The sun dipped below the Academy's spires, casting long shadows across the courtyard. I had spent the entire day dodging glances, avoiding the Hero, and not fainting at every smile from Princess Celis.
And now, according to Whiskerdoom, it was time for my "mandatory doom session."
"Mandatory doom session?" I muttered, balancing my bag on one shoulder. "You mean… a secret club that wants to kill me?"
Whiskerdoom stretched lazily on my shoulder.
"Club. Raid. Secret. Same difference. Someone thinks you're important. Or expendable. Sometimes both. Move it, genius."
I groaned. "I didn't even sign up for anything!"
The diary vibrated faintly. A new line scrawled itself:
" Step into the shadows. Observe first. Then survive."
Lovely. Advice as helpful as a fireball in a rainstorm.
I approached the back gate of the Academy's west wing. A small, dark door barely noticeable in the stone wall stood ajar. That had to be it.
Inside, the room was dimly lit by candles. Shadows danced across the walls. And three figures sat at a table, faces hidden behind masks — a blue fox, a crimson raven, and a golden lion.
"Ah… the infamous Riel Arkwood," said the fox-masked figure. Voice smooth, practiced. "Welcome to the Night Raid Club."
I froze. "Night Raid… Club?"
The raven-masked figure leaned forward. "We don't tolerate fools, villain. Why are you here?"
"Uh… mistake?" I offered weakly, hoping they'd believe me.
The golden lion chuckled. "Everyone thinks that at first. But…" He tapped a finger against a small black book on the table. "…you carry something… special."
I glanced down at the sword peeking from under my coat. The diary had no notes about this. Great.
"I… carry what now?"
"Potential," said the fox. "Dangerous potential. And that's why we're… interested in you."
I gulped. "Interested… like… interrogation? Kidnapping?"
The lion tilted his mask, a grin hidden beneath it. "Or… recruitment."
Recruitment. Right. My luck was… exquisite.
Whiskerdoom hissed. "Run. Or prepare to die. Your choice."
"I… I don't do clubs," I said firmly, backing toward the door.
The raven clapped once. "You don't get to choose. The Academy has… rules. And the Night Raid enforces them."
I sighed. "So, basically, I'm doomed. Again."
The fox leaned forward, voice sweet and dangerous. "We want to see what you can do. Show us your skill… or disappear into the shadows forever."
My brain screamed. What skill? I'm the villain. I survive accidents, traps, and the Hero's random kindnesses. That's it.
"Alright," I muttered. "Uh… what do you want me to do?"
"Demonstrate your combat prowess," said the lion. "Simple. A duel. Against one of us. Rules are… fluid."
I blinked. "Rules are fluid?"
Whiskerdoom hissed again. "Yeah. You're probably going to get stabbed. Fun times."
"Fine," I said, gripping my sword nervously. "I'll… fight."
The fox smiled. "Good. Confidence. Dangerous, but… good."
A sudden flash of silver: Eren appeared in the doorway. His eyes scanned the room, landing on me. "Riel? What's going on here?"
I froze. Hero. Why now? Why here?
Eren stepped forward, unafraid. "Are you in trouble?"
"Uh… no! Totally fine!" I yelled. "Just… club activities!"
The Night Raid masked members exchanged glances. "He has a Hero?" hissed the raven.
"I… I'm fine, I swear!"
Eren frowned. "Stay close to me. I'll… handle this."
The fox chuckled. "Interesting. The Hero protects the villain. Unexpected. But… entertaining."
Whiskerdoom muttered, "Kid, survive. And don't die embarrassed."
I gritted my teeth. "Yeah… I can do that."
The diary glowed faintly, a new line appearing:
"Step five: Hero protection detected. New survival strategy required. Do not die."
"Seriously."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I hate this school. I hate this club. I hate… everything right now."
Eren stepped closer, hand on my shoulder. "We'll get through this. Together."
I almost panicked. Together? No! Wrong! Script! Chaos!
But… a small part of me, the part that wasn't used to anyone having my back, felt… something. Hope? Or stupidity. Maybe both.
Whiskerdoom leapt from my shoulder, tail flicking. "Hope is lethal. Stupidity? Even more lethal. Choose wisely, villain."
I sighed. "Why am I even here…?"
The masked members surrounded us, swords glinting in candlelight. "Demonstration time," said the lion.
And just like that, the Night Raid Club had officially begun.
Survive, Aki. Don't die. Don't embarrass yourself. And don't trust anyone — especially not the Hero.