Ashes in Reverse

Leon stood in front of a massive gate. Beyond it was a campus where people were actively sparring and fighting each other. He wore a long black trench coat and matching pants. His hair was messy, but somehow it suited him.

He glanced down at the paper in his hand. One name was written on it: 'Master Alvis.'

Mr. Arthur asked me to come here... it's not too far from the hospital.

He looked up at the sky. It was covered by a shimmering barrier.

This entire place is hidden under an illusion - on the outside, it looks normal, but inside... it's a whole different world. A lot of people know about it, especially those who failed the entrance exam. But they're not allowed to speak about it.

He turned to glance behind him.

Nina's been sent back outside... but she's under the organization's care. They're covering her living expenses. I just hope she doesn't feel lonely while I'm away... seven months without her is going to be hard.

He turned his head back to face the gate. It creaked open slowly, and Leon stepped inside.

His heart was pounding. Nervously, he ruffled his hair trying to calm himself down.

The people who had been engaged in duels paused their practice and turned to look at him. Their gazes pierced through him, and his anxiety shot through the roof.

Shit, don't stare at me like that...

He felt like he could faint at any moment.

If he didn't start running toward where he was supposed to go, he knew his legs might give out.

As he entered the building, he was surrounded by massive corridors lined with strange golden-edged designs. He walked through the hallway for several minutes until his heartbeat finally calmed and returned to normal.

He adjusted his coat and made his way toward the room Mr. Arthur had mentioned. At the far end of the left corridor stood a large gate, behind it was what felt like his destiny.

'He's an old man, but still looks too fine. Even after crossing his sixties, he still gets countless proposals from women, though he rejects them all. You'll find him in Room 12 of the main building.'

That's what Mr. Arthur said about Master Alvis. He didn't explain much about who Master Alvis really is, but from what I can guess, this is where I'll be trained and observed under his supervision. Mr. Arthur also mentioned that Master Alvis is currently observing two other people. I wonder how strong they are.

He took a deep breath and opened the door.

Suddenly, a cat leapt straight at his face.

"What the fu—"

It clawed at him wildly, scratching across his cheeks with sharp nails. Leon struggled, trying to pull it off, and eventually managed to toss the cat to the ground. Cat hissed and darted out of the building.

He rubbed his face, which was now covered in red scratch marks. Thankfully, the claws hadn't torn through the skin - there was no blood, just irritated lines burning across his cheeks.

From inside, a beautiful girl rushed out in a hurry. She looked to be around Leon's age, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Her hair was messy and to Leon's surprise, she had the same kind of scratch marks across her face.

"Where is that little shit?!" she yelled. Her voice was loud, yet oddly pleasant to the ears.

"Hey Kami, let me do the first aid!" a male voice called out from inside.

A guy stepped out, looking calm and composed. He had striking orange hair and matching eyes. Like the girl, he wore a blue coat and pants, but instead of the EHO badge, there was a different symbol pinned to their chest - with the letters 'HIT' written on it.

Kami glanced back at him with an annoyed expression. "First, bring that damn cat back! How dare she ruin my beautiful face!"

HIT? That's different from what I saw on Miss Alexia and Mr. Arthur's uniforms. What does it mean? Leon wondered, still rubbing the scratches on his face.

Then Kami and the guy finally noticed Leon, who was still on the ground, rubbing the scratches on his face.

"Looks like that cat's only victim isn't you," the guy said, glancing at Kami.

Leon gave an awkward smile and waved his hand. "Hello."

The guy raised his hand in return. "Yo! What the hell do you want?"

What a way of asking... Leon thought, slightly irritated. Do I really have to work with people like this? Better not.

Cough! Cough!

Both Kami and the guy stepped aside as an older man walked out from inside the room. He was well-dressed in a sharp suit, wearing glasses. His face showed slight wrinkles, but his black eyes were sharp and focused. His messy white hair added to his dignified presence.

He lit a cigar, slid one hand into his pocket, and looked directly at Leon.

"You must be Leon, the special case brought into the EHO without passing the mana test," he said calmly. "By Alexia Midgard, Captain of Division A and the Special Squad."

He must be Master Alvis!

Leon nodded, but a confused look remained on his face. "What is the Mana Test?"

Alvis stared at him for a moment, then answered, "It's a test conducted by the EHO - the first step toward joining the organization. They measure your mana, and if it meets or exceeds the required threshold, you're accepted as a 'Hunter in Training' for one year before the entrance exam. During that time, you're placed under the observation of a professional."

He took a drag from his cigar and continued, "You didn't go through the test that was held five months ago... and yet, you still got in as a HIT. Now, you've got seven months."

He took out a comb from his suit pocket and ran it through his messy white hair, the cigar still resting between his lips.

"You're just a regular citizen," he said, eyes fixed on Leon. "No skills, No training, nothing your whole life even close to what we do here."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"All the other HITs - they've been training since childhood. They've dedicated their entire lives to this. And you?" He gave a small scoff. "What do you think you can accomplish in seven months?"

Leon looked down, silent.

He's right… What can I really accomplish in just seven months? But he's only partially right. I have trained… even if it doesn't mean much here.

He slowly lifted his head and looked straight at Alvis.

"You're partially wrong, mister. I have trained - maybe not like the others, but I was obsessed with power once. I trained because of that."

Alvis smirked slightly. "Kami, fight a duel with him."

Kami glanced at him and gave a short nod. "Okay, Master."

Why do I have to fight a normal citizen I was supposed to save? she thought, slightly annoyed but didn't question him out loud.

---

Inside the room.

Inside the room was a large training ground. The walls were white, with the EHO symbol painted in blue across them. At the center stood a raised platform, slightly elevated from the rest of the floor. That's where the duel would take place.

Leon and Kami stood facing each other on the stage. Leon took off his coat and stretched his body, trying to loosen up.

The other guy walked over and handed him a wooden sword. Kami immediately took her stance, her posture sharp and focused. Meanwhile, Leon stood awkwardly, completely clueless about what kind of stance he was supposed to take or even how to hold the sword properly.

Kami took a deep breath.

Sorry, Leon... I don't have anything personal against you, but it is what it is.

Leon glanced at Alvis, who stood at the edge of the platform, one hand raised to signal the start of the duel.

I haven't practiced swordsmanship in years... and more than that, I can't do it. I can't raise a sword against my own people.

After that incident, I made a vow. I'd never lift a weapon against those I consider my own. I'd stay away from revenge and hatred—anything that leads to despair.

Now how am I supposed to fight her? Leon thought, gripping the wooden sword loosely in his hand.