Adam started his morning by getting out of bed lethargically. His mind was stuck pondering about why and how he kept having dreams of Askyros' past.
("...Krino, you there?") [Adam]
"What's up?" [Krino]
("When will the dreams end?") [Adam]
"Dreams?" [Krino]
("The ones about Askyros. The man I killed in the dungeon.") [Adam]
There was a short moment of silence before Krino replied.
"I didn't notice the new memories popping up. I had to do a quick run through it." [Krino]
("So? Your answer?") [Adam]
"It won't end until he reaches the end of his life." [Krino]
("I… killed him though?") [Adam]
"You're going to have to watch yourself kill Askyros through his perspective." [Krino]
Adam wasn't really sure how he felt about that, but he knew it wasn't pleasant.
"You gonna go to school now?" [Krino]
("Yeah…") [Adam]
He sighed while going about his morning routine. Krino thought that Adam was still pondering about Askyros, so he decided to change the subject.
"By the way… What are you going to do about Dante?" [Krino]
("Dante? Oh… That guy who's leading some kind of gang. What was it called again?") [Adam]
"Roaring Tiger. Pretty cringe if you ask me." [Krino]
Adam could hear a little snicker echo in his head. It was clear that Krino was having more than his share of fun there.
("I don't know what I'll do about Dante. I'll have to ask Orion or Felix.") [Adam]
"Smart. Almost as smart as the people you're asking." [Krino]
("...I don't think Orion is that smart.") [Adam]
"Hah! He'll punch you for that one." [Krino]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Upon finishing his daily routine, Adam met up with Orion and Felix outside.
"Morning." [Felix]
"Morning…" [Adam]
"Sup." [Orion]
Adam yawned as he spoke. It appeared that even his trip to Askyros' past wasn't enough sleep for him.
"So… Did you tell Adam what happened last time, Orion?" [Felix]
"Yeah. I told him we avoided some scouts that worked for Dante." [Orion]
"D-Did you now…?" [Adam]
He could barely recall the details since he's spent a long time in Askyros' memory. Though it was vague, Adam could squeeze out a few details from before he dreamt.
"Did you say something Adam?" [Felix]
"I-It's nothing." [Adam]
Trying not to seem like an idiot, he held his tongue.
"Now would be a good time to ask about what to do about Dante." [Krino]
("I know, shut up.") [Adam]
The three walked in silence. It was so devoid of conversation that Adam had trouble bringing out what he wanted to say until he cleared his throat.
"Say… What do you guys think we should do about Dante?" [Adam]
"Have a heart to heart with him I guess. Maybe we can solve our situation with words." [Felix]
"I suggest beating his ass." [Orion]
"I doubt that would work." [Felix]
"It's actually pretty effective. Maybe you should try it for once." [Orion]
A sly smile appeared on Orion's face, as if he was planning something insidious.
"...What do you think Adam? Attempt to talk or try to use brute force?" [Felix]
"Not sure…" [Adam]
He took a minute to think about it. After a few moments of contemplation, he came to a conclusion.
"How about we meet up with him first? If he's nice, we talk. If he's not, then we can beat him up." [Adam]
"...Sounds like something you'd pick. I'm fine with it. How about you, Orion?" [Felix]
"...Eh. Sure, why not." [Orion]
With just that short exchange, the three of them decided on a plan.
"Okay, now that it's settled, how do we find Dante?" [Felix]
"We could probably ask Toban?" [Orion]
"And where would we find Toban?" [Felix]
Just as he asked, the three took notice of a commotion on the street. A few students of different uniforms surrounded another one on the ground. It seemed that they were yelling something, but Adam and the others were too far away to hear it.
"The hell's going on over there?" [Orion]
"Let's get a closer look." [Felix]
As they came closer, the three could hear the voices more clearly.
"Cough it up you little shit!" [Irritated Student]
"No! That's all I have!" [Feeble Student]
"Do you want to get hit?!" [Brutish Student]
"If you give us a few hundred, then we'll let you off here." [Irritated Student]
Adam soon came to understand the gist of the situation.
("They're bullying…") [Adam]
"Wow, never thought I'd see this happening in broad daylight. You guys want to deal with them or should I?" [Orion]
Adam eyebrows narrowed at the sight of it, and he began to approach them.
"Oh, I guess he wants to do it." [Orion]
"Hey." [Adam]
Tapping the shoulder of the Brutish Student, Adam drew their attention.
"Who the hell are you? You think this is a show? Shoo!" [Brutish Student]
The Brutish Student spoke roughly, so much so that Adam felt like he had to close his eyes to avoid saliva from flying into it.
("I'm gonna punch him.") [Adam]
He clenched his fist in preparation, but held himself back after hearing Krino speak.
"Wait! Before you start, ask him if he knows Toban!" [Krino]
("That's a great idea.") [Adam]
Staring directly into the Brutish Student's eyes, Adam smiled kindly.
"Do you know a guy named Toban?" [Adam]
"Huh? Yeah, what about it?" [Brutish Student]
Adam's smile widened into a grin, somehow creeping out the students and his own friends.
("Bingo.") [Adam]