A new day dawned over the academy. Dakota sat in the bustling cafeteria, savoring the meal his mother had prepared. The smell of freshly baked bread and hearty soup filled the air, and his friends sat nearby, enjoying their own lunches and chatting among themselves.
Dakota: I wasn't expecting Andri to turn into a Djinn.
Everyone looked over at Dakota, surprise and disbelief flashing across their faces as they thought back to the intense battle they'd witnessed.
Henry: That's true. It was really unexpected. I mean, I was shocked when he did that. It's not every day someone willingly becomes a Djinn.
Ava: I was beyond shocked. I can't believe he'd throw his humanity away just to try and beat you. It's…well, it's kind of terrifying to think about.
Dakota took a moment, his expression softening. He understood Andri's motivations better than anyone now, and it hurt to know his friend had been put in such a situation.
Dakota: He was forced into it by his terrible parents. He didn't want to do that.
The group went silent, each of them processing what he said. After Dakota had learned about Andri's family problems, he couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Andri was the victim of cruel parents, not a power-hungry fighter like some thought. After everything, Dakota even apologized to Andri for not understanding sooner.
Lucas: He must have some terrible parents to make him do something like that. I can't even imagine being forced into something so awful.
Jack: His parents are real bastards. They don't deserve a child.
Amelia: I can't believe parents like that even exist.
Mia: Unfortunately, there are some terrible parents in this world. Sometimes people just don't know how to treat others, even their own children.
Luna: But there are also some good ones.
Luna's quiet comment helped ease the heavy mood. She offered a soft smile, bringing a bit of warmth back to the conversation.
Dakota: That's true. There are both bad and good parents in this world. It's just...it's heartbreaking to know someone could be hurt by the people who are supposed to love them the most.
Henry: Anyway, what do we do now, huh? Feels like we've been through a war already.
After the challenge, the group had been swarmed with questions by other students. Some were curious about Andri's transformation; others wanted to hear Dakota's take on the fight. The attention had been exhausting, and they hadn't had a moment's peace.
Dakota: We need a break. We don't know what's coming next, so let's rest while we can. No more fights for now.
Henry: Yeah, you're right. A break sounds good.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and soon the academy day came to an end. It was finally time to go home and recharge.
Dakota: Alright, goodbye, everyone. See you all tomorrow.
Dakota was the first to leave, being closest to home. He made his way through the familiar streets, taking in the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees. Within minutes, he was at his front door.
Dakota: I'm home!
His voice echoed through the hallway, and suddenly, the sound of footsteps thundered down the stairs. His younger sister, Emma, appeared, her face lighting up with excitement.
Emma: Oh, brother! You're finally home! I was waiting for you. I want to hear all about what happened yesterday—I wasn't here to see it.
Dakota: You really want to know what happened? Alright, I'll tell you everything.
Emma clapped her hands, looking thrilled. She sat down eagerly, her eyes wide with anticipation as Dakota began to recount the events.
He told her about the five challenges, how Andri turned into a Djinn, and about the brutal fight. He described the intensity of the battle, and, in a quieter voice, he explained Andri's family troubles.
After he finished, Emma stayed silent for a few moments, her brows knitted in thought.
Emma: ...Wow. His parents are really terrible. Our parents are so much better.
Dakota: Of course they are. His parents don't even compare to ours.
To Dakota, it was the most obvious thing in the world. He couldn't imagine being raised by anyone other than the loving family he had.
Emma: ...But I'm still shocked that he turned into a Djinn. And the fact that you managed to defeat him and stop his transformation…it's amazing.
Dakota: Were you really that shocked that I defeated him?
Emma blushed, avoiding his gaze for a moment.
Emma: ...Well, no, not really. I always knew you'd win.
Dakota: Haha! I knew you'd trust me, sis.
Emma: Ah, hey! Don't mess up my hair.
Dakota ruffled her hair playfully, making her blush even more.
Mother: Dakota, don't tease your sister.
Their mother appeared, smiling warmly as she watched the two siblings.
Dakota: Sorry, Mom. I'll stop now.
He took his hand off Emma's head, grinning.
Father: But I have to say, what you did yesterday was impressive, son. You keep doing these incredible things. One of these days, I'm going to run out of ways to be surprised.
They all laughed, the lighthearted moment bringing a sense of warmth and family unity.
Mother: But really, I'm glad you managed to stop that poor boy from fully transforming. Who knows what might have happened if you hadn't.
Dakota: ...I'm glad too. Even though I got hurt, it was worth it.
Dakota briefly recalled the overwhelming power he had faced, the way Andri had fought as if his very soul was at stake.
Dakota: It was a good fight. But I can't help wondering what other battles are waiting for me in the future.
Mother: ...I don't even want to think about it.
Emma: You'll probably end up facing the strongest high-ranked Djinn someday. Just my guess.
Father: And you and your friends will somehow end up defeating it, surprising us once again.
Everyone laughed, though a hint of worry lingered in their expressions.
Mother: ...I really hope you don't actually end up facing the strongest high-ranked Djinn. I can't imagine the damage it would do to you and your group.
Dakota: ...You're right. If we ever face a creature like that, we'd definitely take some heavy damage. Maybe…maybe one of us would even die. But I hope it never comes to that.
Dakota's face darkened as he remembered the friends he had lost in his past life. He had promised himself that this time, things would be different. This time, he wouldn't let anyone die.
Emma: Even if you do end up in that situation, I still believe you'll win, brother. You'll come back safe. I know it.
Dakota: ...Thanks, Emma. It means a lot to me that you believe in me.
Emma's smile lifted Dakota's spirits, pulling him out of his dark thoughts. He glanced over to his mother, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Dakota: I'm starving! What's for dinner?
Mother: I'll make your favorite—ramen noodles.
Dakota: Oh, I can't wait!
He devoured the ramen with gusto, savoring each bite, and soon the evening faded into night.
The next day, back at the academy, Dakota sat in his first class, the morning bell just having rung. He saw Henry and the others, and they waved him over.
The group started chatting about the usual things when Liam suddenly spoke up.
Liam: ...Actually, I have something to say.
Dakota: Hm? You want to say something?
Liam: Yes… I want to challenge Jack to a duel.
A ripple of surprise passed through the group. Even Jack looked a bit taken aback, though a slow grin spread across his face.
Jack: Challenge me to a duel? Hm, alright, why not? I've been waiting three months for this, too.
Liam: Then let's go to the training grounds and begin the duel.
Excited murmurs filled the air as the group made their way to the training grounds, eager to witness the duel.
Dakota: Alright, are you both ready?
Liam: Yes, I've been waiting three months for this duel.
Jack: ...I have, too. Now, let's begin.
The two, who had waited three long months for this moment, faced each other with determination. Dakota raised his hand, giving the signal.
Dakota: Then let the duel begin!