Reina was way too happy.

Actually, rephrase that.

Both of them were way too happy,

Angel had originally planned to spend her years here on her own mostly, just forming a team as a necessity. Yet she had found a girl all alone, lost, and for some inexplicable reason, had decided to help her.

And then another girl had come, and here they were, right in the middle of a bunch of people when she normally would have been alone in the back.

There was something unusual about Reina however.

The air around her felt, weird like it was warped. And she felt heavy.

Impossibly heavy.

Angel shrugged it off, deciding she would find out later but resolved to keep a close eye on her.

In the meanwhile, there was this tour.

Honestly, Angel felt like it was useless. They would figure it out on their own anyway. Though maybe that was because she was more suited for being lost.

A teacher came and introduced himself as Sir Neptune, and advised them all to follow him. They did so, and that was how they arrived like this, walking through the school.

Though calling it a mere school was a gross understatement.

This was at the very least the size of a city block, but more resembled a village. There were stores and restaurants, and beautiful scenic places, like parks.

“Isn’t this great?” Felicie squealed.

Angel rubbed her ears, not really that impressed. “No.”

What was surprising was that Reina of all peopled didn't seem too shocked either, which quickly caught both their attentions.

“You’re not impressed?” Felicie asked.

She shook her head. “No, I’ve gotten used to it.”

That was interesting. Did she mean she was used to extravagant buildings or used to the school in general? But if it was the latter, then how?

“Alrighty, kid! Here we are!”

They stopped in front of a huge building, with golden doors that were about 10 meters tall.

“This is the most sacred and special room here, so be careful, all right?” Sir Neptune winked at them, and murmuring began.

“What do you think is going to be in here?” somebody whispered.

“No idea,” her friend replied. “But it must be really important.”

A boy swaggered up to them. “I bet it's a really fancy car!”

Everybody looked at him incredulously. Was he joking?

“Here we go!” Anticipation filled the air, and even Angel felt herself leaning forward. It didn’t escape her attention that Reina didn’t look too excited.

She looked almost worried.

Countless clicking and grinding noises were audible as the doors began the long task of unlocking themselves. Finally, steam puffed out and they opened.

“Look, in wonder!” Sir Neptune stepped to the side and flung his arms out.

It was a good thing too that he stepped away, otherwise he would have been positively trampled into nothingness by the horde of rushing students.

A horde that stopped when they realized nothing was there.

Angel had obviously known that the instant the door opened the tiniest bit, and didn’t show any of her disappointment. The same could not be said for her ‘friend.’

“Aw! What gives?” Felicie pouted.

Reina patted her on the back. “Don’t worry.”

Felicie looked at her. “Huh?”

Angel narrowed her eyes. Just what was she hiding?

Before she could investigate further, uproarious laughter was heard. They all turned around to find Sir Neptune laughing his head off.

“I’m sorry! It’s just-your faces! Hahaha!” He burst into another giggling sequence.

“What is the meaning of this?!” A snobby-looking girl stepped up, and Angel felt her lips curl into a sneer. She didn't like the aura of this one. “I’d have you know that I’m-“

“Yeah, yeah. I bet you’re the daughter of some big shots, right?” Angel asked, feeling anger seep into her mind. She absolutely despised people like that!

The girl turned around and flicked her hair up haughtily. “I’d have you know, that is correct. I am Daphne Romou, daughter and heir of-“

“That's quite enough! Thank you for telling us your name, but stop right there!” Sir Neptune interrupted.

Daphne stared, agape at the man. Angel smirked. Maybe this guy was worth watching as well.

“What do you-“

“Ah! Well, here, social rank doesn’t matter, nor do powers. You all come here only armed with your knowledge, friends, and name. No titles, nothing like that.” Sir Neptune smiled, though it looked more like a smirk. “Now, let’s continue then, shall we?” he said, oblivious or not caring about the minor panic being caused by his statement.

“This may seem like a blank room, a total waste of space. But looks can be deceiving, especially here. Now, please, scream.”

“Huh?” That turned a lot of heads, but Angel felt something clutch onto her sleeve. She looked and found Reina grasping both her and Felicie like they were lifelines.

“Hey! Don’t go and-“

“Good luck,” Reina said.

“What? Reina, what are you talking about?” Felicie asked.

Reina started to reply but Sir Neptune cried, “Let’s go!”

Then the floor slid open into two halves, and everybody fell in.