Rebirth-Transcending All Beings

Kael’s lips parted, but Rays talked first. "They’re fucked."

"Well that’s the blunt way of putting it, but it’s basically an execution."

Vergil nodded once, then took the last bite of his meat. Neither Kael nor Ray asked why he wanted to know, or what he was going to do with this information.

After finishing their meal, the trio made their way out of the bustling cafeteria. The chatter and clinking noises faded away behind them. The sun had reached its peak, casting shadows across the stone walkways of the academy courtyard with an almost blinding light that faltered itself into the single window in their dorm as they entered.

As soon as they entered, Kael made a beeline for the desk. He didn’t say a word, simply pulling out a leather-bound tome titled Foundation of Intermediate Mana Flow and flipped it open. His eyes scanned the book abd before he knew it, he was no longer present in the room. Already submerged into the world of the book.

Ray on the other hand, moved with the energy of somebody who couldn’t sit still. His clothes were already half-buttoned. His spear leaned against the wall next to his bed.

He reached for it, fingers curling around the shaft as if it was an extension of his arm. But before he could leave for training.

"Ray, I want to talk." The words came from behind, steady but laced with intent

Ray paused mid-step. His hands tightened around the grip of his weapon. He didn’t turn right away. Instead, he stood their in silence for a heartbeat before turning.

"Is it what I think it?" Ray asked.

Vergil smiled, nodding his head. "You bet."

Ray glanced sideways, a slight cocky smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Come with me then."

Vergil snickered. The corners of his mouth lifted. Ray had caught on immediately to what he wanted. Ray wasn’t just all talk and laughter. He welcomed any challenge.

As expected of Ray.

"Get ready, because I’ll be winning," Vergil said as he rose from the bed in a smooth motion. His knuckles cracked lightly at the prospect.

"Get ready for an ass-kicking, Vergil."

Together, they made their way towards the training ground.

In total there were ten training grounds. However they weren’t really used by anyone other than aura users and the year 2 students.

Why?

Cultivators cultivate in chambers while mages devote themselves to their studies in order to grow. The only times they would go out is to practise techniques or spar with others.

They made their way towards Training Ground Seven. The path they walked was bathed in sunlight along with an odd but pleasant mixture from the academy gardens.

Vergil’s heart began to beat a little faster. The change was so minuscule he wouldn’t have thought much of it. Yet it echoed in his mind. Not of fear, but of anticipation.

He had never seen Ray in action, but he wanted to experience how it is to fight someone who wielded a spear. After all, Ray was one of the students who was acknowledged by the Confidant System.

[Remember.] The system chimed.

[Everything you say and do will affect the overall outcome of your relationship.]

Vergil gave a weird look, brows furrowing. ’What do you mean, aren’t me and him already friends.’

The system chuckled in his mind, a sly undertone in its words.

[Did you ever get a confirmation of a bond with Ray or even Kael.]

Vergil paused in thought.

’No... I didn’t.’

[So ask yourself this. When did you get these bond notifications. What did you do everytime?]

The memories rushed in. Elvira. His mother. Each connection felt earned and real in different ways. But there was always a common thread linking them.

An exchange. A vow or even a deal.

With Eleanor, it was a deal that benefitted both of them, but no notification appeared because I treated her like a pawn.

With his mother, it was a a deal to be mother and son.

Elvira... was different compared to the others.

[Elvira saw you as a friend. And you saw her the same. That’s why the bond was formed. The conditions are quite particular on my side.]

Vergil nodded inwardly. Before he relied on the system for skills, stats and analysis. Now there was a much broader use. Relationships, a reminder even he would need to form bonds to overcome the challenges that awaited him.

But what deal can I form with Ray?

His thoughts dissipated as they finally arrived at Training Ground Seven. Where Vergil had originally sparred with Rael.

They made their way to the middle of the grounds, the edges were enclosed in a thin marble column and enchanted torches that lit up when in proximity.

It was mostly empty, save for the very few echoes of other duels in other sections. This one however was reserved.

Ray leapt onto the stage with ease, landing with ease, like a spear thrusting into the earth with a precise and brutal force. He walked to the far edge, letting the brilliant sunlight graze his hair. He twirled his spear once before anchoring it into the ground with a savage thrust

Vergil made his way towards him. Taking a firm stance. Bare fists. His breath slowed as he entered a state between calmness and excitement before every fight.

Desire everything he had seen, his art hadn’t progressed in weeks. It currently stagnated at D-rank.

He had mastered the Orc Brawler’s techniques. Integrating it into his body until it was natural, but he craved more. It wasn’t enough

And Ray?

Although it might not further his art. He was the kind of opponent to push him forward onto the path that would lead him to where he needed to go.

Ray shifted his stance subtly. Feet parted. Weight balanced. Spear tilted diagonally downward. A stance not meant for show.

His gaze locked with Vergil and neither spoke.

Ray nodded once.

"Whenever you’re ready."