Remnant of Void & Flame

Volume I – Chapter VIII (Part I)

The sun shone brightly through the glass ceiling of Sanctum Academy, its warm light adding a faint luminescence to each and every corner. Her charge took one final look outside before turning towards their tour guide, signaling their agreement for them to keep on walking. As they glide through the hallway, she felt her eyes scanning around before zooming in on the various details of her environment.

She had to admit, Sanctum Academy was quite the work of art in its own right, from the perfectly manicured floors that resonated a polished shine to each intricate treasure displayed across the open shelves and corridors. In between them, photographs capturing memories from years passed hung melodiously on paneled walls. The warm orange glow of the crescent sunlight lended an airy aura to each window frame flawlessly decorated with recessed moldings shining gold from candlelight chandeliers, not one inch seemed untouched by grace or artfulness in any way, shape, or form.

Unfortunately, all these picturesque beauty quickly faded as she noticed a group of Faunus students glaring at their group from the corner. She suppose it shouldn't come as any surprise, given the suffering that the Faunus endured while working under the Schnee. What disturbed her was how openly hostile they were looking, which certainly wasn't a good sign.

The instructor acting as their tour guide seemed to have taken notice of them too for she began walking at a much faster pace, her steps carrying an extra bit of haste as she ushered their party away from the sneering Faunus. She walked at their heels, her eyes occasionally flitting to the side in attempts of keeping an eye on the Faunus as they passed quickly into another corridor and finally away from whatever resentment directed towards her charge.

After a few more turns, their tour guide finally decided to stop in front of a door, a door that according to their tour guide will lead them to an observation room. The woman quickly took out her scroll and tapped a few buttons on it before holding her the device in front the door. Answering with an audible click, the door opened before them and they were greeted with a view of Sanctum Academy's training area.

Several students can be seen going through their exercises below them, and she couldn't help but notice how... lacking they were. A small frown formed on her lips as she watched the scenes of both physical and weaponized combat unfolding before them.

Although the drills seemed to be quite standard, there's a lack of precise handiwork which is rendered clearly visible with each uncalculated attack they made against each other. Compared to these people, the Valkyries she fought alongside with possessed a certain sharpness that cannot be seen here. No, this display was more of a brawl between untrained warriors without any strategy in mind than any real battle.

However, despite her clear misgivings about the students skill level, it was quite obvious that their instructor were proud with the progress these students had made so far. Even their guide seems to be nodding approvingly every now and then, occasionally pointing at one of the students before beaming with pride whenever said student completed an exercise successfully or land a 'perfect' punch.

A grimace slowly appears on her face as she watched them continue on their way to becoming lesser combatants. The academy seems to seems to have done poorly in training its students. While they were able to hone some skills, it did little to prepare them for what lay ahead in actual combat.

Her eyes twitched in frustration as she observed two students fighting one another like an idiot in a corner of the room. One was using what seems to be an autonatic rifle against the other, each shot somehow missing their target entirely with resounding thuds on the ground. She could only shake her head as she watched them, wondering just what sorry excuse of an instructor the academy had employed.

Clearly, they are not quite capable of teaching these future warriors properly.

Suddenly, her attention was diverted as she noticed one student moving through their training regimen with grace and skill beyond her peers' caliber, completely outmatching them in combat prowess. She could clearly see that this student had been trained far better than any of the others here. In a matter of seconds she came to recognize that it was none other than Pyrrha Nikos, a young fighter who recently became quite popular over her feat in winning the Mistral Regional Tournament twice in a row.

Well, perhaps there is still some hope left for this academy...

She glanced at the Heiress, who was now looking at the redhead, a small hint of admiration emanating from her eyes as she watched the champion's impressive display of talent. She felt her lips tugging into a small smirk as she observed the Heiress, her charge seeming unaware that her expression was visible to all those around her.

"It seems you find our little champion quite interesting?" The guide stepped forward, her voice breaking the silence. "Pyrrha is truly one of a kind! Though it may not be obvious from simply looking at her now, this was not always so. I remember when we first took Pyrrha into our care here at Sanctum Academy and how far she has come under our guidance."

Bullshit...

From what she had observed, the redhead was most likely already quite capable by that time, even before any amount of 'teaching' this academy could have provided her with. They probably just held her back with all their redundant and needless lectures.

Nevertheless, the guide continue to boast about the champion as if they had been the ones who crafted such a well trained fighter out of nowhere.

"Do you wish to face her in combat, Miss Weiss?" The guide continued with a smirk, undauntedly confident in their own students' skills "I am certain she would be happy to battle with another who possess the same grace and skill!"

Weiss continue to stare at the champion who had been taking down the other students with remarkable ease. Though her eyes were filled with admiration and respect, Kiana could clearly feel her hesitation when it came to accepting the offer. Despite her desire, failing was not on option for a Schnee, and accepting the offer would most likely end with her defeat.

She knows that, the Heiress knows that, even their guide knows that...

"I fear I may not be enough of a match in comparison to your champion." She glanced over her shoulder at Kiana as she finished with a smirk. "Although... what about my bodyguard? I believe she would prove to be an adequate sparring partner for Miss Nikos."

.

.

.

Brat...

She knew what the heiress is trying to do. It was clear that little princess is not happy with her presence. She simply did not expect her to be this... petty...

"Are you sure this is wise, Lady Weiss?" She asked after some consideration. "I assure you I am more than fine with such proposition, but leaving you unprotected may not be a good idea..."

"I will be fine..." The heiress assured her, her voice laced with barely contained amusement. "And to be honest, I am quite curious as to how you will fare against her."

"I see... very well then." She replied, her voice calm and meassured. "If you'll excuse me..."

With that, she bowed before quickly turning on her heels and proceeded to make her way down to the arena. If the little brat wanted a show, then who is she to deny them?

Besides, it has been a long time since she had a proper fight. Perhaps the champion will be able to provide her with some sort of challange...

One can only hope...


Author's Note: I'm finally home! Here, have another short one. The entire chapter was supposed to be around 3-4k, but eh... I think I'm gonna go laze around now that I'm home... Not happy? Sue me, I dare you... Meanwhile I'll try to think of a way to get Kiana hit by that Nightmare Grimm... would've been fun to write... Do check my persona fanfic if you are interested by the way. Fate and Code Vein will be published soon, with both still sitting at around 2k words...

Daybit Sem Void: Yeah I know, it's just that I watch some video on u-tube indicating that *spoiler ahead* Kevin is the one who end up with the power of HoTE(Finality). Not sure if the translation is right or not though... Which domain do HoTE control anyway?

Missingmoney: She is the APHO one, so yes, she knew. And I know that she is far stronger than a Maiden. I just don't want her to be able to defeat anyone with just a snap of her finger. Oh wait... she actually could...

yuzuk1 & nk-sp-pinky: I should be the one thanking you~!

Disclaimer: Honkai Impact 3rd belongs to miHoYo; RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth.