It's been about a month since I first entered this school. So far, my time here has been pretty nostalgic. Putting aside the magical aspect of this word, walking around the school to get to classes, having assignments due, or talking smack about a teacher we don't like. It all reminds me of my previous life, back on earth when I went to school.

Letting out a deep breath I lowered myself into my seat at the lunch table. As I and the others greeted each other I looked around and noticed a certain someone was missing.

Where is... I wondered, but all of a sudden my train of thought was interrupted by a loud, booming voice. "Hey!!!" exclaimed Ari, the person who I searched for. There he is, I thought to myself as I noticed him making his way to us holding some kind of paper. "Have you guys seen these posters?" he asked, slamming the paper on the table.

Looking at it, I took in its contents. 'Gather your fellow peers to come together. Discover what you and others like you have in common. Make a club or join a club!' It was a poster encouraging students to make or join clubs. "We can make clubs now!" Ari exclaimed.

"Why would we do that," I questioned, turning to face him. "We already hang out after school all the time so what's the point?"

"I know, but..." he began. "Whatever club we create will be advertised to every single student who is interested in joining," he said then stared at me intently.

School clubs are places where students who share similar interests gather but why does he want to make one? I pondered before my eyes widened in realization. He wants to draw out the other possible reincarnate by advertising a newfound club. As this thought crossed my mind I immediately lit up. "Great idea!" I exclaimed. Standing up from my seat, I placed my hand on Ari's shoulder and declared, "Let's make a club!"

"What's with the sudden change of heart," asked Theodore, half amused by my behavior. Leaning forward at the table, he said, "I thought you were against the idea."

"Because, uh... Why not," I replied, my tone a matter of fact. To which Theodore tilted his head in confusion. Turning Ari's way I said, "When should we set it up?"

"I mean we're free right now aren't we," he answered immediately with a shrug of his shoulders, eager to reach out and find our mystery guy.

"Well let's go," I followed, my expression matching his. "Theodore, watch Flare for me."

Turning back to face the guys sitting at the table Ari said, "Sorry, I'll but me and Arata will handle this club business. We'll see ya around." And just like that Ari and I took off to begin the preparations of our new club.

Theodore's Perspective

"What do you guys think it is that's got them all excited?" I asked while watching both of them make their way out of the cafeteria. "I mean we barely got to get a word in," I continued, turning to face the others at the table. "If we had raised any more questions we would've received some poorly thought out roundabout answer."

"I know!" exclaimed Asia, her grip tightening against her fork. "They always sneak off alone saying that what they talk about is an absolute secret."

"Right!" exclaimed Shina, her expression mirroring Asia's. "Whatever secret they're hiding it's as if they're yelling at us to just uncover it."

"Well maybe they have a good reason for what they're doing," said Nina, her tone soft and hopeful, conveying her sense of understanding.

"Well, yeah maybe," Selkie spoke, leaning forward into the table. "But aren't you at least the tiniest bit curious?"

"Whatever the case might be let's just sit back and let them do their thing," I said, turning my attention back to my meal. "I'm sure whatever they're up to will make sense soon." Hearing my words, all their expressions screamed out that they didn't agree.

Arata's perspective

"So you guys want to start a club, huh?" questioned Professor Amber, one of the teachers responsible for granting students the privilege of running their own club. Taking out a sheet of paper and a pen, she turned her attention back to us and asked, "Okay, what is your club going to be about?"

"Magic!" I said, both Ari and I full of enthusiasm.

"Okay," she said, sounding uncertain as she took a moment to write it down. "There are already numerous clubs about magic in the process but it's not an issue," she mumbled, writing it down on the paper. "What will your club name be?" she asked.

Both Ari and I remained silent, simultaneously turning to look at each other before turning back to the professor. We should've really planned this out before coming here, I thought to myself as I let out a sigh.

"A name, huh?" Ari began, tapping his chin with the tip of his finger before his eyes lit up as his mind clicked with an idea. "Peep this for a name," he said, leaning forward slightly. "A&A Magic Club. A for Ari and A for Arata."

"Uuu, that's creative," Miss Amber said, her voice rising as she liked the idea. "Now, what I need you boys to do is have at least five students sign and agree to join your club. How you plan to attract others to your club is up to you but, once you have that, come back to me and I'll handle the rest," she explained, showing a smile as she handed us a signup sheet.

Following that, we walked out of the building and planned to head to the cafeteria. However, Ari spoke up, bringing up a good point, "Just how are we going to send a secret message?"

"Hm?" I let out, bringing a hand up to tap my chin as I pondered his words. As I was about to reply I caught sight of Asia and Shina making their way to us, marching like a raging storm, their steps quick and expressions firm. Behind them, Theodore and Nina quickly followed, their expressions more passive.

Though seeing this, both Ari and I stiffened in place our expressions mirroring each other's. Taking a step back I hesitated before speaking. "Hey A-Asia-"

"Just what is going on!" Asia exclaimed, bringing my mouth to a close as she interrupted my words. Bringing her hands down to her hips, she leaned forward slightly, her expression one of annoyance as she silently demanded I answer her question.

"P-Princess," Nina began, her voice quivering as she took slow steps forward. "Please calm down," she said, her hands coming up in a defensive gesture, attempting to try and calm down the angry girl in front of me.

"They're keeping secrets from us!" said Shina, snapping her head toward Nina's direction, cutting her off, her tone the same as Asia's.

"Like we talked about earlier, perhaps they have a good reason for doing what they're doing," Nina continued, always on the positive side.

"But it's just..." Asia began, her gaze sweeping across everyone's faces, "We're all friends, right?" Her head then swiveled between Ari as she added, "So how come you two are so secretive."

Tension lingered in the air as Ari and I turned to face each other, our gazes conveying our shared feeling of surrender. "Fine," I said, finally giving in as I let out a sigh of submission. Just then, the tension grew heavier as my response seemed long awaited. "We're looking for someone," was the only thing I said, not wanting to reveal much.

"Who?" questioned Theodore.

"Yeah... that's the problem," said Ari, bringing his hand up to scratch the back of his head. "We know who this person is but we don't know their name nor what they look like," explained Ari. "That's why we wanted to start a club to try and lure this person out."

"What!?" exclaimed Asia, turning my way, her eyes widening in incredulity. "Is that really it!?" At her words, I lowered my head into a nod. "B-But," she stammered, "How can you know someone who you don't know what they look like."

"I'm the one who knows him," said Ari, catching everyone's attention. "I told Arata about him because I needed help locating him."

"I see," said Theodore, his gaze elsewhere as he thought about something. "Then starting a club was a good approach," he said, turning to face Ari. "Many students will be setting up stands in the courtyard so you should probably do the same... maybe with some slogan or motto written in big letters conveying some sort of secret message."

"That is... actually a good idea," said Ari, taken aback by Theodore's words. "Why'd I need you for?" he joked, showing a smile as he turned to look at me. In turn, I let out a low grumble. "But anyways, looks like we got some work to do," he continued turning to address the whole group. "Will you guys help us?"

Hearing his words Asia's and Shina's expressions softened as Theodore and Nina showed a small smile. Following that, we continued on our way and went about our day. All of us attending our individual classes and fulfilling our daily tasks.

The next morning we woke up early and headed toward the courtyard. There we found Asia, next to a pile of things that were essential to setting up our stand. "Whoa!" said Ari, surprised at what was before us. "Where'd all this stuff come from?" he questioned.

"Professor Amber let me have all these things," replied Asia, showing a smile as she put both her thumbs up. Hard to refuse a request from the princess of the kingdom, I thought to myself.

"Well, no time to waste, let's begin," said Ari.

***

Looking at the finished product, it was a simple setup. There was the signup sheet resting on a small table, atop that we put up a sign that read, 'Join us, our fellow earthling'. We weren't the only ones out here. Several other students were doing the same as us, all wanting to promote their individual clubs.

"I bet we'll attract many dwarves with that," commented Ari who was beside me looking at our small poorly set up stand. By now, Asia was long gone, she had said something about wanting to join the other girls.

"Isn't a comment like that considered racist in this world," I pointed out, turning to face him as I heard his words.

"Man, I don't know," he breathed, quickly turning away. "Oh?" as he did he caught sight of something, "They're coming." Turning to face the same way he was I saw several students making their way over, most likely heading to the cafeteria. "Hurry let's get in position," said Ari.

At his words, both he and I stood in our places. As we waited, my gaze wandered down at the signup sheet and I noticed Asia had already written down her full name on it, Asia Seraphina Iradalea. I didn't even know Asia had a middle name, I thought as I looked at the sheet.

"Wait," said Ari, catching my attention. "I just realized we don't have any sort of speech planned out for this."

"Just do what you do best," I replied, my tone encouraging as I showed a reassuring smile. Reaching out I placed my hand on his shoulder and added, "And start spewing a bunch of nonsense." In turn, he let out a low grunt, his head lowered and his tail wagged behind him, his expression conveying that he wasn't satisfied with my answer.

And so, students began crowding the courtyard, all eager to find a club that matched their interests as they headed forward to the cafeteria. Among the sea of students, a few figures stepped forward, one of whom I immediately recognized.

"Arata?" she called, surprise etched into her tone, her voice struck with familiarity, resonating within me as it always has for this entire lifetime. It was Hanna, alongside her group of friends. "Just what are you doing opening up a club?" she asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Funny you should ask cause..." I began turning up to face her, a small smile playing at the corner of my lips. "It's none of your business." Following my words was a small moment of silence as I added, "Wanna join?" while holding out the signup sheet alongside a pen.

In turn, a vein popped on her forehead before she raised her hand and smacked me hard across the head. Letting out a pained grunt, I quickly raised my hand to massage my head. "Answer my question!" she demanded, bringing her hands down to her hips while leaning forward.

Behind her, witnessing our actions, were her friends who began giggling. "It's not a real club," I admitted, bringing my hand down from my head. "We're just looking for someone."

"You and..." she replied, trailing off as her gaze wandered to Ari.

"Oh right," I began, coming to a realization. Turning toward Ari, I said, "Ari this is my older sister, Hanna," then turning to Hanna I said, "Hanna this is Ari."

"Sup," said Ari, sparing only a single glance in her direction.

"Hello," greeted Hanna, leaning slightly forward, her curious eyes scanning him closely. "You sure have been making friends, huh?" she pointed out, turning back to face me. "Anyway I'm going now, good luck with your stupid club."

And just like that, she took off. Behind her, her friends waved goodbye in my direction before continuing on their way. "I see you have a group of fangirls all over you," Ari commented, a sly smirk crossing his face.

Letting out a sigh, I didn't bother to respond. For the rest of that morning, we continued sitting there receiving a few more visits. Some we recognized, like Felix, Nia, Theodore, and Nina, and some we didn't. After our morning classes, we continued doing the same thing throughout lunch. Once it was the afternoon we called it quits and took down the stand.

"You think the guy we're looking for saw the message?" I questioned while both Ari and I walked to the dorms, the afternoon sun bathing the sky with a fiery orange glow.

"I certainly hope so," he replied, walking with his hands in his pockets, his slouched back and sluggish steps conveying the tiredness of today's events. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, "So how long are we gonna keep pretending that there's not someone watching us."

"Better get used to it," I replied with no change in my expression, showing that I wasn't surprised by his comment. "The same presence has been following me for days," I said with a shrug of my shoulders. "I tried to investigate it once but came up empty."

"Hm?" Ari let out, his gaze on the floor, deeply contemplating something as we both came to a stop. "Say, what if the other reincarnate did see our message," he began, turning to face me. "He wouldn't straight up walk up to us. He would watch us from a distance to determine who we are so maybe that's him."

"Yeah, that makes sense," I replied. "But didn't you hear me say that he has been following me for days? We barely sent the message today so if it is him how come that's the case?"

Hearing my words he remained silent, his eyes wandering elsewhere, bringing up his hand he began tapping his cheek trying to think of an answer. "Perhaps he already knew about you," he spoke, uncertainty evident in his voice. "Maybe someone either you or I know told him about you... and whatever it was they revealed made him suspicious about who you were." I couldn't seem to form a response after taking in what he said since in my mind it sounded like a very likely scenario. "Come on we should look into it a bit deeper."

"Alright," I replied, now being in full-on agreement. At that, we both made our way to where we sensed the presence watching us.

Before I had to activate the Runes of Essence to pinpoint the exact location of it, however, this time, Ari knew exactly where it was. And like last time, we were starting at the shadow of a lamp post. "Well, this is it," I said, staring at the empty paved road. "There's nothing."

"I see that but..." he began, his nose flaring as he spoke. "There's a familiar scent here." Taking a step closer, he said, "Hello! We know you're there..." but no answer came. "You can come out now!" he continued but again, no answer. After a brief moment of silence, his eyes narrowed with determination. "Arata, close your ears," was the only thing he said.

Curious, I did as he said and brought my hands up to apply firm pressure onto my ears, ensuring little to no sound passed through. Raising his hand I sensed Ari's mana surging forth. Just then, I felt the air around me grouping in intensity, vibrating against my very skin. Suddenly Ari released a blast of air that reverberated in waves in all directions. Even with my ears covered I was still able to hear the deafening roar of the blast he discharged.

With that much destructive power, the attack should've most definitely cracked the pavement but it didn't. "What did you..." I began, lowering my hands from my ears before my eyes widened in realization. He targeted the build-up of mana directly. Immediately I activated the Runes of Essence, granting me a more precise sense for mana.

The first thing I noticed was that his blast had disrupted the flow of mana within the shadow before us. Then, I noticed a lingering pattern of mana flowing through Ari's body, it was unlike any of the four elements, just like the shadow. He used some sort of foreign magic, most likely one that he, himself developed. "Well that didn't do it," Ari mumbled, sounding somewhat disappointed.

"Try it again but this time keep a constant stream running," I said, a small smile forming on my face. "I'll work with you." Hearing this, he tilted his head in curiosity, to which I only said, "You've got your secrets, I've got mine."

"Alright boss," he replied, his expression mirroring mine. At that, he raised his hand and did what I said. A high-pitched ring echoed through the air and filled my ears as he kept the continuous blast running. Now, with my perception of mana enhanced I was able to discern what Ari was doing.

He was amplifying the air around us, or rather the sound itself. By channeling his mana into the waves of sound he was able to strengthen them, making them fully concentrated, and in turn, was able to shape the vibrations and direct them toward a specific target or area, a sonic blast. He seems to be using this to make the mana particles distort, throwing off mana control, similar to what I'm able to do.

But anyway, time to play my part. Raising my hand, I began fiddling with mana particles, disturbing their original purpose. With Ari and I working together, it didn't take long for the cluster to disperse. Just then, a figure emerged from the shadow as if materializing from a slimy dark pond. The figure came so unexpectedly that Ari and I were barely able to tell what had happened, not to mention that it moved with such speed as it turned a corner into the back of a building.

Without a word, Ari and I gave chase, turning the corner and stepping into the dark alley behind a building. Once there, thanks to my active runes, my senses spiked up and I immediately dodged a projectile that was aimed at me. It looked like a sharp cone made up of some sort of pitch-black material.

Both Ari and I looked at each other before giving chase and finally cornering this individual in the middle of two buildings. Since this person was hidden under a veil of darkness we were only able to see the silhouette. "Tell me!" Ari spoke. "Is the name 'Eth' familiar to you!" If I'm not mistaken Eth in the name of the other reincarnate. Breaking off my connection to the runes, I waited to see what would happen.

At that, the darkness around this person fell apart, the slimy dark matter falling and unsticking, reminding me of a certain symbiote-like consistency from a superhero movie in my old world. As the last of this dark substance fell and retreated back into the shadows, there stood a person, a boy whom I'd seen before. However, my mind struggled to believe the idea that he was the third reincarnate we looked for.