"Surprisingly, there were no casualties. How strange."
The headmaster stood from a distance, as he watched the knights of the kingdom rescue the students out of the dungeon. Standing next to the headmaster, was a white-haired young man, with light green eyes.
"The report showed that besides minor head pains, there weren't any physical damages caused by anything besides the dungeon's monsters."
That white-haired young man was Dorian van Mahaut. The lead of the kingdom's investigation branch. He stood around the headmaster's height, even taller, though slightly slouched.
In his eyes, there was an incredibly dull look. He had low-set, sunken eyes, with heavy eyebags. Like most of his family, his eyes were a mixture of yellow and green.
"What do you think... rather, who do you think caused this attack?" the headmaster asked. He stared into the crowd, at the students being transported into carriages.
"Well, we've interviewed the eyewitnesses. Based on what was said to us..."
Dorian grabbed the clipboard, skimming over the written words on it. He looked back at the headmaster.
"Two individuals. The girl, a pink-haired woman in her 30s or so, with sharp teeth. Likely a demi-human. The second individual was a young human boy, with black, long hair. He appeared to be teenage, or so."
The headmaster slowly nodded, taking in all the information as if he didn't already know.
Once Dorian stopped reading, he slowly lowered the clipboard, glaring at the headmaster.
"Hm? Is there something on my-"
"You get better and better at acting like you really care, headmaster."
"..."
"I'll figure it all out. Everything you do. And, then, I'll get you killed. Whether it's by a public execution, a death sentence, or in the battlefield."
Dorian's grasp rested on the hilt of his blade.
"... How harsh."
. . .
. .
.
(Julian)
It was a directive order from the headmaster. For the students to take a break from school. It makes sense. After a shocking event as such, going straight back to school wasn't an ideal situation.
So here I am now. Stuck in the dorm rooms. What was I to do?
I'm a teenager. I should be... hanging out with friends.
. . .
. .
.
"How have you been, Julian?"
I didn't know too many people in Dinet, besides the few students I talked to every so often. But then again, there was Ceril. She was really the only person I could consider a "friend" outside of school.
But would she say the same thing?
"I've been fine. It's getting really cold here, especially considering that it's up north, and it's winter."
"I know, I know! It's really cold."
The two of us walked through Dinet, talking and conversing. It was a nice experience. This is what it's supposed to feel like. Life as a teenager!
Ceril blew into her hands, trying to keep her fingers warm. Her nose was red.
She sniffled.
"I-Is there something on my face?" she asked, frantically.
I had been admiring her for so long, I didn't even realize I was staring. Staring is rude.
"S-Sorry." I turned my head quickly to the side.
I could feel the blood rising to my cheeks.
Was I succumbing to the cold, too?
Bsh!
Distracted, I bumped into the shoulder of a random stranger.
"Ack! Oh, I'm sorry."
"..."
It was Arum. Arum Hikho. The prodigious swordsman.
Haah. Why'd I have to run into this asshole?
"You bumped into me, you aren't gonna apologize?"
"Arum, who's this kid?"
There were two teenagers, around our age, behind Arum.
. . .
. .
.
"Damn it, you useless glutton! I dealt with those two students, quite well! And then you decide to send us back! Stupid woman!" Cherva whined.
The duo was stationed in a dark forest, with tents set up and a campfire crackling brightly. It was especially chilly, this night.
"Relax. Don't you remember our main goal?"
"I know, I know. To find the sin retainer of [Envy]."
"On that horrible day, where she and that... cursed reaper, imprisoned me! That's the reason I'm so weak. The former me would've easily decimated everyone in my way!"
"How are you supposed to regain all your power back, then?" Cherva asked, spinning meat over the fire. He continued this spinning motion until it started to brown.
She quickly stood up, startling Cherva.
"Over time! Through battles, and tribulations. I'll slowly be able to utilize this [Gluttony] of mine..."
The leaves rustled.
"There you are."
Standing in front of the fire, was Stein. He was fitted in all black, his apparel and black hair almost blending into the dark night.
Yuna's expression changed. Fear struck her eyes.
Swsh!
Yuna ducked, narrowly dodging the slice.
Cherva jumped over the slice.
"Yuna, who is this guy?!" Cherva asked, still airborne.
"I-I'll tell you later! For now, just focus on killing him!"
"..."
Stein stared blankly at the duo.