Morning classes in Laterano didn't begin with a bell, but with the chime of the central church tower. The sound echoed softly through the entire city, then faded almost instantly. As if the world itself paused just to listen.
Exu stood in front of her classroom, clutching her small bag. Her uniform was neat, and her usually messy hair looked surprisingly decent thanks to Lemuen's touch that morning. She took a breath, then gently pushed the door open.
The creak of the door felt like it cut through the stillness.
Every head in the room turned to her—some curious, some indifferent. The classroom was clean, white, and way too quiet. Like a library with an extra rule: don't even breathe too loud.
The teacher at the front gave her a nod. A grown woman in a white robe, with a tiny Laterano emblem on her collar.
"Good morning, Exusiai. You can take the middle seat."
Exu gave a small bow. "Morning, Ma'am."
Her footsteps echoed clearly on the marble floor. She walked calmly, scanning the room—and immediately spotted two figures who stood out from the rest.
The first sat in the very back, legs crossed, hands in her pockets. Long, messy blue hair and a chill expression like she'd just woken up five minutes ago and didn't care where she was.
The second sat upright, posture perfect, sharp eyes alert. Her red hair was neatly cut, and her face had the intensity of someone watching everyone—even the teacher.
Mostima and Fiammetta, Exu thought.
They hadn't spoken yet. But their vibes? Completely different.
The first lesson was about the basic laws of Laterano. The teacher explained the rules of Sankta life, the prohibition against careless use of Originium, and the importance of purity in both action and thought.
Exu was listening. Or at least pretending to.
In truth, she was more focused on the room itself—how the kids around her sat with perfect posture, made no sound, barely even blinked. Their books were aligned with surgical precision, their pens placed exactly on the same line.
It felt like a simulation of heavenly life—and she was the only one who realized it was a simulation.
"Exusiai," the teacher suddenly called.
Exu snapped to attention. "Yes?"
"You've been paying attention, haven't you? Tell us the five primary Sankta prohibitions."
"Oh... right. Of course."
She lifted her small hand and started counting fingers.
"One, don't lie. Two, don't break Laterano's laws. Three, don't misuse Originium. Four..." She paused for a second, eyes glancing to the side. "...don't peek at your neighbor's answers?"
A few students let out quiet laughs. The teacher gave her a sharp look. But someone in the back also chuckled—a low, amused sound. Exu turned quickly and caught Mostima resting her chin in her hand, eyes squinting from holding back a laugh.
The teacher sighed. "Take your seat."
First break felt like a little gift. The other students went to the small garden in the schoolyard, sitting calmly on benches or reading books. Exu pulled out the sandwich she'd packed and sat near a round fountain.
Just as she bit into the crust, a quiet voice came from beside her.
"Your answer earlier was... interesting."
Exu turned. Mostima stood beside her, hands still in her pockets.
"That laugh was you?" Exu asked, still chewing.
"A little," Mostima replied. "No one usually dares to answer like that. Especially in Miss Thera's class."
"Is she scary?"
"Not scary. Just... holy."
Exu snorted. "Yeah, that tracks."
Mostima sat on the edge of the fountain—not too close, but close enough to keep talking.
"You're not a typical Sankta, are you?" she asked casually.
Exu turned to her. "Why do you say that?"
"I don't know. You just feel different. Like your eyes have seen another world."
Exu chewed slowly. "Maybe I'm just... kinda bored."
"Bored?" Mostima raised a brow. "You've only been here for like, an hour."
"Yeah, but the vibe's so stiff. Like, if you farted, you'd probably get punished."
Mostima laughed—this time, for real.
"You're kinda interesting."
A few minutes later, quick footsteps approached. Fiammetta appeared with a sharp expression, her gaze locked straight on Mostima.
"You're here again?" she asked flatly.
"Just chatting," Mostima replied, raising an eyebrow.
"With her?"
"Why? That against the rules?"
Fiammetta turned her gaze to Exu. Her red eyes were sharp—not angry, but judging. Weighing. Then finally she said, "Careful. She's not a good kid."
And just like that, she walked away.
Exu blinked. "Wait, I'm not a good kid?"
Mostima grinned. "Nah, that was about me."
When lessons resumed, Exu sat down with a slight smile. Her first day at this school wasn't half bad. She'd already made two people remember her name—and one of them had laughed.
And even though the Laterano school was too white, too clean, and too full of rules... there were still little things that made it feel alive.
Like Mostima. Like Fiammetta. Like curiosity.
And that was enough to make Exu think... maybe school wouldn't be so bad after all.