Chapter 14: Rank-S Bonds
As Fate and Kyle walked toward the special dormitory building reserved for Rank-S students, they noticed a familiar figure ahead.
She had blonde hair, golden eyes, and a slim figure.
Fate slowed his steps.
"…Hm? Is that—"
He glanced at Kyle.
"Isn't that Chloe Serfort?"
Kyle followed Fate's gaze and nodded.
"You're right."
Fate smiled slightly.
"We should say hi, don't you think?"
Kyle agreed, and the two approached her.
Fate spoke first.
"Hello there. You're Chloe from the House of Serfort, right? Nice to meet you. I'm Fate Kindspring."
Kyle followed up.
"Hello there, Serfort."
Chloe turned toward them, momentarily surprised, before offering a polite bow.
"Hello, young master Fate, and young master Kyle."
Fate waved his hand lightly.
"You can drop the formalities. We're fellow students after all."
Chloe hesitated, then relaxed a little.
"If you insist… then hello, Fate and Kyle."
She tilted her head slightly.
"May I ask where you're both headed?"
Kyle answered casually.
"We're going to our dorms. Want to come with us?"
After a brief pause, Chloe nodded.
"…Sure."
The three of them continued toward the Rank-S dormitories, chatting along the way. They spoke about their families, their entrance exams, and their expectations of the academy, gradually getting to know one another better.
When they finally arrived, they stood before the dormitory entrance.
Before heading off to their separate rooms, Fate stopped them.
"Do you two want to have dinner later?"
Kyle answered immediately.
"Why not? What time?"
"Around six," Fate replied, then turned to Chloe.
"How about you? Want to come too?"
Chloe thought for a moment.
"…If you insist," she said softly.
"Then count me in as well."
"That settles it," Fate said.
"We'll meet outside at six and head to the cafeteria together."
With that, they parted ways.
When Fate entered his dorm, he took a moment to look around.
(It's spacious…)
He removed his belongings from his storage ring—clothes, textbooks, and personal items—and began arranging them carefully.
Midway through, a knock sounded.
Knock. Knock.
"I'm coming!" Fate called.
He opened the door.
Standing outside was a maid with long black hair, purple streaks in her bangs, and black eyes.
She bowed respectfully.
"Good morning, young master Fate. I am your personal maid. My name is Fiona. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Fiona," Fate replied.
"Please take care of me from now on."
He gestured toward the room.
"Can you help me with my things?"
"Of course," Fiona said.
She assisted Fate in organizing his belongings and cleaning the dorm. Once everything was in place, Fate dismissed her.
After she left, Fate prepared for dinner.
Later that evening, Fate stepped outside and saw Kyle and Chloe waiting.
"There you are," Kyle said.
"Just in time."
"Did I keep you waiting?" Fate asked.
Chloe shook her head.
"We arrived just a minute ago. Don't worry."
"I see," Fate said.
"Then shall we go?"
The three headed to the cafeteria.
Inside, the variety of food was overwhelming.
Fate chose grilled beef with vegetables.
Kyle went with chicken and apples.
Chloe selected lamb, white bread, and fruits.
They sat together and began eating. Some students glanced their way, but none of them paid it much attention.
Then someone approached.
"Um… if you don't mind," a girl asked,
"may I sit here with the three of you?"
She had green eyes and short brown hair.
It was Isabelle Aurevane.
"Sure," Fate said.
"That seat's free."
Isabelle sat beside Chloe, and the four of them began chatting as they ate.
Isabelle shared information about the academy.
"The first lesson will be about humanoid monsters," she explained.
"Each student in the Rank-S classroom will have to face one."
Fate nodded slowly.
"Humanoid monsters, huh… They have a certain level of intelligence. That makes them dangerous—especially for someone's first real fight."
Isabelle smiled.
"You're quite knowledgeable, Fate."
She continued, lowering her voice slightly.
"I also heard that the empire's princess is enrolled here—and she'll be in the Rank-S classroom too."
Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"The princess? I heard she earned Rank-S in the Mana Test."
Chloe nodded.
"Her name is Princess Caelira Dawncrown. She's the third daughter of the Emperor who rules our continent, Orion."
After dinner, they returned to their dorms.
When Fate entered his room, Fiona was already waiting.
"Good evening, young master Fate."
"Good evening, Fiona," Fate replied.
"Before I sleep, may I ask where you'll be staying?"
Fiona pointed to a room within the dorm.
"Every personal maid has a designated room inside the student dormitory, so we can assist you quickly if needed."
"I understand," Fate said.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll change now. Good night, Fiona."
"Have a wonderful rest, young master," she replied.
Fate changed and collapsed onto his bed.
His thoughts drifted.
(Why does Lisa Astryx keep observing me from a distance…?)
(It's starting to creep me out.)
Eventually, sleep claimed him.
The next morning—
"Wake up, young master. It's time for your first day of school."
Fate stirred.
"Good morning, Fiona," he said groggily.
"What time is it? When does class start?"
"It's six in the morning," Fiona replied.
"Classes begin at eight."
"I see…"
Fate packed his belongings, showered, and put on the Valhalla Academy uniform.
Breakfast awaited him in the living room, prepared by Fiona.
After eating, he left for class as Fiona cleaned the dorm.
Outside, Kyle waved.
"Over here, Fate!"
Fate joined him.
On the way, they spotted Chloe.
"Good morning, Chloe," Fate greeted.
"Morning," she replied.
"Shall we head to class?" Kyle asked.
"Wait a moment," Fate said.
"We're still missing someone."
As if on cue—
"Good morning, everyone."
Isabelle appeared.
"We're complete now," Fate said.
"Let's go."
They walked toward their classroom. Students whispered as they passed, but none of them reacted.
However—
From a distance, a girl with black hair, purple eyes, and a pointy hat quietly watched Fate.
Lisa Astryx.
Chapter 14 End