Arata's Perspective

After sitting through the remaining time we had in our combat class, we've now made it to the cafeteria. We had to break away from Asmodeus since the fifth through eighth-year students have their lunchtime after first through fourth-year's

When it came to choosing a seat I didn't give much thought and just sat down with Flare curling herself up at my feet.

"Why do all first days always feel the same," Ari grumbled, lowering his head on the lunch table, his tail lazily waging behind him.

"Keep the whining to yourself!" replied Shina, who had just gotten here, standing with her hands on her hips. Beside her was Selkie who greeted us with a smile and a wave of his hand. "You said the exact same thing last year."

"Ah, you guys are here." Raising his head, Ari took in both their figures as they took their seats. "How was class with your new combat teacher?" he asked, resting his head against his palm. "He looks pretty intimidating judging by the few times I've seen him."

"Yeah, we thought so too," Answered Selkie, leaning forward to look in Ari's direction. "But it turns out he's just a big softie, he loves making silly jokes and is not at all how we guessed he'd be." His speech along with Shina's has gotten a lot better however certain pronunciations of vowels still hint at their feline nature.

"She's right. At first, we didn't want to be there but he turned out to be a lot more fun than we thought," Shina said, having the same sparkle in her eyes as Selkie. "I guess the only downside is, that Arata's best friend Felix is there." Hearing her words my ears perked up at the mention of his name.

Felix, eh? We've been talking about having a rematch for some time now but due to the school rules about only fourth years or higher being able to duel, we haven't been allowed to. That changes this year, when I have time I'll go talk to him about it.

"That guy is super scary, I mean did you see him, he looked totally pissed off," Shina continued, directing the question to Selkie. "And on top of that, we have Alice Verninne the Ice Queen, and Prince Hansel as well."

"My, your combat class seems to be comprised of some interesting people," Ari spoke. "Ours is just plain and boring."

Alice Verninne, huh? A special-born noble and the so-called Ice Queen. Soon after I found out about her existence I learned that she had a magical affinity for ice. Ice magic. I remember seeing her battles the previous year, she's a truly gifted girl.

"Hey! Look who's here." My attention shifted toward Ari as I heard his words. Turning my head up, I saw his eyes traveling past me, curious, I turned around and found Asia, Theodore, and Nina making their way toward us.

The crowd in the cafeteria all quieted down as all eyes were drawn to them like magnets. As they walked past, there were murmurs in the air, all praising the young princess of this kingdom. Now that others know what Asia looks like, people show her respect constantly when they come across her.

"Popular as ever, princess," said Ari, lowering his head slightly, mocking the efforts of the other students.

"Oh, stop it," Asia replied, her hands crossed firmly across her chest as she quickly turned her head to the side, a clear sign of a slight irritation.

Asia seemed to be making her way to the open seat beside mine but was quickly beaten by Nina, who lowered herself into the seat before Asia could take it. They locked eyes for a brief moment, then Asia let out a sigh and sat down next to her.

"Hello," greeted Theodore, taking the host seat.

My attention was taken by Nina who was now beside me. When she sat down I thought I saw something shiny. As I gazed at her, I saw a small silver chain running around her neck, leaning my head slightly forward I followed it with my eyes, curious to see if it was what I thought it was. However, I couldn't verify my suspicions as the main part of the necklace was hidden beneath her shirt.

So, I tried to peek through, and that's when Ari's voice came. "Very slick of you, Arata." Startled, I turned to face him, the mention of my name catching me by surprise. "Openly staring at a girl's breasts in plain sight," he said, hiding back a mischievous smirk.

"What!" I exclaimed, jolting back in surprise due to his unexpected words.

My eyes then wandered around the table and found the others looking at me, questioning my actions, then I looked at Nina once more. She had shifted back in her seat and brought both her hands up to cover herself while her face turned beet red. As I took in her image, she let out a faint whimper and seemed to have a tear in her eye.

"N-No, I wasn't," I hastily stuttered, unsure of what to do as my gaze traveled around to everyone at the table. Back to Nina, I added, "I-I didn't."

"Right..." said Ari, his words dripping with suspicion.

"I'm serious!" I pressed on, both eager and determined to prove my innocence.

"No, I believe you..." Ari replied, his tone unchanging. "By your scent, I could tell you didn't have any 'intense, passionate desires' but... why were you looking in the first place? Kinda creepy."

Letting out a sigh, I waved off his choice of words and continued on to explain myself. "It's just... that necklace..." I began, turning my attention toward Nina. "It's the one I got you for your birthday, right?"

"Oh, y-yeah," she answered, subconsciously glancing down at herself while moving her hand up to reveal the hidden pendant.

"I didn't think you'd actually wear it," I admitted, feeling a bit moved on the inside.

Nina showed a small smile as she kept her head down, staring down at the piece of jewelry around her neck. "Why don't you wear the one I got you?" Came Asia's voice filled with suspicion, catching our attention. With both her arms placed on the table, she bent forward, leaning her head against her hand. "It's much fancier and way more expensive."

"I do! I do," Nina said quickly, her voice rising in a subtle panic. "It's just that... today I happen to be wearing this one."

"Who cares!" Shina's voice boomed, cutting straight through the conversation. "Where is the food?"

"They're holding the lunch until the first years get here," answered Ari. "You should know this, the same thing happens every year." Following his words, Shina grumbled and let her head fall onto the table. Just then we heard the loud chatter of a large crowd. "Speak of the devil," Ari murmured turning to face the entrance of the cafeteria. "It looks like the first years are here."

"Yesss!" Hearing this, Shina immediately lit up with joy and stood up from where she sat. "Come on let's go be the first in line."

With that, we all stood up and walked ahead in an unorganized manner. It's the same habit we've adopted since our first year, that is, always being the first in line. The reason for that is, after the line has started many students cut straight to the front of the line without a care in the world leaving the ones in the back to wait for a longer period of time. However, if we're first we don't get to wait and just go straight into picking up our plate.

On the way, I noticed that within the crowd of first-years, strands of dark hair, similar in color to mine, bounced up and down as someone made their way through the gathered group. That is until a familiar little girl finally emerged and hurriedly made her way toward us.

With big round eyes and a wide happy smile. "Arata," she called, her tone conveying her relief to see me.

"Ah? Mia," I said as she came to a stop before me. Raising my hand, I gave her head a few pats as I added, "Have you been getting along okay?"

Without a word, she only nodded emphasizing it with a small hum.

After lunch, I continued on my way to my next class which was a history class, probably the class I found most interesting since I lack a lot of knowledge on that front. Followed by a course on healing, and then the study of mana. After that, my last two classes are comprised of Relic Runology and Racial-Cultural Studies.

Since today was the first day, there was nothing special we did other than introductions and sitting around. After this half-boring day, the sun began to set, casting an orange glow across the sky. I found myself walking beside the whole group as we all had reunited at the cafeteria to eat dinner and were now making our way toward the dorms. Since it was the end of the day, there were many students around us, all going to the same place.

"I don't understand why we don't just drop off all our stuff in the morning so we don't have to carry it the rest of the day," said Ari, letting out a sigh.

"It's more for the dorm administrators to make sure each student is present and is given their respective key," Answered Theodore.

"You guys think we're going to be in the same dorm this year?" asked Selkie, adding a little bounce to his step.

"We should be since that was the case all the previous years," Theodore spoke, "Plus we did submit that request."

"I wonder who my roommates will be..." Mia mumbled beside me, tugging slightly onto one of my sleeves.

My gaze settled briefly on her figure as she walked beside me and before I could say something, Nina came up from my other side and said. "It's unfortunate we didn't get any classes together," she said, showing a small smile, the gesture lacking genuine happiness in her eyes.

"Yeah..." was the only thing I said, unsure of how to respond to her words. "Well, it's not like we'll not see each other, you know... Perhaps next year we'll have more classes together."

Showing a smile she only nodded upon hearing my words. "Well, I'm glad we have Racial-Cultural Studies together," said Asia as she came up beside Nina. Nina let out a low grumble upon seeing Asia's smirking lips.

"Let's not forget I'm there too..." said Ari in the next moment.

"So am I," followed Shina, her voice reaching my ears as she walked somewhere behind me.

"Woof!" then came Flare, who walked in front of us, letting out a bark to convey that she too was a part of the class.

With both hands on her hips, Asia rolled her eyes as the only thing she said was, "Extras."

Before any more words were said, we noticed the crowd of students around us all hush and come to a stop, their voices lowered to quiet murmurs. "Uh? What's going on?" questioned Ari as we all followed the gazes of the random students that surrounded us.

"There," said Asmodeus, catching all of our attention. Turning his way, we saw him staring out in the direction behind us.

Standing beside him, Nia tilted her head in curiosity as she looked in the same direction. "Isn't that the student council?"

She's right, it's the student council. Not all of them though, only Arel, Alexander, and that Eustus kid from the Toma house were there, walking side by side most likely on their way to the dorms. Slowly I took a few steps back to avoid being spotted, however, I wasn't fast enough. With wandering eyes, Arel's gaze fell on mine, confrontation was now inevitable.

Dammit, I thought to myself as he neared. With each step he took, he exuded an air of superiority. His movements were slow and seemingly purposeful, which naturally drew everyone's attention. He had gotten taller these past three years, he's fifteen years old now if I'm not mistaken. I still remember meeting him years ago, back at the Royal Banquet when he was only a boy, my how fast kids grow.

With strands of blonde hair, which had grown longer throughout the years, and cunning blue eyes, he stopped before me with his two followers behind him, his figure slightly taller than my own.

He took in my image for a moment, his expression unreadable and intentions unclear, before turning to face Asia, who stood some distance away from me. Showing a smile Arel lowered his head slightly and said, "Princess Asia, glad to see you made it."

"What do you want," replied Asia, her voice firm and demanding. Crossing her arms she wore an expression that conveyed she wasn't happy to see him.

"Just to say a simple hello," Arel answered, picking his head up while keeping the same smile. Then, turning back to me, his smile dropped. "And Arata..." he spoke, his voice lowering in distaste. "Spending your time with pointless diversities as always."

His words sparked irritation within our group, a collective reaction to his disdainful tone. Disregarding his words, I turned to look at him, putting up a nonchalant act. "Arel," I spoke, showing a small smile. "Good to see you another year." turning my gaze elsewhere, I added, "Unfortunately." I've talked to Arel a few times in the past and each time, just like this one, he doesn't seem all that happy to see me.

The corner of his lip curved upward into a smirk, amused by the way our conversation was going. "I've heard a lot from Alexander about your combat capabilities," he continued, his posture shifting slightly to the side, expressing his interest. "I know you didn't have a chance to display them during your first three years here but that's just how it is, rules are rules. However this year is different, I expect a lot out of you, don't let me down." Bringing his hand up he gave my shoulder a quick pat before continuing on his way. As he walked away, I made brief eye contact with Alexander while he strode past me.

"Well, that was something," spoke Ari, breaking the tension in the air. As if on cue, the students around us also resumed their chatter and continued on their way. "What do you think all that was about?"

"I don't know." Letting out a sigh, I turned back to face the group and said, "But I really didn't want him to see me."

"By the tone of his voice, I would guess he was calling you out on some sort of challenge," Asmodeus spoke up, catching our attention. He was usually the quietest one among the group and only ever spoke up in front of Ari and me so his saying this sprung some level of concern within me.

"I would rather not be involved with him any more than I am now," I admitted, rubbing the back of my head.

"Just don't worry about him, I doubt he'll do anything," said Asia, having picked up on my subtle worry.

"I hope you're right..." Was the only thing I said as I turned my gaze forward.

***

"Lo and behold," Ari mumbled, letting all the things he held drop to the ground. "We're all in the same dorm room for the fourth year in a row."

"I call the top bunk!" Selkie exclaimed, quickly rushing up to his respective bed.

"We know!" Ari shot back, stepping forward below Selkie's claimed bed. Cats have always liked high places, I thought in amusement as I witnessed Selkie's actions.

"Which one do you want?" Theodore asked, his head turning from the bunk beds ahead of us to me, his blue eyes curiously regarded me as he patiently awaited my answer.

"I'll take the bottom one," I replied, not giving it much thought. From my experience with bunk beds, the bottom one brings less of a hassle.

"Alright, the top is mine then," Theodore said, lowering his head slightly into a nod. Turning his head forward, he walked ahead toward his side of the room and began putting his things away.

Following suit, I did the same, after separating my night attire and putting the rest of my clothes inside my cabinets, I began undressing. I removed my blazer, followed by the red tie and white buttoned-up shirt before coming to a stop. As I stood in front of a mirror, I took a good look at myself.

My body had also changed, since I was a bit taller and getting bigger, my muscles were now a little more noticeable. Above my flat, well-built abdomen, my chest stuck out a little more and so did my shoulders.

"Checking yourself out?" said Ari. On the reflection of the mirror, I could see him looking my way, grinning from ear to ear in amusement as his tail wagged behind his back.

"Somewhat... yeah," I admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed. I then moved to the side and began hanging my school clothes up on a garment rack.

As I did that, I felt someone touch my back, their touch delicate. "I always found these drawings to be weird." Came Selkie's voice, having leaned in close to see the runes on my back. Slowly, he glided his finger down my back, making me feel a slight tickle. Turning my head back, I was able to catch a glimpse of him looking intently at my back, his eyes sparkling with interest. He was also shirtless since he was changing as well. "Yet somewhat cool."

"They have their uses," I replied, my words holding some level of secrecy within them. Extending my hand, I concentrated my mana, drawing the shirt that rested neatly atop my bed to my grasp with minimal effort. In the next moment, I put on the long-sleeved shirt, covering the runes.

"I forgot you could do that," Selkie mumbled, from behind me. Moving away from him, I took a seat on my bed and began removing my shoes and pants. "I don't know why you hide your abilities," Selkie continued, following after me. "If you didn't, you'd be the coolest kid in school... others don't think so highly of you as it is now."

"It's not that I choose to keep it a secret, it's just that I haven't really had the chance to display what I'm capable of," I replied, having finished changing into my night clothes. "Plus, I don't know if I want to expose all the things I could do, others might just think I'm some sort of freak."

"I don't think that," Selkie spoke, leaning in closer to me. "Neither does, Ari, or Theodore."

"Yeah, but... you guys are different," I replied, my voice soft. "Not everyone knows me like you guys do."

Hearing my words Selkie remained silent, taken aback by my words. "I agree with Arata that it would be wiser to keep most of his abilities a secret," said Ari, catching our attention.

"Same here." Then came Theodore. "Perhaps he can only reveal his lightning magic and pass it off as a special-born case... but that is for him to decide."

"Well, whatever, despite what others say you're still cool in my book," Selkie said, flashing a smile.

"Well, thank you," I replied, showing a smile that mirrored his own. With an air of satisfaction, he then made his way back up to his bed and curled down for the night. Something I learned was that Selkie's continuous use of the word 'cool' is a habit he picked up from Ari. "Good night, everyone," I spoke out.

"Good night," followed the other guys, somewhat in unison.

After wishing everyone a good night, I laid back in my bed, staring at the wooden boards that held up the top mattress. Then, spotting movement out of the corner of my eye, I turned my head and saw Flare hop onto my bed by my feet. With her wolfish snout, she bit onto the bed curtain and walked forward with one paw in front of the other to close it.

After enclosing us in the darkness, I put up a finger and ignited a small flame at the tip to light up our surroundings. I took in her appearance for a moment. After mastering her transformation, she was able to hide her dark markings, with her fur now composed of a snowy-white color all around, apart from her nose and eyes. She was also able to alter her stature in her wolf form. At her original size, she stood as tall as me. I asked her to stay small and not to transform or talk in public in order to keep her identity hidden.

Before we were able to pass Flare off as just a strange small beast our family had bought for me since it was difficult to point out unique features that only her race held and no one could truly verify her identity. However, after her first transformation back at the Arathel mansion, Grandpa Orin warned me to keep her as hidden as much as I possibly could. Before I was more reckless but now I have her situation more under control, with others seeing Flare as only the small white wolf she appeared to be.

Some questioned me about these small changes early on but no one really paid much attention to her. Plus, it's been three years since then so I doubt anyone remembers.

Without wasting another moment Flare's wolf form began to shimmer as her eyelids closed in concentration. I watched in silence as her wolfish features morphed into humanoid characteristics under the white aura. Her front paws extended into arms and hands, her back legs spread into legs, and her snout shortened into a nose and a mouth, until finally, her transformation was complete.

The end result revealed a petite girl with snow-white hair, her body adorned with wolf-like ears and a tail, lying comfortably beside me. Her blue eyes, filled with innocence and affection, met mine. "Good night, Arata," she said, her voice high-pitched and genuine.

"Good night, Flare," I replied softly, our exchange conveying the close connection we shared. Shutting off the flame at the tip of my finger, I let the darkness envelop me, gradually leading me into a comfortable sleep.