"Perhaps one day Allen will leave... leaving me here alone..." he murmured softly, his voice hoarse with despair.
His hand rose into the air, his fingers clawing at the empty space as if trying to grasp something he could never reach.
But... I won't just stay silent. If I can't rely on magic, at the very least... I must make my body as strong as steel.
The hand he had raised now clenched into a tight fist, so hard trembled with burning determination.
***
The next day, Monday morning. Noah stood yawning in front of the church gate, his school uniform neatly worn.
And just as he was about to step out slowly, suddenly—
"Come on, Noah!!"
Sena appeared from behind him and immediately grabbed Noah's hand enthusiastically. Noah was startled for a moment, but finally let himself be dragged by the girl.
"Don't run! You could fall," protested Noah, trying to hold back Sena's overly enthusiastic steps.
"But we might be late..." Sena replied, without slowing down.
"You're overreacting, the bus won't leave without us..." Noah added.
She looks so excited. Is it because it's her first day of school since moving here? thought Noah, smiling slightly at Sena's excessive energy.
On the bus, they sat on the same seat. Sena kept staring out the window, her eyes shining with amazement as she watched the village scenery slowly change into the city's tall buildings.
Noah watched her calmly. "Is this your first time seeing a city view like this?" he asked.
"Yes," Sena answered without taking her eyes off the window. "My hometown was very boring... just a small village surrounded by mountains."
The bus stopped right in front of the school gate. The words 'Shinjuku Middle School' were clearly displayed.
As they got up, Sena once again held onto Noah's arm tightly. Noah just sighed in resignation and let himself be led by the girl.
They got off the bus. As usual, Noah-along with Allen-immediately became the center of attention, albeit for very different reasons. But this time, Noah didn't care. All he felt was a burning determination in his heart. Complaining about his weakness wouldn't change anything. Only action could cover up that deficiency.
He strode firmly down the granite hallway crowded with other students. But suddenly, someone bumped into him roughly, causing Noah's body to stagger—Tareo.
"Hey, why did you bump him like that?" Sena asked in a firm voice, her eyes narrowing.
Noah and Tareo stared at each other. Their gazes clashed, filled with an old hatred that had never truly extinguished.
"Wow… the mana-less guy has a female bodyguard now, huh?" Tareo sneered, trying to provoke.
Noah completely ignored him. He tried to continue walking, with Sena following behind. However, as he passed Tareo, Noah deliberately bumped into Tareo's shoulder quite hard, making him stumble momentarily.
Instantly, the atmosphere became lively. Cheers and gasps of admiration were heard from the other students watching. Tareo couldn't accept it. A small flame began to ignite in his hand, ready to be thrown at Noah.
But before he could go any further, Allen suddenly passed right in front of Tareo. Tareo stopped dead in his tracks immediately.
"Don't bother him," Allen said in a flat tone, without even turning to look at Tareo.
Tareo could only bite his lip. He glared at Noah and Allen as they walked away.
"I'll get you back later, Noah!" he hissed softly, his fists clenched tightly.
Meanwhile, Noah had arrived in front of his classroom.
"We part ways here," Noah said, stopping his steps.
"Huh? Why?" asked Sena, her face showing confusion.
"Our classes are different," Noah answered shortly.
"Then... where is my class?" she asked, shaking her head and squinting her eyes, trying to read the writing on the classroom doors.
"I don't know that. Try to find it yourself," Noah replied, slightly annoyed.
"Alright..." Sena finally answered, then walked away with hesitant and sullen steps she couldn't hide.
Noah took a deep breath before pushing open his classroom door. His gaze immediately went to the desk at the back, where Rei was already sitting and waiting for him.
He threw his bag down and dropped himself into the chair with a tired sigh.
"Hey, what about the book? Any progress?" Rei asked, looking at him hopefully.
Noah rubbed his face, pushing his silver hair back. "I've given up on it, for now," he said, his voice sounding listless.
Rei just gave a wry smile and shook his head. "Well, don't give up so easily, Noah."
"Yeah, yeah," Noah answered lazily.
Suddenly, a girl with thick glasses approached their desk. Her gaze was sharp and authoritative. "The principal wants to see you in his office after break," she said briefly to Noah, before turning and leaving without waiting for a reply.
"Oy, is that any way to talk!?" Rei scolded the girl. But she pretended not to hear and left. "What a rude girl…"
What's wrong, the principal called me, is it because of Tareo again?