"Do you remember the reward I told you about on the day you caught Big in the act?"
"Yes, I remember that."
I was chatting with the academy director in his office, which resembled an administrative room.I felt the atmosphere stifling, almost isolating, despite him being so close. We spent a long time talking about my future.
"What do you want to become, Klo Yuthnir?"
"Unemployed."
The director leaned back, mocking me with laughter that could be heard outside the room.
"I said unemployed, then."
Drip ~ drip
The sound of water echoed from the moment I entered this place. The rain hitting the metal sheets stacked behind the office window sounded like gunshots refusing to stop.
He leaned forward, clasping his hands together with a wicked smile—a shape of a man called a hero. Even heroes have unpolished evil in their hearts.
"I see that—you are hated."
Hated is a harsh word, but it no longer felt so when your name is Klo Yuthnir, with red eyes and black hair.
"Didn't you let me get my gift?"
"Ah, so you came for your gift."
Don't change the subject—you're the one who brought me to this filthy place, saturated with your pure scent.
He lowered himself, searching for something that seemed forgotten for a time unknown but not distant.
"Here it is!"
He pulled out a box from that place, or a cardboard wrapped in red with a bow tied like a flower.He placed it on the desk, far enough to seem distant despite its proximity. The faint collision stirred up dust that had occupied that small area.
Splash ~
He looked at me slowly, extending his hand as if inviting my curiosity to ignite and consume my muddled mind.
"Come on, Klo, open it."
"Did you put a poisonous insect in it, or something to spill my soul?"
He slapped his hands together, as if about to applaud.
"On my guarantee, young sir."
I reached toward the box, eager to see what was inside. It could be old spell papers or an enhancement tool.
I untied the ribbon and tore the wrapping, forming a gap through which the faint light revealed the box's depth.
I peeked through the gap; it was something like a long cloth. I pulled it out and realized it was a winter scarf.
I looked at the director, who was smiling.
"Do you like it?"
It might be a trivial gift, but it was nice.
"Yes."
I put on the scarf and stood from the chair I had been sitting on to leave the room.As I walked through the corridors, searching for the exit, heading toward the student dorm to rest, I ran into my sister.
"Mari?"
"Klo, what are you doing here at this hour?"
"Nothing, just… walking."
She looked at me with disdain, then turned and continued on, leaving behind words she had never spoken before:
"You look beautiful with that scarf."
I stood for a while before responding after a moment of silence.
"Thank you."
I continued my walk, and upon reaching the dorm, I saw Leon sitting on one of the marble chairs in the academy courtyard.
He noticed me and waved.
"Hey, Klo, come sit next to me."
I moved to sit with him.
"Aren't you cold these days, Klo?"
"…I don't know."
He leaned back, staring at the sky with eyes reflecting the starlight floating in the dark.
"Life is beautiful, and our imagination is what makes us suffer."
I looked at him, then averted my gaze to the sky.
"You might be right."
…
Today was the start of the winter semester exams. Tears freezing, dreams coming true, and sleepless eyes.
"What will you do, Klo? Now we're taking the math exam."
I looked at Luna, standing directly opposite my face.
"What happens, happens—we've prepared ourselves."
In the exam hall, the chairs seemed scattered but formed a different arrangement than usual. Despite the spacing between desks and chairs, cheating was minimal.
"Are you ready?"
We each sat in our places before the bell rang. Only moments remained before silence overtook the soft and harsh sounds of students.
"When is the fencing test?"
"After the math exam. Did you forget that, Elithia?"
"Ha, yes."
The bell rang, and everyone got ready to begin.
We arranged our exam papers, rough drafts, pens at the edge of the table, and other items in place.
It could have been boring, but Lumi was next to me. She brought grammar sheets and lesson notes, so reviewing was like a fleeting dream.
I didn't understand the first question—that was normal.
"Come on, Lumi."
"Yes."
She handed me the hidden paper; only Lumi and I could see it. I felt… evil.
We continued this way until the exam ended.
"What's next?"
"Fencing."
"Will you use your stance?"
Lumi asked, seemingly confused and afraid I'd reveal my winning card to others.
"Impossible."
The second exam began. I wasn't nervous. I might have been the strongest being among these people, with Lumi's training and my development of skills using that transparent board.
"Klo Yuthnir vs. Luna Goldsky,"
the teacher called us—the pair, like husband and wife, facing off in the test duel.
I met Luna face to face. I knew what she was thinking the moment she saw me.
"Surrender."
"Don't—"
"No, don't do that, or I'll be angry with you."
I wouldn't allow it. I was tired of the pitying looks aimed at me; I was no longer Ethan.I am Klo Yuthnir.
"1… 2… 3, go!"
Luna lunged at me with her sickle, but I parried with Agnes' sword. All I feared was it might crack, as Luna matched me in strength.Our blades clashed; sparks flew between us.
I didn't move from my place. All I did was stand and block against Luna, who changed directions with quick, graceful movements many would envy.
"Come on, Klo Yuthnir, stand firm, you coward,"
the teacher called, urging me to move.
"Alright."
I took a few steps—so small that even Luna, ranked S, didn't notice them.I placed the blade at her neck, feeling sorry for my action.
"I'm sorry, truly sorry, but I'm forced to."
"It's alright, I'm happy for you."
Oh, my God.
The first day of exams ended. I scored full marks in both tests, and Luna scored full marks in math, but fencing was lower for her: 81.
"Sorry for your score if I hadn't gotten excited then."
"It's fine. All I wanted to know was why you're so cold."
"…"
I refused to speak, for if I could tell her about the entity I contracted with and the immense power I trained to master…
The teacher approached us.
"Yuthnir, Goldsky. What do you think of a surprise exam tomorrow?"
We both stared at him.
"What do you mean?"
"A test that may be tough but exciting. Enter a cave and defeat the monsters inside."
"You're joking."
I stepped back, yawning.
"Are you scared?"
"Yes."
I didn't care about appearances; all I wanted was Luna's safety.
"Let's go, Klo."
"Damn."
"No, you'll get hurt."
"But—"
"As you heard, Klo Yuthnir, Miss Goldsky wants to take this test."
I stared into the teacher's eyes carefully, sensing he wasn't himself, but I had no proof.
"Alright, we'll go, Luna. Prepare yourself."
I rose and approached the teacher."If this is a trap of yours, I won't mind diving into your blood."