Starless Reincarnation

Raven felt it in her gut—this wasn't just a simple orientation. She stood in a vast sparring arena, the polished stone floor reflecting the light of floating orbs suspended in the air. Surrounding her were countless professors and senior students seated in the stands, their gazes sharp and evaluative.

"I wonder where is Celia." she muttered. 

At the center of the raised platform stood Headmistress Seraphina Caldren, a commanding figure whose presence demanded respect. She was tall and regal, with long silver hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. Her piercing blue eyes seemed to see through everyone present, her expression a balance of warmth and authority. She wore a flowing navy-blue robe adorned with intricate golden embroidery, symbolizing her rank and mastery over mana. A shimmering staff rested beside her, its crystal tip glowing faintly.

"Welcome, students, to the orientation!" Headmistress Caldren's voice rang out, amplified by magic yet still melodic. "Today, we celebrate those of you who have earned the honor of joining Eldoria Academy. For this special occasion, we have prepared something unique."

The murmurs in the crowd hushed as she continued.

"Instead of a traditional address, we've decided to showcase the talents of our new students through a friendly competition. Members of our Enforcement Council—some of our finest senior students—will select one of you to spar with. This is your chance to demonstrate your abilities, whether you choose to fight with mana or without. The choice is yours."

Raven's grip tightened on her katana. The air buzzed with excitement and apprehension as the senior students from the Enforcement Council stepped forward, their intimidating presence making it clear this would be no casual spar.

"Eh?" Raven let out a surprised gasp.

Among the Enforcement Council was Celia.

The council members moved with a confident, almost regal air, their uniforms a testament to their elite status. Each wore a tailored black coat with silver trim, the edges embroidered with intricate mana glyphs that seemed to shimmer faintly in the light. The coats fell just below the knee, layered over dark trousers and boots polished to perfection. A silver emblem of Eldoria Academy's crest—a soaring phoenix encircled by an intricate ring—was prominently displayed over their hearts. Celia, like the others, also wore a crimson sash tied diagonally across her torso, denoting her rank within the council.

Raven's eyes narrowed as she locked onto her sister, whose grin was both mischievous and proud.

Celia caught Raven's surprised look and gave a small wave, her orange eyes glinting with amusement. "Surprise!" she mouthed.

"You've got to be kidding me…" Raven muttered under her breath.

The air in the sparring arena grew tense as the Headmistress raised her hand to silence the murmuring crowd.

"Before we proceed with the friendly competition," the Headmistress announced, her commanding voice resonating through the arena, "allow me to introduce the students who represent the heart of discipline, strength, and leadership at Eldoria Academy—the Enforcement Council!"

A wave of applause rippled through the crowd as six figures stepped forward, each wearing the distinct crimson and black uniforms of the council. Embroidered with gold detailing and bearing the academy's crest on their chests, their uniforms exuded authority and elegance.

The first to step forward was a young woman with flowing crimson hair and sharp orange eyes that radiated confidence. Her silver-edged longsword gleamed at her side.

"I am Celia Vermillion," she began, her voice steady and clear. "Daughter of Thalia Vermillion, and a proud student of Eldoria Academy. As the council's second-in-command, I vow to uphold the values of this institution."

The crowd applauded as Celia stepped back, her gaze briefly locking with Raven's.

Next, a tall, lean young man with jet-black hair and piercing light blue eyes stepped forward. His aristocratic features were framed by his immaculate uniform, and the frost-enchanted spear on his back reflected his icy demeanor.

"Aric Caldren," he said, his voice cool and composed. "Son of the Headmistress. I represent the pinnacle of discipline and mastery. It is my honor to stand among the academy's best."

Raven felt a ripple of intrigue pass through the crowd at his introduction.

The third member, a statuesque young woman with platinum-blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, strode forward. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with intensity, and the twin daggers at her hips spoke of her preference for close combat.

"I am Liora Elthaine," she declared, her voice firm yet graceful. "The council's tactician and combat specialist. I look forward to seeing the skills of our new students."

Following her was a broad-shouldered young man with rugged features and dark brown hair. His amber eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity, and his battle-worn greatsword rested against his back.

"Darius Kaelthorn," he introduced himself, his deep voice carrying a weight of authority. "Strength and resilience are the pillars of the Enforcement Council, and I embody both."

The fifth member stepped forward, petite and delicate-looking, yet radiating an aura of quiet confidence. Her wavy auburn hair framed her hazel eyes, and her rune-engraved staff hinted at her expertise in mana control.

"Talia Vaerendel," she said softly, yet her voice carried across the arena with surprising clarity. "As the council's mana strategist, I ensure that skill and intellect triumph over brute force."

Finally, a wiry young man with wild silver hair and piercing violet eyes stepped forward. His loose-fitting uniform gave him an air of nonchalance, but the curved scimitar at his side suggested precision and deadly skill.

"Kael Draven," he said simply, his voice calm but edged with confidence. "The council's blade master. Let's see if any of you have what it takes to impress us."

As the introductions concluded, the crowd erupted into applause. Raven watched them intently, her grip tightening on her katana. Each member of the council radiated an aura of power and experience, and it was clear they were not to be taken lightly.

"Now," the Headmistress said with a smile, "let the friendly competitions begin. Council members, choose your opponents wisely."

Raven's heart skipped a beat as the council members began scanning the crowd, their gazes lingering on various new students. Then, Celia's eyes met hers, and a playful yet determined smile spread across her sister's face.

The Headmistress stepped forward with a commanding presence, her voice cutting through the murmur of the crowd like a blade. "Let's start with Celia Vermillion. Among the new students, who would you like to fight?"

All eyes turned to Celia, who stood tall and composed in her council uniform. Her orange eyes scanned the rows of new students, pausing occasionally as if considering her options. Yet Raven already knew the outcome. Celia's gaze finally locked onto her with a knowing glint.

A faint smirk appeared on Celia's face as she spoke confidently, her voice ringing clear. "I would like to choose my younger sister, Raven Vermillion. She will be my sparring partner for this match."

The crowd erupted into a mixture of cheers and murmurs, their excitement palpable. Some applauded the bold choice, while others whispered in confusion, questioning the dynamic of a sibling rivalry playing out on such a stage.

"A sibling rivalry, is it?" the Headmistress said with a bemused smile, her light blue eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Now this will be an interesting match. Raven Vermillion, please step forward."

Raven felt the weight of the crowd's attention shift to her. She exhaled softly, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her katana. Stepping out of the line of new students, she made her way to the center of the arena, her calm demeanor masking the flicker of emotion in her chest.

As she walked, she caught snippets of the crowd's whispers.

"Is that really her sister? They don't even look alike."

"She's so young, can she really match Celia?"

"The Vermillion family must have some serious talent if both sisters are here."

Raven ignored the noise, her focus solely on her opponent. Celia stood at ease, her arms crossed as she waited. Despite the playful smile on her face, there was no mistaking the glint of determination in her eyes.

When Raven reached the center, she stopped a few paces away from her sister. The two stood in stark contrast—Celia's commanding presence and radiant crimson hair against Raven's calm, smaller frame and dark intensity.

"You ready, little sister?" Celia asked, her voice light but carrying an undercurrent of challenge.

Raven met her gaze steadily. "I was born ready."

The Headmistress raised her hand to signal the match's start. "Very well. Let us witness the strength of the Vermillion sisters. No mana usage, only raw skill. Begin when ready!"

The arena fell silent, the weight of anticipation thick in the air. Raven shifted her stance, her katana gleaming as she drew it. Celia, already holding her silver-edged longsword, smirked.

"Don't hold back, Raven," Celia said, lowering into a stance. "I won't."

The two sisters faced each other, their family name and personal pride on the line as the match began.

The moment the Headmistress signaled the start of the match, Celia surged forward, her silver-edged longsword gleaming as it arced toward Raven in a powerful, precise slash. Raven stepped back, her katana rising just in time to intercept the blow. The metallic ring of their blades meeting reverberated across the arena, drawing gasps from the crowd.

"Not bad," Celia said with a grin, her orange eyes alight with excitement. "But I hope you're ready to sweat a little."

Raven didn't respond, her expression calm and unreadable as she pushed back against Celia's blade, forcing her sister to retreat a step. She followed up with a fluid slash, her movements swift and efficient. Celia blocked it effortlessly, twisting her wrist to deflect the katana's edge.

The sisters exchanged a series of rapid strikes and parries, their blades a blur. Each movement showcased their exceptional training: Celia's raw power and finesse against Raven's speed and precision. The crowd roared as they witnessed the clash of two swordswomen, their styles both different and equally mesmerizing.

Celia pivoted, spinning into a low strike aimed at Raven's legs. Raven leaped back, her katana snapping up to counter the follow-up thrust aimed at her shoulder.

"You've improved," Celia said, her tone genuine as she shifted her stance, her movements more cautious now.

"And you've gotten predictable," Raven replied, her lips twitching into a faint smirk.

Celia laughed, lunging forward with renewed vigor. Their blades clashed again, the force of Celia's strikes pushing Raven back. But Raven's footwork was impeccable, her steps light and deliberate as she maneuvered around her sister's relentless offense.

The crowd leaned forward, mesmerized by the display of skill. Even the senior students and professors watched with rapt attention, impressed by the younger Vermillion's ability to hold her own against a seasoned Enforcement Council member.

Celia suddenly changed tactics, feinting a high strike before twisting her wrist and driving her blade low. Raven reacted instantly, her katana meeting Celia's sword with a sharp clang. She redirected the force, spinning to Celia's side and striking toward her unguarded flank.

Celia barely managed to block the blow, the impact jolting her arm. "Crafty," she muttered, gritting her teeth as she pushed Raven back.

As the match wore on, it became clear that Raven was gradually gaining the upper hand. Her precise strikes and ability to read Celia's movements began to wear her sister down. The crowd started to murmur, some sensing that the younger Vermillion might win.

Celia launched into an aggressive series of strikes, forcing Raven to give ground. But Raven wasn't fazed. She sidestepped a powerful slash, her katana darting forward to tap Celia's wrist, a warning of what could've been a disarming blow.

"You're holding back," Celia whispered, her voice low enough that only Raven could hear.

Raven's expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—an unspoken acknowledgment. She stepped in close, their blades locked, and in that moment, she subtly shifted her footing.

Celia's next strike was aimed straight at Raven's chest, but Raven tilted her blade just enough to deflect it toward her shoulder. She adjusted her stance again, allowing the force of Celia's attack to carry her backward.

The crowd gasped as Raven stumbled, her footing momentarily faltering. Celia seized the opportunity, spinning her sword in a downward arc. Raven raised her katana in a last-second block, but the force of the blow drove her to one knee.

Celia didn't let up. With a final, decisive sweep, she knocked Raven's katana from her hand, the weapon skidding across the arena floor. Celia's longsword stopped inches from Raven's neck, the silver edge gleaming in the sunlight.

"Winner, Celia Vermillion!" the Headmistress announced, her voice ringing out over the cheers of the crowd.

Celia stepped back, lowering her sword and offering Raven a hand. "Good match," she said, her tone soft enough to mask the question in her eyes.

Raven took her sister's hand, pulling herself to her feet. "You too," she replied, her voice calm.

As the crowd roared in approval, Celia raised her sword in triumph, the cheers drowning out any lingering doubt. No one—not even Celia—noticed the slight, deliberate shift Raven had made to give her sister the win.

Raven brushed the dust off her uniform, her expression unreadable. For her, the match wasn't about winning. It was about showcasing her skills, earning her place, and supporting her sister's reputation.

Celia turned back to her, her smile bright and genuine. "You were incredible, Raven. I'm proud of you."

Raven allowed a small smile to cross her lips. "Thanks, Celia."

As they left the arena together, Raven glanced at her sister, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.