The sun hung low as the trio trudged down a dirt road carved between two hills, their boots caked in dust, and their bodies sore from training and sleepless nights.
Jay was the first to complain.
"My legs are screaming," he groaned, dragging his feet behind the others.
"You're weak," AO muttered.
"I'm human," Jay shot back.
Mike laughed. "Facts, though. I don't even know how we're still moving. Haven't we walked like… forever?"
"Three days," AO corrected.
They paused on a hilltop where wildflowers painted the edges of the road in orange and yellow. For a moment, no one spoke—only the whisper of wind brushing the grass and the faraway song of crickets.
"…Y'know," Mike said softly, "this world's kinda pretty when we're not getting stabbed."
Jay collapsed onto the grass. "Let's camp. My soul hurts."
AO exhaled, dropping his pack beside him. "We'll reach the next town by sunrise. Get some rest.
The next morning, the trio reached the edge of a desert town humming with noise. The scent of spice and sweat hung heavy in the air. Merchants shouted prices, wagons rattled past, and the clang of weapons echoed through the streets.
Jay shielded his eyes. "Man, it's bright… and loud. I already hate this place."
Mike smirked. "Cheer up, city boy. Maybe you'll find a tavern to nap in."
"Or a fight," AO muttered, scanning the crowd. His tone carried that quiet alertness that came whenever something felt wrong.
They passed through the marketplace, weaving between travelers and mercenaries. The energy was strange—chaotic, almost desperate. It wasn't just noise; it was tension.
"Something's off," Mike murmured.
AO nodded. "Eyes open."
They moved on quickly, cutting through an alley that led toward the main square. A group of soldiers marched by, their armor dented, their faces grim. Posters flapped against walls—Wanted notices—though the faces were burned or torn beyond recognition.
Jay frowned. "This town's got history…"
"Or secrets," AO said quietly.
By dusk, they found a quiet ridge beyond the town walls. The air cooled, and the stars spilled across the sky like scattered shards of glass. They built a small fire, cooking the last of their supplies.
Jay poked the flames with a stick. "Y'know… after everything, it feels weird being out here again. Like, we're free… but not."
Mike stared into the fire, his reflection flickering in the light. "Freedom's weird when you've got nowhere to go."
AO glanced at him. "We'll figure it out. We always do."
Jay smirked. "Yeah, after almost dying like—what? Three times a week?"
Mike chuckled. "That's just the warm-up."
For a while, the only sound was the crackle of fire and the distant howl of a wolf.
The next morning, they set out again. The dirt road stretched endlessly ahead, framed by barren plains and scattered ruins. The sun beat down mercilessly.
"Bro," Jay groaned, "I swear I'm melting."
"Drink water," AO said flatly.
"Already did!"
Mike grinned. "Then melt faster so I can take your boots."
"Funny," Jay muttered. "You'd trip in two seconds without me."
AO sighed. "You two are unbearable."
Mike turned, grinning. "Admit it—you'd be bored without us."
AO didn't answer, but the faint smirk tugging at his lips said enough.
By noon, they reached the outskirts of another town—a smaller one, quieter, almost too quiet.
A wagon rolled past, its driver cloaked and whispering into a crystal shard.
The driver's gaze flicked toward them. His lips curled slightly.
"I found them," he muttered.
The trio didn't notice. They were too busy bickering as usual.
"Bro, I could solo this world if I had magic," Mike boasted.
"You can't even win at cards," Jay scoffed.
"Because you cheat!"
"Because you suck."
AO rubbed his temples. "I swear, I'm gonna stab both of you one day."
"Love you too, coach," Jay laughed.
The wind carried their laughter across the empty street—three figures walking toward an uncertain future, unaware that eyes were already watching them from the shadows.
Back at the academy…
Smoke still clung to the walls where the dorm explosion had happened.
The principal stood before the ruins beside a cold-faced investigator.
"This wasn't random," the investigator said. "Someone wanted those boys dead."
The principal clenched his jaw. "Find them. They're hiding something… and I intend to know what."
In the girls' dorm, Emily, Lisa, and Amber sat together.
"I don't like this," Lisa said quietly. "Something's wrong."
"They laughed at them," Emily whispered. "Even the teachers… and then that man attacked them."
Amber sighed. "Whatever. Five more days and we're out."
Lisa frowned. "That tower—it fell because he missed, right?"
Emily nodded. "I saw AO's face… it was empty."
Back on the road, the trio trained under the open sky.
"Push-ups!" AO barked.
Jay groaned. "Coach, my spine's crying!"
Mike tossed him a towel. "Cry quieter."
AO looked up at the horizon. The wind tugged at his hair, carrying the scent of dust and something else—something faint and distant.
"Keep moving," he said softly.
Jay looked up. "What?"
AO shook his head. "Nothing. Just… a feeling."
The road stretched endlessly before them—lonely, uncertain, but theirs.