Chapter One: A New Beginning
The training hall of the Shinra facility buzzed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Shinra Electric Power Company, a titan of industry with its technological advancements and military might, held the training hall in high regard. The expansive space was filled with gleaming equipment and combat training dummies, hinting at the advanced technology and rigorous training that the company was known for. Rows of new cadets stood at attention, their faces a mix of anticipation and anxiety as they awaited the induction ceremony to start.
On the outside of the training hall, Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis approached the entrance. The two generals, General Raith and General Mira, were already present, waiting to witness the cadet induction. The air was filled with annoyance and boredom for this tradition.
As the trio walked toward the hall, Genesis leaned toward Angeal, his voice a low murmur. "Every time we do this, it feels like we're just being used. I can't believe we have to endure this charade."
Angeal shot his childhood friend a smirk. "It's not exactly thrilling, but it's part of our duty. We deal with the recruits directly to gauge their potential. Let's hope we find some interesting cadets this year."
Sephiroth, who had been quietly observing, added with a hint of annoyance, "Let's just get this over with. We need to make sure they understand what it means to be a SOLDIER. It's part of the process, as tiresome as it may be."
Genesis sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Very well. Let's make this quick."
As they reached the entrance, the large doors slid open smoothly, gaining the attention of everyone that occupied it. The hall fell silent as the trio entered, their presence immediately commanding attention. The cadets' eyes were drawn to the imposing figures of Sephiroth, Angeal, and Genesis.
Sephiroth took the stage, his commanding voice filling the room. "Welcome to Shinra. Today marks the beginning of a significant chapter in your lives. You stand on the threshold of becoming part of one of the most formidable forces in the world—SOLDIER. We are not just a unit; we are the elite, the ones who stand as the vanguard of Shinra's might."
He paused, allowing his words to resonate. "Each of you has been selected based on your potential. But potential alone is not enough. You must prove yourselves worthy of the title SOLDIER. This is not merely an honor; it is a commitment to excellence, discipline, and unwavering resolve."
Sephiroth's gaze swept over the cadets, his expression stern. "Today, you will be tested in a manner that will reveal your true capabilities. Instead of a standard training mission, we will conduct a series of sparring matches. You will be paired off to demonstrate your combat skills. This is your chance to show us what you are truly capable of."
Sephiroth's sudden change of plans triggered amusement in his companions. It would indeed be easier to see the combat skills of the new recruits.
Genesis stepped forward, adding with a touch of intrigue, "The sparring matches will give us insight into your strengths and weaknesses. There will be no room for hesitation or doubt. Your performance today will set the tone for your future training and development."
The cadets exchanged glances, their nerves evident. The anticipation grew as they realized they would be tested immediately.
Sephiroth's gaze roamed over the crowd, his eyes catching on a particular individual. She stood slightly apart from the rest, her posture straight and her expression thoughtful. There was something about her that drew Sephiroth's attention. The katana on her back sat peacefully.
She was neither the most vocal nor the most conspicuous, but there was a quiet strength in her demeanor—a kind of inner resilience that intrigued him. Her gaze was steady and determined, showing a focus and resolve that set her apart from the excited and nervous cadets.
Sephiroth found himself making a decision without fully understanding why. "You," he called out, pointing directly at her. "Step forward."
The hall fell even quieter as the blonde-haired, blue-eyed cadet stepped forward. Her eyes met Sephiroth's, a mix of curiosity and confidence evident in her gaze. This was the first time someone could hold his intense stare without flinching.
Angeal glanced at Sephiroth, then at her, and then turned to the cadet standing nearest to him. "Zack," he called out, "you'll be her opponent."
Zack Fair, with his characteristic grin and infectious energy, stepped forward eagerly. "You got it!"
The beautiful cadet and Zack faced each other in the center of the training hall, the other cadets forming a loose circle around them. Sephiroth, Angeal, and the two generals watched closely, their expressions serious. Even Genesis showed some interest in the duel.
She drew her custom-made katana with unique patterns on the blade, which gleamed under the bright lights of the hall. Sephiroth's interest piqued further; there was something intriguing about the way she handled her weapon, a blend of precision and confidence.
Zack readied his own weapon, giving her a nod of respect. "I'm Zack Fair. Let's give them a show," he said with a wink, his tone friendly yet competitive.
She nodded in return with a small smile, her grip tightening on her katana. "Ren. I won't go easy on you."
The battle began with a clash of steel. Ren moved with surprising speed, her katana slicing through the air with precision. Zack, agile and powerful, matched her strike for strike, his own attacks relentless yet controlled.
The fight was fierce, each combatant pushing the other to their limits. Ren's style was a mix of disciplined technique and determination, her katana an extension of her will to win this duel. Zack's movements were fluid and dynamic, his attacks a blend of strength and agility, showing that he was not backing down from the fight.
As the battle intensified, the training hall echoed with the sound of clashing blades and the cadets' gasps of awe. Ren and Zack seemed evenly matched, neither willing to give up.
Sephiroth and Angeal watched intently, their expressions showing a hint of interest and respect. This was not as boring as they had thought it would be. General Raith observed with a calculating gaze, while General Mira's eyes were sharp with appreciation. Genesis took occasional glances at the fight while smirking.
The intensity of the battle finally reached its peak. Ren jumped with her katana and flashed a rapid series of strikes from above, each one aimed with precision. Zack countered with a powerful sweep of his blade, the force of his attack creating a shockwave that rippled through the hall.
The clash of their final strikes sent a resounding echo through the hall, the force of their blows causing both to stagger and some of the cadets to move back. Sephiroth and Angeal, sensing the need to intervene, stepped in front of them. Sephiroth's katana met Ren's while Angeal's Buster Sword pushed Zack back.
"Enough," Sephiroth commanded, his voice cutting through the noise. "Stand down."
Angeal looked Zack in the eye. "That's enough, Zack."
Breathing heavily, Ren and Zack lowered their weapons, both showing signs of fatigue but also mutual respect. Sephiroth sheathed his weapon again while his gaze lingered on Ren, his interest in her growing. There was something about her fighting style, her determination, that he couldn't ignore.
Sephiroth addressed the cadets, his tone authoritative. "This is the level of skill and intensity we expect from SOLDIER candidates. You have all seen what it takes. Strive to meet this standard."
"Since none of you will be able to top this fight, dismissed for today. We continue tomorrow," Genesis' voice echoed through the training hall.
As the cadets dispersed, Ren couldn't shake the feeling of Sephiroth's eyes on her. She had made an impression, but what that would mean for her future remained uncertain. She wanted to succeed.
Ren wiped the sweat from her brow, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. She sheathed her katana, her mind replaying the fierce battle. Zack approached her, extending a hand.
"That was one hell of a fight," Zack said with a grin. "You've got some serious skills."
Ren shook his hand, a small smile forming on her lips. "You too. You didn't make it easy."
Angeal approached Zack, a look of pride in his eyes. "Zack, your fighting spirit is impressive. Keep pushing yourself like that, and you'll go far."
Zack beamed at the compliment. "Thanks, Ange—Sir. I'll give it my all."
Angeal nodded, turning to address both Ren and Zack. "Both of you showed great promise today. Keep honing your skills, and you will achieve your dreams."
Sephiroth finally approached Ren, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "Ren, was it?"
"Yes, sir," Ren replied, standing a bit straighter.
"You handle that katana well. Where did you learn to fight like that?" Sephiroth inquired, his tone curious but measured.
Ren hesitated for a moment before answering. "I trained with my brother from a young age. The katana is a family heirloom."
Sephiroth nodded, his interests satisfied for now. "It's evident you have talent. Continue to hone your skills. SOLDIER demands excellence."
Ren nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I will, sir."
As the cadets left the training hall, Ren felt a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. She had caught the attention of one of the most legendary figures in SOLDIER, and she was proud of herself.
Sephiroth watched her leave, his thoughts hungry to know more about Ren as he turned to leave with Angeal and Genesis.
"Not that boring, huh?" Angeal said to Genesis, who shrugged as he left.
"Seems like it. It's been a while since we've seen potential like this. Let's see how they fare," Sephiroth replied as he parted ways with Angeal and headed toward his quarters. It seemed he would find some enjoyment in his training duties with the new cadets after all