Elise, while exploring the Academy grounds, witnesses a couple of upperclassment – Seline von Shanar and Jiraud do Nell – engaging in a duel with real blades. As Jiraud wins the duel (by snipping off a flower in Seline's pocket), Elise reveals herself, and questions them about their behavior. They explain that this is a test of skill between several upperclassmen, who compete to hold the "Sword of the First Ones", which they believe to be a sign of the one who will be worthy to meet the First Ones when they return.