The morning sun, bright and promising, painted the sky a gentle blue, signaling a perfect day for school. Today, unlike yesterday when I'd overslept, I was on time, ready to walk with Hugoresh and Viola as we usually did. They were already waiting for me, their figures outlined against the soft glow of dawn, right in front of my house.
"Good morning, you two!" I called out, a cheerful bounce in my step as I approached them.
"Morning, Aeji!" they replied in unison, their voices blending in a familiar harmony. Together, we set off, our footsteps crunching softly on the pavement as we began our walk towards the school. The air was cool and crisp, a refreshing contrast to the warmth that would soon dominate the day.
"Oh, Aeji, how was your training yesterday with Shu's brother and Haru? Did everything go well?" Hugo asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity, probably recalling how exhausted I looked the day before.
"It went fine, really good even, but I still have a lot more to learn and practice," I answered, a hint of determination in my tone. My muscles still felt a faint echo of the workout, a pleasant reminder of the progress I was making.
"That's good then. At least if anything happens, you'll be able to defend yourself," Hugo mused, his gaze thoughtful, a subtle awareness of the world's dangers creeping into our otherwise mundane morning.
"Yeah, you're right, Hugo," I agreed, a shiver running down my spine despite the cheerful morning. The thought of 'anything happening' was a constant undercurrent in our lives now, ever since the Corruption creatures began appearing.
"Aeji?" Hugo paused, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us.
"Yes, what is it, Hugo?" I prompted, sensing a challenge brewing behind his eyes.
"How about you try sparring with me? I'd really like to see what you've learned, see your capabilities firsthand."
My eyes lit up. "That's actually a great idea! So, when should we do it?" The prospect of testing my newfound skills against Hugo, who was already quite strong, was exciting.
"Hmmm, let me think for a moment..." Hugo tapped his chin, considering. "How about after school today? We can use the school's training room. It's usually empty then."
"Alright then, I'm totally in!" I exclaimed, my excitement palpable. Hugo grinned, and we exchanged a firm fist bump, a silent pact made between friends.
Viola, who had been quietly listening, interjected with a worried frown. "I just hope you two will be okay. You always get so carried away."
Hugo laughed, a booming sound that echoed slightly in the quiet street. "You don't have to worry, Viola! As true men, we'll be absolutely fine!" He puffed out his chest dramatically, trying to ease her concern with humor.
Viola, however, just sighed, a faint tremor in her voice. "I'm getting more and more scared because of you two..." Her muttered words barely reached our ears, but the underlying anxiety was clear.
Just then, a familiar voice chirped from behind us, breaking our conversation. "Morning, Aeji, Hugo, Viola!"
We turned to see Aiko and Haru hurrying to catch up, their cheerful presence a welcome addition to our group.
"Morning, Aiko, Haru!" we replied in unison, a collective warmth spreading through us.
"How are you two doing today?" Viola asked, her concern shifting from us to her friends.
"Haru and I are doing great, Viola!" Aiko chirped, practically bouncing with energy.
"Oh, Viola.." Aiko suddenly leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eyes, her voice dropping to a loud whisper.
"Hmmm? What is it, Aiko?" Viola asked, a puzzled expression on her face.
"Have you told Aeji how you feel yet? You know, your feelings? (whispering, but not very effectively)"
Viola's face immediately turned a deep shade of red, and she stammered, "W-What do you mean, Aiko?" Her eyes darted nervously between Aiko and me.
"Come on, Viola, hurry up, before someone else beats you to it!" Aiko urged, practically jumping with playful impatience.
"Ugh, Aiko, why are you like this? Stop teasing me! (puffing out her cheeks in frustration and embarrassment)"
"Alright then... But I've warned you, Viola!" Aiko said, a sly smile playing on her lips, and then, with a quick movement, she pinched Viola's cheek playfully.
"Hooray, that's good then, Viola!" Aiko cheered, ignoring Viola's protests.
"Stop playing around, you two; we should hurry and get to school," I said, a sigh escaping my lips. Their antics were amusing, but we were pushing it on time.
"Yeah, you're right, Aeji... let's go then!" Aiko agreed, finally settling down.
The five of us picked up our pace, hurrying towards the school gates. We made it just in time, slipping into our classroom as the last students filed in. Inside, a familiar voice greeted us with warmth.
"Morning Aeji, Aiko, Hugo, Haru, Viola!" It was Shu, already at her desk, a gentle smile gracing her features.
"Shuuuuu..!" Aiko immediately launched herself at Shu, a human-shaped missile of affection, rubbing her cheek against Shu's in a display of pure adoration.
"Aiko, it's still morning, you know..." Shu chuckled softly, gently trying to disentangle herself from Aiko's embrace.
"Emangnya kenapa, Shu? You're just so cute and adorable... awww," Aiko cooed, completely unperturbed.
"Morning, Shu," Haru said, a resigned shake of her head at her partner's usual antics.
"Morning, Shu," Viola added, her voice soft and sweet.
"Morning to you too, Shu," I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. Shu's calm presence always had a way of bringing a sense of peace to the room.
The school bell shrilled, signaling the start of classes.
"Alright, everyone, sit down, all five of you!" Shu said, her tone friendly but firm, her smile unwavering.
"Yes!" we all replied in unison, quickly finding our seats just as our teacher, Mrs. Elena, walked in. The classroom settled into a focused silence as we immersed ourselves in our lessons, the morning sun streaming through the windows, unaware of the impending storm.
Chaos at the Academy
Meanwhile, elsewhere... far from the peaceful classroom, a lone figure stood silhouetted against the urban sprawl, perched atop a distant building. This mysterious individual was intently observing the Academy of Athena through a high-powered scope. Their face was unreadable, their gaze sharp and unwavering. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed across the city, followed by a brilliant, orange flash of light as a massive explosion rocked the school's main gate. A cloud of dust and debris billowed upwards, momentarily obscuring the entrance.
"It's starting, isn't it?.." the figure murmured, a strange mix of anticipation and melancholy in their voice. Without hesitation, they leaped from their vantage point, moving with a supernatural agility that defied gravity, and immediately began sprinting towards the now-chaotic Academy of Athena.
At the Academy of Athena...
The classroom was plunged into immediate chaos as the first explosion rattled the very foundations of the building. Desks scraped against the floor, students gasped, and a collective wave of fear washed over us.
"What was that?.." Hugo whispered, his eyes wide with alarm, looking instinctively towards the door.
Next to me, Aiko immediately clung to Haru, her small frame trembling. "Haru, I'm scared...." she whimpered, burying her face into Haru's shoulder.
"Aiko, calm down... Don't panic. We mustn't panic right now," Haru soothed, her voice remarkably steady despite the tremor in her hands. She gently stroked Aiko's hair, trying to offer comfort amidst the rising tension.
Our teacher, Mrs. Elena, quickly took charge, her voice cutting through the rising murmurs of panic. "Children, everyone, calm down... Contact for help on your phones and wait here, okay? Shu, I'm entrusting them to you, okay? You're the strongest one here. I'll check the situation outside and contact you when it's safe and to call for assistance." Her eyes met Shu's, a clear plea for leadership in a dire situation.
Shu, ever composed, nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Ma'am... I'll protect everyone." Her gaze swept over the frightened faces of her classmates, a silent promise in her eyes.
Mrs. Elena, with a determined expression, opened the classroom door and, after a quick glance back, left the room to assess the situation and find help. The moment she closed the door, a palpable sense of isolation settled over us.
"What's happening?" one student (A) whispered, their voice trembling.
"I don't know, but everyone, please stay calm, don't panic," Shu said, her voice clear and strong, trying her best to calm the burgeoning panic in the classroom. She stood tall, a beacon of calm in the storm.
"Calm down, you say, Shu? Are you crazy? We'll die here if we don't do anything!" another student (B) shrieked, their fear escalating into near hysteria.
"Then do you have a plan?" Shu asked, her tone sharp, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes at the student's outburst.
"N-No...." Student B replied, shrinking back, intimidated by Shu's unexpected intensity.
"Don't be rash then... You're safe with me. I've already set up a protective barrier around this classroom in case anything else happens," Shu explained, her hands glowing faintly as she reinforced her power, a shimmering, almost invisible shield forming around us.
"Shu, can you feel anything?" I asked, my senses reaching out, trying to detect any lingering energies from the explosion.
"No... I can't feel anything at all... I think that explosion wasn't an ordinary one," Shu confessed, a flicker of anxiety crossing her usually serene face. The inability to sense anything was truly unsettling.
"Tch... If only I could use Reverse Capture, it would be easy!" I muttered under my breath, mocking my own limitations. The ability to steal and redirect energy would be invaluable right now.
"Don't say that, Aeji... I also have difficulty using it," Shu said gently, misunderstanding my self-deprecating comment for genuine frustration.
"Difficulty? Aren't you stronger than us?" I asked, genuinely curious. Shu was known for her immense power.
"If you use too much mana for Reverse Capture, your soul will be destroyed. It's too much pressure on your essence to channel such excessive mana," Shu explained, her gaze serious.
"Oh... I didn't think there was a downside," I mumbled, a little shocked by the severity of the consequence.
"Aeji, you're so stu—" Just as Haru was about to playfully tease me, another deafening explosion ripped through the school, much closer this time. The building shuddered violently, and dust rained down from the ceiling.
"Tch... The teacher is taking too long. I'm going to check outside too!" Hugo declared, his face set with determination, and he immediately bolted out of the classroom, driven by a desperate need to act.
"I'll go with Hugo too!" I shouted, instinctively following him, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The thought of waiting around felt impossible.
"Ugh, you idiots!" Shu exclaimed, her voice laced with anger and frustration as she ran a hand through her hair, clearly annoyed by our impulsive decision.
"Haru, I'm scared...." Aiko cried, her small body trembling uncontrollably as she hugged Haru even tighter, fresh tears streaming down her face.
"Calm down, Aiko, I'm here, okay?" Haru whispered, her own voice wavering slightly as she gently wiped Aiko's tears, trying to be strong for her friend.
"Haru, we can't stay here much longer," Shu said, her eyes fixed on Haru, a new urgency in her gaze.
"Do you have a plan, Shu?" Haru asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and rising anxiety.
"Hmmmm, let me think for a moment," Shu paused, her brow furrowed in deep thought. After a brief silence, her eyes lit up. "I think I know what we need to do."
"What is it, Shu? I hope it's not a reckless plan," Haru said, concern etched on her face, remembering our impulsive dash.
"Do you think I'm like those two? Aeji and Hugo? Of course, it's not a plan like that," Shu retorted, a hint of playful disdain in her voice as she subtly jabbed at our recklessness.
"Quickly, tell me your plan, Shu!" Haru urged, her curiosity outweighing her fear.
Shu looked out the shattered window, assessing the distance to the ground. A grim determination settled on her face.
"Wait, Shu... is your plan..." Haru began, her eyes following Shu's gaze, a dreadful realization dawning on her.
"Yes, you're right.... We're going to jump," Shu confirmed, her voice steady.
".... Isn't there any other plan?" Haru asked, her voice small. The idea of jumping from such a height was terrifying.
"No, this is the only way that guarantees everyone's safety. You all just stay calm; I'll create something down there to ensure you won't get hurt," Shu assured them, her power beginning to hum around her.
"Alright then, Shu... EVERYONE, WE'RE GOING TO JUMP, ONE BY ONE, OKAY!" Haru yelled, her voice echoing with authority, taking charge of the chaotic classroom.
"Yes, Haru!" one of the students shouted back, a newfound resolve in their voice.
Shu immediately went to the window, her hands glowing with mana as she conjured a soft, shimmering energy cushion on the ground below, precisely where they would land. One by one, the students in the classroom cautiously, then quickly, began to jump, landing safely on Shu's magical cushion before scrambling to their feet and successfully escaping by clambering over the school fence. The sense of relief among those who made it out was palpable.
However, just as it was Shu and Haru's turn to leap to safety, a chilling presence filled the air. Someone suddenly materialized in the doorway, a menacing figure. To our horror, they were holding Mrs. Elena, our teacher, captive, a sharp blade pressed against her throat.
"You two, don't even think about escaping or this teacher dies. Put your hands up!" the assailant snarled, their voice cold and unforgiving.
Haru and Shu exchanged a quick, knowing glance, a silent communication passing between them. With no other choice, they slowly raised their hands, but not before Shu subtly made a quick, almost imperceptible gesture towards Aiko below, a silent command for her to escape and call for more help.
"Who are you?!" Shu demanded, her voice laced with fury despite her raised hands.
"Me? That's not important, little girl. What's important is that you come with me, or this teacher will lose her life!" the assailant sneered, tightening their grip on Mrs. Elena.
"You two, go! Don't mind me!" Mrs. Elena cried out, her voice strained but brave, urging her students to prioritize their own safety.
"Quiet, or I'll kill you!" the person hissed, pressing the blade harder against Mrs. Elena's neck, a cruel glint in their eyes.
"Go ahead and kill me... I don't care about myself! I'd rather die than sacrifice my students!" Mrs. Elena defied them, her voice ringing with defiance.
"Silence!" The person snarled, delivering a brutal punch to Mrs. Elena's stomach. The teacher gasped, her eyes rolling back, and she slumped unconscious in their grasp.
"Enough! I will come with you!" Shu shouted, her composure finally breaking, her voice filled with a desperate resolve.
"Smart girl... Now, follow me!" The assailant grinned, a chillingly triumphant smile.
Shu and Haru, their hearts heavy with a mixture of anger and resignation, had no choice but to follow the mysterious individual, leaving the chaos behind them.
Unexpected Encounters
Meanwhile, in another part of the school...
Hugo and I were frantically running through the deserted hallways, our eyes scanning every classroom, every corner, searching for anyone, for some sign of life amidst the eerie silence that followed the explosions.
"What's actually happening? Why is no one here?" I whispered, my voice laced with confusion and growing dread.
"I don't know, but I have a bad feelin—" Hugo began, his words cut off by a sudden, metallic clash and the grunt of struggle.
The unmistakable sounds of a fight erupted from further down the corridor. Aeji and Hugo immediately darted out from behind the wall they were hiding behind, their instincts overriding their fear, rushing to see what was happening. Just as they rounded the corner, they saw a cloaked figure fiercely engaged in combat with a member of the Cranium Cervidarum. The figure moved with incredible speed and grace, deflecting an attack from the Cranium Cervidarum member using their gleaming sword. With a swift, brutal strike, one of the assailant's arms was severed, falling to the ground with a sickening thud. Before the cultist could even react, the cloaked figure plunged their sword deep into the cultist's heart. The Cranium Cervidarum member staggered, a choked gurgle escaping their lips, and then collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
"Who are you? And why are you here? Are you backup?" I blurted out, my voice a mix of shock and relief at seeing a friendly face, albeit a mysterious one.
The cloaked figure turned, their gaze sweeping over Aeji and Hugo. Their eyes, though obscured by shadows, held an intense, unwavering focus.
"Me? I am Dark Queen. Even though my name sounds scary, I'm on your side, and I'm here because I already knew there would be an attack on this school," the person replied, their voice surprisingly calm and steady.
"On our side? We don't believe you... If you are, then prove you're with us," I challenged, skepticism warring with the desperate hope that she spoke the truth. We couldn't afford to trust blindly.
"Alright then," the Dark Queen conceded, a subtle movement as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small, intricately carved insignia, its silver gleam unmistakable: the mark of a Library of Athena guild member.
"You're from the Library of Athena?" Hugo gasped, his eyes widening in recognition. The Library of Athena was one of the most respected and powerful guilds.
"Yes, you're right.. Do you believe me now?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement.
"Hugo, what do you think?" I turned to my friend, relying on his instincts.
"Hmmm, I think what she's saying is true," Hugo murmured, his gaze fixed on the insignia.
"How can you be so sure?" I pressed, still cautious.
"I can feel familiar mana radiating from that necklace. It's the unique signature of the Library of Athena," Hugo explained, his fangs subtly extending, a sign of his enhanced senses confirming her words.
"Hmm, alright then, I'll trust you," I conceded, a wave of relief washing over me. Having a powerful ally was more than we could have hoped for.
The Dark Queen slid the insignia back into her pocket, her movements fluid and efficient.
"Thank you for trusting me," she said, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips.
"It's nothing, really, but it's only right that I do this given the current situation," I replied, feeling a genuine connection with her despite our brief acquaintance.
The Dark Queen's smile widened slightly, and she spoke to herself, almost inaudibly, "You never change, Aeji." The comment was puzzling, but I didn't press it.
"Before that, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Alice," she stated, extending a hand.
"I'm Aeji, and he's Hugo," I replied, shaking her hand firmly.
"Hello Aeji and Hugo," Alice said, her gaze steady and reassuring. "Now, I want to ask you two something."
"Hmmm, what is it?" I asked, anticipating her question.
"What are you two doing here? And where are the others? Your classmates, your teachers?" she questioned, a hint of urgency in her tone.
"We split up. The others seem to still be in class, or at least they were when the second explosion hit. We're actually looking for our teacher, Mrs. Elena. She left to find help," I explained, gesturing vaguely in the direction she had gone.
"Hmmm, wasn't that a reckless move? You could have been killed by Cranium Cervidarum members," Alice observed, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Indeed, it might have been, but we didn't have any other options," Hugo interjected, his voice firm. "We couldn't just stand by. There wasn't much time to think about risks when someone's life was on the line."
"Hmm, what you're thinking makes sense. In that case, I'll come with you," Alice decided, her expression grim but determined.
"Thank you very much, Alice!" I exclaimed, relief flooding through me. Her presence was a huge boost to our slim chances.
"You're welcome. With me, it might be a little easier for you to find your teacher and the others," she replied, a subtle promise of her power.
"Alright then, let's go!" I declared, my voice filled with renewed purpose and enthusiasm.
The Master's Foresight
Elsewhere, in a hidden, dimly lit chamber, a figure shrouded in shadow sat on an ornate throne. A subordinate, kneeling before them, delivered an urgent report.
"Master, the Academy of Athena is under attack right now! What are your orders, Master?" the subordinate asked, their voice respectful but tinged with alarm.
"Under attack, you say? I already expected that to happen," the shrouded figure responded, their voice deep and resonant, utterly devoid of surprise.
The subordinate looked up, a hint of confusion on their face. "You mean Master already knew about this beforehand?"
"Of course I did. What do you take me for? I know about what's going to happen. You, quickly, send our reinforcements there!" the Master commanded, their tone unwavering.
"Understood, Master!" the subordinate affirmed, quickly rising and rushing out of the chamber, leaving the Master alone in the silence.
The Master leaned back, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on their lips. "Cranium Cervidarum, are you truly underestimating Tsukimigaki? Aeji, you don't need to worry; you will be fine... that is my promise to my future self." The air in the chamber seemed to hum with unseen power, a testament to the Master's enigmatic foresight and unwavering confidence.