The sun had risen higher by now, its warm rays casting sharper shadows on the cobbled paths of the academy grounds. The afternoon was not far, and yet Luca walked with a grin plastered across his face, the kind of grin that would make anyone wonder if he had finally gone mad.
On his shoulder, the little Kunpeng shifted its wings and harrumphed in clear annoyance.
"What are you so happy about after wasting 150 credits on a broken dagger?"
Luca stopped mid-step, lowered his head, and let out a small chuckle.
"Heh… heheh…"
And then, without warning, he threw his head back and laughed like a man possessed.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Startled students passing by gave him a wide berth, whispering as if some lunatic had escaped the alchemy labs.
Wiping a tear from his eye, Luca smirked down at the dull, jagged dagger in his hand, lifting it as if it were a priceless gem.
"You petty bird, what do you know? You don't understand anything!"
