Butterfly Effect (3)

It's her...

I spotted her from across the hallway – the girl with the striking blonde hair and vivid ocean-blue eyes. Her presence seemed to magnify as the sunlight streamed in through the window, casting an ethereal glow on her. She wore a unique white uniform adorned with the school's emblem, a clear sign that she was part of the student council.

Our eyes locked, and time appeared to slow down for a brief moment. I could feel the gentle breeze outside rustling leaves and hear the distant sounds of students in the hallway. The world around us seemed to pause until Alicia's voice broke the spell.

"Look at me," she said, her tone laced with annoyance.

I reluctantly tore my gaze away from the mysterious girl and turned my attention back to Alicia. A heavy sigh escaped my lips, tinged with frustration. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" I asked, the hint of irritation evident in my expression.

Alicia clicked her tongue in response, which made my eye twitch in bewilderment. I couldn't quite grasp why she was acting this way. I mean, didn't she always want me to leave her alone last year? Girls are indeed quite mysterious creatures.

It appeared that Alicia had caught on to my thoughts, and her right hand, resting on the wall, applied a gentle pressure, causing the wall near me to crack ominously.

I quickly gulped, and in my haste to escape her reach, I raised both hands in a surrendering gesture and took a step back. But my retreat only led me right into another wall, trapping me with my back against it. I couldn't help but think, "I'm done for..."

Just as Alicia was about to approach me, Artoria intervened. She stepped in between us to block Alicia's path, and it seemed like she was determined to prevent any impending trouble.

Alicia turned her piercing glare toward Artoria. However, Artoria seemingly ignored her, and instead, she grabbed my collar and tugged me away from the situation.

I found myself baffled by this unexpected turn of events and exclaimed, "Wait! What's happening now!?"

...

..

.

"This should be far, no?"

As we stood near the school's fountain, Artoria's question left me momentarily speechless. After the earlier unexpected event with Alicia, Artoria had helped me escape from her clutches, and now we found ourselves outside.

I finally gathered my thoughts and expressed my genuine gratitude with a slight bow. "Thank you."

Artoria simply replied, "No problem," and then she turned to leave, raising her hands in a parting gesture. Just before she walked away, she left me with a final message, "Let's meet again, Vallen."

"Wait, what?"

I was puzzled, wondering how she knew my name. After a moment of silence and confusion, I decided to let it go for now and focused on the task at hand.

I thought to myself, "I'll ignore that for now. Anyways, it's about time to meet Aerial in this life."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I pondered my situation, shaking my head lightly before turning away.

"Well, maybe I can put that off until tomorrow..."

That settles it. Now, where should I call home?

"Ugh... I should've kept the fact that I can see now to myself. The secret's already out, no use in regretting it."

Then again, I'm pretty certain they're plotting to kick me out once I hit eighteen this year. Just three months left.

Mmm... Anyway, I'll ask Jack if I can crash at their place for a while. I'm sure he and his girlfriend won't mind... Erm, Jack will probably mind, but I'm sure his girlfriend can easily convince him.

***

A day later.

Pausing before the door to Aerial's classroom, I took in the surroundings for a moment.

Classes had wrapped up for the day. After eluding Alicia and making my way here, it was time to deliver this flash drive.

"I should give this to her too."

Examining the flash drive in my palm, I decided to open the door.

Inside, I found the room oddly vacant. Where were the boxes and drawings from before...? And where on earth was Aerial?

Wandering through the empty classroom, only tables remained, devoid of chairs, appliances, or any other items. It felt strangely hollow.

Perplexed, I proceeded to scan the nearly barren classroom. It seemed almost surreal, void of the messy surroundings that was once here. Where were the numerous boxes and supplies? And more importantly, where was Aerial?

"...!!"

A sudden realization struck me – had I somehow altered the course of events in a more significant way than I intended?

Aerial not being here with her stuff. The consequences of my actions were unfolding before my eyes, leaving me with a sense of uncertainty.

"The folders should be here... Empty?"

My eyes fell upon the empty tables, now the sole occupants of the once vibrant space. It felt like stepping into an alternate reality where the classroom had lost its identity. Aerial, the creative force that brought life to this room, was nowhere to be found.

Persevering through the quietude, I continued my search. The eerie atmosphere, juxtaposed with the memories of the lively chaos that once filled the room, created an unsettling contrast.

"I should find her," I muttered to myself. Clutching the flash drive in my hand, I decided to investigate further, hoping to unravel the mystery that now enveloped the room and, more importantly, find Aerial.

The door clicked, and as I turned around, my eyes widened briefly before I regained composure.

Artoria entered, her gaze locking onto mine as a moment of silence unfolded.

Breaking the awkwardness, I questioned, "What are you doing here?"

"That's supposed to be my question. What are you doing in my club?" She responded casually, throwing a question back at me.

"Your club?" I furrowed my brows, puzzled. What is she even talking about? This was supposed to be the Science Research Department Club. There's no way she'll join a club such as these since, according before the regression start, she was specialized in Magic and training. Before I could inquire further, Artoria dropped a bombshell.

"Yes, the newly established Magic Department Club."