In the Nivaria Kingdom, the sun hung high in the sky, signaling that it was midday. Inside the kingdom, everyone was engrossed in their daily activities.
Adults bustled about, tending to their work, while children gleefully played games. There was also a group of people engaged in cheerful conversations.
Meanwhile, merchants went about their business, weaving through the streets and lanes of the kingdom. All in all, it seemed like a typical day in Nivaria, with people going about their everyday lives.
After a brisk five-minute walk, Mitsuki arrived punctually at the designated meeting spot. As she approached, a scene unfolded before her eyes—her fellow three classmates had congregated, their faces etched with determination.
Their purpose was clear: they were assembled to embark on a daring expedition into the depths of the forest.
The reason behind this audacious venture was a growing concern—a mysterious magical disturbance had unsettled the tranquility of their surroundings, and unsettling rumors of menacing creatures had reached their ears.
In the serene Silva Verana Forest, an unusual magical disturbance had cast a shadow of uncertainty. Normally, this forest was known for its safe and tranquil reputation. But now, with this magical anomaly and rumors of a monster incident, it seemed like more than a mere coincidence.
As the group for the mission discussed the situation, they noticed Mitsuki approaching. However, her arrival was abruptly halted by a familiar figure - a man with blonde hair, a knightly presence, and an air of arrogance named Kazuhira.
"Decided to grace us with your presence, Mitsuki. I was starting to doubt you'd join," Kazuhira remarked with a smirk.
Mitsuki's expression soured, and she shot him with a withering glare. "I don't have time to waste on you, Kazuhira," she retorted, pushing him aside.
"Are you still upset about your asshole friend's unfortunate demise? I mean, it's not like I had anything to do with it," Kazuhira taunted callously.
Mitsuki's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Care for another taste of my frostbite?" she threatened.
Kazuhira hesitated, "Well, I'd rather keep my hand intact, but that doesn't mean I'm afraid of facing you."
"Save your arrogance. I'll show you what I can do without any restraint," Mitsuki warned, her anger palpable.
Amidst their escalating argument, a bespectacled young man named Kenji intervened, physically separating the two.
"Please, let's not fight. We haven't even discussed our plan for the recon mission," he implored, attempting to diffuse the tension.
Mitsuki managed to end their argument, but as she did, she shot one final look at Kazuhira. Then, she continued walking straight ahead, deliberately avoiding getting any closer to him.
Mitsuki's enduring resentment towards Kazuhira remains palpable, driven by her unrelenting memories of what he inflicted upon her childhood friend, Yuichi. In her eyes, Kazuhira stands as the prime suspect for Yuichi's untimely demise within the foreboding confines of the dungeon.
Yet, Mitsuki clings to a fragile hope, refusing to accept Yuichi's death as an absolute truth. Instead, she nurtures the belief that Yuichi endures, entangled in the labyrinthine recesses of the dungeon, his solitary existence cloaked in perpetual darkness.
Her deep-seated resentment served as the driving force behind her unwavering determination to become the most formidable version of herself. She had made a solemn vow to return to that ominous dungeon, determined to locate Yuichi and orchestrate his rescue.
Mitsuki positioned herself among her classmates during their recon mission in the forest. Their class representative, Murasaki, stepped forward, preparing to brief them on the mission details.
"Okay, here's the deal," Murasaki began. "The king has assigned us a mission to investigate a magical disturbance and some monster activity in the forest. We all know our roles, so I won't bore you with those details."
Kenji raised a question, "So, what's our plan? Are we just going to wander around aimlessly?"
Murasaki nodded and elaborated, "No, Kenji. We have a plan in place, and I'll explain it to you now."
Kenji felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard Murasaki mention that she had a plan. In contrast to her usual straightforward and sometimes impromptu approach, whether during her field missions on Eldoria or even back in Japan as their class representative, it was rare for her to have a well-thought-out plan.
Murasaki's straightforward nature seemed almost ordinary, especially when compared to her classmates. Yet, for Kenji, witnessing her actually have a well-thought-out plan was a rare spectacle, given her typically flat and unexpressive demeanor.
Curiously, no one in their group seemed to fathom the reason behind her unfiltered candor. Perhaps it stemmed from sheer fatigue, an aversion to expending extra effort on explanations. Or maybe, this was simply her true nature – unadorned and to the point.
The enigma surrounding her demeanor left them all wondering if someone else, perhaps, knew her more intimately than they did.
Suddenly, Murasaki lifted her head towards the sky, her gaze vacant and empty, her eyes taking on an oval shape, as if she were utterly bewildered and awkward.
Then, she turned her attention to the others and, with a flat tone, admitted, "You know what? I actually don't have a plan. Let's just forget about it."
Her classmates were left astounded by Murasaki's response, yet their lack of surprise suggested they had anticipated her words. However, there was one exception – Kenji. His jaw dropped, and he seemed hilariously devastated by Murasaki's seemingly blank personality.
Kenji found himself momentarily rendered speechless, his gaze fixed upon them, wearing an expression that could only be described as dumbfounded and utterly foolish.
In the middle of the situation, Kazuhira took a bold step forward, his confidence radiating in his posture and voice.
"This is why I'm the leader of this group," he proclaimed, his words filled with arrogance.
Mitsuki expressed her annoyance by rolling her eyes and folding her arms across her chest, giving her ample bosom a subtle lift.
"Our mission plan entails investigating and neutralizing the threat within the Silva Verana Forest," Kazuhira stated confidently.
"Given the reconnaissance nature of this mission and our limited team size of four, we've decided to split into two teams for efficiency."
He continued, "Class Rep Murasaki and Kenji, your task is to intercept and deal with the monsters roaming the forest. Mitsuki and I will be responsible for locating and eliminating the source of the magical disturbance."
Mitsuki, clearly displeased, interjected, "And when did you plan for me to accompany you, Kazuhira? Why are there only four of us? What happened to your other two friends?"
Kenji joined in, echoing Mitsuki's curiosity, "I'm wondering about that too. Where are the others?"
Kazuhira dismissed their concerns with a scoff and replied, "Why would we need them when we're considered top-tier summons? Besides, they've been assigned a separate mission in the kingdom."
"It is indeed accurate to state that our classmates have been assigned an additional task within the kingdom, given the forthcoming festival scheduled to transpire in a mere span of two days," articulated Murasaki with a discerning tone.
"Look, even our Class Representative, Murasaki Aikawa, acknowledged what I said. I promise I'm not lying. Just follow my instructions, and we can get this done quickly," Kazuhira confidently stated.
Kazuhira anticipated Mitsuki's usual objections, but to his surprise, she remained completely silent this time. Not a single complaint escaped her lips. A mischievous smirk formed on Kazuhira's face as he slowly turned and walked away.
"Seems like we've got a plan to head into the forest. Before we embark on our mission, let's have our lunch first," Kazuhira said decisively. With that, he turned and headed off.
Shortly after, Murasaki also made her way elsewhere, leaving Mitsuki and Kenji alone in contemplation. Their minds were consumed by the vague plan Kazuhira had proposed to them. It was far from clear whether this plan was to be taken seriously, and their expressions reflected their intrigue and confusion.
After a considerable amount of time spent pondering, Mitsuki took a decisive step forward, indicating her intention to depart. Just as she was about to leave, Kenji voiced his concerns.
"Um, Hoshizaki-san, are you truly comfortable with this?" Kenji inquired with genuine worry etched on his face.
Mitsuki halted mid-stride, turned to face him, and replied, "Yes, I am completely at ease with it."
Kenji persisted, "But you still harbor resentment towards Kazuhira, don't you?"
Mitsuki acknowledged with candor, "I do despise him deeply. However, even as he attempts to persuade me, I cannot bring myself to believe that Yuichi-kun is truly gone. That's the reason for my unwavering resolute."
Over the course of seven long weeks, Mitsuki found herself deeply troubled by Yuichi's mysterious disappearance within the dungeon, and she couldn't help but place the blame squarely on Kazuhira. Her heart weighed heavy with worry and suspicion, leaving her in a state of constant concern.
However, Mitsuki wasn't the sole bearer of this sorrow, for Kenji too was engulfed in a cloud of sadness. Yuichi had been more than just a friend to him; they shared a bond that transcended mere acquaintanceship.
Conversations with Yuichi had been a regular and cherished part of Kenji's life, but now, in his absence, there was a palpable void. The days seemed devoid of meaning and the silence between them was deafening, stretching on for seven agonizing weeks.
Kenji offered heartfelt reassurance, "I'm certain Yuichi-san would be pleased to hear that, Hoshizaki-san. You're an exceptional person, strong, much like your childhood friend."
A genuine smile graced Mitsuki's lips as she responded, "Thank you for your kind words, Kenji-san. You've also grown remarkably."
"Your compliment means a lot to me," Kenji expressed his gratitude sincerely.
With that, Mitsuki nodded, turning away once more and setting her course towards the kingdom's city.
She suggested, "Let's find some fresh lunch before we embark on our journey. We wouldn't want to face hunger along the way."
Kenji quickly followed, catching up with her, and together, they proceeded towards the kingdom, their determination intact.
Perhaps, in the uncertain tapestry of time, there lies a possibility for Mitsuki, Kenji, and Yuichi to reunite, rekindling their once cherished friendship.
Their future remains shrouded in mystery, and the timing of their reunion may be a question mark, a matter of destiny's design.
They might cross paths once more, their hearts warmed by the familiarity of old friendships, but the when and how of this reunion remains uncertain, leaving their fates intertwined with the whims of time itself.