I woke up to the sunlight hitting my face. When I looked at the clock, it was only 5:45 a.m. — too early.
I decided to go out and wander around since classes start at 7:40. It's the first day of school, and I can't afford to be late.
As I walked down the hallway of the girls' dormitory, it was quiet. No one else seemed to be awake yet — maybe they were all still asleep.
Before I knew it, I had wandered into a beautiful garden. Trees and flowers surrounded the place, and butterflies of every color danced in the air.
I climbed up onto the branch of a large tree near a lake and looked around.
I couldn't help but admire the view. In my whole life, I had never seen a garden this breathtaking. The lake's water was crystal clear, sparkling as if glitter floated on its surface.
While I was lost in wonder, I spotted two hooded men talking in the wooded part of the academy. I couldn't make out their faces. Soon after, one of them walked toward the forest, while the other returned to the boys' dormitory.
A traitor, huh? You're good at hiding, but I'll find out who you are eventually.
I didn't notice how much time had passed until I checked my watch. 6:59 a.m. Already. I quickly climbed down the tree and walked back toward the dorm like I hadn't seen anything.
They must not know what I saw. I'm sure they'd kill me if they did. In times like this, the only person you can truly trust is yourself. Tsk.
Back in my room, I rushed into the bathroom to shower. After putting on my uniform, I slipped on the black Converse I had bought.
The moment I stepped outside, Leigh's smiling face greeted me. She looked me up and down, her gaze finally returning to my face — giving me the chance to peek into her thoughts.
"She's so pretty. The uniform looks perfect on her, hihi."
I shook my head slightly. She didn't know I could read minds, because I'd never told her about it. Sometimes, she really was like a child.
I followed her to the dining hall, and after breakfast, she insisted on washing the dishes. I waited so we could head to class together.
"Come on, only fifteen minutes left before class starts!" she said, tugging at me again. This girl really liked dragging me everywhere. I just rolled my eyes and let her.
When we entered the classroom, we sat at the back near the window. I chose the window seat — better to avoid boredom.
The door suddenly opened, and the room fell silent. A man in his mid-thirties entered. He was fair-skinned and — though older — still good-looking. He scanned the room, and once he confirmed everyone was present, he started nodding repeatedly.
Another crazy one. Who just nods to themselves like that? Is this place full of weirdos? Sigh.
"Okay, so I'm Arthor Penales, but you can call me Prof. Art. I'll be your teacher in Ability Enhancement," he introduced himself. Ability Enhancement? Now that's new. Very different from the mortal world.
"In Ability Enhancement, we'll train your powers and magic. You'll learn how to use them properly. We must be careful not to harm anyone or damage anything in the academy due to lack of control," he explained. Everyone nodded along — except me.
"I'm so excited, hihi!" Leigh giggled. I sighed. As always.
"Follow me to the training field," Prof. Art said before heading out. Our classmates trailed after him, while Leigh and I hung back.
When we arrived, the others were already lined up, so we took our place in line.
"Ms. Hinaia, what's your ability?" Prof. Art asked the girl in front of me.
"I'm a healer, sir," she answered politely.
I listened quietly while Leigh chatted away with the students nearby. From what I'd learned, her ability was levitation — floating objects. But technically, that could also be achieved if you had the air element, using floating techniques. Which explained why I could also do it.
"Next, Ms. Yhessa, what's your ability?" Prof. Art asked, looking directly at me.
"Mind reading," I answered calmly, meeting his gaze. I didn't actually read his thoughts — I kept my mind blocked to avoid hearing anything.
Prof. Art then told me I didn't need to practice since mind reading only didn't require physical drills. Honestly, I was grateful for that.
I sat down on a bench to wait for Leigh. After a while, she came over to say she'd join practice, so I slipped away to find a quiet spot to rest.
Not long after, I reached a shaded area with a long bench hidden behind a tree. I dusted it off, lay down, and closed my eyes. The tall trees kept the heat away, making it a perfect spot.
"When are we going to grab the two girls?" a man's voice nearby jolted me awake.
I opened my eyes slightly and spotted two men talking behind a large tree. I crept closer to listen.
"Tonight. They'll be heading to the cafeteria. We'll wait for them on the way back," the other said.
So, they're planning a kidnapping. Hmph. They won't succeed.
I didn't bother listening further and returned to the training field. At least now, I knew their plan — I'd be ready tonight.
Leigh ran up to me as soon as I got back, inviting me to the cafeteria for lunch. I silently followed.
Inside, the place was crowded with students eating. We found a table in the corner, but on the way, a girl deliberately stuck her foot out to trip me. I noticed, but didn't avoid it — letting myself stumble to the floor.
The entire cafeteria erupted in laughter, but I ignored them and looked straight at the girl who tripped me. There were six of them in total, their faces caked in powder and all sorts of colorful makeup.
"What are you looking at?" she sneered. I gave her a cold look and turned away.
"Hey! When I talk to you, answer me! Don't you dare turn your back on me. Don't you know who I am?" she snapped.
Of course I didn't.
I met her gaze but kept my voice calm."Whoever you are, go look for someone who cares. I'm hungry."
I heard Leigh stifle a giggle behind me, and a few students actually laughed at my reply.
The girl raised her cup, ready to dump juice on me — but someone grabbed her hand.
"Stop that, or I'll report you to HM," a male voice warned. He released her wrist, and the cafeteria fell silent, as though an angel had walked in. A moment later, the screaming began.
"Oh my god, it's the B6!""Kyaaaahhh!""Flame, be my boyfriend!""Drenz, can you be mine?""Blyn, why are you so handsome?""Reiko, let's make love!""Flake, let's date!""Shirou, marry me!"
The girls were hysterical. I didn't pay attention and simply turned away.
When I looked at Leigh, her jaw had literally dropped, and she was practically drooling. Sigh. Girls.
"OMG the B6 right in front of me for real?! They're so hot, I'm melting!"
I shook my head, closed her mouth for her, and she blinked like she'd just woken from a dream. Then she pinched me at the side.
"Ouch," I muttered under my breath, but she was still too busy gawking at the boys. I decided to leave her there and used her daze to my advantage so I could order food in peace.
Halfway through my meal, she finally returned with her tray.
"Wow, you really left me there! But it's fine, at least I got to see their angelic faces, hahaha!"
I just shook my head at her craziness and kept eating.
After lunch, we headed straight back to class. The entire way, Leigh couldn't stop rambling about the six boys. I tuned her out, focusing instead on how I'd make an excuse to slip away from her later tonight.