A fierce battle. Bodies pile in every direction. The sound of clashing swords rings through the battlefield.

"We are not going to last for long if this continues!"

"But what are we supposed to do?! They said reinforcements will be coming soon!"

"If we don't find a way outta' here, we will be long done for before they even set a sight here!"

Not good. We are completely surrounded by enemy soldiers. Most of our comrades have fallen victim to their swords already; my squad is one of the last ones remaining. How the hell can we escape this hopeless situation?!

"We need a plan! Quick! If we don't, we'll be- Ahhh!"

"Oi! Pull yourself together, damnit!"

This is bad… Seriously bad… What can we do?!

...What can I do? ...Agh, I can't even think clearly in this hell!

"Adel, look out! Behind you!"

"-What?!"

An enemy ambushed me from behind. I managed to block his attack in the last second.

"Fuck off to hell, you bastard!"

Our swords parted and in the same moment I struck him down with a powerful slash.

"Close call there..."

"Ya' kidding me? A second later and you'd be a dead man!"

"Concentrate! We are still on the battlefield!"

"Oh really?! Thank you, I did not realize!"

"Quite down, both of you!"

Before we knew it, another ambush from above faced us.

"They even come, jumping from the cliff?!"

"Shit! Guys, evade! Now!"

Not all of us made it in time. I pushed one of my comrades away and instead, the attack hit me.

I got smashed to the ground.

"-Urgh! Come on! Move it, body! Get the hell up!"

I struggled to stand up again, but it was in vain.

In the meantime, the enemy soldiers took the opportunity and closed the distance.

I watched as they came closer, unable to do anything.

"Adel! Get the hell away from there!"

I would if I could.... but my body is exhausted… I can't move.

Is there really nothing I can do?

Nothing?

Is this the end?

...I can't accept this!

"So this is it, huh."

In front of my eyes, a large campus dominated the area. A breathtaking view.

I can’t believe I actually managed to get into the Academy!

Oh right, which academy you might ask yourself.

The National Empire Academy for Soldiers, short NEAS, is the most famous training facility for young people, who are enlisted into the Empire Army.

A handful of young men and women get the opportunity to apply at becoming an elite soldier for the Empire, that being a separate unit than the common army.

At the time you hit the age of being able to enlist into the military, you are being tested upon your abilities and potential.

About 90% of the people will become part of the common Empire army. The remaining 10%, who qualified themselves, are able to join NEAS. Being part of the elite is definitely something all would like to be. Instead of fighting in a large army, elite soldiers are divided into small squads and fight in special missions on the front-line.

"Come on! It is starting soon!"

"Mou~ I am already running as fast as I can!"

Two girls in red, black uniform ran past me.

Just like those girls, I am also wearing a red, black uniform. That must mean they were new Students at the Academy like me.

"-Hey. Did you shit ya' pants or why are you dozing off in the middle of the way?"

I turned around. Behind me stood a blond, blue-eyed, boy. Just like me in the same outfit.

"...Not really. I am just standing here, waiting for my fated love to finally meet me."

I said that, with a clear tone of sarcasm.

The boy watched me questioning for a few seconds before he started to laugh.

"Hahaha! You're a funny one!"

He slapped my shoulder while saying that.

"Thanks, it took me a lot of effort to come up with that one."

I earned another laughter from him.

"You are also a new student at the Academy, right? My name's Jonath Ordwald!"

Jonath, huh. Feel like I heard that one before.

"I am Adel Habensburg. Nice to meet you!"

I shook his hand, while he grinned pleased at me.

"Likewise, Adel!"

At the same moment, an announcement could be heard.

"All new students are to be assembled in the Academy Announcement Hall! I repeat: all new Students are to be assembled in the Academy Announcement Hall!"

Jonath and I both looked at each other in shock.

"Dammit, we are late! Get yourself in motion, we definitely don't want to get into trouble on the first day!"

With that, Jonath ran at full speed towards the Academy. I immediately tried to catch up with him.

When Jonath and I entered the Announcement Hall, it was already filled with many academy students.

To our right there were some seats that remained free, so we took them.

Soon after we sat down, an older man stepped up to the stage.

"Ahem-! First off, I would like to thank all of the here gathered brave young people, that have applied to become part of the elite soldiers of the glorious Empire! In the name of his Majesty the Emperor and as the Principal of this Academy I would like to offer my gratitude towards all of you!"

He had a formidable and pride body posture. Just like a general.

"So that's the principal of this academy, huh? He looks like the type of man that could give you literal nightmares right, Adel?"

Jonath giggled after he said that.

"Don't say that out loud, he might hear you! If he gets mad, don't expect me to fight him off for you, Jonath."

"Eeehh~ so cold!"

"-as you all already know, this academy is renown for training the best Elite Soldiers in the Empire. Naturally, this will be expected from your generation as well. I am sure that this is a heavy burden to bear, but you will be able to live up to our expectations! After all, you being accepted into this academy, is because all of you have the ability to do so!"

The hall was filled with chatter and many seemed to be excited by his encouraging words.

"However!"

The Principal broke the chatter into silence.

"This does not mean that you get to slack off! A rough training awaits all of you, in order to shape the young people before me into worthy soldiers of the Empire!"

The voice of the principal got loud and sinister.

"Seriously, he's scary! The principal is only a few minutes on the stage and I can already imagine what he'd do with people he does not like, no ... I can literally feel it!"

I agree with Jonath. The Principal of the Academy most definitely is a man with an intimidating aura.

"It is now time to explain to you what is going to happen from now on. First off, your training. For the next months, you are going to be part of this academy and study all kinds of subjects, that are necessary for becoming an elite soldier, that being for example Battle-Strategies. You will also receive physical education, in terms of shaping your fitness and most importantly teaching you the arts of Swordsmanship."

"Ouhhh yeah! That is what I have been waiting for! Gimme' all ya got!"

Jonath struck his fist into the air out of excitement. Some of the nearby students turned their heads towards him.

"You love sword fights, right?"

I asked him even though, the answer was obvious.

" 'Course I do! Just imagine the awesome battles coming up!"

I nod in agreement. It's not like I can't understand where he is coming from, in fact, I feel the same way as he does.

"The next thing to cover is that Elite Soldiers operate in squads. These Squads are to be determined very early on, in the academy already to be precise. This is why after this Entrance Ceremony, you will be divided into those. The Squads have already been pre-determined based on the results of your examination when you enrolled in the military."

"So we don't get to choose them on our own..."

"Well, this is not some kind of school trip, after all, Adel."

If they determine the squads based on the results of the examination... then this must mean that you will be matched with people that are about equally skilled as yourself.

At least I think, that this is the case.

"That is all for now. The National Empire Academy for Soldiers looks forward to taking care of all of you and expects great results in the future! -Dismissed!"

With that, the Principal left the Stage and the students got up one by one to leave.

"Let's get outta' here before it gets too crowded!"

"Alright."

After hearing the announcement by the principal, I had a hard time getting up from my seat.

His voice definitely left a permanent impression on me.

Jonath and I went towards the exit. Outside there were waiting several teachers in uniforms lined up in the Hallway. Unlike our uniforms, theirs were completely black and decorated with several badges and ribbons.

"Please get to the main screen and check which squad you have been assigned to!"

A female teacher among the lined up ones pointed towards a wall to our left, where a big screen was located.

Jonath was faster than me, checking on it.

"Mhm, let’s see … -Whoa, you kiddin' me?!"

"What's wrong, Jonath?"

I asked him while I walked up to him from behind.

"Take a look at this, dude! We're on the same squad!"

Jonath grinned widely as he hung his arm around me.

"Does that mean, I have to stick around with you now?"

I faked a disappointed facial expression.

"Ya' could at least try to be happy about it!"

He sulked at first but laughed afterward.

"According to the information on the screen, we are assigned to Squad 10!"

"And there are 3 more in our group. That means the squads generally consist of 5 people."

"If you found out which squad you have been assigned to, please gather at the meeting place allocated for the specific one outside!"

A nearby teacher called out to all the students in the hall.

"We're running from one point to another like some kind of treasure hunting."

"Well, they are fun, aren't they?"

"...That was not my point, Jonath."

"-Huh? It was not?"

"...Forget it."

I laughed as I gave up.

Weird, I've only spent so little time with him and I already feel like I've known him forever.

A smirk made its way on my face.

Jonath and I went outside and saw that there were a lot of signs with numbers on them all around.

I guess they represent the Squads.

"Mhmm~ let's see... 3...7...11... -eh?"

"What's wrong?"

I asked Jonath who looked perplexed.

"I can't find the spot for our Squad! Do ya' see it anywhere?"

...It's true. I looked around, but nowhere was our Squad meeting point to be seen.

"...E-eh~ Do you guys also belong to Squad 10?"

We turned around. Behind us stood a girl with short brown hair. She had the appearance of an angel.

"W-Woah! How cute!"

You idiot...

What are you thinking, blabbering this out to her like that?

...Well, I can't blame him. Looking at her, she is definitely the type of girl that would be the class idol in school. His reaction does make sense.

"...Eh?"

Naturally, the girl looked confused at him.

Please don't mess this up, Jonath. I'm begging you... mentally, that is.

"A-ahh- sorry! Yeah, we are also in Squad 10! I am Jonath Ordwald and this here is Adel Habensburg!"

"Pleased to meet you!"

I smiled at her, trying to safe the first impression we make on her.

Thankfully, she giggled.

"Tehe~ It's okay! I am Rie Chartbeth! I look forward to working with you both!"

"M-me too!"

Jonath laughed nervously and looked like he fantasized about her.

That’s why I gave him a knock on his head from behind.

"-Urgh! Hey, what was that for?"

"You had some scary thoughts there."

"N-not true!"

Rie looked at us and began to chuckle.

"I take, that you guys are members of Squad 10?"

A teacher approached us.

"Yeah, we are! Do ya' know why there is no meeting point for us here anywhere?"

The teacher did not change his facial expression for a bit.

"You are mistaken. There is a meeting point allocated to Squad 10. However, it is not here outside of the academy."

"What do you mean?"

I asked him confused. If it is not here outside, is it in one of the rooms?

"Your Squad's meeting point is to be found on the rooftop of the Academy. To get to there, walk up the stairs and follow the signs in the academy."

With that, the teacher walked away, not waiting for our reaction.

"Hey! What do you mean by that? Why is our Squad the only one that does not meet here?"

The teacher paid no attention to Jonath and disappeared in the crowd.

"Tch~ What a load of bullshit!"

"Jonath, there is no need to get upset. Let's just go, I think the others might be waiting for us already!"

Rie had a relaxed and positive atmosphere around her. Jonath was immediately affected by it.

"W-well if you say so, Rie..."

"You are too easy, Jonath." I thought to myself.

Together, we made our way towards the meeting point. Right in front of the door to the rooftop, a white-haired girl in the same uniform as ours leaned towards the wall with her back.

"Well, took you guys long enough, I guess."

She said in a calm tone after spotting us.

"Do you also belong to Squad 10?"

I asked her, while Jonath and Rie caught up from behind.

"Yes, that is why I am waiting here for you all."

She eyed us one by one slowly.

"Isn't there still one missing of us?"

She concluded after counting how many we were.

Now that she mentioned it, we also realized that there was still one member missing.

"That's true! We were supposed to be 5!"

Rie seemingly got nervous.

"Relax, Rie! It's still early so I'm sure he or she will show up soon enough!"

"It's no use to wait here for the last person, we might as well go to our meeting point already."

So she does not even think of telling us first, who she actually is, or who we are?

"Wait up, we are now in the same Squad, so we should properly introduce ourselves."

I proposed as a quick response.

"Oh, you are right about that."

She turned around from the door to us.

"Then let me introduce myself first. My name is Leyrid Syldor. 18 Years old. As a fellow member of this Squad, I look forward to working with you."

Her voice is soft and it is pleasing to listen to it.

At the end, I could even see her smiling slightly.

The others took it well and their mood lightened up.

"My Name's Jonath Ordwald!"

"I-I am Rie Chartbeth~"

They both now sounded relieved and lowered their guard.

"And as for me-"

"You're Adel Habensburg, right?"

Leyrid didn't let me finish.

"You know my name already?"

I don't recall telling it her beforehand.

"Yeah, I more or less thought already that you had to be Adel."

"And how comes?"

Jonath, who was also surprised, joined the questioning.

"The answer is pretty much behind this door outside on the rooftop. Let's go."

Leyrid had a teasing smile on her lips. I thought this already the moment we saw her, but she is a real beauty.

Not in the same way like Rie, who has a cute and idol-like appearance. Leyrid had more of an... mature kind of aura, should I say?

The three of us looked at each other and we decided to follow Leyrid outside.

As we opened the door-

"-Huh?"