December 20 4005 10:21 AM
On the rooftop of the airship, Light skillfully steered the wyvern towards the roof, crashing it into the structure before leaping off. Surrounded by a group of wyverns, he wore no emotion on his face as he jumped up, executing the -Nova Strike- art—a swift eight-hit attack. His sword slashed through the air, taking out three wyverns with each precise strike.
However, caught off guard, Light failed to notice a wyvern approaching from behind. The creature grabbed hold of him, but just in the nick of time, Marcus arrived, riding another wyvern. With a swift maneuver, Marcus rammed his mount into the wyvern holding Light.
"GAWKKKK!!!" both wyverns screamed as they crashed into the roof.
Light and Marcus landed safely on the rooftop, poised to confront the surrounding wyverns.
"What are you doing here?" Light asked.
"Helping you, of course," Marcus replied.
"Yeah, right. Just try not to die," Light responded sarcastically.
"You underestimate me," Marcus said with a smirk.
Both warriors tightened their grip on their weapons, charging at the wyverns and engaging them in fierce combat.
Amidst the battle, a wyvern managed to tear through the airship, unleashing a rush of wind that startled the students.
"GRRRRR... GAWKKKK!!!" the wyvern growled.
The creature landed in the midst of the students, its sharp claws scratching the floor. In response, the students swiftly rose to their feet, arming themselves to defend against the impending threat.
"AHHH!!!" one of the former bullies screamed.
"WYVERN!!! DISGUSTING!!!" another shouted.
The terrified screams of the girls grabbed the attention of the wyverns, and their red eyes locked onto the three bullies who had tormented Claire and Rose. Without hesitation, the monstrous creature charged towards them, ready to strike.
"HELP!!!" one of the girls screamed in fear.
As the wyvern drew closer, Claire swiftly positioned herself in front of the creature, blocking its path with her sword. Liene followed suit, throwing her kyoketsu-shoge at the monster, entangling its limbs in its binding chain.
"RUN!!!" Liene screamed, urging the girls to escape.
However, the bullies stood frozen in fear, unable to move or react.
"Yeah, whatever. You don't tell me what to do," the leader of the bullies retorted, feigning confidence but betraying her inner fear.
Though outwardly pretending to be courageous, the girls couldn't hide their terror, realizing the grave danger they were in.
"Fine, have it your way," Liene responded calmly, ready to face the wyvern head-on.
Liene tightened her grip on her blades, increasing the pressure on the monster's entangled limbs. In the meantime, Rose unleashed her ice magic, encasing the flying beast in a solid block of ice, temporarily immobilizing it.
"GAW-" the monster attempted to scream but was cut short as the freezing ice took hold.
"CLAIRE!!!" Rose called out in panic.
"On it!" Claire responded without hesitation.
Claire leaped over the seats of the airship, taking aim with her bow at the wyvern. Just as the ice began to crack, she unleashed her stellar art -Focused Arrow-, a precise shot aimed directly at the wyvern's head. The arrow struck with lethal accuracy, instantly ending the wyvern's life.
Claire took a slow breath, turning her attention to Rose.
"ROSE, USE YOUR ICE MAGIC TO SEAL THAT HOLE!!!" Claire urgently shouted.
"ICE BLOCK!!!" Rose chanted.
A faint blue glow emanated from Rose's hand as she conjured a block of ice, swiftly covering the hole created by the wyvern's rampage.
Exhausted and drained from their efforts, Liene, Claire, and Rose collapsed onto the floor, catching their breath.
Claire glanced at the three bullies, a smirk playing on her lips.
"You're welcome," Claire said sarcastically, reminding them of the danger they had been saved from.
"Whatever... I could've handled it," the leader of the bullies boasted, attempting to salvage her pride.
"Yeah!!!" chimed in the other girl, echoing her leader's false bravado.
Liene responded with a sarcastic tone, "Yeah, right... Sure..."
Meanwhile, as the horde of wyverns descended upon the rooftop of the airship, the air crackled with tension. Light and Marcus braced themselves, determined to hold their ground against the relentless onslaught.
Sensing the imminent danger, Light focused his energy and unleashed his devastating stellar art, -Catalyst Blast-. With a surge of power, he raised his sword high, channeling the elemental forces within. A radiant sphere of energy formed at the tip of his blade, growing brighter and more volatile with each passing moment. As the first wyvern lunged at him, Light unleashed the blast, sending forth a concentrated beam of pure elemental power that tore through the sky.
The cataclysmic blast collided with the wyverns, causing a tremendous explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The force of the impact disoriented the wyverns, throwing them off their flight paths and scattering them across the rooftop. Light seized this opportunity, swiftly maneuvering through the chaos, his sword an extension of his will. Each strike unleashed waves of elemental energy, decimating wyvern after wyvern.
While Light unleashed his fury, Marcus employed his own stellar art. -Soulchain Lash-. With his scythe in hand, he swung it with a practiced grace, expertly wrapping the chains attached to its hilt around the wyverns' limbs. The spectral chains emitted an otherworldly glow as they ensnared the creatures, binding them in place. Marcus's mastery over his skill allowed him to control the chains like extensions of his own body, giving him the ability to immobilize and manipulate the wyverns with precision.
As the wyverns struggled against the ethereal restraints, Marcus seized the opportunity to strike. With a powerful pull of the chains, he drew the wyverns closer, their struggles futile against his grasp. With calculated precision, he swung his scythe, severing the wyverns' wings and delivering swift, decisive blows. The supernatural chains absorbed the energy of each defeated wyvern, fueling Marcus's strength and granting him an almost supernatural resilience.
As the wyverns lay defeated, scattered across the rooftop of the airship. But as the dust settled, a new wave of even more ferocious wyverns emerged from the skies, their piercing screeches reverberating through the air. The situation seemed dire, but Light and Marcus refused to falter.
Gripping his sword tightly, Light channeled his inner power, unleashing his ultimate technique -Rage Ascension-. A radiant aura enveloped him, emanating an intense, fiery energy. With each swing of his blade, the air crackled and burst into flames, creating a scorching whirlwind that engulfed the approaching wyverns. Light moved with unmatched speed and precision, his strikes leaving trails of fire in their wake. The wyverns, unable to withstand the blistering assault, succumbed to their fiery demise.
Meanwhile, Marcus tapped into the darkest depths of his abilities. With a resolute focus, he invoked his -Grim Reaper- stellar art, transforming into a spectral figure draped in shadows. His scythe glowed with an ominous aura as he swung it through the air, conjuring ethereal arcs of energy that sliced through the wyverns. Each strike unleashed a chilling effect, draining the life force from the creatures and sowing fear in their ranks. The wyverns hesitated, their instinctual aggression tempered by the foreboding presence of the reaper.
As the last wyvern fell, the rooftop fell silent, save for the crackling embers and the heaving breaths of Light and Marcus. Their bodies glistened with sweat, their faces marked with exhaustion, but their spirits burned with a victorious resolve.
"Finally," Marcus exhaled in relief, wiping the sweat off his brow.
Light glanced down from the rooftop, catching a glimpse of a sprawling city hidden behind the clouds. It was Peltas, the grand continent they had arrived at.
"Whoa... That's Peltas? It's huge," Marcus marveled in awe.
"It's a damn continent, Marcus. Of course, it's huge," Light responded with a hint of sarcasm, his face betraying no emotion.
Overwhelmed by exhaustion, Marcus laid down on the rooftop, resting his weary body. He placed both hands on the surface of the airship, taking deep breaths to regain his strength. Meanwhile, Light stood tall, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of Peltas. With a serene expression, he closed his eyes and took slow, deliberate breaths, savoring the moment of respite. The sound of his sword slipping back into its scabbard was drowned out by the noise of the airship, lost amidst the journey to the new continent.
After a few minutes, the airship gracefully landed in front of a grand school that stood before them. It resembled their own Celestial Sword Academy but was only a fraction of its size. The students, still recovering from the wyvern attacks, disembarked from the airship, their eyes filled with awe as they gazed upon the impressive sight.
Standing in front of the school was a man, his hands clasped behind his back, patiently awaiting their arrival. Meanwhile, curious eyes peered at them through the blue-tinted windows of the school building. Mixed emotions filled the gazes of the students inside—excitement, disgust, jealousy, and even some faint laughter resonated through the glass.
Light and Marcus descended from the airship's roof, carefully making their way to the ground. Before they could fully compose themselves, Liene rushed towards them, her face filled with concern. She gripped Marcus's shoulders tightly, shaking him vigorously, her words pouring out in a cascade of worry.
"Hey!!! What... the... hell... were... YOU... TWO... THINKING?!?" Liene screamed, her voice laced with frustration.
"Ow-T-trying t-to p-p-protect... the-the a-a-airship...?" Marcus stuttered in response, still recovering from Liene's vigorous shaking.
Liene's shaking gradually ceased, and she looked down, shielding her face from Marcus and Light. Her fist clenched, and she lightly tapped Marcus's chest, the gesture conveying her emotions without causing any harm.
Marcus, understanding Liene's feelings, met her gaze, his expression filled with a mixture of remorse and sympathy. He felt the weight of her worry and regretted causing her concern. Meanwhile, Light stood beside them, his gaze fixed in the opposite direction, his face devoid of emotion.
Liene abruptly turned her attention to Light, her frustration boiling over. She unleashed a swift kick, striking him in the foot, causing his emotionless expression to shift into shock.
"Ow... I just saved your lives, you know..." Light groaned in pain.
"Yeah, but you could've died, you careless idiot!!!" Liene yelled, her voice filled with a mixture of anger and relief.
"Ehhh..." Light responded with confusion, unable to fully comprehend Liene's concern.
Suddenly, Claire rushed out of the airship in a frantic state. Without hesitation, she threw herself into Light's embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"Stupid..." Claire whispered, her voice barely audible.
"You know we could've died if I didn't..." Light began, but he was cut off by Claire's tearful interruption.
"I was so scared, thinking that maybe you'd die... And if you did, I don't know what I'd do..." Claire choked out, tears streaming down her face.
She held onto Light with all her might, her head lowered, hiding her tear-streaked face from his view. Light could feel her tears cascading onto him, the weight of her worry and fear penetrating his own heart.
In that moment, Light felt a pang of guilt for causing Claire such distress. He realized the depth of her feelings and the genuine concern she held for him. It stirred within him a sense of responsibility and a desire to protect those who cared for him. The scene triggered a blurry and fragmented memory, a fleeting glimpse of a similar moment in the past, leaving Light with a bittersweet mix of emotions.
In this vivid flashback, a young Light clutched his wooden sword tightly, his eyes focused and determined. Facing him was the same gray-haired female who appeared in his previous flashback. With a burst of energy, she charged at him, slashing her wooden sword in a swift motion. But Light skillfully blocked her attack, their wooden swords clashing with a resonant sound.
The two young warriors engaged in their playful duel, their smiles reflecting the joy they found in their friendly competition. As they exchanged blows, their camaraderie shone through, creating an unspoken bond between them. Light's strikes grew more powerful, and with a mighty swing, he sent Karra's wooden sword flying towards the wall.
Undeterred, Karra continued to fight, showing determination and resilience. Despite the intensity of their duel, there was an undeniable closeness between them, although the nature of their relationship remained unclear.
"I win again, Karra," Light declared, a hint of triumph in his voice.
"Same as always," Karra replied, her face adorned with a warm smile.
The mention of Karra's name brought a spark of recognition to Light's mind, connecting the dots to his earlier mention of her. As if experiencing déjà vu, the memory of their playful duel intertwined with the recent embrace from Claire, stirring a sense of familiarity and nostalgia within Light.
Karra leaned in closer to Light, enveloping him in a tight embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes, mirroring the emotions Light had witnessed in Claire.
"Promise me, get stronger," Karra whispered, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity.
"I promise," a younger Light vowed, his words filled with determination and dedication.
In response, Light embraced Karra, a gesture of mutual trust and support. The significance of this moment lingered in Light's mind, intertwining with the present as he grappled with his emotions and the memories that seemed to hold a profound connection to his current journey.
Presently, Claire's embrace around Light remains tight, her arms firmly wrapped around him, and her head turned down, hiding her face from his view. Light contemplates returning the hug but hesitates, allowing Claire to hold on a little longer.
Rose approaches them, placing a comforting hand on Light's shoulder. "Hey, Light. Claire has been really worried about you since you jumped from the ship," she says, trying to console him.
Light, unable to find the right words, simply gazes at Claire, who clings to him tightly.
Suddenly, the sound of Isaac's clapping hands fills the air, effectively capturing everyone's attention.
"Attention, students," Isaac's voice rings out, commanding the room.
A chill runs down Light's spine, and his suspicion intensifies as he glares at Isaac. Though Claire continues to hold him, she senses the change in Light's emotions.
"Now, we offer our sincerest apologies for the trouble caused by the wyverns," Isaac announces, his voice projected to the gathered students. "We extend our gratitude to Light and Marcus for their valiant efforts in eliminating the wyverns outside the ship, as well as to Claire, Liene, and Rose for defending against the monster that breached our vessel."
The students react with a mixture of relief, curiosity, and appreciation. Some nod in acknowledgement, while others exchange puzzled glances. The atmosphere remains charged with unanswered questions.
Light's focus remains unwavering on Isaac, his suspicion growing stronger. He senses there is more to this incident than meets the eye. Turning his attention to Claire, Liene, and Rose, Light's expression becomes serious.
"We need to stay vigilant and keep our guard up," he states firmly, addressing his companions. "There's something about this school that doesn't add up. We must uncover the truth and ensure our safety."
Claire nods, her eyes reflecting determination. "You can count on us, Light. We won't rest until we uncover the secrets hidden within these walls."
Liene and Rose join in, their resolve mirroring that of their friends. Together, they form an unspoken pact, united in their quest to unravel the mysteries that surround their new school.
Without hesitation, Light raises his hand, seeking permission to speak as a student of Celestial Sword. However, amidst the crowd of students surrounding him, his hand gets lost in the sea of people. Nonetheless, Isaac notices the gesture and nods in acknowledgement.
"May I have a chance to speak, as a student of Celestial Sword?" Light asks sincerely.
Isaac momentarily appears surprised before offering a smile and adjusting his glasses.
"Okay, you may," Isaac responds.
The crowd falls silent, their attention fixed on Light. Without hesitation, Light opens his mouth to voice his suspicion about Isaac.
"No offense, 'sir,' but isn't it a little suspicious that high-class wyverns attacked us when we were not at the appropriate altitude?" Light questions.
Claire, feeling a chill run down her spine, moves away from Light and gazes at him, sharing his suspicion. She also looks at Isaac, her expression filled with doubt.
"You do realize we are at a low altitude, right?" Light continues, pressing his point.
"You dare question-" Ann begins to rant.
Isaac raises his hand, signaling Ann to stop. He glances at Light with a small smirk on his face.
"What do you mean?" Isaac inquires.
"This was a test, wasn't it?" Light responds.
The revelation shocks everyone, including Marcus, Liene, and Rose. Even the students inside the school are astounded. Light, who usually goes unnoticed, now finds himself the center of attention, surrounded by staring eyes that soon turn into whispers.
"Well, not to mention the fact that these wyverns had mind chips in their heads," Light explains earnestly.
The shock among the students intensifies. The idea that Isaac, their headmaster, would put them in danger sends a wave of disbelief through the crowd. All eyes turn towards Isaac, who maintains a closed-eyed smile, holding his cane tightly.
Mind chips are sophisticated devices used for the control and manipulation of the minds of creatures, including monsters like wyverns. These chips are crafted with precision by skilled artisans and are both expensive and rare. The mind chip is designed to be attached to the target's brain or central nervous system, allowing for direct control and influence over their thoughts and actions.
The mind chip operates by emitting specific signals or frequencies that interact with the neural pathways and brain functions of the host creature. Through these signals, the chip can override the creature's natural instincts, imposing external commands and altering its behavior according to the desires of the controller. This control can range from simple commands to more complex directives, depending on the capabilities of the chip and the intentions of its user.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of mind control through these chips can vary depending on factors such as the strength of the creature's willpower and its resistance to external manipulation. Creatures with stronger wills may be able to resist or break free from the control of the mind chip, especially if they possess a strong sense of self or have a powerful drive to resist the external influence.
In the case of wyverns, these creatures are typically driven by basic instincts and lack complex cognitive abilities. As a result, they are more susceptible to the control exerted by mind chips. Their lower cognitive capabilities make it easier for the chip to manipulate their behavior and direct them towards specific targets or actions.
Mind chips are regarded as controversial devices due to the ethical concerns surrounding mind control and the potential misuse of such technology. Their usage raises questions about personal autonomy, free will, and the boundaries of control over living beings.
"Headmaster Isaac, is this true?" Claire asks.
Isaac remains silent, his smile undisturbed, both hands gripping his cane firmly as it leans against the ground.
"You conducted this attack to test the strength of students under pressure... And I forgot to mention that you barely did anything when we were attacked by these wyverns," Light accuses.
Before Ann can react, Isaac raises his hand, signaling her to halt her outburst.
"Yes, this was a test. And as you mentioned, it was to evaluate the strength of students under pressure," Isaac confirms, his calm smile intact.
Light's anger surges at the thoughtlessness of Isaac's actions.
"Did you even consider the well-being of your students? Do you realize how dangerous this was?" Light questions angrily
"Yes, I did. You are in this school, aren't you?" Isaac responds. "Proving your strength is your test, and yet you succeeded. You must face the reality that you will encounter dangerous situations like this, and perhaps even worse."
Light's hand instinctively reaches for his sword, slowly moving towards the hilt. However, Claire intervenes, tightly gripping his hand, pleading for him to calm down.
"Light..." Claire says, her concern evident.
Despite his anger, Light reluctantly releases his fury, lowering his hand and returning to his usual emotionless expression. Claire and Liene breathe sighs of relief.
Isaac, taken aback, seems to sense Light's hidden power. His smile persists as he turns his attention to the shocked students.
"Now then, moving on, let's put this issue behind us... Welcome to Darkfire Academy. This is the school where we will be staying for the time being of our visit," announces Isaac.
Light and the others gaze at the immense school, knowing that they will be residing within its walls. Though it is smaller than their current school, it feels distinctly different.
The adult standing near the entrance of the academy finally speaks up in response to Light's words directed at Isaac.
"Hello, everyone," says the adult. "Welcome to Darkfire Academy. My name is Herald Damaris, and I am the headmaster of this academy. Please make yourselves at home. I owe Isaac, so you can expect the same level of hospitality here as you did at Celestial Sword Academy."
Herald Damaris, a man in his forties, confidently stands before the gathering in a well-fitted ensemble. His attire features brown buttoned-up long sleeves that accentuate his broad shoulders, complemented by a pair of neatly tailored gray pants that fall gracefully over his sturdy frame. Completing his look are black boots that exude both style and practicality. A full, well-groomed beard of the same rich brown shade as his hair adorns his face, adding a touch of warmth and maturity to his appearance.
Despite his age, Herald Damaris emanates an undeniable air of vitality and joviality. His cheerful demeanor is evident in the genuine smile that brightens his features and the twinkle of enthusiasm in his eyes. He carries himself with confidence and ease, exuding an aura of approachability that puts those around him at ease. It is clear that he possesses a natural charisma that draws people in and makes them feel comfortable in his presence.
After his introduction, the students enter the academy, with most paying little attention to Herald's words after the shock they experienced from Isaac. Among them, Light continues to glare at Isaac for the dangerous test he conducted, walking slowly into the academy alongside Claire, Rose, Liene, and Marcus.
They proceed down the hallway, encountering students of various ages, some of whom cast peculiar glances their way. Some seem excited, while others appear disgusted by the presence of the visiting students. Some feel intimidated, while a few exhibit signs of jealousy.
The gazes make Claire and Rose feel uneasy, but Light remains calm, maintaining his usual blank expression as he focuses his gaze on the backpacks ahead of him—specifically, a dozen backpacks carried by his classmates as they continue towards their temporary dormitories.
"Do you think they hate us?" Claire whispers to Rose.
"Maybe. Their stares give me the creeps," Rose responds.
"They're just overwhelmed," Liene interjects.
"Really?" whispers Claire.
"I mean, yeah. A group of students from another continent attending their school temporarily. What did you expect?" Liene replies.
"I suppose you're right," Claire concedes.
The journey to their respective dormitories proceeds uninterrupted. Light, accompanied by a new roommate, arrives at their assigned dormitory. With a subtle creak, Light inserts his key into the lock and opens the door.
Inside, his attention is drawn to his roommate, a young man with vibrant yellow hair engrossed in a book. Assessing him to be around the same age, Light chooses to disregard his presence and places his backpack near the wall, uninterested in engaging in small talk.
Unexpectedly, the yellow-haired male speaks up, advising Light against leaving his backpack on the floor and suggesting he hang it on a nearby nail instead. Light acknowledges the suggestion with a curt, emotionless reply of gratitude before complying.
As their conversation continues, Cain, the yellow-haired roommate, points out another nail where Light could hang his sword. However, Light dismisses the suggestion, preferring to keep his weapon sheathed and at his side. Carrying his sword at all times has become a defining characteristic of Light's persona, sparking curiosity and speculation among his peers.
Cain Hiroshi Mori is a student at Darkfire Academy. He stands out with his vibrant yellow hair, which contrasts against the dark tones of the academy's uniform. The uniform consists of a black blazer adorned with the Darkfire Academy crest, complemented by matching black pants and a white dress shirt. A red tie adds a touch of color and signifies Cain's affiliation with the academy. The uniform fits him well, despite his slightly clumsy nature.
Cain's appearance reflects his kind and gentle personality. His warm, hazel eyes are often engrossed in a book, reflecting his love for reading. He can often be found carrying a book with him, whether it's a magical tome or a captivating novel from a different world. Cain's thirst for knowledge extends beyond his academic pursuits, making him a well-read and knowledgeable individual.
Despite his seemingly unassuming demeanor, Cain possesses great magical prowess. As a powerful mage, he can harness and manipulate various elements with finesse. His magical abilities make him a valuable asset in battles and spellcasting, even though he may not showcase them openly.
The stark contrast between the two dorm rooms is palpable. While Light's space appears minimalistic and devoid of personal touches, housing only essentials such as a laptop, his sword, a backpack, and a small collection of clothes, Cain's room exudes a vibrant liveliness. The room is well-organized, adorned with colorful decorations, and boasts a bookshelf brimming with literary treasures. This stark contrast leaves Light feeling slightly uneasy, further emphasizing the dissimilarity between their personalities and lifestyles.
Interrupting the silence, Cain takes the initiative to introduce himself, extending a friendly gesture. Light momentarily turns his gaze toward Cain before continuing his departure. However, before exiting the room, Light pauses, glancing back at Cain, and briefly reveals his name.
"Light... It's Light," he states matter-of-factly.
Without awaiting a response, Light closes the door behind him, leaving Cain behind with a perplexed expression. Cain, still engrossed in his book, murmurs a half-hearted acknowledgment of Light's introduction and continues his reading undisturbed.
As Light walked through the dimly lit hallway, he spotted Claire, Liene, and Rose engaged in conversation. With an excited wave of her arms, Claire quickly rushed over to Light.
"Hey, Light!!!" Claire exclaimed, her voice resonating in the otherwise quiet corridor.
Light acknowledged Claire's presence with a casual response. "Oh, hey... What's up?"
Liene, observing from a distance, couldn't help but cast a slightly envious glance at Claire and Light. This envious glance was however goes unnoticed by Rose, on the other hand, remained silent, quietly observing the interaction.
"Nothing much," Claire replied. "But I'm still mad at you, you know..."
Light responded sarcastically, pretending to be innocent. "Why? Do tell..."
"You know why!!!" Claire raised her voice in frustration.
"Yeah... Sorry about that..." Light apologized. "I was only trying to protect everyone from Isaac Whiteheart's little test..."
Claire's anger softened, and she let out a small giggle. "Hmmm... Good point, I guess."
Leaving the school behind, they found themselves in the embrace of the nighttime cityscape after their long journey. The sprawling city before them was adorned with countless twinkling lights, creating a captivating scene. Various creatures traversed the streets, from elegant elves and ordinary humans to sturdy dwarves and even majestic dragons soaring through the sky. Cars added movement and vitality to the city's bustling atmosphere.
Claire's awe-filled voice broke the silence. "Whoa..."
Looking up, she noticed the stars shimmering in the sky, emanating a magical glow.
"The stars are amazing..." Claire remarked, her voice filled with wonder.
Light gazed at Claire, his hands tucked into his pockets, his face revealing little emotion. He took slow, deliberate breaths, as if contemplating something profound.
"Did you know those stars emit magical energy throughout the world?" Light asked.
"Yeah, who doesn't?" Claire responded.
"It is said that magic flows around the stars, which is what makes our world feel bright and full of life, I guess..." Light mused, his words carrying a sense of curiosity.
Claire's attention remained fixed on Light, sensing a slight difference in his usually stoic demeanor, as if there was something more beneath the surface.
"Hey, how about we go eat somewhere?" Claire suggested, breaking the enchantment of the starlit sky.
"Huh?" Light responded, momentarily confused.
"I realized we've never really hung out together..." Claire admitted, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
"I don't think-" Light began to protest, only to be interrupted by Claire swiftly kicking his foot. "OW-"
"Come on..." Claire persisted, her eyes sparkling with determination.
"Fine... Just don't kick me again..." Light reluctantly agreed, a slight annoyance etched on his face.
With a triumphant smile, Claire grabbed Light's arm and guided him towards a nearby restaurant, disregarding his protests of independence.
"Hey!!! I can walk by myself, you know..." Light protested half-heartedly, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
As they entered the restaurant, they placed their orders and settled into their seats, patiently waiting for their food to arrive.
"This restaurant is amazing, unlike anything we have back home..." Claire remarked, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she took in the enchanting ambiance.
"Yeah... Well, I... Actually don't go to restaurants..." Light admitted, his voice tinged with a touch of vulnerability.
"Why not...?" Claire inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Well, I don't really... Come to think of it, I don't go anywhere except my room, the blacksmith, and the park..." Light explained, revealing a glimpse into his solitary lifestyle.
"Well, that's a bummer..." Claire sympathized, her expression filled with genuine concern.
Claire observed Light closely, noticing a subtle change in his usually impassive demeanor. It was as if a different side of him was starting to emerge, albeit slowly.
"So, tell me more about yourself..." Claire encouraged, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Seriously?" Light questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"I want to know more about you. You keep things to yourself... Now tell me about yourself, or else you'll have to pay for this food you just ordered..." Claire playfully threatened, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Huh? Okay, fine... I guess you tricked me..." Light relented, chuckling softly.
"Now then, tell me about yourself..." Claire insisted, leaning in attentively.
"I'm Light, a human living in Stracia..." Light responded sarcastically, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"No, not like that..." Claire pressed on, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
"How would you like me to describe myself, then? I mean, I wasn't wrong..." Light retorted sarcastically, as he emotionless glances at Claire
"What do you love to do?" Claire asked, her curiosity unwavering.
"I enjoy playing video games, listening to music, and using my blade, not much else nothing exciting, really..." Light revealed, his voice emotionless as ever as he stared blankly at Claire
"You like playing video games...?" Claire queried, a hint of surprise in her voice.
"Yeah, I do..." Light confirmed, emotionlessly
And so, the two continued their conversation, delving deeper into each other's lives, sharing stories, and connecting on a more personal level. As they savored their delicious meals—ramen for Light and a burger with fries, while Claire indulged in spaghetti and a refreshing salad—their friendship began to grow, fostering a bond that would accompany them on their journey through the enchanting world of Lunimora.
With each passing moment, they discovered common interests, shared their dreams, and opened up about their fears and aspirations. The restaurant became a haven where their laughter and conversations intertwined, creating an atmosphere of warmth and companionship...