Rin opened the door to his dorm and stepped inside, slamming it shut behind him.
"That damn headmaster is so stupid," he muttered, tossing his bag onto the bed.
Ella's voice echoed in his mind. Why?
Rin huffed. "I'm being chased by demons, and all he cares about is why we surrendered."
Well, Ella said calmly, even if you die, it won't affect him.
"True," Rin grumbled, packing his things. "Anyway, why couldn't you see his attributes?"
Ah, yeah... I forgot to explain. He might've sealed all of them, Ella said.
Rin paused, frowning. "But back at the entrance ceremony... he literally used some attributes. If I'm not crazy."
Maybe he used an artifact? Ella suggested.
"Maybe," Rin said under his breath, zipping up his bag.
He sighed, grabbed his stuff, and opened the door again, heading out.
He didn't look back.
When we arrive at Jin's house, you have to start training, Ella reminded him.
Sure, sure... Rin thought lazily.
He spotted Jin waiting nearby.
"You ready?" Jin asked.
"Yeah."
As they walked, Rin suddenly cursed. "Ah shit, I forgot to tell Kobe about this."
"Instructor Kobe?" Jin blinked. "You know him?"
"Yeah. We lived together back in Gloomshade."
"For real?"
"And I still gotta tell Taro... and that woman..." Rin muttered, dragging a hand down his face. "Ugh. Whatever, the headmaster can deal with it."
"So, where do you live anyway?" Rin asked.
"At the capital."
"The capital, huh? How are we getting there? We don't have the money for a portal."
Jin shrugged. "Yeah, I know. We'll head to the city here, then catch a ship sailing to the capital."
"Alright then."
They reached the academy's gate. Two guards stopped them.
"Names?" one demanded.
"Rin Takashima," Rin said.
"Jin Ferrin," Jin followed.
The guard's face shifted. "Ah, you're the ones who got expelled, right?"
Jin crossed his arms. "And what if we are? Just open the damn gate."
"Tch, fine." The guard waved them through. "Oh, right. If you're planning to head to the capital, there's a ship—"
"We know," Jin said bluntly, not slowing down.
They walked into the forest, leaves crunching underfoot, a cool breeze brushing past their faces.
Eventually, they reached the city. After asking around a bit, they found their way to the coast.
The sounds of crashing waves, distant birds, creaking ships, and the sharp, salty air filled the atmosphere. Voices shouted over the din, sailors barking orders and merchants haggling by the docks.
Jin looked around. "There are three ships. Which one do you think's the right one?"
Rin gave him a blank stare. "Why don't we ask instead of gambling?"
"I know, I'm joking," Jin said, laughing.
They approached a man who looked like a captain.
"Well, fellas," the man said, scratching his beard, "if you're heading to the capital, look for the ship with blue stripes."
Jin flipped him a bronze coin. "Thanks."
Rin eyed the docks. "How do we get in?"
"We sneak in," Jin grinned.
---
Meanwhile
Kaela stirred, blinking against the dim light of the fire.
Taro sat nearby, roasting something over the flames.
"Oh, you're awake?" he said, glancing over. "I made food."
Kaela groaned as she sat up. "Let me guess... fish again?"
Taro gave a helpless shrug. "Hey, it's not like we've got options. Just eat."
Kaela eyed the charred fish and sighed. "This is day two, right?"
"Yeah."
"So... five more days of this?"
"Pretty much."
Kaela stretched, shaking out her arms. A glint of fire sparked in her eyes.
Her fingers curled into fists as excitement lit in her chest.
"Alright then," she said, cracking her knuckles. "Time to kick some ass."
---
To be continued...