Part 1

It was around seven when the sky began slowly turning a beautiful red color. I was on the balcony with just a towel on, looking at the clouds' bizarre palette and the sun inevitably falling into oblivion. Two firm knocks on the door distracted me from the view. My guest had finally arrived.

“It’s open!” I shouted as walked out of the balcony and into the main room.

“Sorry if I’m late, Raphael. You know Sora, she was all agitated and fidgeting. I had to calm her down” Said Youm with a slight sigh at the end.

“It’s fine. Are the others all right?” I asked as we shared a fast handshake.

“Hannes and Lucas have it under control. To be honest, I’m a little worried about them, they seem way too excited for this. Oh, and Legis said he’ll be coming here in ten minutes. He said something about a friend of his delivering something…I didn’t really understand anything that he said”

“Haha that’s so Legis. So, mind teaching me how to wear this?-” I said as I took out from my closet the black suit that I won on my duel against him “- While my family does have noble roots, I have never worn anything like it. It looks too…complicated?”

The suit, still wrapped in a paper-like cloth, looked as fancy as I remembered. I never once took it out of the closet ever since I won it one year prior and, thanks to the cloth, it didn’t even have a speck of dust on it. Truly a beautiful suit in its simpleness, yet way too fancy for my tastes. What I liked to wear were simple trousers, with a simple belt, a comfy shirt and a jacket if the weather asked for it. Nothing too complicated. Yet the suit gifted to me was going against all that.

“*sigh*-” The man in front of me exclaimed with a defeated expression “- You really are hopeless in everything that’s not magic related uh!”

“Tch, zip it! Just help me out will ya?! If we wanna be there a little sooner we’ll have to speed things up”

“I know all right. Just wear the trousers first then I’ll take care of the rest. Oh and, I’ve taken the freedom to buy you a pair of slightly elegant shoes…At least you gotta look the part!”

“Uugghh that’s why I hate all those fancy noblish things!”

“Stop nagging and get dressed! You act like an old man sometimes I swear!”

[Well, I am not that young either…in spirit at least]

I took a pair of underwear, trousers, socks and shoes and went into the bathroom to change. When I came out, Youm was scrolling through the closet, where I keep my shirts, probably looking for one suitable enough to wear together with the suit. Being a member of a newly found noble family must have put a heavy burden on him. I could only imagine how judgemental the other families must’ve been. So of course he would put twice the effort of the other kids into his appearance. Not only in the way he behaved outside but one could also see the attention to the smallest details in his every outfit.

“Hey Raphael, have you always had that thing on your side?” Said Youm as he noticed me coming out of the bathroom.

“Oh, this?-” I asked pointing the small scar left by the wooden spike that pierced my side “- It’s just last time’s scar. It’s too little to bother getting rid of it”

“No no, on the other side”

“Ahh, you meant this?-” I said as I poked with a finger the black mark on my left side “- I don’t know. I’ve always had it…though lately it has been changing shape. Bah, it must be because I’m still growing!”

“Mhh I guess…anyway you have to buy some new clothes. Seriously, it’s not like you have no money. You should indulge at least a little. And I’m not talking about books!-” At that last comment I only replied with a sassy scoff of my shoulders, invoking a pissed-off click of the tongue by Youm “- Here grab this shirt…It’s the most passable!”

“How cold, there was no need to say it like that” I replied with a slight chuckle as I grabbed the white, long-sleeved shirt flying towards me.

Loosening a little bit of my belt I fully tucked in the white shirt and began buttoning it up until the neck. As I was buttoning up my sleeves, a sudden deafening shout almost made me jump off my feet. It was Youm, screaming at me for the way I wore the shirt.

“I can’t believe it!” Exclaimed it the young noble while passing both hands between his hair.

“What’s wrong now?!”

“You are going to a dinner! A fucking dinner Raphael, not at a church chorus lesson! You really have no sense of style!” Shouted Youm as he forcibly unbuttoned and untucked my shirt.

“And what’s wrong with that?! Who cares about style anyway?” I snorted.

“Mhhh, maybe the whole female gender?!”

“As if I car-”

“Shut up!-” Shouted Youm now coldly glaring at me “- I'll never accept someone who doesn’t know how to dress as my sister’s future husband”

[Better keep my mouth shut if I wanna keep my arms!]

“...Whatever, do as you please” I said in a whisper.

For the next ten minutes, Youm rapidly taught me how to properly dress as he actually hands-on demonstrated. Even in my past life I hated dressing elegantly for ceremonies or every other social event and I’d eventually left the whole styling part to my girlfriend. For once, I thought that listening to what Youm was telling me could have proven useful in the future.

When he finished his short lesson, I was all dressed up in front of the mirror. I couldn’t even believe my own image reflected on it. Starting from the feet to my hair, everything looked soo much fancier than I could have ever thought of wearing in this life. I had shiny black shoes, probably made out of some high-end leather, with their tip slightly ponty, not enough to look stupid but enough to feel elegant and fresh. A pair of socks a couple of tones lighter than the shoes. The trousers looked similar to the ones I wore every day at the academy, except for the fact that they were slightly darker and of more refined material. Soft to the touch yet clearly not easy to rip or cut. They were of such good material that every movement I made felt soo free in them, something I had never experienced, even in my past life. The shirt came from the clothes I brought from home. It was a simple white shirt with a semi-spread collar and white buttons. It was moderately tight, just enough to sharpen the shape of my pecs, and buttoned until the second-last button, just so that a soft, short, black jabot attached around my neck could reach that same second-last button. On top of the shirt I wore a black jacket, the same tone of the trousers and jabot, that in some way looked like a very fancy and antique version of my past life’s jackets. It was a standard notch suit that reached my knees, covering only their sides. It had some extremely beautiful pearl white designs and details such as wave-like designs on the lowest part of the suit and at the end of the sleeves. The collar, slightly higher than the shirt’s, also had a similar design, though in this case it was a little simplified but still very much refined. Over the jacket was a single-shoulder short cape, once again, a couple of tones lighter than the jacket. It only covered my left shoulder and reached down at the highest point my elbow and lowest my waist. Much like the jacket, the cape also had astonishingly refined designs.

The final touches to the outfit brought forth a noble-like appearance that seemed to give me a more dignified aura. Over my hands, I was made to wear medium-length gloves that reached over my wrists and hid under the sleeves of my shirt. The gloves were made of soft, pitch-black leather that slightly hindered my movements. On my pinky finger of the left hand, I wore a metallic white ring with various small-sized depictures of the Evergard’s crest, probably one of Youm's rings. And finally, with a transparent cream of the same consistency as hair gel, Youm styled my hair in a way similar to a middle part with some locks of hair falling over my forehead and others slightly higher than the rest, in a vaguely spiky way.

“Who the fuck is that?” I asked more to myself than to Youm.

“That’s you, my friend. Now you understand why style is important?” Asked the young noble triumphant.

“Well, yeah I do but…I mean, I could never do this on my own!”

“Don’t worry about it-” Replied Youm instantly with a cheeky smug “- I’ll be sure to teach you EVERYTHING I know about it once we’re back!”

Youm’s laugh was cut short by a frenzy of knocks on my door, almost maniacally as if the one who knocked was in a caffeine rush. We looked at each other and understood right away who was the mysterious person: Legis.

“Legis, it’s open. Just come in!” I shouted right before the green-haired man with a white lab coat came rushing into the room with a face as white as marble.

“I got it! I got it all!” Said the jumpy man.

“I’ll let you deal with it while I change, Raphael. It won’t take long” Replied Youm as he grabbed the duffle bag he carried from his room and went into the bathroom.

“All right Legis, tell me what you’ve got me”

Part 2

The jumpy man in lab coat began making space on the table before I could even say a word and, once he was satisfied with the space, started displaying small little vials of different colors endowed with their labels. Once he was done, Legis triumphantly divided them into two groups.

“Ok, so this is for you and this is for Youm. They all have labels so it’s hard to mistake them but be sure to pay attention anyway”

“Uhhh, there’s a lot of them Legis! Thank you soo much! But are you sure they all work?”

“Yes, they all work perfectly! I tested them all on myself!” Said the man as he slammed a fist on his chest.

“Ohh, I see then there's nothing to wor- YOU DID WHAT?”

“Tested them all on myself?” Asked perplexed Legis.

“W-why would you do it?! What if they didn’t work?!” I shouted as I covered my face with my palms out of frustration.

“Well, they are antidotes, no? So of course I would test them…you say some strange things sometimes Raphael” Replied the green-haired man in the calmest manner possible.

[I AM SAYING STRANGE THINGS?! You fucking nutjob of an alchemist are gonna give me a heart attack!]

Even though he was a strange guy, I could do nothing but hold deep respect towards his work. In way less than a single day, he was able to brew a table full of antidotes. I had the hunch that Legis would have proven to be a treasure among people when I first met him, but as time went by I came to realize that my judgment may have been an understatement.

“What do you need?” Asked rapidly as a soldier would Danthe as soon as I mentioned my need for help.

“Well, I do have a couple of ideas but it’s nothing like a plan or anything. Though of one thing I’m sure and Legis, I’m sorry but I may have to burden you”

“S-sure *cough* ask away” Said the alchemist.

“A dinner involves eating and eating opens the path for poisons to be implied. Though Gallher stated that his intentions are peaceful I’m not sure whether he’ll stick to them or not. It wouldn’t be the first time he tries to kill me so it’s not like I’d be surprised if he used poisons. As such, I’d like to ask you, Legis, if you could get me some antidotes!-” I said as I bowed in front of a now clearly flustered Legis “- I know it’s a lot of work since there’s no way to tell which kind of poison he will use, but even having a slight possibility of picking it right is enough!”

“W-w-why a-are you b-b-*cough*-bowing? I’m fine with it. I’ll do my best, Raphael!-” He said, and when I finally looked at him in the eyes again, he had the brightest smile I had ever seen on his face “-...Honestly, I’m really *cough* glad you asked for my help. Finally, I can repay my debt”

[...Legis…]

I could not say anything to that remark. It was way too strange for me to receive such words to the point where my chest felt hot as I felt a warm feeling permeating my face. I could only smile like an idiot and chuckle like a kid, attracting the attention of the others.

“Then please, make two of every type and…thank you, Legis” I said as I desperately tried to contain the strange feeling dwelling in my chest.

“S-sure I’ll *cough* get to work right away!” Said the Legis as he began to wobble away towards his lab.

“Why two of each?” Asked perplexed Kiara as she looked at Legis’ back.

“‘Cause I need someone to come with me tonig-” I replied.

“I’ll come!” Replied Sora without even letting me finish my phrase.

“*Sigh* Sorry Sora, but it’s a no”

“What? WHY?! Am I not strong enough? Am I so unreliab-”

“IT’S NOT THAT! I don’t want to hear anything like this ever again-” I replied as I almost put my face against her’s “- Never again sell yourself cheap…The reason why you can’t come is because you are also his target, remember? If the two of us go, we would only make it easy for Gallher to kill me and get you…same goes for you Lucas”

“I know-” Replied slightly dejected my brother “- I’ll stay back here and guard the others since he could use the dinner as an excuse for another kidnapping”

“Are you sure you can’t read my mind?” I jokingly answered.

“So that leaves Danthe, Youm, Legis and me, right?” Asked Kiara.

“Then I’ll be the one to come-” Said with a decisive tone Danthe “- I am the one who knows Gallher best!”

“That’s the exact reason why you can’t come, Danthe!”

“Eh? I didn’t really understand” Asked the redhead perplexed.

“Look, I need someone whose life holds a certain value in Gallhers eyes. Not only you were one of his ex-subordinates, but you’re also a noble of lower rank than him. Furthermore, ever since you left his side, his popularity decreased so I’m sure he hates your guts too. Killing the both of us would be optimal for him…even though I doubt he’s fool enough to try it”

“Then you need a noble ranking higher than a duke?” Asked Kiara.

“Not necessarily-“ I answered “- what I need is someone whose death or harm could cause serious problems for him”

“Ohhh I get it!-” Shouted Kiara as if she had some kind of realization “- Then you should pick Youm!”

“Yes, I think so too, Raphael. I may be the best choice” Replied the silver-haired boy.

“I-is that so?” I hesitantly asked.

[Why tough? I wanted him to stay close to Sora and Kiara…I don’t really see Lucas and Danthe as good bodyguards!]

“He is-” Continued Kiara “- Since he’s the next in line of the Evergard house, and the only male at that, it would cause great uproar if it becomes known that the son of a Duke from Belza killed a noble from Hadoc”

“Ohh I see! -[That’s fucking genius!]- But are you fine with it, Youm? I’m basically using your name as a shield!”

“I’m fine with it….since it will also be your name in the future” Whispered Youm in my ear.

“Eerk…w-well that’s it I guess. T-then I’ll go prepare myself, Youm we’ll see later, ok? And guys, please be safe!”

Everyone left after that little strategy meeting. Youm went to his room together with Sora, who still looked dejected, to prepare and gather his thoughts. Kiara went with Lucas towards Legis’ lab to see if he needed any help. Danthe was also going that way but I stopped just in time to exchange a couple of important words. After that, I had the whole afternoon to review my spells and to make sure to come up with some kind of plan if things turned for the worst until finally, Youm knocked on my door.

Part 3

The lamps around the city were just beginning to light up as Youm and I walked out of the academy’s gates. A gentle breeze, fresh enough to tickle my exposed skin, was making our capes flutter. Especially Youm’s, whose cape was long enough to reach the ankles of his knee-high leather boots. His cape was extraordinarily eye-catching. It was of a lighter grey than his suit with the Evergard’s crest depictured in a beautiful blue color.

A sense of dejavuù stuck me as I noticed the curious eyes of the citizens throw glances at us. Even though I was familiar with that situation in my past life, this time it all felt way too alien. I had done nothing to merit such interested eyes, all I did was dress up as a noble yet many eyes held respect in them. The feeling of being acknowledged for something I didn't do was gnawing me away.

“Don’t mind them, Raphael-” Said Youm as he paraded forward with a dignified aura around him, so much that it almost felt as if it wasn’t even the friend I knew “- It’s simply interesting for them to see someone dressed so elegantly. Focus”

“Y-yeah, sorry. I’m just…not used to this I guess” I replied trying to imitate Youm’s form like a puppy learns from it’s mother.

According to the plan we devised back in my room, I and Youm had to walk around town a little before actually directing towards the restaurant. The reason for that was so that we could be seen by as many people as possible and, thanks to the clothes, we were able to turn many eyes towards us. Having witnesses of our presence, we thought, was going to prove beneficial. And it was a couple of streets further that we met two of the best witnesses.

“Oh, if it isn’t Bluescale and Evergard-” Said the familiar voice of an old man “-It’s a pleasure seeing the two of you together. But I wonder, what might you be doing dressed in such a refined manner?”

[What? Don’t tell me…]

“It’s a pleasure seeing you too headmaster Molthir, professor Gildoor-” Replied Youm with an elegant bow rapidly followed by mine “-We are supposed to have a dinner at “The old Sage” but it’s too early so we are taking advantage of the excess time to appreciate the evening streets”

[How can this guy speak soo elegantly!?]

“Oh my, you are perfectly right. Alamara does shine the brightest at this time of the day…Me and the Headmaster were also walking in that same direction, would you mind keeping us company?” Said Gildoor with a slightly smug grin as he turned his eyes towards me.

[I just know it…this bastard wants something from me!]

“But of course!-” Replied Youm in a surprisingly excited tone “- We are honored, am I right, Raphael?”

“Indeed we are” I answered with a modest bow of the head before the newly formed group began walking towards the restaurant’s direction.

“I never took you for the type to dress like this, Raphael” Whispered Gildoor.

“Tch, it wasn’t really my choice though”

“Whichever the case, I liked you better in the heat of battle. You looked way more interesting!-” Said the professor behind a cheeky smile “-Anyway, I don’t know who is, but you have someone watching your back”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think it’s a coincidence that me and Albert were out here in the same street as you at the same time? Someone warned me about tonight’s dinner with Gallher…you better have a pair of eyes behind your head, that Gallher boy is not someone to fuck with just for fun…much unlike his father”

[So someone’s watching my back, uh? Why though? I don’t think I’ve done anything deserving that…or it’s not me but Youm…tch, this is all getting too complicated!]

“Thanks for the warning but I never once took him for a pushover” I firmly replied.

The conversation then shifted towards a different topic, this time including both Youm and the headmaster who were previously conversing about restaurants and bars of Alamara. After around five minutes, the group split up and me and Youm went our way towards “The old Sage”.

Part 4

Just by looking at the place from the outside, the only word one would think was “sumptuous”. The whole building seemed to be made out of pink marble with beautiful white grains that resembled sea foam. The two stories building also had an external design that added a touch of art to it. A vine-like structure made out of metal painted in azure ocean tangled the whole building, clenching in his grip doors, windows and the few columns spread around the wide, green entrance. Even simply by watching the garden filled with white and blue roses and well-trimmed bushed on could be mesmerized. To finesse to the already elegant vibe, a butler patiently waited in front of the entrance.

That same butler, as soon as he caught our eyes wandering around the place, started exploring our bodies with his eyes and then, when he was satisfied, decided to catch our attention with an elegant cough and a wide bow.

“Good evening good sirs. I welcome you to “The old Sage”-” Said the man around his fifties in a composed tone “- May I know those gentlemen names so that I can direct you to your table?”

“We thank you for your hospitality. We have been invited by Delvin Gallher. I believe that the name Raphael Bluescale should be enough to make our host recognize us” Replied the dignified Youm.

“Then, if the gentlemen will excuse me, it will only take a moment” Replied the butler and, with a rapid gesture of his hand, called over a young woman only to whisper some words to her ear before sending her running inside the restaurant.

After even less than a minute, the same young girl came running towards the butler and, after exchanging a couple of quick whispers, she left with a bow.

“If the gentlemen would be so kind to wait for just a minute-” Said the butler “- Your host seemed surprised to hear that Sir Bluescale came accompanied but he asked to fix the table in that regard”

“I’m deeply sorry-” I replied before Youm could “- It seems I might have misunderstood his words. If you’d be so kind to fix my mistake I’d be relieved”

[HA! How’s that eh, Youm? I can act elegantly too!] I thought as I glanced back at the stupefied expression of my friend.

“It is of no concern to us Sir, misunderstanding like this happen rather frequently…Oh, it seems Sir Gallher is ready to receive you. Please this way, I will lead you to your table”

With a rapid glance at Youm and a deep breath, I prepared myself to follow the kind butler. I looked calm on the outside but all the worries I hid ever since facing against Gallher’s spite began resurfacing as I felt the sensation of ice-cold iron against my throat.

Following the butler, we were led to the second floor where tables were larger and fewer in numbers, allowing every table to create it’s own special atmosphere. In the center of the room, sitting at a round table was Gallher, dressed in an astounding white suit whit golden embroidery. Behind him, at his right and left, were two students both looking older than me. With their hands behind their backs and their empty expressions, it was clear that they were acting as Gallher’s bodyguards. I was glad to have brought someone with me.

“Oh Bluescale, I’m glad to see you here. I was doubting whether you’d accept my invite or not. Yet here you are, perfectly on time I’d like to add. Please have a seat!” Said the blonde with a complacent expression as he gestured the waiters around the table to help us seat.

“How could I possibly pass on such a heart-warming invite?” I replied trying to do my best to hide my emotions.

“I see, I see. I’m ecstatic to hear that. Oh, but please excuse my rudeness Youm Evergard. It’s a pleasure to see you accompanying my guest”

“I’m overjoyed to be here” Replied Youm with a gentle bow of the head and a gesture of his hand.

“I hope that bringing him with me didn’t cause you too much trouble-” I said as I faintly sipped the white wine served by one of the waiters “- You’ll understand my reasoning I hope”

“But of course, I’m aware that our relationship doesn’t shine for trust between us. It’s understandable that you’d bring someone as reliable as Evergard as a means for your safety. As you can see, I too brought someone with me so I see no issue”

“I’m relieved to hear that” I replied as I, as subtly as possible, scanned the waiters around me.

“I took the liberty to order already. I hope you won’t mind my lack of manners” Said Gallher as hid his grin behind a fake smile.

[He’s already making moves…]

It wasn’t a normal conversation. Maybe someone from the outside, unaware of our history, might have looked at us and thought as a simple conversation between peers. But reality was different. We were more like two snakes hissing at each other, trying to bait the other to strike first. And I hated every second of it.

As I expected it wasn’t just me, Youm and Gallher, throughout the room, I could clearly see glares from people who looked around my age and those older. Students and adventurers acted as a family in order to meld in with the crowd yet the second floor was far too silent than the first. We were just dancing on a stage.

“Oh, here is our food!-” Said Gallher after the couple of minutes of silence that broke between us “- Waiter, announce the food to my guest”

His tone was harsh as if he was speaking to someone beneath him. But of course he would act like that, what was I even expecting? In the eyes of the son of a noble, a duke at that, all who didn’t have noble blood were nothing but pests.

“Yes my lord-” Said the young waiter with a deep bow “-This first serving is a fillet mix of gold coat boar and mountain buffalo with a mushroom cream seeped in red wine over a bed of lettuce. As the gentlemen may know, the gold coat boar’s meat is tender with a wild and strong taste while the mountain buffalo’s meat has a more solid taste to it. When the two are served together they create a flavor that stands in between, the mushroom cream, then, brings that flavor forward…I hope the gentlemen may like it”

“Yes indeed, I chose this dish for it’s fabulous taste. I hope you’ll find it…satisfactory” Grinned Gallher.

Hoping that no poison was mixed in the meat and keeping the leather pouch with the vials at hand, I began eating. If only the situation wasn’t so tense, maybe I could’ve enjoyed myself to that fine dish but be it nervousness or my being on guard, I couldn’t even grasp the taste of that refined meat.

“How do you like it?” Asked Gallher with a curious look in his eyes.

[Fucker you tampered with it have you? Eating food you chose in a place you chose, can’t help but give me the creeps!]

“It’s delicious. I’ve already tried gold coat boar’s meat for myself but this dish, it simply is on a whole new level!” I replied faking my enthusiasm.

“Ohh soo you do have good tastes. I’m relieved…Now then, shall we get to business?” Said the blonde man as he laid his ching over the back of his hands in a villainous pose.

“Yes. While I do appreciate a nice dinner I’m not too fond of wasted time” I replied.

“I see, good. Then we think alike so I’ll go straight to the matter at hand…I want you to leave the academy and I’m willing to pay a hefty price for that”

My eyes widened a bit at his words. I was expecting something of the sort but the bluntness with which he said it was slightly overwhelming. Youm seemed to feel the same.

“Pardon?” I replied.

“You know my goal, right? Even if you didn’t, I’m sure that Hannes has told you about it. I want to stand at the top of the academy and create a solid foundation for my and my subordinates’ futures. As of this moment, you are an obstacle that blocks that path. Not only you’ve tarnished my honor and reputation on your very first day but throughout the first year you’ve gained reputation that in years, I fear, could match mine. I’m aware that my methods might have been rather radical but if it’s for my goals, I’m willing to dirty my coincidence…Though I say that, I still prefer to resolve things peacefully. In light of that, I ask you to leave the academy”

[Motherfucking snake! That smile! It’s just like his during the trial!]

It was hard to maintain my cool seeing as the smile that tore through Gallher’s face was the same identical smile as the one that haunted my dreams. Josh Delrick’s smile. I cursed over and over inside my head myself for accepting the invite since the only thought I was having was a homicidal one.

A voice in my head, muffled, suppressed, was urging me to slit his throat. It was noisy, strong and stubborn. It felt like that voice was trying to take over my mind by overlapping the face I was seeing right now with the cursed face that haunted my every night. I felt my heart growing heavier as stronger and faster pumps of blood began to widen my veins…For the first time, the idea of murder seemed exciting.

“...phael…Raphael!-” Said the worried voice of Youm “-Hey Raphel, are you ok?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s just….got a bit lost in thought. Nothing else”

“I’m sorry if my proposal sounded extrem-” Tried to say Gallher before being interrupted by me.

“Thank you for the offer but I must refuse!”

“Why?” Asked the man in front of me with a pissed-off tone and expression.

“I’m neither interested in money, fame, lands or titles. What I’m here for is simply knowledge. This academy is the closest to my hometown and the best in the War Lands. If I wanted to study magic elsewhere I would need to travel much further, probably to other kingdoms. Thar’s why I must refuse your offer” I replied bluntly.

“I must urge you to rethink your words, Raphael Bluescale. You are not the only one affected by your choices”

“Is that a threat?” I replied unconsciously leaking enough mana to make a waiter close to me stutter.

“Simply a suggestion. That is the burned the head of a group must face”

“Then, if my group has any complaints, I’ll humbly hear them later. For now, I’ll be taking my leave” I said as I stood up, signaling the end of our bargain.

“Raphael Bluescale!-” Shouted Gallher as he slammed his palms on the table “-Do you understand what you’re doing!? You’ll be responsible for whatever happens next! Are you aware of that?!”

“I am aware. I’m aware that the next time we see each other…might be our last” I replied sending a powerful glare over my shoulder in his direction.

After saying that, me and Youm took our leave with Gallher shouts as background noise until we reached the street in front of the restaurant. We only needed a single glance at each other to read our thoughts. We began running at full speed towards the academy.