After the ceremony and parade, Sarutobi Academy settled into its next phase. The students were divided into elite teams of four to five members, each led by a seasoned Sensei. These squads, named alphabetically, would soon be dispatched across the five nations of Eidolon. Among them was Team X, a unit that promised sparks from the start.
Xzavier stood in the training yard beside his new teammates. Beside him was the brooding, sharp-eyed Hageshi Senshi, widely recognized as Sarutobi's top fighter. Yagumi Daisuke, the quiet but physically imposing third-year, stood at the back. Then there was Kaze, a newcomer who had quickly built a reputation after scoring a staggering 98% on his written exams. And finally, Sensei Gara, their eccentric but brilliant squad leader, known for his sarcastic flair and incredible combat insight.
Sensei Gara clapped his hands dramatically. "Alright, let's make a headcount. So we've got Xzavier, Hageshi, Yagumi, and Kaze… Oh goody, I've got all the blessed ones. Simply glamorous."
Hageshi crossed his arms with a grin. "Looks like the genius and the number two of Sarutobi Academy will get front-row seats to witness my rise. I'll be the next Titan of Eidolon."
Xzavier's eyes widened. "You're going after the Titan Blade?!"
"You better believe it."
"I heard that thing is impossible to find. The closest you'll probably ever get is the Grim Reaper Blades."
Hageshi's face contorted into a scowl. "Listen here, stay in your lane. I am the best at Sarutobi Academy."
Xzavier flared up, stepping into Hageshi's face. "The hell you telling to stay in his lane?! Just wait until I master Lord Aizashi's Flame Blade. You'll be cooked!"
The two bumped foreheads, growling like wolves ready to tear into each other.
Behind them, Kaze and Sensei Gara burst into laughter. The serious tension snapped like a twig.
"What's so funny?!" Xzavier and Hageshi shouted in unison, glaring at them.
Still chuckling, Gara waved dismissively. "Nothing, nothing. You two are just a delight."
Kaze shrugged, smiling. "This team's going to be entertaining."
Gara suddenly grew serious. "Enough bonding time. Pack your gear—we're headed for Kingston."
Xzavier blinked. "You mean Shane Arthur's territory?"
"Duh, number two," Hageshi scoffed.
Xzavier ignored him. "Why are we going there?"
Kaze replied, tone now steady and calm. "Since Team X is considered one of the strongest in Sarutobi, Head Warden Shimura assigned us to handle an issue with the Dawn's Awakening."
Gara nodded. "Yeah. Everything he said."
Xzavier's brow furrowed. "So they're causing trouble, and we're the cleanup crew?"
"Exactly," Kaze said.
Hageshi smirked. "Come on, Number Two. I'll help you pack your bags."
"Hey—let go!" Xzavier protested as Hageshi threw a firm arm around his shoulder and began dragging him inside.
Yagumi chuckled quietly, finally speaking. "This is going to be a wild mission."
Sensei Gara exhaled as he looked toward the west, where the borders of Kingston glimmered beyond the mountains. "Oh, you have no idea."