"Woah!" she exclaimed, her blood suddenly got excited. Her fujoshi spirit awakened and her eyes sparkled in absolute interest on the story. "Really? Tell me more."
Leo was surprised with the sudden changed of her behavior. He thought he could almost see an invisible drool on her mouth. "Why do you look like you've been injected with a chicken's blood? Lady, you are so beautiful but it seems you're also a little crazy-- O-ow, ow!" He wailed in pain.
She was pinching both his cheeks with all her might.
"Crazy?! Hohoho! You must be tired of living. Shall I end your youthful glow here, huh?" Her eyes looked deadly with veins popping out on her face. Her hype to the much awaited BL story was completely shoved to the wind by his tactless remark.
He swore he thought she had grown shark teeth and was about to eat him alive. 'Mommy, help me!' He shouted desperately in his mind.
"Kyaa! I'm so happy I got admitted to Aeon Academe. I'm so lucky!"
"Congratulations! Oh, I'm so envious. I heard all students there became rich and famous."
Heaven suddenly stopped punishing the tactless cub and looked at the two girls accross the street, curious of the topic they're talking about.
Leo sighed in relief, thankful that he was able to preserved his life for another day.
"Hey, brat, what are they talking about?" She asked like a gang leader to her servant.
Leo unconsciously pouted, "Aeon Academe, the most prestigious and elite school in Militia Empire, and to the whole Paradis. It is also the home of the most prominent and exceptionally gifted people in the country. You will know more about the academe as you oficially start your class." He explained while massaging his swollen cheeks.
"A-are you an ACE?"
Heaven looked at him, suddenly confused by his question.
Leo sighed helplessly, "Every students in the Academe is called ACE, also known as Adam's Children with Exceptional gift. Are you an ACE, Lady Fair?"
"Are you an ACE?" She asked back.
"...Yes."
"Well, I guess I am too."
"Eh? Whatever you mean? Would you mind letting me know your gift?"
Heaven knitted her elegant brows, "Gift? What's that?" She continued after seeing Leo's jaw dropped, "I received an invitation to study in the Academe. Before I knew it, I saw your flying vessel on top of my Zion Tower, and the rest... well, you already know." She shrugged, not minding the mystery of her entire school admission.
Leo was both surprised and amazed. "I must say, you are quiet oblivious of your situation. You're very unique, indeed. Didn't you hear about the rumors?"
"What rumors?"
"It was said that it's almost impossible to enter Militia unless you have an exceptional gift. Once you entered the country, you can never go out. If you attempt to escape, you will be killed on the spot."
"Nonsense! How come you're still alive, then? Didn't you go out and picked me from Solstice Mountain?" she asked, totally not buying the baseless rumors.
"I was on a mission. I was tasked by the Academe's chairman to rescue you from the tower."
"So, you can only go out of Militia if you are in a mission, otherwise, you'll be toasted even before you reach the border. Am I correct?"
"Thats right," he answered as he opened the car door when they reached their transportation.
"Well, for me, this is quite amazing compared to living in solitude for your entire life." she casually continued upon entering the car.
"I guess you are right." Leo smiled sadly when he remember her past situation."
A brief silence surrounded them while they both enjoyed the view from the car's window. Their brawny escorts already left them in the care of the academe's chauffeur.
Leo was the one who broke the silence again.
"Gift... normal beings call them superpowers or magic or any skills that defy the word 'Normal.'" He started when he remembered her question earlier. "A person must either know his gift or was scouted by the academe's chairman and deans before they could enter. In a nutshell, you must have a gift to be admitted by Aeon. But in your case, your mysterious companion in solstice mountain must know someone from higher ups for you to be recommended without knowing whether you have a gift or not."
"Gift, huh?" She whispered and stared at her hands.
It's not like she didn't know anything. She read a lot of books that could last her three lifetimes, but she thought they were all just creation of someone's imagination. Everything was a first for her. She was both scared and exhilirated.
But this time, there's no longer that mystery companion to guide her.