"Arata! Stop!" said Theodore, his voice filled with urgency. He raised his hand in front in an attempt to stop me, his actions a protest of my decision. "He's not the type of person you'd want to get acquainted with," he added, lowering his hand.

Standing beside Theodore, Selkie stepped forward, his face turning serious as he echoed the warning. "He's right, Arata," Selkie said, leaning in slightly, his eyes fixed on mine, trying to convey the gravity of the situation. "If you get on his bad side... he'll kill you!" he exclaimed, his words exaggerated as his voice turned a slight tone deeper in an attempt to scare me.

Unfazed by their warnings, I pressed on, my determination evident in my stride. "It'll be quick," I replied, my voice steady and unyielding. Not even stopping to consider their words, I pushed past them, my body language conveying a sense of purpose. With no other choice, they reluctantly stepped back, breaths of worry filling their mouths instead of words.

"Felix!" I called out, feeling eager, my voice showing a hint of excitement as I neared. Hearing his name being called, he turned back, his eyes briefly scanning the area until they settled on me. As our gazes locked, his brows knit together in perplexity for a second. Then, like a bolt of realization striking him, his eyes widened, and a surge of recognition flickered in his gaze. "I'd recognize that stupid face of yours," I mocked, my voice laced with a playful taunt as I closed the distance between us. Now standing toe-to-toe, my expression remained the same as I asked, "How are you doing?"

A mischievous smirk broke across his face, painting his features with amusement. "Arata!" his voice slightly deeper than I last remembered, though his tone of annoyance was still the same. "I didn't think they allowed little kids into this school," he spat, carrying the echoes of our shared history.

"Yeah, well, when you're as strong as me, they'll let you in a year early," I replied, my words carrying an air of superiority.

"Yet, you still managed to lose to me," he replied casually with a shrug of his shoulder.

A surge of determination surged through me, fueling my next words. "We can easily change that," I said, my voice taking on a more aggressive tone.

A flicker of challenge danced in Felix's narrowed eyes, accompanied by a sly smirk that danced upon his lips. "You can certainly try," he responded with an edge of anticipation, a subtle invitation to engage.

A moment of silence befell us as the tension between us grew thicker. The weight of the unspoken words hung heavy in the air, causing an almost palpable unease. "Wow, Arata!" Suddenly, Selkie's voice cut through the stillness, accompanied by his enthusiastic approach from behind me, the excitement in his tone filling the air, "Wow, Arata. Are you friends with this guy?" His eyes darted between Felix and me, his curiosity evident in the way he spoke.

As soon as those words reached our ears, Felix and I instinctively leaned away from each other, creating a physical distance. "Friends might be an overstatement. He's more like an... old acquaintance of mine," I said, a bit hesitant. In truth, we were friends, but we never explicitly acknowledged it.

Straightening himself, Felix turned his attention to Selkie, who quickly hid behind my back under Felix's piercing gaze. Then Felix turned his focus back to me and with a curious tone, he asked, "Who's the chick?"

Silence hung heavily in the air, as I felt Selkie stiffen behind me. After a moment, I pointed a finger at Selkie, my expression as incredulous as my mannerism. "That's a dude," was the only thing I said.

Upon hearing my words, Felix let out a brief exhale, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. From behind me, Selkie burst out, his annoyance evident in his tone, "Chick!!! Who are you calling a chick, huh!?" pointing an accusing finger at Felix from a safe distance away.

In the midst of the escalating scene, Theodore approached, accompanied by Ari and Nina. Theodore directed his question at me, curiosity evident in his voice. "Is this the same Felix you told us about before?" In response, I simply nodded, confirming his words.

"I see you've been making friends," Felix remarked with a raised eyebrow, his eyes scanning each of their images.

"I see you have as well," I pointed out, leaning to the side to catch a glimpse of the two kids behind Felix. They looked like delinquents, mischievous grins on their faces as both waved my way in acknowledgment. "Anyway," I began, turning to face Felix once more, a hunger pang gnawing at my stomach. "I'm a bit hungry, so I'll catch up with you later... Somewhere more private."

"Alright," Felix said, surprising me as he extended his hand toward me. It was an unexpected gesture, unusual for him. I looked up at him, momentarily taken aback, before taking his hand in mine. "I'll see you later then," he added, his voice steady as gave a firm shake. Nodding in response, I watched as he turned around and started walking away, his companions following closely behind.

"So are all the rumors about him false?" Ari questioned, her gaze fixed on Felix's figure as he made his way elsewhere. "Is he secretly a big softy?"

"Well... he's usually not this polite," I replied, uncertainty coloring my words as I tried to make sense of what Felix was feeling. "He seemed to be in a good mood."

Following our encounter, the others and I continued on our way to the cafeteria. As we walked, I began to explain our connection, their curiosity evident in their attentive expressions. Finally, we entered the cafeteria and took our seats, creating a brief moment of silence that hung in the air.

"So, what?" I began, turning toward Ari and Selkie who sat with us at the table. "Are you guys permanent members of our table now?"

"Yeah, why not," replied Ari, casually eating from the tray of food in front of him, shrugging nonchalantly. "It's more... Comfortable this way."

Showing a small, understanding smile, I was maybe the only one who understood the way he felt. We were both reincarnated into this world and that fact was kept secret between us. "Yeah, I get what you mean," I said, intertwining my fingers together as I leaned forward on the table. I also felt more comfortable by the fact that he was here and that I wasn't alone.

There was an air of connection between us as a moment of silence befell us while the others looked on, confusion etched on their faces. "What's this, meow?" I heard an awfully familiar voice cut through the silence. "Who is the new kid!" This voice... Where have I heard it? I wondered as it took me slightly by surprise.

I looked up only to see a familiar girl standing before me. "Ah? Shina, you're here," Ari began to say. "Let me introduce you-"

"Shina!" I exclaimed, cutting him off by smacking my hands down on the table as I took in her image. Her silver hair hung short above her neck while her sideburns came down all the way to her collar, her eyes shining a bright orange color as she looked at me. My eyes widened in recognition, mirroring the surprise I felt inside.

"Uh!" she let out, stiffening in place as soon she noticed it was me. "A-Arata!?" she stammered out, leaning back slightly in surprise.

"Wait, you guys know each other?" asked Ari, turning towards me, his head tilted slightly in confusion. His eyebrows furrowed, adding a touch of skepticism to his expression.

"Yeah," I answered, with a nod of my head. A wry smile played on my lips, revealing a hint of amusement. "Half a year ago, I found her training by herself in the local park where she attacked me out of nowhere," I explained, pointing at her accusingly.

"Ha!" hearing my words, Ari let out a small chuckle as he leaned back in his seat. "Bad habit of hers," he joked.

"Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute!" Shina exclaimed, catching everyone's attention. Her eyes widened, and her voice carried a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Ari, what is he doing here!?" Her words demanding.

"Wow, that's rude," I commented. A playful smirk danced on my lips, half amused by her behavior. "Is that how you welcome back an old friend?" I asked, leaning forward with my hands resting on the desk.

"Shina, why don't you take a seat," said Nina, her sweet voice reaching her ears, a comforting lilt accentuating her words. She motioned towards an empty chair by tapping gently on the table in front of it.

After taking her seat, we explained to Shina that I was from the Arathel family, and that's how I knew Theodore and Nina. I watched as Shina's eyes widened in realization. I then continued, telling her how I met Selkie and Ari just the previous day. And finally, I explained exactly how Shina and I knew each other and how she had taught me her race's hand-to-hand combat style.

"You're from the Arathel house!?" Shina exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise, her eyebrows shooting up and her eyes widening. "Why didn't you tell me!?" she questioned, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

"You... never really asked," I replied casually, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly.

"And you and Ari know each other too!" she added, her head swiveling between us, her gaze moving back and forth rapidly, trying to comprehend the connection.

"Oh yeah," I began, leaning forward on the table, my eyes lighting up as I remembered something she had said some time ago. "You mentioned something to me once, about a lifelong rival or something," I said, tapping my finger on the table. "I take it you were referring to Ari."

Without a word, she only nodded in reply as if embarrassed that I had voiced out the fact. "Isn't it kinda crazy how we all know each other in some way or another?" said Selkie, his smile growing wide.

"Yeah, I agree," said Ari, his head moving from Selkie to me, his eyes narrowing, "Isn't it?" A moment of silence hung in the air, the tension palpable as his piercing gaze locked onto mine. It felt as if the weight of his words was carried in the intensity of his eyes.

Is he perhaps referring to how we were brought together by 'fate'? Something I didn't fully agree with. Just then, the shrill sound of the bell shattered the stillness, jolting every student around us to their feet.

"Well, time for class," Selkie declared, rising from the table, followed by the rest of the group.

"See you guys later," Theodore bid farewell, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity regarding Ari and me.

"Bye," followed Nina, then Shina, their figures growing smaller as they walked away.

On the other hand, Ari and I remained seated, as if a magnetic pull kept us anchored to our spot. "Just what are you thinking?" I asked, taking the opportunity as soon as the others were out of earshot.

"Hear me out, what if..." Ari began, his voice trailing off. "This other reincarnate we're looking for is closer to us than we originally thought," he suggested, his tone laced with conspiracy.

"Okay..." I replied, my voice conveying my curiosity as signaled for him to continue.

"I mean, you heard Selkie say it, we all know each other in some way or another," Ari continued, his words laced with belief. "So it's possible that we've already encountered him... Either someone we already know or maybe someone that we'll soon encounter."

"Perhaps..." I mused, furrowing my brows as I strained to recall any notable encounters in my recent past. However, my mind drew a blank as no one seemed to fit the description of a 'reincarnate'. "But no one comes to mind," I admitted, my voice tinged with a touch of frustration.

"Yeah, it's the same for me," Ari confessed, reclining back in his chair. "Well, whoever it is, I'm sure they'll appear soon," he added, a note of anticipation underlying his words.

"Why don't we go to class before we get in trouble," I suggested, rising from my seat, a sense of responsibility propelling me forward.

"Alright," Ari agreed, following suit. We then walked side by side to our designated destinations. A silent connection filled the space between us, a shared feeling we both felt as we continued living our lives in this new world.

***

It's been a boring day so far, but, then again, ain't that usually how school is? I thought, a smile forming on my face. "I'm tired, Arata," whined Flare, her tone one of complaint as she walked forward sloppily, dragging her paws lazily. "I want to lay down."

"We still got two more classes to go," I reminded her, my back slouched slightly, my shoulders drooping. I trudged along in front of her, my steps slow. "Once we get to the combat class, you can lay down all you want."

"But when are we going to get there!?" she continued. "We've been walking forever," her voice rising slightly as frustration colored her tone. Letting out a sigh, she added, "Do you even know where you're going?"

"Y-Yes," I replied, my tone hesitant, my voice trailing off. "I think it was this way," I added, unsure of my own words. In all honesty, we were totally lost.

"We're lost! Aren't we!?" Flare exclaimed, her frustration taking hold. Hearing her words, I stiffened for a second, my brow furrowing as I decided to keep my silence. "Hey!" she called, speeding up a bit to walk beside me. Turning her wolfish head up, she peered at me, her eyes studying my face intently. "Answer me!" she demanded, her tail swishing back and forth anxiously. "Uh-" she let out, snapping her head forward, suddenly stopping her little lash out as her ears perked up. "Do you hear that?" she asked, turning back to look at me.

"Hm?" I let out, taking in her sudden change in mood. "Hear what?" I questioned, tilting my head slightly in confusion.

"Follow me!" she said, her tone happy, her voice infused with newfound excitement as she added a little playful bounce in her step.

With curiosity building up inside me, I followed closely behind Flare. As we neared I was able to hear the sound of a group of girls who were laughing and talking. Flare and I came to a stop, our bodies frozen in anticipation as four figures came into view. Three of them, with their smug expressions and air of entitlement, I instantly recognized as the spoiled noble girls from my combat class that Theresa had warned me about. But, my gaze struggled to make out the fourth figure who was obscured before the three girls.

"What do you think they're— Uh!" Flare began, only to be silenced by my swift gesture, shutting her snout tight to prevent our presence from being revealed.

"Skipping class is against the rules—" one of them sneered, her voice dripping with condescension.

"We haven't had enough fun together—" another chimed in with a wicked grin.

"They should ban demons like you from this school—" the third one spat, cruelly pouring water over the hidden person's head.

My eyes widened as a surge of resentment coursed through me. It was obvious that they were tormenting another student. Though I wasn't a hero of justice, a twinge of righteousness compelled me to intervene. But instead, I decided to avert my gaze and feign ignorance, I chose the path of a silent observer.

"Please," a girl's voice trembled, an anguished plea that echoed in the air. The familiarity of her voice struck a chord within me, demanding my attention. "I just want to be alone." I stopped in my tracks, curiosity etched on my face.

Turning back, I took a hesitant step to the side, yearning for a clearer view of the girl. Her purple hair cascaded down, framing her face adorned with horns that protruded from her forehead. Her eyes shone a vibrant yellow which was tinted with unshed tears. That face. That expression of profound sadness. I've seen it before. Could it be? No way...

"You have to be punished for skipping class, you little demon," the ringleader of the three jeered, her words laced with malice, determined to torment the defenseless girl.

Frantically searching for a way to intervene, my hand reached out instinctively as my voice came out in a desperate utterance, "Hey!" The three girls instantly turned their attention towards me, their eyes narrowing with curiosity, uncertainty, and perhaps, a hint of irritation.

The leader of the three glared my way, her eyes narrowing into a piercing gaze before they flew wide, revealing her surprise. "Y-You're... That Arathel kid from class," she stuttered, her voice tinged with a mix of shock and recognition.

Curiosity sparked within me, and I tilted my head slightly, my eyes fixed on her. "Oh? You know me?" I questioned.

A smirk played on her lips as she responded, "Yes, I've heard both of you and your father." She took pleasure in the revelation, knowing as well as I that other people didn't think very highly of me due to Leon's past reputation as a troublemaker. But these girls, all they care about is status.

"Well, I don't know you," I stated firmly, my eyes locked onto hers, my gaze unwavering. "And that girl you're picking on happens to be a friend of mine, so why don't you do me a favor and get lost," I added, my voice growing colder with each word. "Lowly nobles," the phrase rang out with venomous loathing as I didn't bother to hide my true feelings.

"Tsk!" the girl let out a sharp, disapproving sound with a click of her tongue, her frustration evident. She then quickly turned around and stormed off. "Let's go! I've lost interest," she said dismissively, her two companions following close behind her.

Now that those three were finally gone, I redirected my attention to the remaining girl. She stared back at me, her fingers trembled slightly and her eyes grew wide with recognition as she took in my image. "Is that you..." I hesitated before speaking. "Nia?"