Kira took her seat, her arms slightly tired from resisting the earlier attack. Thankfully it was a straightforward downwards slash or attempting to divert it but choosing the wrong angle would’ve resulted in her taking more internal damage from the colliding energies. At the same time she was also letting her surprise sink in. While she knew that Teacher Kurokawa was an Inscriptor, she didn’t expect her to be the one taking Rank F's class.

To Kira’s left, and somewhat to her surprise, sat the indigo-haired girl who had stood up for her classmate. From the girl's bearing and speech, Kira had no doubt that she was a noble. On Kira’s right sat the classmate in question, a small girl with orange twintails who’d somehow managed to escape in the confusion. Her shy nature seemed to have disappeared for a time as she stared at the people to her left with unconcealed admiration. Something about her bothered Kira, but she couldn’t place exactly what it was.

While Kira was pondering, Teacher Kurokawa began her lesson.

"Judging from those of you who have decided to follow the path of the Inscriptor, I shouldn't need to give you much explanation on what it is that we do. Put simply, we are responsible for developing new ways in which Soul Energy can be used.

The Inscriptors of old discovered that by using a combination of certain shapes, surfaces and writing materials, Soul Energy can be guided in certain ways and have its properties altered. Since then, this knowledge has been expanded upon and still continues to be researched by Inscriptors to this day.

A complete inscribed pattern, that is, one containing all the elements needed to fulfil its purpose and that works as intended, is called an Inscription Array, or simply an Array. Today, I will be introducing you to the two fundamental building blocks of any array."

Kira sat there taking in the lesson while occasionally glancing around at her classmates. Most were taking down notes while others, including the indigo-haired girl and her classmate with the orange twintails, were simply listening attentively. The only sound other than Teacher Kurokawa's voice was the soft swishing of brush pens.

"Firstly, gridlines. In their simplest form, they are pathways along which Soul Energy can travel. These can be etched into the medium itself or applied using various inks. Due to its calm nature, Soul Energy can use most materials as a medium. Of course, higher quality materials on which gridlines are inscribed have less energy dissipatation than lower quality ones.

From your blank stares I can see that I need to show you what I mean."

Teacher Kurokawa's Storage Crystal glowed softly and two hollow bamboo tubes appeared in her hands. She placed them onto stands that had been set up on the table in front of her. A jar of sand appeared in each of her hands.

"Sand represents Soul Energy and the tubes represent the medium used for inscribing. Now watch."

She instructed and began pouring sand into each tube.

"As you can see, one of the tubes has holes in it causing the sand to escape while the other tube doesn't. Only sand that reaches the other side of the tube, that is, that goes where we need it to go, is useful to us. The amount of useful sand compared to how much was in the jar is affected by the quality of the tube we are using."

The seated students may not have completely understood what she said, but they understood the general concept. Better materials meant better results. Teacher Kurokawa continued her lesson.

"The other key component that you'll be using in your arrays are called nodes. In their most basic form, they look like solid circles but they are more than simple shapes. Nodes have two important functions. The first, is that they function as temporary containers for energy, allowing it to be stored and released. The second, is that they can have seals inscribed upon them.

Seals are a special sub-category of components and can be thought of as Insciptions themselves. Seals don't follow the conventional rules and structure of Inscriptions. They are special symbols that have unique effects on Soul Energy when it is passed through them. When a node has a seal Inscribed on it, any Soul Energy that fills that node receives the effect of that seal.

However, seals have fixed designs. If a seal is not correctly Inscribed, it won't produce the desired effect. At worst, it could seriously harm the one trying to use it. Today, I'm going to teach you some basic seals which you will be using to create an illumination array, a simple yet useful array which will serve you well whenever you find yourself needing light."

Kira noticed that Teacher Kurokawa didn't seem as cold as usual, and it wasn't just the room that was warm. She spoke more passionately than Kira had seen before and it was clear that the discipline was very dear to her.

Aside from the pressure of Teacher Kurokawa observing them as she walked between the desks, Kira found the calm atmosphere relaxing as she created her illumination array with the utmost care. Compared to the constant testing which was physically and mentally taxing, this kind of quiet, focused work was a welcome break.

By the time the afternoon class had ended, everyone had managed to complete their array with varying results. Teacher Kurokawa didn't hold back on her criticism and even instructed those who had done poorly to complete a satisfactory one as homework. It was the closest thing to an ordinary school experience as Kira had experienced at the Academy so far and she had a suspicion that it wasn't going to last.

As Kira got up to leave the Teaching Hall, the two girls on either side walked up to her. Before she could say anything, the orange-haired girl's words flooded out of her mouth.

“That…was amazing. Uhm, I-I mean thank both of you so much. I was so scared but you came to help me. You two are awesome. I’m Akane. I already know Big Sis Suzuki cos we’re in the same class but…what’s Indigo-Sis’ name?”

The short girl spoke quickly but also softly forcing Kira to bend down to clearly hear what she was saying. Her shyness was still present but she seemed far more relaxed than when Kira had intervened earlier.

“My name is Kousen Nanase. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”

Nanase replied to Akane's question with a bow before continuing. Her level of formality caused even Kira to feel somewhat uncomfortable. Was this kind of lofty speech normal for a twelve year-old? She continued with the same register.

“Allow me first to convey my deepest gratitude to you, Classmate Suzuki. Were it not for your timely intervention, I may well have been not only severely injured, but also expelled from this prestigious academy. I am indebted to you. My own arrogance would have been my downfall. Thank you.”

Nanase bowed very low, showing almost subservience in her heartfelt thanks. Kira hurriedly matched her bow, attempting to re-establish them as equals.

“No, I need to thank you for supporting Classmate Akane. You stepped in just as I was about to but I need to apologise for not helping you immediately. I must admit that I couldn’t understand why a noble would stand up for a commoner against other nobles. You don’t owe me anything.”

They both straightened up and now Kira could see a sad smile on Nanase’s face.

“They gave up their right to that title the moment they used their station as an excuse to bully someone of the working class.”

Kira could tell that there was more to Nanase’s statement from the way she gently touched one of her dragon-shaped earrings. However, she didn’t pry any further as it would’ve been too disrespectful. Meanwhile, Nanase continued, her face becoming more cheery.

“Then, Classmate Suzuki, Classmate Akane, if it doesn’t inconvenience you, may I consider us to be friends?”

Kira paused for a moment before smiling at Nanase.

“It’s no trouble at all but please, just call me Kira.”

Kira said somewhat solemnly. Although she was smiling, she felt awkward. Comrades-in-arms was a relationship she was familiar with and understood as well as the more recent familial love. However, she hadn’t the first idea of what it meant to be friends. What were her duties, her boundaries?

“I’m…Akane.”

“Then you may simply refer to me as Nanase then.”

She said happily with an earnest smile.

“There ya are. What took ya so long? Found a boyfriend alre-. Oh, who’s this?”

Kira, Nanase and Akane had just reached the bottom of the Inscriptors’ staircase when a tall, sweaty girl covered in soot yet with a huge smile on her face practically bounced up to them, her curly, brown bob bouncing with her.

“Classmate Usagi, these are my new friends, Classmate Kira and Classmate Akane.”

“Jeez, I’m sure they won't mind either if ya cut the ‘classmate’ part. It’s just so much more to say. But hey, if Nanase likes ya, ya gotta be decent people. She gives our class such a hard time, it’s scary. Oh yeah, I’m Hatsune Usagi.”

The sooty girl reached out a hand then realised it wasn’t such a great idea and just bowed instead.

“I’m gonna go clean up, smithing is dirty work but it’s awesome. The smoky air catching in ya chest, the burning heat on ya skin, the screaming of ya muscles to stop but ya know ya not finished yet. Ah, bliss. Catch ya in the cafeteria.”

Usagi waved goodbye before disappearing out of the Profession Hall.

“My apologies. She’s very…energetic. Shall we proceed?”

Nanase blushed slightly. Kira wasn't too bothered and simply nodded. The three of them left the Profession Hall and found a table in the cafeteria where they were shortly joined by Usagi.

“So, anything interesting happen in ya…drawing class?”

“Well, today we learned the basics of Inscribing, of gridlines, nodes and seals.”

“Beat up any more nobles?”

Kira noticed Nanase blush a deep red. It seemed that what happened in class wasn’t the first time something like that had happened. Kira saw no reason to hide anything.

“Yes, actually.”

“Classmate Kira…”

“Hah, I knew it!”

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Attempting to take on five people at once may have been a bit reckless but I’m sure Akane is grateful for your efforts.”

“…I-I am. I really am.”

“Haha, I’d guessed ya were crazy about protecting commoners but I didn’t think ya were that crazy.”

Nanase blushed even deeper red and looked around for help. Catching her gaze, Kira wasn’t sure exactly what to say and decided to try praising her.

“With your fighting style, I can understand why you would try. That weapon of yours seems-”

“Bwahahaa. Ooooh. Oh boy. Ya killin' me here. Ya know that that’s a sash, right? A plain old fabric sash.”

Kira frowned. Clearly this rabbit girl1 didn’t understand just what kind of skill Nanase possessed to use something as simple as a piece of fabric to fight five people.

“That’s what makes it more impressive. Imagine she had a real weapon, such as a whip or something similar.”

“Actually…”

Nanase took a deep breath and let it out before whispering,

“I don’t know how to use any weapons.”

The other three girls looked as if a Unique Skill2 had been unleashed on their table.

“By that you mean…”

“My parents wouldn’t allow me near any weapons my whole life. They gave special orders to the guards not to allow me to touch any. In the end, I discovered this material and taught myself how to fight with it, so that I could protect those that I care about. If you’re wondering how I learnt any Weapon Skills with this, the answer is that I don’t know any. I understand the theory behind them but I haven’t actually learned any. The best I can do is channel some Soul Energy into this sash which increases its elasticity and toughness somewhat but that’s the extent of my ability.”

“Then the recognition that allowed you to take the entrance exam…”

“Yes, it was the ability to defeat an armed, adult guard without using any ‘actual weapon’ nor hand-to-hand combat techniques when I was eight.”

Nanase explained, the embarrassment clear on her face and her redness reaching a point that it seemed that her head would would explode. She lowered her head trying to hide it but failed. Usagi quickly moved over to her and gave her a rough, one-armed hug.

“Hey hey, no need to be so down about it. Ya got us to watch out for you now. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?”

Kira nodded but knew better. This was a very serious problem that would have major consequences very soon. This was the weapon cultivation academy, after all. Not having a weapon nor Skills would be something found out and exploited very quickly.

Kira returned to her dorm after supper to find that Sora was already there, snoring loudly. Thinking of her newly-made friends, Kira shook her head. The contrast between her roommate and them was simply too great.

She sat on her bed and closed her eyes, contemplating all that she’d learned that day, paying special attention how she could have handled situations differently, before focusing on the details of her Inscription class. She ran through the various shapes and definitions in her head, committing them to memory while trying to understand how they fit together. Eventually, her mind settled down and she calmly meditated, her body slowly refining Soul Energy and increasing her cultivation level, until morning came.

When Kira arrived at the Profession Hall for Inscription classes that day, she found Nanase at the foot of the staircase, shifting from foot to foot nervously.

“What’s wrong?”

“The five classmates of mine we fought yesterday are upstairs outside the Teaching Hall. It appears that they are waiting for us.”

“Let’s go then.”

Kira wasn’t afraid. With Nanase’s ability, she was certain that they would win a straight-up two versus five. As they approached, the leader of the nobles strode up to them.

“There you are. We’ve come to settle our bet from yesterday.”

“I was under the impression that our victory was clear.”

Nanase spoke up confidently, her apparent nervousness gone.

“Clearly yours? This…rat interfered at a crucial point.”

“I didn’t say that anyone couldn’t help me. All I said was that I was the one you had to defeat.”

“You…”

The boys’ leader was clearly getting agitated and his eyes started reddening. Noticing this, Kira placed a hand on Nanase’s shoulder before speaking. She knew better than anyone the danger of people with unreconciled feelings.

“Seeing as you’re not satisfied, I have a proposition. We do as Teacher Kurokawa suggested and settle this in the Duelling Arena. No time limit and the stakes will be adjusted accordingly. Our request for you to stop bullying Akane remains the same except that now it extends to all the commoners in this class. In exchange, you may have 80% of both of our prestige points if you win. Do you accept?”

“Of course.”

He said without hesitation. He'd learned a lesson not to reach for too much. There would be other opportunities later and being able to get most of their points was already more than worth it. On the small chance that they lost, well, they would still keep all of their points.

“Then we’ll have it after class today, sub-arena 5.”

“You better not run away.”

He said with finality before leading his group into the teaching hall.

“Classmate Kira, do you truly believe we can win? We had barely managed to succeed last time and that was with the element of surprise.”

“We’re friends now, correct? Friends should trust each other.”

Kira didn’t completely believe what she was saying. But, from their interaction yesterday, she got the feeling that making a claim like this in this situation was the correct decision.

“…Yes, you’re correct.”

“Then let’s get to class.”

From Nanase’s hesitation, Kira picked up that the near loss hit her confidence in her fighting abilities. That, coupled with revealing her weakness yesterday must have been quite a blow. Kira shook her head thought,

‘There’s enough time to deal with that before the match. All she needs is to gain faith in herself again.’

During class, Kira’s mind was juggling between focusing on the lesson and preparing a battle plan for later. Her lack of focus on her Inscription work wasn’t missed by Teacher Kurokawa.

“Suzuki.”

“Yes, Teacher!”

“These gridlines are touching. This will cause backlooping in the energy flow. Start over.”

“Understood, Teacher.”

When class was finished, Kira and Nanase quickly packed up their things. Akane, who wasn’t around when the challenge was made, looked at them curiously.

“Where…are you going…so quickly?”

“No need to worry. We’re simply sorting out some business in the Arena.”

“I’m…coming with.”

“Sure, you can come wat-“

Akane shook her head vigorously.

“It’s…about yesterday…isn’t it? I…also want…to fight.”

Akane looked towards the two girls with a determined face. Kira eventually nodded.

“Okay, but tell me everything about how you fight on the way there and follow my lead.”

Akane nodded her affirmation and the three headed quickly down the staircase and across the lobby.

“Hey, where are y’all rushing off-”

“Sub arena five. Duel.”

Was all Nanase could manage to say to Usagi before she rushed to catch up with Kira and Akane. When the trio arrived at the designated room, the boys had also just arrived.

“What’s going on here? Why is the street rat here?”

“She’s not a street rat and this concerns her as well. She’ll be joining us in the duel. To compensate you, she’s offering up her points as well.”

“Hmph, whatever.”

Inwardly, the leader was celebrating inside.

‘What can that weak rat do? I’ll put her points to good use.’

1 Usagi - rabbit

2 Unique Skills: the 4th tier of Skill. These powerful Skills can only be learned directly from someone else who has already learned it. Even if the method is described in writing, a person will never be able to learn it from those writings.