Julian tightened the tie to his uniform, getting ready for his first day.
"I'm curious, Rosette. What even is this school?" he asked.
"It's a grand school full of royals and smart people!" she replied.
"Then... how did you get in there? You aren't any of those-"
"Shut up, Julian. I'm a lot smarter and stronger than you think. Plus, Dr. Vaen has connections."
"That makes more sense."
As they finished getting ready, they walked down the bunker to a room, with a small pool in it and a skylight. Inside the small pool was a fish-like creature, red in color.
"My newest creation will take you guys there. It's quite fast!" Dr. Vaen said, pointing at the fish-like creature.
"Won't our clothes get wet in the water?"
"Water? Who said you guys are going into the water?"
Dr. Vaen threw the two of them on top of the fish-like creature.
"Take them to Sar, the capital!" Dr. Vaen told the fish, before placing a paper in their backpacks. "Don't forget to use the paper in there to prove that you're a student!"
"Huh? Wait, we're flying-"
Before Julian could finish saying anything, the fish started levitating, cutting through the air. Julian yelped, holding tightly onto the bird. Rosette screamed, but not in fear, in enjoyment.
The fish placed a cast that allowed them to be invisible, which is why they stayed undetected for the entire trip. They landed on the shore of Sar, in the capital, Dinet.
Rosette threw a map into Julian's face.
"You're on your own for now, Julian. This map will help you. I have to go and meet my friends, alright?" she said. She didn't even let Julian respond with anything, as she was already running away from him.
Julian sighed, putting his face in his palm. He looked at his map, then looked around. The map was of Sar's capital, Dinet.
— She seriously had to leave me here!? Next time I see her... I'll...
"If anyone sees us, they'll think I'm bullying you, huh? Hand over all your coins before I hit you again."
Julian leaned on the wall, listening to a conversation in an alleyway. He peeked his head over the wall to view what was going on.
Three boys surrounded a boy with a timid appearance. His hair was dark-orange and went down to his eyes, basically blocking the sight on his left eye. He was quite pale and short.
— These guys... are wearing the school's uniform?
One of the boys raised his hands to slap the boy.
— I guess this is my time to test out this new strength!
Julian contracted his knees, then extended. There was no mana included in his movement, only physical strength. It caught the bully by surprise.
He moved into a ball so that his legs could be in front. As soon as he reached the bully, he extended, striking the bully in his chin. 1 down!
— No way... it worked!
Julian's excitement was cut short, as he was struck in the head.
"Damn it. My mood is ruined now. Ah, you're wearing the school's uniform? I guess I'll get my boss to punish you even further when you're at school!"
He pulled Julian's hair, squatting down to his level. He smirked, then dropped his head. The bully kicked him one more time and walked off with his group.
"Damn... that was too embarrassing."
Julian rolled onto his back, looking into the sky.
"Are you... alright?" the boy asked, stretching his hand out. Julian nodded and grabbed his hand
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"I'm... Cera."
"Well, I'm Julian- Cera? Isn't that a girl's name?"
"I-I am a girl."
"Huh?"
Julian took a closer look at the girl, scanning her body. She blushed a little, but he didn't take any notice of it.
"You really are a girl! I just thought you were a really feminine boy! Sorry, hehe!" he scratched his head.
"It's alright, you aren't the first person."
"Do you know where "Dinet's Boarding School" is? I see you have the uniform."
"Y-Yeah! I do know where it is. I was just about to get there. Are you a first-year too?"
"Yep."
"Then I'll take you there!"
. . . . .
. . . .
. . .
. .
.
"I never said thank you for... taking the hits for me."
"Ah, don't worry. I couldn't just watch an innocent get beaten up!"
"I'll...I'll see you later then, alright?" she smiled. Julian stretched his hand out to fist-bump her. She initially flinched, but realizing that there was no bad intent, she returned the fist bump.
Cera was the first to walk into the entrance. Julian checked the inside of his bag to get his paper.
— Shit.