The last day before the grand event stepped on the stone, breaching everyone's entitlement and curiosity on what to do with their last day.
They managed to create a fully booked schedule wherein they will focus more on rehabilitating their activities and getting their skills checked by William. With Aran and Mahrisse finally, onboard, they have decided to fawn over the details little by little until Aran understands the premises of the said rules.
"Does anyone have any more questions?" Finished by the explanation, William directly voiced out if there is still any part that is hard to understand. Fortunately, everyone nodded and it seems like they get the details and rules and regulations now.
"All right, then, I suppose my job here is officially done. I will be thoroughly checking your attendance once again on the training grounds and have you do other rounds before you take a big rest. Tomorrow is the event and you guys need to stabilize your body by eating and resting." He followed as he closed his list, leaving the other session to be discussed by Miss Julia.
William left the room and once again, the other classes have been taken. It seems like the difference between the first day and the last day had so much significance. Levitating their failing remarks is also an exception and while it is necessary for them to focus on other subjects for their magic skills, the event has been getting on for their actions.
Lunch break has started and everyone left the classroom. The candidates from Section C have rushed through the cafeteria leaving their seats widely opened. It is finally time for them to get some feast before the big day.
Before he knew it, Aran was left all alone in the room without anyone to talk to. He slowly panned his book downwards and noticed the appealing silence without anyone in sight.
"How interesting, this is the first time that I had some silence for a long time while reading. Might as well enjoy it before everyone comes back." Not paying attention to his isolation in space, he continued to indulge himself in reading and ultimately focusing on the story that he had found interesting. Without that many things to do, he spent the rest of lunch break memorizing every little instance listed around the academy's congruent appearance and history.
I wonder if this academy had some special connection with the outside world... He pondered around his chair while intently skimming through the entire history book with the academy on its front board. Inside was a full context of how the academy was built using various materials and magic foundations coming from several third parties groups and how it was funded. Alongside were a couple of descriptions of the rooms as well as the graduates and candidates that were assigned on the divisions to go outside the wall.
While he was able to distract himself with the book, his stomach growled ferociously and started feeling unwell.
"Agh, damn it, now's not the time," Aran muttered with a distorted expression.
Though he was able to be fully committed to reading, he closed the history book and placed it down on his table. He instantly got up and left the room to head over to the cafeteria as well. The hall was pretty much empty, and there were no signs of people lingering over to the massive room. Everyone is pretty much packed on eating.
He passed through the second building and went over to the nearest path which is the pillared hall with the vast garden on each side. As he went over to the east section, he was abruptly stopped by a sudden grope of his shoulder coming from atop the ceiling.
"Aaa!" He let out a scream and fell over to the ground, sliding his way up to drag his body. After calming himself down for a little, he looked up and saw the person who shackled him in fear with the jumpscare.
The person was wearing a black coat with a thick robe on the outside and a thin piece of the hoodie to cover her entire appearance. She appears to be a little bit taller than Aran and she got a nice figure. Though it was unable to gaze through her entire build because of the overly sized clothing, Aran figured that it was a woman.
He stood up from the ground and rubbed the right side of his shoulder as well on the backside.
This person... I saw them in a group. They wore the same thing. I have also seen them helping us during my battle with the masked magician.
"W-Who are you? Why did you do that?" Aran began to question the mysterious person who scared him.
"..."
There was an explicit silence to his question. Confused by the situation, Aran slowly tried to leave by taking a step but then.
"You... Do you like being in here?"
A woman's voice was left out. Aran froze in his place for a second and then retracted back to his original position with a serious face.
"What do you mean?" He asked. Again there was silence, but instead of leaving him hanging, the woman turned over and looked him through his eyes.
She has a solid goal reeking from her glossy sky blue eyes. A gem that is much more than the price you could get. She has a different aura and contributing personality. Though there was a bit of inaudible secret, her face was seen to be determined and precious at the same time.
"I am asking you, do you like living here?" Her cold gaze was still intact even after the second question. Though unfazed by her seemingly direct question, Aran began to speak.
"Yeah, I do."
There was no hesitation in his voice. Rounding up at the moment, the mysterious woman closed her eyes and sighed.
"You are a fool..." She put up a blunt comment as a reply. Aran was surprised by her remark.
"You shouldn't be in here. Your existence should be utterly discreet. I want you to join us."
The vague meaning behind her words puts Aran in a tough condition, knowing that if he answered incorrectly, he might get turned down in an instant.
"I don't understand, what do you mean by I shouldn't be in here? Who are you? I've seen a lot of your kind during the examination. You even helped us with that criminal last time. You guys have been in there for more than a month but I don't get to see you often." Questions began filling up his head with a little twist of doubt, intertwining different answers.
"You'll know of us sooner, until then, we must remain hidden until our superior orders us to reveal ourselves. But for now, I am giving you a warning, return back to us and your life will be spared." She answered.
"What? My life will be spared, wait! hold on!" As he was about to step in, the woman in the shady clothing suddenly vanished with such extreme speed. Aran stopped on his way with his hand reaching out. He then placed it on his side and glanced around, feeling anxious about what just happened.
What's with the girl, she said a lot of vague things that I don't understand. She didn't even answer my questions. Who are they and why are they hiding? Wondering about the moment, he found himself in the cafeteria. Still having the taste of hunger in his presence, he grabbed a chair near the counter and ordered a set of meals with soup and meat and a bowl of rice.
Suppressing his hunger, Aran immediately returned back to the room. Some candidates have also returned but only with a few counts.
"Where is everybody?" He asked.
"Oh! Hi, Aran. If you are looking for everyone, they headed through the training grounds to have another session." A girl from his own class has answered.
"Oh... So they are going to spend the rest of the time training? Isn't that a bit too much?"
"Well, for you, maybe? But they have acted like this ever since the second day so we are already used to it. For those of us who weren't picked, we have the whole room as our studying room. We don't really have anything to do with the free time so we're just going to stall and study as a group." She giggled as she explained their activities.
"Oh! That's so cool. A group study, huh? I think I should probably stop by and do the same." He clapped his hands like a bookworm.
"Wait, really? Aran? You're going to join us, is that okay?" Surprised by the sudden injection of himself, the girl pressed onto him and grabbed his arms while staring at him affectionately.
"I um... y-yeah... I mean, I am not really picked anyway so..."
"Yay!"
Hearing this big news, all of the other candidates that were left inside the room rejoiced in a mindful manner. They were so happy when someone like Aran is willing to join their little group.
"Did you hear that, guys? The hero is going to join us!"
"Hey, Aran! Are you interested in this too?"
"Aran! Let's learn about magic portals!"
Many people have garnered around him, giving him such a delicate attribute of friendship and counseling. Although he despises crowds that much, he didn't give a single despising attitude to all of them. He accepted them as friends.
Ahh... this is the first time that I had felt like this... Is this really okay? I feel like I am bragging about too much... this is okay right...? Man... I feel like I am going to have fun with this... not to mention, they are so captivated with studying and reading! Just like I am!
"All right, let's start!" Aran immediately jumped into it.
"Yes!" Everyone responded.
For the rest of the time, they started forming tables within a circular path. With the large table being in the center, they all placed the books that they have gathered and they all exchanged information and learned a few variables while listing down some notes. Aran did the same and they were all surprised by his vast knowledge and history foundation.
Within the barrier is also a few instances of a joke and entertainment. They spend some time introducing themselves to others while also telling something about themselves. Joining in, Aran did the same again and again until they reached a deep connection and bond within each other. Truly a magnificent feat and a wholesome dedication for the team of bookworms.
"Hey, Aran. You really are good at this stuff, did you go to an academic school when you were a kid?" A guy from the opposite side of him asked. Aran leaned back in surprise with the formality of the question. A brief silence overtook the moment but then he smiled and began talking.
"Oh no, I didn't go to school. My family was poor you know?" He answered. He was taken back with his joyful response even though the reasoning is a bit darker than usual.
"Poor? Aran, is your family okay?" Another question was asked and this time, he felt a little pluck on his string inside his heart.
"Well umm... Mmm... Yeah, they are okay..." He scratched his cheeks with a weary smile.
"So where are they living now?"
"Why do you ask him that? Of course, it would be on the capital!"
"Aran, do you have a nice home?"
Bombarded by the sudden question, someone stood up and negated their force impulse.
"You guys... I think we should stop. Can't you see that Aran is feeling a bit uncomfortable with the questions?" She stopped them. Everyone who kept asking him questions immediately shut their mouth, feeling sorry about what they are doing. Her cold statements and scolding abilities are top-notch.
Aran quickly took a glance at whoever scolded them. He looked at her through her eyes and noticed something.
Those eyes...
Sharpening his memory, he remembered the strange girl who talked to him earlier in the hallway.
She... She has the same eyes as that girl that I met earlier.
The woman who stood up for him took a little stroll near Aran. She raised up from her seat and extended her hands to him.
"My name is Eutara Freesia, nice you meet you, Aran Crossford." Taken by her beauty, her frosting aura chilled Aran's heart but at the same time, he is also confused about her identity. Examining her body figure finally came to his mind. She has a slender and perfect womanly figure, A medium-sized chest, long and silver hair that is extending through her shoulder, and has a long strand of bangs gently slanged on the side of her right eye.
Her muscles are also exposed, she has a nice shape and long arms. And most of all, she has great beauty and intellect.
"Ah– Mmm... nice to meet you... but umm... it is okay guys, I don't really feel that way hehe" Noticing the awkward situation, he motivated them again to get rid of the pressure.
"I am just not that really used to this kind of conversation, you know? I grew up without having any friends back in my childhood days so... I am so thankful that you guys are spending time with me... I really appreciate it!" His cheerful and accepted personality echoed within their hearts and it made them happy.
Eutara sat near Aran and continued their conversation. Though, with their focus on the study, Aran couldn't help but steal glances at her face.
They really look similar! Is it just me or? No no no no no, that is impossible, her aura is completely off this time and she has a name. That girl earlier doesn't have one. Coincidence? But then looking at her is making me feel anxious... not to mention... I feel a bit nervous around her, is that normal?
The intense gaze at her paid off and he has been noticed by Eutara. She hung her head downwards, with the fall of her strands, and stared at him.
"Mmm? Aran? Is there something wrong?" She asked.
"Oh umm! N-no! Nothing... I just thought that maybe we met somewhere before..." He replied nervously.
"Oh... okay." Her response is cold enough to not even care. Aran quickly averted his gaze from her.
She didn't expose any reaction at all, maybe I was wrong all along? Or perhaps she is hiding it? Damn it, I won't be able to sleep. That mysterious girl... what does she wants anyway? Why is she asking me such weird questions? And the rest of those gangs, where are they? He wondered about the situation again and again but reached no deep conclusion.
The study with the other candidates took around two hours and after that, they all made their way to take a break.
"Good job, everyone. We learned a lot today!" Aran cheered them up and they all smiled.
"Thanks!"
"Yeah, it was fun with having you around, Aran! I feel like I have gained a little motivation on trying."
"I agree, I have learned a lot today, Aran. Thank you for providing us with more information! You're a good fit for a teacher!" A girl thanked him as well.
"We should totally do this again, what do you guys think?" One guy asked.
"Oh yeah! Good idea, Aran? You're still going with it us, right?"
"Oh Umm... I am not really sure..."
"Heehhh... come on, let's do this again..." Her expression earlier turned into a drought of meaningless banter. Even if her persuasion is ineffective, her cute side managed to score points in Aran's nature.
"A-Alright... if I have time that is... I am usually free during breaks and after lunch. So umm, I guess we can do it all again together?"
"Really! Thank you so much!"
They rejoiced once again. The group reached the point wherein all of their hard work was not in vain. After having him around, they all managed to accomplish what was needed to accomplish.
Why do I feel like their future rests on my shoulder? Aran dropped his shoulder and let a heavy sigh. Afterward, Eutara sat closer to him near the window and started glancing outside.
"Must be hard, huh?" She asked with a calm demeanor.
"Huh? Oh yeah. Well... I am really confused though..."
"You have been the superstar of the academy ever since you saved them. They were all inspired by you and your skills. You're pretty much admirable."
"Hmm, hearing that makes my heart shudder though..."
"Interesting... I am saying all of this because you don't find it natural. You have been running away from them and they all felt useless. I think you should actually try to confide with them much more, Aran. By that, you are helping various people to cope with their problem."
"I am not really sure... Just until now, I didn't realize that I will be getting more friends lately. Perhaps, I can consider..."
"You've made friends when you tried to be close with them. So easy, right? And you should do the same with the others. You have a lot of innate talents. So you should express them more and be a role model."
"Sounds tough, but okay. I will do what you said..." Aran smiled and looked at her.
Eutara curled her lips after saying that. She was keeping herself composed. But for some unknown reason, she looks like she is trying hard not to reveal anything. She kept her distance at a minimum pace and she is the first one to exhibit an uninteresting side to Aran.
Damn it, I can't ask her now... I should probably get more evidence or she might hate me forever.
"I wonder how the others are doing?" Aran broke the silence and asked.
"Why don't you check up on them?"
"Good idea, I will be right back."
"Okay..." Eutara waved at him and Aran did the same as he left the room.
He headed towards the second hall on the right side and got over to the pillared area once again. He continued until he reached the second building. By turning on to the left side and then walking straightly, he saw the door that leaves through the garden and training ground.
"Let's see how they do..." He goes over to the door and saw everyone.
The three groups were doing their own session by casting multiple spells at once while they are holding back their mana consumption. Numerous particles and light energy particles echoed throughout the training grounds and the fields were stained by burnt spells.
"Let's do it, again!" Huck shouted in manliness.
"YEAH!!" The rest of his members did the same and they started another rep of body-enhancing magic.
"Everyone, again!" Nikki leads the second group and they all started chanting together while deploying a secondary magic barrier to keep up two paces of magic activation.
On the other hand, Eunice and the rest of her team started having a drill of sprint onto the wide venue to train their legs. All of them are trying their best to not let the section feel defeated. Despite the short amount of time, they have managed to contribute more than what he expected and provided vastly improved results even without the help of William. He slowly leaped out of the shade and watched them afar.
"Wow..." He mumbled. A footstep veered on the left side. William approached him.
"Like what you see?" He asked.
"Yeah, I didn't think they would be able to pull it off in less than a week. There are so many improvements here!"
"Well, I am not really the reason. They are most likely done with their previous self. I just keep them company while you are away."
"Still though, it was amazing. I bet we have a high chance of winning now." Aran scooted over to join the rest of the candidates.
Yeah, we have a chance, Aran. But... I still don't know if everything will turn out to be better tomorrow. I just hope that everything will proceed smoothly without any trouble. William left the shade and goes back to the building.
"Oh, Aran!" Huck noticed Aran's presence.
"You really improved! I see that everyone is also becoming more refined as well."
"Well, we literally dedicated our hearts to this so... We want our section to feel victory at any case. So then... what did you do?"
"I joined a study group earlier, well, it was fun and I met new friends."
"Oh, that seems good. And also a little bit surprising." Huck rubbed his sweat.
"Yeah, well, they are an interesting bunch. By the way, did anything happen while I was gone?" Aran asked.
"Oh... Well... Nikki fell ill last time and was taken to the infirmary."
"What? What happened?"
"Apparently she lost a lot of mana and collapsed into the ground. She is pushing herself too hard."
"That girl... I'll go talk to her!" Aran seems to have displayed a newly conventional emotion that resides with a worried attitude and angered expression. He left Huck hanging and a few of his members joined him.
"Hey, Huck... Is that Aran? Where is he going?"
Huck shrugged.
"Scolding his wife, probably..."
"What?"
"Nothing, let's just keep on. We still have some time."
"Oh, all right, then."
They returned to their position without any problem. After a brief walk, Aran reached the side where Nikki and her other members are training. Penny noticed him and she waved.
"Oh! Hey, Aran!"
"H-Hey..." He replied with a disinterested tone but still able to save his smile.
"What are you doing in here? Can I help you?" She asked.
"Oh no, I need to talk to Nikki..." He then left quickly without even stopping by.
"O-Oh, okay... That was fast..." Penny's expression frowned in sadness.
Stepping over, Aran quickly evaded Aine and Lia's presence. The two were dead spot on with their gaze occupying Aran's attractive face.
"Heh? What is he doing in here?" Aine panicked.
"How am I supposed to know?" Lia answered.
Nikki was talking with Emma at that time. As he approached her, Aran leaped out of his place and grabbed Nikki's hand. She got startled for a bit but when she turned around...
"You... Why didn't you tell me?" Aran's tone was full of heavy emotion, sincere enough to make everyone freeze in their place.
"H-H-Huh? Aran?" Nikki's cheeks blushed as she holds onto his hand.
"Oh my, is Aran attracted to her at some point?" Emma asked. The rest of the girls joined her while they silently watched the two.
"Damn it... She got him pretty quickly!"
"Aaaaa!"
Confused by the sudden question, Nikki stepped back feeling flustered. She slowly backed her forearm away from him.
"Umm, what are you talking about?" She asked, averting her gaze.
"They said you collapsed while training. Why didn't you tell me?" Aran was disappointed.
"I... It is nothing, you don't have to worry about me... I am fine now."
"No. I care about you. I know that you are not fine... Please don't push yourself too hard..." Aran hung his head as he leaned more closely on her.
"Ara, are they going to kiss?"
"Nikki! Noooooo!"
"I-I got it, please get away from me!" Nikki pushed Aran away with her dead-on strength and fell down. Her face was sunken with deep red color as she ran away with everyone.
"Everyone, let's start again!"
"W-What? But?"
"Come on!" Penny tried to consult but she was countered immediately. The girls followed Nikki on the other side. They were still staring at Aran when that happened, except for Nikki.
"Out of luck?" Suddenly, Eunice appeared right beside him. She extended her arms and Aran grabbed them to stand up.
"I was concerned about her... Why did she do that?" He growled.
"Well, you forced her to 'do' that. You can't mess something up with your direct actions. Also, Nikki has been feeling a lot of stress right now so maybe you shouldn't talk to her for a while and let her do her thing." Eunice answered.
"Eeehhh? But..."
"No buts, playboy... We will take care of the rest here. You should probably go back to the room as well."
"Oh, okay..." Aran was displeased by her kicking him out.
Crap, I made them feel angry... What am I thinking anyway? I literally just grabbed her hand and scolded her... Also, she is too close... Or wait, I am the one who's close... Damn it!
***
With that, they continued their training until the sun eventually set. All of them were tired of it and they decided to hang around the cafeteria for some refreshment.
"Hey, Nikki, why did you push Aran? He was just worried about you." Penny brought up the topic and everyone in the other groups started eavesdropping.
"Hold on... Nikki, you dating him?"
"What? NO!" A quick response.
"Oh..."
"Looks like we have a chance..." An audible whisper.
"I was just, umm... Feeling embarrassed earlier. Barging in like that, he could've just done it after the session ended." Nikki pouted as she told the real reason.
"Well, you should apologize to him..." Lia suggested.
"Yeah, I will... I will go back now... I am feeling tired..." Nikki stood up and waved at everyone.
"All right, tomorrow is the big day, everyone! See you tomorrow!"
"Yeah! Let's do our best!"
The rest maintained their discussion in the cafeteria. Nikki closed the door and walked through the silent hall, feeling exhausted from everything. As she returned back, the two suddenly met. Aran and Nikki gradually jumped from their walking position, surprised by the sudden encounter.
"U-Umm! Nikki, Sorry about earlier! Please forgive me!" Without any hesitation, he bowed in front of her while giving such a well-mannered apology. Nikki was struck with a perplexed reaction, not knowing what to do.
"Oh no no no, don't worry about that. I should be the one apologizing for pushing you away earlier, please forgive me, Aran." Nikki did the same and bowed.
"I was just... really worried you know? You haven't been in touch with me for a very long time and then I found out that you collapsed... It is hard to not let go of it. I am really concerned for your health and you have been pushing yourself hard recently."
Nikki embraced the soothing voice that Aran has to offer. Apart from the concern that he was spatting, it was really new to her that someone like him would get angry for her sake. It was a new feeling that she hadn't been able to bear witness. She smiled, no, she did a smug as she looked down, her bangs faded her eye's view.
"So umm... I want to stay with your side, from now on... I uhh–" As Aran continued his support, Nikki jumped in and embraces him.
"Huh?"
She is boldly squeezing him tight, Aran was shaken by this unexpected action. He looked straightly on the hall while feeling the pressing chest of Nikki. However, deep within her solidified statue, a single streak of tear is falling down from her hidden eyes. She was crying silently.
"Nikki...?" Aran looked upon her.
"Thank you..." Her tone is somewhat low yet it has a deep and heavy sense of emotion filled with despair and hopelessness.
The struggles that she had to endure, the pain that she has been taking care of. All of it is getting soothed out by Aran himself without actually knowing. He smiled as soon as she said that, he slowly panned his arms closer to her back and returned the embrace that she was not hoping for. Nikki didn't hold back.
"You've been doing your best lately, aren't you?" He asked.
"Mmm"
"Does it hurt?"
"Mmm"
"I see... Well, you have me now. Don't worry about what will happen tomorrow. Just do you what you can do. I will stay by your side to take care of you if something happens."
"Mmm..."
Tears continued to fall down.
The bond between Aran and Nikki solidified even further. It was a new experience. Although he doesn't know that much information about what is going on. Deep inside Nikki's heart, she knew that she was right to believe and put so much faith in them. Her answer to William's question was finally confirmed to such an extent that someone is willing to stay by her side to keep her safe.
A true valued feeling.