“Are the horns genuine?”

Leaving the first building, Sequencee and Arine approached the Sage’s Hall building.

“Hopefully.”

“Hopefully?”

“My mom gave it to me saying that those are demon lord horns.”

“About your mom..”

“She passed away.”

“.. My condolences.”

“It’s alright.”

‘Still stings to hear it. To think that someone as renowned as my mom would simply be forgotten in a mere three years' time.’

“Anyways. Thank you for your time today. I’ll be going now,” Sequencee said, approaching the alameda, the gate just a couple hundred more meters in front of him.

“I’ll see you around sometime soon.”

“Thanks.”

The two parted ways.

===

“What did you.. say?”

“My apologies but it seems that we’ve overestimated our expectations. I will tell you that it is for certain a horn from a demon lord, however, the energy contained within is far too sparse.”

The vice-president of the academy said apologetically. He reached over and picked up the tea cup.

Sequencee had shown the badge to the academy alumnis and was ushered into this elf’s office once again.

“What is that… supposed to mean?”

Sequencee had his vigilance raised to the utmost. Unlike yesterday, there were two bodyguards standing behind this old elf, they were giving off a dangerous aura.

“It’s as I said. The value of the item isn’t high. The most I can exchange it for is a single platinum.”

It’s half the amount needed to pay for the full course.

Sequencee had to give it his all to suppress the raging flame inside of him. The horns that his mother said were worth a few million Gs were nothing more than scraps in his eyes?

“Give it back if it’s worth so little. I’m not in agreement with the deal.”

“I’m sorry young one, but we’ve already kept it sealed inside the repository. Could you accept the money instead?”

‘You mother fucking asshole.’

“GIVE IT BACK.”

Sequencee extinguished the beads around him and focused his mind, the killing intent which had long been hibernating was released. Even so, the elf seated over the table merely smiled.

“My apologies, there’s nothing I can do. It’s the decisions of the upper echelons. I can’t possibly leave something so dangerous in the hands of a mere child,” he snapped his fingers. The two bodyguards flickered and appeared beside Sequencee. They each held his arm so tight that the sounds of bone cracking could be heard.

“GAh?!!”

Sequencee tried to use magic, but it disappeared the moment it appeared. Something was hindering its formation.

‘Fucking asshole!’

“How deplorable. To think that you dare use something you stole as an item for exchange. Take this as a lesson child. Don’t you ever dare try to take something away from those above you,” his tone was deep and indifferent.

“You damn– kaaakkk–”

Before Sequencee could finish, he was punched hard in the stomach. Blood flowed up into his throat and poured out the side of his lips as an electric shot through him. His mind and body was paralyzed from the pain.

“Take him away.”

“”Yes sir.””

Sequencee, tittering on the edge of the consciousness was dragged out of the office. His disgraceful self was seen by those in the campus as the two guards pulled him out to the gates and tossed him into the large ditch inside one of the dark alleys.

Sequencee faintly watched the two silhouettes above him fase as he sank deeper into the water, consciousness fading. The blood from his esophagus poured into his trachea, suffocating him.

Slowly– ever so slowly he..

===

Leticia was eating at the cafeteria at one of the single-seats located at the corner of the building’s vestibule.

The cafeteria itself is its own building and was located right in the very center campus. Though it wasn’t to say that there weren’t other eateries spread across the wide academia, this colossal building was the most favored choice for many of the students here.

It also had a wonderful view of the pagoda over the wide lake.

The cafeteria establishment was divided into three tiers. The first tier is where private restaurant owners could operate their own store, selling unique food and experiences that can be rare found around the continent. The second tier was the basic cafeteria where all students can come to receive the day’s menu for an affordable price. The third tier was similar to the second tier with the difference being the exceptional care given to the quality of the food and the dining experience. The third tier was where first class students and academy professors would come to eat.

Since Leticia was a student of a first class course, she had been conferred the student pass in correspondence.

But of course, she stuck to eating at the second tier cafeteria.

Her first class would begin two weeks from now, coordinated in tandem with the hero’s arrival. It was set to be so to allow the hero to begin his or her education as soon as he or she settled into their new reality.

Leticia heaved a sigh.

She looked around the giant refectory, furnished in different themes and locations. The food was impeccable but it didn’t sit too right with her.

She finished her plate of lobster sandwich and headed off to her dorm.

Dormitories were separate from the first class title she was given. It would be ridiculous to think that the academy had the ability to accommodate 8000 scholarship students with individual rooms. As such, the participants were allowed to choose their 5 roommates during the beginning of their orientation.

For Leticia, her roomies were Nynim Trine, Daizo (the male mage), Quora Rubrl (the swordswoman), and someone by the name Dorry, who was the user of that powerful laser beam magic.

Nynim said that despite his depressing looks under the hood, he’s a good guy.

And so their home of five was formed like that.

Leticia tapped her student ID on the door and pushed it open. She saw Dorry and Nynim enjoying a drink together.

“Oh is that our Leticia. Come give mama a kiss~”

“Don’t mind her. She’s already drunk.”

Dorry was someone who kept his face hidden under the hood most of the time. The reason for doing so was revealed when he pulled down his mantle to reveal the large scar on his face. Only one of his eyes was working, the other was paper white.

That aside, he had quite a suave look. An angular face with unkempt stumps on his chin and upper lips. Leticia still didn’t know much about him, but thought that, since Nynim said he’s trustworthy, it should be alright.

“Dorry I’m not drunk!”

“Daizo and Quora are not around. The bathroom is free for you to use.”

“Mwu, Leticia come to mama!”

“Haah–”

Leticia gave a curt bow as a greeting with a wryly smile as she headed to the bathroom to take a bath.

Not only were they given a monthly allowance of 2 gold, the amenities and services of the entire campus are free for their use. Clothes that Leticia had brought which she usually avoided wearing to prevent staining were now no longer a concern.

She enjoyed the steaming warm bath she never thought she'd ever get the chance to experience again.

‘When will he arrive?’

If Sequencee really does enter the academy, it’s likely that he’ll be staying at the lower tier dorms.

Playing with the bubbles in the tub, she distracted her mind from that empty void inside.

After the pleasant bath, Leticia wiped her hair dry with the towel and walked out to the living room. The place smelled like alcohol; Nynim was asleep on the sofa. Dorry was still sitting on the chair, staring at one of the plants sitting at the corner of the wall.

Leticia thought to not disturb them so she returned to her room.

The design of their apartment was unique. A modern style arrangement with functionality as a key theme to the design. Secondary light sources hidden underneath tables and walls, a bed that doubled up as a storage unit and a large decker desk that made working convenient.

Each of them were designated their own room within the apartment, they didn’t need to share bunk beds.

Leticia locked the door behind her and swept a glance. Much of the space remained empty as she didn’t have many personal items with her.

She walked towards the tall glass window and gazed past the campus towards the city.

The streets were bright, unlike most other dominions.

‘Anna’s son. Why did I keep denying it?’

Since that day he revealed the item in the box, she realized something. She had the suspicion that he might have been the person she thought he was– but because of his dull reaction during their first reunion at Mane’s home, she didn’t think that he was the person she knew– until now.

‘Even though he made it so clear..’

Maybe inside, she thought that Anna’s son had died, and somehow the person at the home was some imaginary duplicate..

‘Why did I even think of that?’

Because Sequencee too never thought to ask, even though he knew very well that ‘Leticia’ was the name of the baron’s daughter. Then again..

‘Of course he wouldn’t have recognized me. My appearance has changed after all.’

Leticia covered her red eye, leaving her gold eye exposed.

[Unique Trait: Nature’s Blessing]

The truth was that she was weak in basically every other element. It was this skill which allowed her to use nature magic to such a high degree. Ever since she raised the skill tier to two, her hair and eyes changed to her current colour.

She touched her lower abdomen.

‘Will he accept me even though I..’

A sorrowful expression flashed across her face.

Sequencee should’ve been the one worthy of the scholarship, not her, yet..

‘I miss you.’

– Whispering its dreadful woes; the withering seedling seeks nourishment.

Leticia Estia’s heart yearned out to him.