Aku walked with firm pace along the paths leading to the outdoor Roman coliseum. The fresh breeze slightly moved his white hair, while his dark purple eyes observed each detail of the environment: the stands’ structure, the arena’s shine under the sun, and the movement of approaching students. Light rays highlighted the columns’ marble texture and the arena’s golden dust, making the entire coliseum feel alive and monumental.

Little by little, more students began arriving. Some talked among themselves, others practiced combat gestures and movements. The mix of blue and white uniforms with golden edges created a sharp contrast on the golden terrain, reflecting the academy’s discipline, but also the variety of personalities and abilities each one carried. Bīng Xuě and Gerald were beside Aku, the former with his usual carefree and smiling attitude, while Gerald adjusted his glasses once more, showing some tension mixed with curiosity.

The class began when a woman appeared in the coliseum’s center. Her presence was imposing: long hair, jet black with bluish flashes, pulled back in a high ponytail, eyes of intense red that seemed to observe and scrutinize each student with surgical precision. Her uniform combined military elements with flexible combat garments, making clear she wouldn’t just teach theory, but would demand effective execution. She introduced herself with firm and clear voice:

"My name is Anastasia von Astrea," she said. "Today we’ll learn to work as a team under combat conditions. Your objective will be to coordinate your abilities, anticipate your companions’ and enemies’ movements, and understand how to maximize your collective strengths. There will be no margin for error, so pay attention."

Aku nodded slightly, evaluating the instructor with analytical gaze. He knew the class would be demanding and that any carelessness would be paid with visible errors.

"To begin, we’ll perform a small evaluation," Anastasia continued. "I’ve selected ten students who will demonstrate their individual abilities before integrating them into teams. Each one will approach the coliseum’s center. Observe and analyze, knowledge is also part of your training."

One by one, the students came forward.

"First, Cedric Marlowe," she announced. "Short blond hair, green eyes, confident expression, arrogant smile. His posture denotes security, but also excess confidence."

Cedric advanced with measured movements, adjusting his right glove before positioning himself in the arena’s center.

"Delia Voss," Anastasia continued. "Light brown hair, long and pulled back in braids, deep brown eyes, reserved but alert attitude. She moves with precision, each gesture calculated, denoting discipline and constant study."

Delia entered with silent steps, observing the environment and evaluating her companions.

"Elric Tavor. Black hair, straight, gray eyes, serious expression. His posture is rigid, like a trained soldier, and his gaze fixed on the horizon anticipates each opponent’s movement."

Elric positioned himself with arms crossed a moment before adopting combat position.

"Fiona Lyra. Red hair, wavy, bright blue eyes, carefree expression. She moves with ease, almost playfully, but her muscular coordination is evident."

Fiona advanced giving a light turn before stopping in the center, evaluating the others.

"Gideon Kress. Short dark brown hair, amber eyes, prominent musculature, defiant attitude. His gaze sweeps the arena as if calculating each possible attack."

Gideon stepped firmly, adjusting his belt, like someone preparing for large-scale combat.

"Helena Frost. Silver hair, violet eyes, cold and distant expression. She moves as if each step were previously rehearsed, with efficiency and calm."

Helena advanced slowly, turning her head to observe each companion before positioning herself.

"Isaac Thorn. Dark blue hair, long to the shoulders, intense green eyes, analytical expression. His movements are fluid, anticipating trajectories and positions naturally."

Isaac entered the center with measured steps, maintaining visible concentration in his gaze.

"Juna Ardent. Black hair with reddish streaks, dark brown eyes, bold expression. She moves with decision, without hesitating, and her energy transmits confidence."

Juna came forward with an agile jump, landing with softness but controlled force.

"Kiran Veyra. White hair, light blue eyes, neutral but intense expression. His posture reflects that he trusts his reflexes and anticipation more than brute force."

Kiran took a step forward calmly, adjusting his uniform before adopting combat position.

"Finally, Liora Solenne. Platinum blonde hair, golden eyes, elegant and measured attitude, graceful movements. Precision is observed in each gesture and firmness in each step."

Liora advanced with delicate but firm steps, as if dancing to the rhythm of silent music that only she seemed to hear.

Anastasia observed them one by one, evaluating posture, energy, and expression before speaking again.

"Well, those will be the ones participating in the initial evaluation. Now we’ll divide you into two groups. Group A: Cedric, Delia, Elric, Fiona, and Gideon. Group B: Helena, Isaac, Juna, Kiran, and Liora. You’ll have five minutes to develop your strategy and determine how to combine your abilities to face the challenge I’ll present to you."

The students began retreating toward the arena’s edges, forming improvised circles to discuss among themselves. Some gestured, pointed at possible positions, others remained silent, listening attentively. Aku remained in the stands, observing carefully how they organized, analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and the way they related to each other. His gaze stopped on the smallest gestures: how a student tilted their head to receive an idea, how another adjusted their posture to gain advantage in a joint attack.

Time advanced while groups discussed and drew plans. Cedric showed himself insistent and dominant, Fiona joked while pointing at possible attack trajectories, Delia analyzed with mathematical precision, Gideon imposed discipline, and Elric adjusted positions. In Group B, Helena maintained control, Isaac proposed calculated movements, Juna encouraged the group, Kiran analyzed reflexes, and Liora coordinated each member’s position.

The murmur of discussions grew in intensity, plans began taking shape, and the coliseum’s tension seemed to increase. The golden arena, white columns, and instruction shouts combined in a space charged with anticipation. Each student knew their role, but final execution would depend on synchronization and adaptation capacity.

Anastasia walked among the groups, observing each movement, each proposal, and each adjustment. Her red gaze swept each face, registering concentration, doubts, or excess confidence. Finally, with a sharp snap of her fingers, she announced:

"Five minutes, finished. Let the evaluation begin. Advance to the center, put your strategy into practice, and show how you work as a team."