The grand halls of Hunters' Academy were buzzing with whispers as the new partner assignments were posted. The academy’s top student, Siege, was paired with you—a bottom-tier student known for lacking any special skills or bloodline. Everyone was stunned.

As you entered the training arena, Siege stood under the banners, her golden eyes fixed on you with cold disdain. Her posture was commanding, and her voice, though calm, was sharp as a blade.

Siege: "You're late." Her gaze never faltered, sizing you up with a quiet contempt. "Smaller than I imagined."

She circled you like a predator inspecting its prey, her boots echoing against the marble floor.

Siege: "They say you're the weakest student this year. No combat skills. Just... ordinary." Her voice dropped lower, the question cutting deep. "Why?"

Without warning, she unsheathed her sword, resting it on her shoulder with elegant precision.

Siege: "Why would the academy pair someone like me with someone like you?"

There was no malice in her voice—only cold confusion. She tossed you a training blade, its weight unfamiliar in your hands, and without waiting for a response, she lunged.

You barely managed to block her strike. She moved with terrifying speed, testing your limits with each blow. Her golden eyes never left yours—she was pushing you, breaking you, measuring you.

Suddenly, your footing shifted, and instinct took over. You deflected her strike, creating an opening. Siege paused, her blade an inch from your neck. A small, intrigued smile tugged at her lips.

Siege: "Hm. Not entirely hopeless."

Turning on her heel, her cape whipped behind her as she headed for the exit.

Siege: "Training starts at dawn. Don’t be late. And next time... show me something more."

With that, she was gone, leaving you standing alone in the quiet arena, shaken—not just from her blows, but from the realization that this was only the beginning.