After leaving China, Maryna decided to look over her letter again. She had to get to a combat school before May. This would be a good start to becoming a defender of good. she stopped by a nearby river and reviewed her map. It would take her a week. She sighed and pulled out her sword.

"Hmm... there's no inscription. I'll just have to leave you nameless."

She headed north, until she heard a noise. It was 2 people talking. She decided to eavesdrop for a while.

"So, he's out to find Soul Edge?"

"Yeah, but I've been assigned to destroy it. I don't know why it's so evil."

"Well I dont know about you, but when I get to that combat school, I'm gonna figure out about this whole Soul Edge business."

Maryna had heard enough. They were friendly, so she jumped in front of them.

"Woah! Who are you?"

Hi! My name's Maryna, and I overheard your conversation. You see, I was told to go to some combat school by letter.

"Really? So did we! My name's Demarus, by the way."

"Do you want to accompany us, Maryna?"

"Umm... ok."

This begun the group of friends that would soon go through harsh things together...

Another week passed, and it was only 2 days until the school opened. They were going into dangerous territory, so they all pulled out their weapons.

"Wow! That's a nice staff! I like your sword too.'

"Your sword looks impressive, Maryna."

"We better be careful, guys. You'll never know if-"

But before Demarus could finish his sentence, a horde of wolves appeared before them!

"Get ready! Maryna, take the ones on the left. Rayn, take the right. I'll get the middle."

The battle began. Maryna slashed at the wolves' throats, then following up with multiple stabs. Rayn swung his staff in multiple circles, repelling wolves that dared leap at him. Demarus quaked the ground with Requiem, and shocked the wolves. Then, he slashed them all at once.

The battle ended, and the 3 looked at each other. Maryna decided to speak first.

"That was fun, I guess. Your staff skills ae incredible, Rayn!"

You weren't so bad yourself. Where did you learn those moves?"

"I used this ancient Chinese text."

"Cmon, you two. We still have a ways to go."

The group finally made it to the school. It was on the side of the mountain. The school itself consisted of many tunnels and a huge fighting arena near the mountain. It was truly hidden.

"Well, we made it. Heh. Thought we weren't gonna make it back at the wolf territory."

"Aw, cmon, Demarus. As long as you got me and Maryna, you're gonna be fine."

The 3 then ran toward the huge school.