'Well then, I think it's about time you got up, little Daumier'
"Mr. Astrapordt...Mr. Astrapordt!"
Peering through half-opened lids and the view of his glazed-over eyes, his strength slowly called him to consciousness.
Barely managing to get a word out, Shynerai woke with shortness of breath sending him into a coughing fit as the nurse moved over to bring him a glass of water.
After a few moments, and emptying his entire glass, the young boy fell back into bed when he started wincing from the burning feeling he felt shooting up his arms.
"Ah, Shynerai, can't say I'm not happy to see you...but you could stand to see me a lot less." Managing to breathe through the pain, he answered Dr. Arturion.
"Doc...Doctor Arturion, I don't have–Hmph. I don't really have an excuse this time."
"I can't be mad at you, after all, you aren't my only patient today. One of the Student Generals came in earlier. The kid takes himself too seriously, but he was still polite."
The doctor finished marking off his chart before moving to examine his injuries. Lifting his arms showed him something that immediately had him sit up despite the pain. Marks that appeared to be carved all the way down to his elbows.
One of the nurses that were looking over him mentioned how the strange markings were...almost like he was cut and burned at the same time.
The doctor asked Shynerai to clench his fists and move around his wrists. Noticing he was still in pain even though his motor functions were almost normal.
"Kid, whatever scorched your arms, it wasn't regular fire. From the events that the nurses, the other students and even what Reiss and Ulrich told me, I have some idea of how you ended up in my Ward. Next time, don't try to take a SoulArm barehanded...unless you're looking to lose your hands that is."
The good doctor added with a slight chuckle before having him rest back down.
'How would I get burned...there wasn't any fire—well except Beowulf, but those are hallowed flames, cool to the touch...'
"You still with me Shynerai, the cause of the burns managed to subside before you got to me. So whatever you did, it held it off, at least for now." The doctor snapped him out his thoughts
"...Doctor, what would happen if I...got burned again?"
"I'll give you something for the pain. Just make sure you get some rest so I'll keep you for a few hours. The marks like the scar on your shoulder will take some time to fade so try not to worry about them. In the meantime, you have a letter, two love letters in one month, you're pretty famous aren't you?"
"Love letter? no...I don't think so"
"Alright alright, I'm not trying to gray that white mane of yours, here, it still looks important." Opening the envelope and handing it over to the anxious young man.
Despite wearing quite the unsettle expression on his face, he took the note, giving in to his curiosity, and followed every line while Dr. Arturion was taking notice of his demeanor as he went through the letter quickly realized something was up as he slowly stifled his previous laughter at the sight of how tightly he seemed to be clutching the note.
Opting to just give him some privacy, he decided to step out for a bit.
A few moments later...
The doctor walked back into the room only to find Shynerai putting on his coat with the help of one of the nurses before she helped him with the sling for his arms.
Dr. Arturion approached the young boy in a near panic, querying his nurse as to why exactly she was discharging him but Shynerai stepped in reassuring the doctor that he would head home to get some rest.
Though he felt that it would be better for him to remain in the Ward till morning, he was eventually persuaded to let him go on the agreement that he spends the weekend getting rest. After Shynerai agreed, the doctor provided him with his medication and sent him home.
Shynerai made his way out of the Ward and headed for the gate when an idea came to him. He decided to check if the tram station was still open, hoping to save himself a trip on painkillers through Deep City on foot.
Sure enough, the station was still open and after only fifteen minutes, he was back at Cross Gardens. After an exhausting ascent up the stairs, he finally made it to his dorm room and into his bed.
It didn't take much for him to succumb to the grip of his fatigue after taking his medication, Shynerai managed to get into his covers, although he was still in his uniform by the time he was fast asleep.
By morning, Shynerai had already been awake, stretching about with his slings resting atop his desk, noting that while the scars remained, the burning sensation was almost entirely gone as he walked into the kitchen to begin breakfast.
Preparing some tea on the stove after sitting down, he noticed a faint glow peering out through his discarded pieces of clothing.
After retrieving the source of the humming light, he sat back into his chair to enjoy his meal while he looked through the Notebook.
The first few notifications came from the Student Council, confirming the results of what happened yesterday and his admittance to the Medical Ward.
Aside from the frustrating articles, Shynerai found himself being eased as he read through the other messages he got from his classmates.
Torren appeared to worry about his disappearance after he went to the Student Council Room, even arousing curiosity from Tersia and Vaceris that noticed his distress. But still, he closed the book and left for the bathroom to prepare himself.
While he should have rested, the weight of something he didn't quite get...only aware of how much his footsteps had leadened after discovering their concern.
Once he was finished getting ready, he began packing a bag...filling it, in the same manner, he did when preparing for the exam in Violain Woods, finally after putting on his coat, he grabbed his necklace from his desk and left, making his way to an unusual destination for a weekend,
When the tram had parked at the school's station, it was 08h15 leaving him far more relieved at his choice to have woken up earlier. He made his way out of the station and into the School's courtyard before heading towards the Student Council's office.
Shynerai felt a little hesitant at first, feeling like he might even be shaken up after what happened in the Arena.
Clenching his fists, he gave himself no choice but to press on, whether or not he found himself against Creivolt wasn't as important as what he needed to do. With his resolve better steeled, he knocked on the Council room door before he heard Henrietta 's call for him to enter.
"Try not to slam the doors, they're only a temporary replacement." She stated after greeting the visitor.
Shynerai was unsure of whether or not to expect another bolt of fire from her, and so only managed an awkward good morning.
Recognizing the white hair, she felt herself begin to flare up though she managed to stifle her frustration long enough to remain professional...that and along with the last scolding she got from President Elldra for letting Arno and Jaret have their argument in front of his office and scorching most of the Council room meant that she was more inclined to show restraint.
As eager as ever to get to the point of his visit, Shynerai asked Henrietta about where he could find the Questing Committee.
Remembering their last conversation...she couldn't help but sigh before looking at him once more and reminding him that he would have to get his ranking first before they could talk about the quest–
"Will this work as well Ms. Vermillion?" Shynerai asked as he presented her with the note from the envelope that was left with him.
Unsure of what his interruption meant, though still curious, she took the note and went over it. Scanning over and over it, each time with an ever-increasing look of confusion, until she eventually returned the note to him.
Allowing the contents of what she witnessed to simmer, she took a moment to look at him...before letting out an exhausted breath:
"...Shynerai Astrapordt, now that you have your rank if you are interested in taking up any Quests that the school provides, you are welcome to do so at the Questing Committee."
"...But..I already knew–"
"Then stop interrupting, I wasn't finished. The committee room is on the third floor of this building, head to the first room on your left and you'll see their Insignia."
After giving him directions, Henrietta saw the eyes of the young man light up, surprising her as he thanked her for assisting him before racing out the office, leaving her somewhat dazed at the sight.
When Shynerai finally faced down their door, barely able to contain himself. His trembling hands and nervous grin gave way to just how unsettled he was feeling...however this wasn't fear.
Reaching out to grab hold of the door, he took a deep breath...and then did his best to keep his chin up as he entered:
"Good morning, I was told this is a the–" In the same moment he stepped foot into the room, Shynerai found himself flung back through the door and into the corridor.
"Who the heck doesn't look where they're going...ah."
"Ummm...is everyone in the Student Council insane?" Shynerai wondered before wincing from the impact.
"Oh no, looks like I sent him flying. Hey, are you okay, talk to me...Wait Erai?"
"L–Luciana?"
The person that clashed with him managed to help him back onto his feet. Once upright, the shock managed to wear off enough for him to recognize the figure.
The same SG that helped him find his class. Shynerai was confused about what she was doing here, but she was just as surprised.
After having a minute to gather his thoughts, he explained that he was looking to take on a Quest and the Student Council had sent him here.
Even more surprised that they had sent anyone this early in the year, the pair's exchange is halted when Lotarim asks them to enter.
Shynerai was caught off guard by everything that just happened, though Luciana was more than able to motivate him inside as she dragged along by the sleeve.
Parking him in front of the large desk that sat basking in the morning light, and helmed by a figure. Having never met the person before, Shynerai wasn't sure if he should approach them or not...
Though his fears are quickly dispelled before he could get a word out as the figure asked him to step forward in a surprisingly sagacious tone.
So he approached until he was able to see what the figure looked like:
With glimmering onyx hair that sat atop her shoulders, highlighting her slim and pale expression as she sat with an air of certainty that struck Shynerai at the sight of her golden eyes.
"Good morning Shynerai Astrapordt. My Name is Kiara Aurelia and I am the President of this Committee, welcome."
"...Good morning ma'am."
"So what are you doing here? it's Saturday, should you be out exploring the city?" Luciana chimed in, noticing that oddly distracted Shynerai.
He told her about his desire for a Quest and even handed over the same letter to her, just as he did with Henrietta.
Though before opening the letter, she was already excited. Having finally gotten the freshmen involved in their committee she hurryingly asked him what kind of quest he was looking for, what rewards he wanted to earn, how large his party was, and how far he was planning to go.
Shynerai wasn't able to get much of a word in as she steamed rolled him, though a pat on the head from a passing Lotarim was enough to calm her down as he asked her to hand the note to their President.
Soothing her forehead, she handed over the note to Aurelia, allowing her to read through it and within a few moments, she placed it down and turned to him with a look of solemn worry.
She soon let out a sigh before asking him about the quest he wanted.
"Since it's your first quest, you can start with a 'C' or 'D' level–"
"Ms. Aurelia...I'll be taking the A level Quest."
"...You have only been at this school for two weeks, rushing into such a potentially dangerous mission is not advised for someone's first mission. Although." Aurelia paused as she thought to herself. When she is suddenly struck with a possible solution.
Asking Luciana to bring her all the available A level Quests while Lotarim brought her a freshly brewed cup of Peppermint tea. Luciana sent the Quest logs to the President's Notebook.
Aurelia paged through a few of them until she came across something that caught her eye...
Shynerai asked the President what she was looking for when he noticed her writing something in the Notebook.
Aurelia informed that even if he did manage to get an A rank, something unheard of for a First-year during her time in the Committee, she could not in good conscience send him on a Quest that could lead to his death.
'...If I had an S rank...but even with everything I had, I still lost' These emerging doubts took hold as the President explained her concerns.
"But, I am also unable to prevent you from taking on the Quest, so instead I'll add a precaution."
"Kiara?" Lotarim wondered.
"You'll have one of our members accompanying you. Acting as the invigilator, they will observe and assess your performance. If you complete the job successfully, you will be permitted to take on any Quest...provided it's within or below your rank."
"Oh-oh, President does that mean I can–" Again, another pat over her head calmed her down. Lotarim explained that she shouldn't forget that she has somewhere to be as he pointed at the seat off to the side.
Sitting on one of the chairs, waiting impatiently was a young child that seemed preoccupied with her Notebook more than what was happening in the room.
"Eh...alright, fine. Guess you'll have to tell me about how everything went after you get back. I'll leave him your hands, Lo..."
"Straea, your big sis is heading out." Lotarim called to the little girl as Luciana was leaving the room, like before.
Unable to come along with Shynerai on his Quest, Lotarim instructed him to head to the Bellerophon Auto Shop near the South-Western outskirts of the Aria.
Since there aren't any Teleportation Seals where he was going, he would need some kind of transport to reach the location of his Quest.
But the important reason for him to reach the auto shop was that it would be where he found his guide for his Quest, though he would not be prepared for what they were going to find...
"Mr Lotarim–"
"Lotarim is quite alright Shynerai."
"...Okay, Lotarim, what is this Quest, where am I headed?"