Thousand Year Lore

The forest stood eerily silent under the pale glow of the moon. Rash's rage boiled over as he lunged forward, his dark blade blazing with raw energy. His target: the monstrous creature towering over Ayase, its claws gleaming menacingly. His shout tore through the night as he swung with all his might.

The creature roared in defiance, raising one massive arm to counter the blow. But before the attack could land, an explosion of black smoke erupted between them, consuming the scene entirely. The acrid cloud engulfed everything, leaving Flame and the others momentarily blinded.

When the smoke finally began to dissipate, a breathtaking sight unfolded before their eyes. Seven figures stood in formation around the creature, their presence exuding an overwhelming aura of power. Each figure bore distinct weapons and artefacts, pulsating with intricate runes that glowed faintly in the moonlight.

The fight began in earnest.

The Seven Figures in Combat

The tallest of the seven, clad in jet-black armor, wielded a massive halberd, spinning it with frightening precision. With a powerful swing, the blade cut through the air, releasing a wave of energy that slammed into the creature, forcing it back.

On the opposite side, a robed figure raised a staff encrusted with gemstones. The figure muttered a chant, and shimmering golden chains shot out from the ground, binding the creature’s legs. It thrashed wildly, shaking the earth, but the chains held firm.

Another figure darted in with blinding speed, dual blades flashing as they struck the creature’s exposed flank. Sparks flew, and the beast howled, its massive tail lashing out in retaliation. The attacker flipped effortlessly over the strike, landing gracefully on a nearby ruin.

Flame watched in awe as the coordinated attacks unfolded. Each fighter moved with surgical precision, their skills far beyond anything he had ever seen. Elysia whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief, "Who...are they?"

The battle raged on. One figure hurled a massive orb of fire, its intense light momentarily illuminating the ruins, while another summoned a barrier of crackling energy to shield their comrades. Each blow and spell chipped away at the creature’s defenses, until, with a deafening roar, it collapsed in a heap of smoking flesh and fur.

As the echoes of battle faded, the seven figures stood victorious.

The Sixth Squad Captain’s Arrival

Rash, who had been frozen in place, finally snapped out of his daze. His wide-eyed stare locked onto the fallen creature, his breath ragged. But before he could process what had just happened, shimmering blue runes appeared beneath his feet.

In an instant, a cage of glowing light formed around him, trapping him in place. A deep, resonant sound accompanied the arrival of one of the seven figures, who appeared just outside the cage in a flash of light.

The man’s presence was commanding—tall, with an air of authority, his emerald eyes scanning Rash with a piercing gaze. His cloak bore the insignia of the Sixth Squad. Without hesitation, he spoke, his voice cold and precise.

“We’re taking you in for investigation.”

Rash’s eyes widened. “What? Why me?”

Flame stepped forward, his voice sharp. “Wait! Why Rash? What’s going on?”

The captain turned to Flame, his gaze unwavering. “Can’t you see it?” His tone carried an edge of disbelief. “Look closer.”

The group fell silent as all eyes turned to Rash. Slowly, Rash raised a trembling hand to his face. That’s when they saw it: faint, glowing blue lines snaking from his left eye, spreading across his cheek.

“What is this?” Rash whispered, his voice barely audible.

The captain’s expression remained stoic. “Something isn’t right with you. And we intend to find out what.”

Rash, though visibly shaken, forced a smile. “I’ll be fine, Flame. Don’t worry about me.”

With a wave of the captain’s hand, the runic cage shimmered brighter. Before anyone could react, Rash and the captain vanished in a flash of light, leaving behind a stunned silence.

Ayase’s Recovery and the Lore of Shiganshina

After ensuring Ayase received medical attention, the professors decided to continue the excursion. Morning arrived with a somber mood, though curiosity soon took over as they began exploring the ruins.

Flame, Alexia, Elysia, and Lessie remained alert, their thoughts lingering on Rash’s sudden departure. But before they could dwell too much, an unfamiliar voice broke the silence.

“You first-years certainly know how to stumble into trouble.”

They turned to see a man emerging from one of the ancient buildings near the ruins. Dressed in practical but elegant attire, he carried himself with a mix of confidence and intrigue. His piercing gaze swept over the group.

“I am Hisen Histwagon,” he said with a smirk. “Founder of Lithium Industries. We’re here investigating these ruins, and since you’re all here, I’ll serve as your guide. Consider yourselves lucky.”

His tone was light, but his words carried weight. As the students gathered around him, Hisen began to speak of the ruins' history.

“This place holds a thousand years of secrets,” he explained, gesturing to the ancient stonework around them. “Long ago, humanity faced an enemy unlike any other—the Asuras. Beings of immense power, they waged war against us for centuries. The very existence of mankind hung in the balance.”

He paused, his eyes narrowing. “The battlefields stretched across continents, but it was here, in these ruins, that one of the greatest turning points occurred. A legendary force—a coalition of humans wielding the most powerful artefacts—fought back the Asuras. Their sacrifices are the reason we stand here today.”

The students listened in silence, the weight of his words settling over them.

The Camp’s Extension

As night fell, an announcement was made: the camp had been extended, granting them permission to delve deeper into the ruins. It would be a ten-day expedition, allowing the students to uncover more of Shiganshina’s mysteries. Excitement mixed with unease as they settled into their tents, preparing for the days ahead.

The Seven Ace Guards Convene

Far from the ruins, in a grand hall bathed in dim light, the Seven Ace Guards gathered. Each captain stood in a designated spot, their expressions grave.

The Sixth Squad captain stepped forward, addressing the group. “The boy…there’s something strange about him. His reiatsu levels spiked unnaturally. It wasn’t human.”

Another captain, clad in crimson armor, frowned. “Could he be connected to the Asuras?”

The leader of the group, a figure shrouded in shadow, spoke with a commanding tone. “We need answers. The ruins may hold more secrets than we anticipated. Keep a close watch.”

The meeting ended, leaving an air of tension as the captains dispersed.