Dakota: So yeah, that's what happened these past three days. Luckily, we survived, and I think we deserve a long break to get over this trauma.
Ava: ...I doubt you're actually traumatized.
Dakota: ...Damn, you got me. I'm not traumatized—I just wanted a long break.
Lucas: Yep. That sounds just like you.
The whole table burst into laughter, the tension of their recent experiences easing as the sound of camaraderie filled the room. The academy's cafeteria had become their unofficial headquarters, where plans were made, and laughs were shared.
As the laughter subsided, Dakota leaned back in his chair and turned his gaze to Henry, who was uncharacteristically quiet.
Dakota: Are you traumatized, Henry? You know... when you killed that guy. That was your first time killing a human, wasn't it?
The room went silent. All eyes were on Henry now, who tightened his grip on the cup of tea in his hand. He stared into it, as if the swirling liquid held the answers he sought.
Henry: ...No, not really. I know I'll have to kill a lot more humans in the future, so I'm preparing myself mentally.
Dakota: nods slowly ...Good. It's not easy, but it's necessary. We'll all have to carry that weight eventually.
The mood was somber for a moment, but Dakota's trademark grin returned, breaking the heaviness like sunlight through storm clouds.
Dakota: Now, should we all go home?
Ava: But there's still time before the academy ends.
Dakota: Oh, so what? The principal would understand why we left early. Now let's go and... do something?
Ava: You don't even know what you want to do, do you?
Dakota: Yeah, but you can come up with something, right?
Ava: sighs Sure, we can go to the shopping mal—
Dakota: cuts her off quickly No! Don't finish that sentence. Somebody else, please think of something else.
Henry: How about we party at my house?
Dakota: Oh! That sounds like a great idea. Let's do it! turns to Henry's parents, who had joined them earlier Can we come over and party at your house, Miss Lily and Mr. Michael?
Lily: Of course, you can.
Michael: Yeah, now let's go. We'll take all of you. Maria, Duke, can Dakota come with us?
Maria: Of course he can. We don't mind Dakota going to our friends' house.
Duke: Yeah, of course.
Dakota blinked in confusion, looking between the adults.
Dakota: Wait, the four of you are friends?
Duke: Yes, we are. Did I not tell you?
Dakota: No, I don't think so... or maybe I just wasn't listening.
Duke: sighs ...You brat. That's why I always tell you to listen to me.
Dakota: Yeah, yeah. Can we go to Henry's house now?
Henry: Yes, we can. Let's go, guys.
---
Henry's "house" turned out to be a sprawling mansion, complete with towering gates and a perfectly manicured garden. The group stood in awe as they stepped onto the grand driveway.
Henry: Well, this is my house. What do you think?
Dakota: Yeah, just as I expected—a pretty nice house.
Lucas: It's very nice.
Ava: One of the best I've seen.
Mia: Pretty good.
Liam: Yeah, it's great.
Henry: Thanks. Now let's go party.
The mansion's interior was even more impressive, with high ceilings, luxurious furnishings, and a staff of butlers and maids who greeted them warmly. The group quickly settled into the living room, where snacks and drinks had already been prepared.
Dakota: grabbing a handful of chips Man, I could get used to this.
Ava: Don't get too comfortable. We're here to celebrate, not freeload.
Dakota: Who says we can't do both?
The evening passed in a whirlwind of laughter and games. They played card games, shared stories, and even engaged in a spirited game of hide-and-seek in the massive mansion. For a while, it was as if the weight of their responsibilities had lifted.
---
A few months later, the group stood on a grand stage at the academy, basking in the applause of their peers and instructors. It was the last day of their first year, and they were being honored for their achievements.
Edward: This award ceremony is to congratulate this group—the strongest and best group in the academy's history.
The principal's voice echoed through the hall, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The group stood on stage, looking both proud and nervous.
Edward: Be proud because your group has made history.
The crowd chanted their names, and although the group was honored, they couldn't hide their nervousness. Dakota leaned toward Ava and whispered.
Dakota: I've never done this before.
Ava: Neither have I.
Henry: Yeah, this is my first time too.
After an hour of speeches and applause, the ceremony finally concluded.
Edward: I guess this is goodbye... for three months, of course. I hope you all enjoy your summer break.
Dakota: Thanks, Principal. I hope you have a nice summer too.
Edward: Thank you. Now, it's time for your mission, so don't be late. And make sure to complete it.
Dakota: Don't worry. We'll complete it.
Edward: smiles Haa, you kids... You'll definitely make history for sure.
---
The group's final mission of the year led them to the Evil Forest, a dangerous area known for its high concentration of Djinns. Their task was simple on paper: eliminate a group of mid-ranked Djinns threatening the nearby village.
Dakota: Okay, this mission seems simple... but I have a bad feeling that something is going to happen.
Ava: Don't worry, Dakota. This is our last mission. What could go wrong?
Dakota: ...Great. Now you've jinxed us. Something is definitely going to happen.
Lucas: You're just being paranoid, Dakota. You've been paranoid for months, and nothing happened.
Dakota: Yeah, that's because whatever it is has been waiting for this moment—when we least expect it.
Jack: Stop being so paranoid, idiot. Now let's go kill those Djinns.
The forest was eerily quiet as they ventured deeper. Shadows danced across the trees, and the air was thick with tension. The group moved cautiously, their weapons at the ready.
Ava: See? Nothing's happening. We're fine.
But Dakota's instincts told him otherwise. He scanned the surroundings, his grip tightening on his weapon.
Dakota: ...Something's not right.
They found the mid-ranked Djinns quickly, dispatching them with practiced efficiency. It was almost too easy.
Dakota: ...Okay, this was a lot easier than I thought. But I still feel like something's going to happen.
Liam: No, it won't. Stop jinxing us.
Dakota: ...Ava already did, so it doesn't matter if I do too.
Amelia: Nothing will happen.
Henry: ...Actually, I agree with Dakota. I feel like something is going to happen too.
Ava: What?! Not you too, Henry. Have you been infected by Dakota's paranoia?
Henry: ...Of course not... Maybe. But still, I think something will happen. I mean, when has Dakota been wrong about this stuff?
Ava: He's been saying this for months, and nothing happened.
Henry: But this time, I feel it too. Something dangerous is coming.
Ava: No, it's not.
Dakota: ...Shit. I told you—
Ava: interrupts Huh? What do you mea—
Before Ava could finish, a stranger stepped into view. His presence was overwhelming. Horns curled from his head, a mark of a high-ranked Djinn. The group froze as the Djinn's dark aura suffocated the air.
Dakota: Ah, fuck. What did I tell you?
Ava: Oh shit! So you were right, and now we have to fight a high-ranked Djinn?!
Dakota: Haa, how funny. Our last mission, and we get a high-ranked Djinn. Well, it's a good way to end the first year of the academy, I guess.
The group readied their weapons, their nervousness replaced by determination. They knew this battle would be their greatest challenge yet.