of Rubia.
An Airship was a completely different vehicle when compared to the airplanes used by a majority of the people on Gnosis. It had every facility available in a house present here. It also boasted about the ease of travel and the comfort provided. It was more versatile and had more speed.
But one of its most essential advantages was that it did not need a runway. It was equipped with two thrusters at its side which propelled it into the air. And its upper plating was made from solar cells which provided a nearly unlimited source of energy when travelling during daytime.
Sometime after the take-off Kaya sat at the window gazing outside. The capital city of Gnosis, Prospia, was outstretched so far and wide below them that even after observing from 7 miles height its end was not in sight. At the very centre of the city was a very high castle-like tower which nearly touched the sky. Down below, the city appeared to be a neat collection of puzzle blocks arranged together. The Gnosis-Academy was only the size of a fist when observed from here.
After they were halfway across Prospia Rubia woke up. She seemed well rested and fine. The wound on her left hand was also reduced to a scratch. Kaya was always amazed at Rubia's regenerative ability. Even if it was nothing when compared with monsters, it was considerably stronger than even Exceeds like herself.
After observing their surroundings from a window Rubia went to the closet to change her clothes. After some time when Rubia came out after changing her dress Kaya was again reminded that she was not only a friend but also someone to whom she pledged her loyalty.
The playfulness in Rubia's eyes was completely gone. Her face which looked cute previously now had a dignified look. The especially custom-tailored black shirt and black pant perfectly highlighted her athletic body. A Lapis Lazuli representing House Lapis was hung on her left chest. It perfectly matched with her ocean blue eyes. The golden scabbard on her waist made her look more valiant. Considering all these things made it seem that her previous demeanour and behaviour was just a façade to fool others.
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