"Hi, my name is Gwen. Would you like to be my friend?"
That was Gwen's daily refrain, chirped with unwavering cheer, whenever she had a lunch break or just before the school bell rang. Her boldness was almost comical, especially to Sofia, who always accompanied her during these social forays.
Sofia sighed, twirling her pen idly. "Gwen, I've been meaning to ask… Why don't you ever ask guys to be your friends?"
Gwen tilted her head, genuinely puzzled by the question. "Why would I?"
"Well, you only ask girls," Sofia pointed out, gesturing to Gwen's thick notebook—a "friend log," as Gwen called it. Each page contained a list of names, all neatly written, and each name belonged to a girl. Not a single boy had been added.
"Oh, that's because I prefer girls over boys," Gwen said with a shrug as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Sofia arched an eyebrow. "But wouldn't it be easier to hit your goal if you weren't so picky? Didn't you say you need a hundred friends in two months? You're halfway there, but still..."
Gwen sighed as she answer, "My senior brother made a bet with me. He said I couldn't make a hundred friends before the celebration."
"Celebration? What celebration?" Sofia asked, leaning forward with interest.
Gwen's grin faltered for a split second. "Just a… private event," she said evasively, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Anyway, if I lose, he won't give me a gift. Worse, I'll have to pay off my debts to him."
"Debts? What kind of debts—wait, hold on. You mean you've never had friends before this?"
Gwen hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "None."
Sofia's mouth fell open in disbelief. "But why?"
"Didn't need them," Gwen replied with a shrug. "I had my master and my senior brothers. Friends seemed like… extra work."
"So… what about me? Am I just 'extra work' to you?"
"No. You're useful," Gwen said matter-of-factly.
Sofia groaned, pressing her palm against her forehead. "Gwen, I don't think you realize how terrible that sounds. Don't ever say that to anyone else, okay? Seriously, people might hate you for it!"
"Hate me?" Gwen blinked, her expression suddenly serious. "I don't want enemies. My master always said having even one enemy is more trouble than having a thousand friends."
"Exactly!" Sofia said, relieved that Gwen seemed to understand. "So, be careful how you talk to people, alright?"
"Got it!" Gwen chirped.
Just as Sofia started to relax, her sense of peace was shattered.
"Hey, my name is Gwen. Will you be friends with me?"
Sofia froze, her head snapping up to see who Gwen was addressing. When she saw him, her heart nearly stopped.
The boy standing before Gwen was none other than Zak, a senior in his final year. He was tall and lean, his dark violet hair falling past his shoulders. His matching violet eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity, and his piercing gaze could make even the boldest students avert their eyes.
Zak wasn't just any senior—he was a level-four swordmaster with the Assassin role. His reputation was as sharp as his dagger, and rumors of his stealthy, devastating attacks had spread far and wide.
And yet, Gwen had approached him as casually as she might approach a fluffy kitten.
Zak's eyes narrowed as he stared at Gwen. "Where did this ugly chicken come from?" he sneered. "Don't you own a mirror? How could you possibly think you're fit to be my friend?"
"Of course I'm fit. The question is, are you fit to be my friend?" Gwen shot back without missing a beat.
Sofia felt her soul leave her body.
Zak let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Alright, little chicken. Why do you want me to be your friend?"
"I don't," Gwen replied coolly. "If you don't want to be my friend, just say so." She turned away as if to leave, but Zak's hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly. "What do you want?" Gwen asked, her tone calm despite the obvious pain in her voice.
"How about this?" Zak said, his voice low and dangerous. "Be my girlfriend."
Is he crazy? Why would he asked a beggar-like girl out? Even Zak himself couldn't comprehend his own action. It seemed like something invisible charmed him one or another way.
"Girlfriend?" Gwen tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "Are you even worthy to be my boyfriend?"
Zak's laughter echoed across the courtyard, sharp and cruel. "You're really something, chicken. I've never been this entertained. Maybe I should teach you a lesson."
"Are you a teacher?" Gwen asked, completely unfazed. "Only teachers can teach me lessons."
By now, a crowd had gathered. Whispers rippled through the students as they watched the exchange.
"Is she insane? That's Zak. Doesn't she know who he is?"
"She's either brave or just plain stupid."
Zak's expression darkened. "Little girl, I don't think you understand who you're dealing with. I could end your life with a single strike."
"Oh?" Gwen raised an eyebrow. "Then go ahead. Show me how you'd do it."
In an instant, Zak disappeared from view, reappearing behind Gwen with a dagger poised at her throat. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
But before the blade could strike true, a shimmering light enveloped Gwen's body. Sofia had acted just in time, casting a protective shield around her friend.
The dagger met the shield with a sharp crack, the impact dissipating the spell in an instant. Though Sofia's level-two magic was no match for Zak's level-four strength, it was enough to save Gwen from serious harm.
Zak's lips curled into a sneer as he stepped back. "You're lucky your little friend stepped in. Otherwise, you'd be bleeding out right now."
"Senior Zak," Sofia said, her voice trembling but firm, "you know it's forbidden to attack fellow students without a formal challenge."
Zak chuckled, twirling his dagger. "Ah, yes. The rules. Very well, then. I'll make it official. Little chick, I challenge you to a duel. Do you dare accept?"
Sofia's heart sank. "Gwen, you don't have to—"
"I accept!" Gwen declared, her voice ringing loud and clear.
Once again, Sofia felt her soul leave her body.