The bell rang.
Pens stopped. Chairs scraped.
Students began filing out while the examiners collected answer papers from each desk.
Kyoya stretched with a sigh of relief.
"Finally. The boring part's over."
His three friends caught up one by one.
"They really packed all five exams in an eight-day schedule."
"I couldn't sleep properly last night."
"Bro… that was mental torture."
Kyoya laughed out loud.
"Physical exams start in three days," his friend said.
"Guess I'd better hit the gym. They examine raw strength for non-elementals."
"Anyone wanna check out the small water-side amusement park that recently opened?"
"Oh, I heard it gives festival vibes at night!"
Kyoya smiled.
"I'm down. Meet you in the evening then."
Everyone headed back to their rooms once they arrived at the dorm.
Kyoya waved at them before entering his.
He kicked off his shoes to the side and sat down on the sofa.
The interior of his dorm room was custom-modified to his liking.
Fiery red curtains and carpets alongside dark, wooden furnishings that made the place feel like part of a royal mansion.
As he relaxed on the sofa, his butler arrived with soft drinks.
Hair and beard white with age, yet his body was perfectly fit and fine, like a soldier.
His face was composed, and the look in his eyes spoke wisdom.
He set the tray down on the tea table in front of Kyoya.
"Lunch will be ready soon, Master Aquila."
Kyoya leaned forward and grabbed a glass.
Werner cleared his throat.
"I have some news, Master Aquila."
"What is it?" Kyoya asked.
"Nothing major," Werner replied. "Except, we've heard that Lady Elysia won't be participating in the upcoming tournament."
Kyoya paused mid-sip.
"What? Are you sure?"
Werner nodded.
"I'm certain. The news comes straight from their private maid."
"Huh. I wonder how the family is going to react to that."
"Apparently, she hasn't told this to anyone but Princess Lysandra."
That caught his attention.
"Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean she hasn't told the family?"
"We're still unaware of the reason why."
Kyoya's expression turned thoughtful.
"Making decisions in private that affect the public face of the family is against the rules. That's unlike her."
"The duties of the staff under the Solheim family span beyond just providing service. We are required to track and report even the most trivial matters."
"We're looking into the matter, though our reach is limited."
Kyoya finished his drink and set the glass down.
"…You wouldn't bring that up if it wasn't important."
"What do you have so far?"
"A few clues that suggest there's more than meets the eye."
"About three weeks ago, more than fifty individuals were arrested in a single night. The same night, Princess Lysandra and Lady Elysia were out on a shopping trip."
"And…?"
"They returned to the dorms late. Lady Elysia suffered from a fever for the next five days."
"Of course, it could simply be a coincidence."
Kyoya closed his eyes and focused.
"…I think not."
"Something… doesn't feel right."
After thinking for a minute, he grabbed his phone and sent a text in their friends' group chat.
Kyoya: Plans canceled. Something came up.
He put the phone down and looked at Werner.
"Say… how does a family night fiesta sound?"
Kuroha casually walked on the railing of a tall building, gazing down at the lit streets below.
She reached the end of the railing, then turned around.
She closed her eyes and slowly leaned behind, arms spread wide.
Her feet finally let go of their footing, and she descended into a free fall. Cold night air tore past her as she dropped, faster and faster.
For a moment, it looked like she would hit the concrete any second, until suddenly, Null energy slid over her body, followed by an invisible wave.
She vanished into thin air, reappearing on the roof of the building ahead the next second.
The Null energy slid away again.
Kuroha yawned, stretching.
"So boring…"
She walked to the railing and leaned against it.
From a distance, the faint sound of music and people cheering and screaming reached her ears.
She turned towards the direction.
"Finally. Something interesting."
Null energy activated again, and she teleported from the roof of one building to another with each step she took until she closed the distance.
Standing on top of the closest building to the source of the sound, she gazed down.
"An amusement park? Oh, that's the one I saw on the poster a while back."
She could see the bright lighting, rows of stalls, rides, the big Ferris wheel, and at the center of it all, a concert being held.
Kuroha tapped a finger against her chin, thinking, then giggled.
"Time for some fun."
Her Null powers activated, and she disappeared again.
Zen's glove hung on a thin rope, clipped in place.
He walked out of the shower in his black t-shirt and gray trousers, drying his hair with a towel.
He pressed his palm against the glove.
"Still slightly wet. Maybe another thirty minutes."
The glove not being on his hand meant the camouflage effect wasn't there either.
His hair and eyes had returned to their natural dark and red color.
The skin of his left arm was also exposed, showing three pulsing lines. One glowing green, one deep blue, and the other ice blue that branched from the deep blue line.
Zen hung the towel on the rope to dry.
He walked over to the bedside table and just as he was reaching out for a comb, wind whispered a presence into his ear.
He turned around, and immediately, a pair of hands pinned him against the wall on either side of his head.
Kuroha tilted her head, her smile devious.
"Hello, my dear~."
Zen sighed. He put his hands on her shoulders and firmly pushed her straight.
"Ever heard of personal space?"
Kuroha pouted.
"Anyone ever told you that you're a big old meanie?"
"Someone has, actually. And why the hell are you in my room?"
Kuroha chuckled.
"I was getting bored."
She ran her fingers over the lines on his left arm.
"How's your arm? Still hurts?"
He gripped her hand and gently pushed it away.
"Sometimes. Anyway, please leave."
"Well, I didn't come here just to leave."
"And why are you here, exactly?"
She grabbed his green jacket from the closet, his shoes, and the glove that hung on the rope, and tossed them to him. "You've been looking like a depressed kitten lately. So, I wanted to cheer you up."
Before Zen could say another word, she grabbed his free hand and pulled him into her Null energy.
The invisible wave engulfed them both, and the next moment, Zen found himself standing on an open roof with her.
"Can't you be a little bit more strategic about using life-consuming powers?"
He observed his surroundings.
"Where are we?"
"Somewhere nice and quiet before we step into chaos," Kuroha replied.
"Now, stop asking questions and get ready."
Kuroha snapped her fingers. Her gear deactivated and retracted into the black sleeve of her right hand, revealing her casual outfit: An off-white hooded sweatshirt and skinny jeans.
Her hair color shifted from red to white once the gear's influence fully wore off.
"Okay, I'm not supposed to be here," Zen said.
"Why? No one's stopping you."
"Well, I was uh... grounded."
Kuroha blinked.
"Grounded? By who?"
"By my... older sister."
Kuroha burst out laughing, her tone teasing,
"Aww... Big sis grounded her little baby brother."
She grabbed his glove and slid it over his left hand.
"Don't worry. No one will know. And I'll get you back home before it's late."
The camouflage function of his housing unit reactivated, and his hair and eye color shifted back to white and brown.
It also concealed the line on his left arm, making it look like normal skin.
Kuroha circled behind him and pressed his jacket against his back.
"Come on. Live a little. It'll help lighten the mood."
Zen exhaled, palming his face.
For a moment, he stared at his left hand, slowly clenching it into a fist.
He took a deep breath.
"I guess… it wouldn't hurt."
Kuroha smiled, helping him slip into his jacket.
Zen put on his shoes and stood up.
"Hold still..."
Kuroha walked in front of him and adjusted his messy hair.
"There... Now, let's go."
She grabbed his hand and pulled again.
Zen blinked, and the next moment they were on the roof of the building ahead.
Every step, they teleported from one building to another until the silence broke—and they were standing on the ground in front of a crowded amusement park.
Kuroha pulled him towards the ticket counter.
Laughter, cheers, and screams of fear and joy echoed all around them.
Cassie and Viara walked towards the main gate outside the girls' dormitory.
Cassie looked at Viara.
"He didn't tell you anything else?"
Viara showed her phone screen, showing the text chat with Kyoya.
"All he said was, 'Meet me at the main gate, both of you. It's important."
Upon reaching the gate, Kyoya came into view, leaning against his black car.
He waved at them with a smile.
"Good evening, ladies."
Cassie scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Alright. What's so important at this hour?"
Kyoya straightened and opened the rear door for them.
"Hop in."
Viara blinked.
"Where are we going?"
"You'll see. Don't question it," he replied.
Cassie and Viara exchanged puzzled glances.
Cassie shrugged.
"He wouldn't waste our time at least."
They both got into the rear seats. Kyoya got into the front beside the driver.
The car rolled forward towards the waterside of the commercial zone.
Fifteen minutes into the ride, Cassie stared out the window, watching cars passing by.
"You could at least tell us where you're taking us."
Kyoya didn't answer.
Cassie sighed.
Another fifteen minutes later, the car finally pulled to the side of the road.
Kyoya stepped out.
The driver opened the door for Cassie and Viara.
Cassie stepped out, eyes darting between the giant Ferris Wheel and the entrance of the park.
Viara stopped beside her.
"That's... quite crowded."
"You, okay?" Kyoya asked.
Viara gave him a nervous smile.
"I'm... fine."
Kyoya walked towards the entrance.
"Hey, wait," Cassie called.
"I thought you said it was important. What's the meaning of this?"
Kyoya paused, looking back over his shoulder with a smug smile.
"Having fun is important."
Cassie palmed her face.
They followed behind while Kyoya bought tickets from the counter.
The trio passed through the gate and was immediately greeted by bright neon lights and the smell of various street food.
Kyoya looked towards the live concert.
"Let's check it out."
"Um... I'll pass," Viara said, fidgeting with her fingers.
"I don't like crowds."
Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Then we can check out some mini games."
"I would prefer a drink first. I'm quite thirsty," Cassie said.
Kyoya gestured toward the food stalls.
"Drinks first, it is then."
Kuroha led the way, hands clasped behind her, checking out stalls. Zen followed behind.
Workers at the stalls shouted,
"Step right up!"
"Win a prize!"
Kuroha stopped at a stall. "What's this?"
"Archery challenge," the shopkeeper replied.
"Hit three bullseyes and win a prize of your choice! Only one pound!"
"I wanna try."
Kuroha handed him a bill and received a bow and three arrows.
She aimed at the first target. Bullseye.
Second one. Another bullseye.
She aimed at the third one. The arrow launched—a near miss.
"Whoopsies!"
She put another bill down and handed Zen the bow.
"Here. Your turn."
Zen rolled his eyes.
The shopkeeper handed him arrows.
He aimed and fired at one target after another in rapid succession.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
All three bullseyes.
The crowd around him clapped.
"Well done!" The shopkeeper said. "Pick a prize!"
Zen looked at Kuroha, gesturing towards the items on the table.
"Go on."
Kuroha observed.
"Let's see. I'll take... "
Her eyes skipped most of the valuables, landing on a keychain with a 2D Hatsune Miku figurine.
"…that one."
Zen returned the bow.
The shopkeeper handed Kuroha the prize.
They both moved forward.
Kuroha inspected the keychain, smiling.
Zen gave her a side eye.
"You missed on purpose."
Kuroha giggled.
"I did."
Zen shook his head in resignation.
"Cost us an extra pound."
"It's just one pound. Don't worry about it."
She grabbed his hand again.
"I see an arcade ahead. Let's check it out. We'll hit the big rides after."
Both arrived at the arcade, finding a group of kids and teenagers equipping vests.
Above them, a sign glowed "Laser Tag".
Kuroha's face lit up with excitement.
"Let's go register."
She rushed to the counter.
"Two tickets, please."
Cassie finished her drink and tossed the can into a recycling bin.
"That feels refreshing."
"So, what should we try first?" Kyoya asked.
"There's a shooting gallery."
Cassie rolled her eyes.
"We do target practice all the time. Pick something else."
Kyoya thought.
"How about a drop tower?"
Viara frowned, shaking her head.
"Too high."
"Haunted House?"
"Too scary."
"...Roller Coaster?"
"Too fast."
"Well, pick something."
Viara looked around, scanning the area. "Something peaceful..."
Her eyes lit up.
"I know. Indoor river ride."
Cassie and Kyoya exchanged glances and followed behind Viara.
They bought tickets and got onto a wooden boat.
It started slowly, entering the dark tunnel. The noise of the outside world faded away.
The boat drifted forward with a gentle sway, cutting through still water that reflected faint bands of colored light above.
It entered a cavern filled with chunks of sharp, blue crystals, pulsing like a slow heartbeat.
"Wow. This looks like a magical mine from a fantasy world," Viara whispered.
Light rippled across the water as the path curved without warning, guiding the vessel into narrower corridors where vines of artificial greenery hung from above.
The tunnel dimmed again, opening briefly into a village with traditional houses, farms, and windmills.
"This actually feels really nice," Cassie murmured.
Viara smiled.
"I know, right?"
Kyoya stayed silent, glancing around, enjoying the view and the quiet for once.
The boat passed through one last scenery—a painted night sky overhead that almost felt real.
And the ride finally reached its end.
Everyone stepped off the boat.
Viara stretched languidly.
"That was so good!"
Kyoya smirked.
"I enjoyed that, surprisingly."
"Honestly, I'm down for some more exciting rides now," Viara said.
Cassie gestured to her right.
"We can try the Wave Swinger. Or Bumper Cars."
"Bumper Cars sound fun!"
Viara led the way. "Let's go!"
The Laser Tag arena was foggy and dimly lit with neon lights.
Various obstacles—walls, pillars, and ramps- covered the open arena.
A kid swung out of a corner and tagged someone's vest from behind.
"Player 5 eliminated!" A mechanical female voice announced.
Around the arena, a trio and a duo were clashing from behind cover.
Suddenly, Kuroha slid out of a corner and tagged all three in seconds before slipping behind another wall.
"Player 14 eliminated!"
"Player 13 eliminated!"
"Player 15 eliminated!"
A collective groan could be heard from the three.
Kuroha repositioned and peeked from another angle, tagging the duo.
"Player 8 eliminated!"
"Player 7 eliminated!"
She began running around and tagging people left and right.
Zen encountered two players and tagged them before they could even aim at him.
Kuroha swung around the corner, aiming her laser gun, and found Zen.
She lowered her gun, laughing.
"This feels a bit too easy. I'm enjoying, though."
Suddenly, Zen's vest lit up, and then hers.
"Player 11 eliminated!"
"Player 10 eliminated!"
They turned around.
Two kids around the corner jumped with joy, doing a high-five.
"Yes!"
"We won!"
Zen smirked, holding back a laugh.
Kuroha pouted.
"You let them tag you on purpose."
"I did."
The game was over.
They returned the equipment and left the arcade.
Kuroha grabbed his hand again.
"Well, that was fun. Now, to the Roller Coaster!"
They bought tickets and waited in line for the next ride.
The Roller Coaster arrived shortly after.
The previous wave of people got off, and the next wave hopped on.
Kuroha and Zen got into the second row. The lap bar locked into place, and the ride began.
It accelerated quickly, taking a few turns before going down a drop.
Then it climbed, dropped again around a turn, sped through a vertical ring, and started climbing again to the highest point of the ride.
Anticipation built among the passengers as it slowed at the top of the track and paused for just long enough, then suddenly dropped down the steep track at full speed.
Everyone's scream echoed through the amusement park as the Roller Coaster dropped.
Zen closed his eyes and quietly leaned back, enjoying the cold air brushing by at great speed.
The Roller Coaster slowed down and stopped at the starting point. The lap bars lifted off automatically, and the ride ended.
Kuroha and Zen found an empty bench and sat down.
Kuroha leaned back, finally relaxing.
"I loved that."
Her eyes darted around aimlessly and landed on an ice cream van.
"I'll go get us some ice cream." She stood up and headed towards the van.
Zen leaned back and exhaled.
He watched as crowds of people passed by.
Then suddenly, he sensed something familiar and stood up, looking around.
But so many people being around made it extremely difficult to know exactly who he sensed.
"Was that... Cassie?"
His gaze landed on three girls standing on the opposite side of the crowded path.
"No, that's not her."
Just some strangers.
From behind, Kuroha peeked over his shoulders, her smile dangerous.
"Are you... looking at other girls?"
Zen looked at her from the corner of his eye, flicking her head.
"Drop the act."
Kuroha flinched. "Ow!"
Viara walked side by side with Cassie, munching on skewers, Kyoya right behind them.
Cassie inhaled deeply.
"I really liked the Tea Cups ride."
Viara laughed.
"You got destroyed in Bumper Cars."
Cassie returned a teasing grin.
"That's because you two were ganging up on me. Not fair."
"So...," Kyoya exhaled.
"How about a ride on the Ferris Wheel to end the night?"
Viara nodded.
"Sure."
Luckily, the crowd had thinned out there.
The trio bought tickets, and the staff helped them get into a cabin before closing the door.
The giant wheel started its rotation, unhurried.
The three of them sat in silence as the cabin climbed, showing a mesmerizing view of the glowing night city.
Viara pointed out the window.
"Look! You can see the academy!"
Kyoya relaxed in his seat opposite the other.
"So, how are you two preparing for the tournament?"
"Oh, I'm definitely kicking your ass," Cassie replied.
"I... need a bit more practice," Viara said with a nervous smile.
Kyoya stared at her for a moment.
"You know, when you said you didn't like crowds earlier, it was pretty surprising."
"Quite the opposite of you, actually."
"Oh, um... people change, you know."
Kyoya smirked.
"They do. Not without reason, though."
"You just seemed off today. Thought you would actually want to ride the Roller Coaster."
Cassie glanced at Viara.
Viara's face fell. She didn't reply.
"By the way, I heard you had a long fever a while back. Everything okay?" Kyoya asked.
Viara sighed.
"I'm mostly fine now. Just a little traumatized."
She slipped, quickly covering her mouth.
Cassie palmed her face.
Kyoya straightened in his seat.
"Traumatized? What happened?"
Viara didn't answer, avoiding eye contact.
Kyoya's eyes narrowed.
"Are you hiding something from me? Be honest."
No answer.
The cabin reached the highest point of the Ferris Wheel.
Kyoya waited patiently, then pulled out his phone.
"Or I could call uncle, the duke, and ask about what's going on."
Viara's eyes widened in alarm.
"No, wait! Don't call father!"
Cassie let out a long sigh.
"Just... tell him, Vi. No point hiding it."
Viara took a second, then nodded.
"You're right."
She looked at Kyoya.
"Could you... promise to keep it between us, please?"
Kyoya tilted his head.
"...As long as you're being honest, I won't tell the family."
Viara cleared her throat.
"So, uh... about three weeks ago, before I fell sick, we were attacked on our way back to the dorms."
Kyoya blinked.
"...What?"
"It was a kidnapping attempt," Cassie said.
"Our car got boxed in between two trucks, and we got surrounded by bandits."
"Luckily, we managed to escape."
Viara's voice became shaky. "I got cornered at one point. Thought it was the end for me. But a… mysterious warrior saved me."
"That's why... I am a little traumatized."
Viara stared at the palms of her hands.
"I get reminded of that night every time I try to swing my weapon. So, I talked to the director and got an exception from the tournament."
Kyoya's jaw tightened. Guilt crept in. He didn't expect things to be this bad.
"And, why didn't you inform the family?"
"The academy took responsibility and investigated," Cassie replied.
"And that nothing good would come from involving the family. So, we kept it a secret."
She handed him her phone with the investigation report from the academy open.
Kyoya read the article in his head, then went quiet, putting the phone down.
"Your lives were at stake. How could you hide something so severe from us?"
"Do you realize how concerned I feel right now?" he said.
"And how the elders will feel when they learn about this?"
Viara stared at the cabin floor.
"I know. I really do."
"I'm sorry…"
Cassie crossed her arms.
"Don't apologize, Vi."
"And what could they do if we did tell them? Pull us out of the academy, so we're safe from danger?"
"We're not delicate toys. One third of the damn world is in ruins. Are we not training to become Warriors and stand face to face against danger?"
Kyoya paused for a second.
"You have a point. And I respect it. But you could at least tell me."
"If someone out there was targeting you two, that means they could be on me, too. You should've realized that."
Cassie and Viara exchanged worried glances.
"So... what are you going to do?" Viara asked.
Kyoya leaned back again, closing his eyes.
"Don't worry. I won't tell the family, as promised."
His eyes snapped open with determination.
"I'll deal with it myself."
A group of staff lit the fuse and quickly backed away.
The flame raced along the cord—and the first firework shot into the sky.
A sharp crack split the air as it burst, echoing across the entire amusement park, drawing every eye upward.
Kuroha and Zen paused, ice creams in hand, looking up.
Another followed. Then more.
One after another, fireworks bloomed across the night—red, green, violet, and gold—spreading like luminous petals.
Each fractured into shimmering patterns that lingered for a breath before fading into smoke.
The entire park erupted in cheers.
Kuroha smiled, eyes fixed on the sky.
"What a perfect ending to our shenanigans…"
"We should do this more often."
Zen said nothing.
Another explosion rippled overhead—brighter, louder.
For a moment, he simply watched.
Then the sound twisted.
Not cheers.
Not a celebration.
Echoes of distant blasts, smoke swallowing the sky, and fire tearing through silence.
His gaze dimmed.
In a world where war never slept, this place was but an illusion hiding destruction on the other side.
A small, fragile haven.
Another firework burst.
Beautiful.
Gone just as quickly.
Zen lowered his head, closing his eyes for a brief second.
"…Time to head back."