Why Shouldn’t We Help?
It was currently lunchtime at the academy and Lyra had just submitted the form for dungeon access to Hasumi. We made our way to the secret hangout spot and this time there wasn't anyone being threatened.
"Are you sure about this? I thought we were going to wait." I was under the impression that we weren't ready, but suddenly Lyra changed her mind.
"After some thinking, I felt like getting real combat experience was better. You can already handle your magic really well and seeing in our practical magic class, I was confident." It made me nervous, as practicing completely differs from actually doing it.
"W-we still have to get accepted. I doubt they will allow me since I haven't shown anything exceptional." Even with Lyra's confidence in my skills, I still had to prove myself to the teachers. Although Ragan was quite impressed with my abilities, there hasn't been anything noteworthy.
"Have a little faith. We signed up together and no doubt they will consider that I've been helping you." Lyra showed no concerns whatsoever and I didn't believe there wouldn't be any issues.
*Sigh* "Is it really going to be fine? The dungeon doesn't sound like one of those beginner ones where it's just low-level slimes." If that were the case, there wouldn't be such high restrictions on entering.
"Hmmm, it kind of is? It's just that we are not old enough to go through the normal means. We have to be like 25 to have a hunting licence or a letter of recommendation from nobles or a registered academy." Lyra explained the process in more detail, and something felt off about it. I might be just basing it on fantasy stories, but this seemed restrictive for no reason.
"I can already hear what you are thinking. I had the same thoughts, too. Rememebr when we got a joint account and were classified as long-life beings. For that very reason, the age at which you become an adult is higher. So it's not that it's restrictive, but because we are still seen as kids." It was an interesting rule that differed from our old world, but it made sense.
I always questioned what the age was for other races to be considered adults. I'm guessing that in reality there are different ages, but to make it more uniform, 25 is the standard age.
"Is that for everything or just the dungeon?" This sparked more questions, such as about alcohol. I definitely want a night where me and Lyra let loose.
"Uhhh, I don't actually know. I think it depends on the place. We should try going to the nightclub just to see." Lyra most likely never had a reason to care, so it's no surprise she didn't know all the details. However, I was a little afraid of the idea of going to the club. I was expecting to just have a little house party between us two.
"Let's worry about that later; I don't think we will have the time until summer break." This was also my way of saying that I do not have the mental fortitude to go out to a nightclub.
"True, but anyway, we should hear back soon if we get approved." With it being the start of the semester, Lyra was confident that we were the first people to sign up. It isn't a popular program until you are in at least your second year, but this is a noble school, so most don't even need to sign up.
"Hopefully. Also, don't you think we should try to find Rev? I'm worried Raja might have done something." Despite going to the same academy, I haven't seen Rev over the last few days. Granted, we hide away at the back of the academy, but it shouldn't be hard to spot a blue-haired cat boy.
"Let him come to us. If he wants our help, he has to ask for it." It was clear Lyra held a bit of a grudge against Rev, especially after finding out he organised the assassination. It was against his will so I didn't hold him liable, but I wasn't the target.
"You know he won't. Probably crying in a corner, thinking how hopeless he is." However, I knew what he was like. I know I'm a social wreck, but Rev was on another level of social ineptness, making him easy to manipulate.
We did initially offer our help, but it felt like this was the rare occasion where we should help regardless of whether he said no.
"I know you probably don't have a good first impression, but don't you think it's a bit unfair? It's clear that Raja is forcing him and wants nothing more than to be left alone." However, it still annoyed me how unwilling Lyra was. Rev was my best friend and it felt like shit knowing that he could be being abused right now.
I also stood up, feeling rather flared suddenly, since I didn't want to stand around and do nothing. At first it felt fine, but as the days went on, it didn't sit right with me, even if Raja was stronger than us.
Lyra shut her eyes and suddenly I felt like I might have struck a nerve without realising it.
"What makes you think we have a chance against Raja right now? If we go ahead and steal away his little informant, don't you think that will put a target on our backs? For someone who has seen his power, you are quite confident." Lyra didn't yell, but her tone was stern, clearly annoyed as well.
"I-..." Her words left me speechless since I couldn't refute anything she said. Perhaps I got too cocky since I started training, but I still felt a sense of urgency. The last thing I want to happen is for Rev to be killed and be tempted to reset.
"As much as I would like to leave him in the dirt for our safety, I understand his circumstances. However, if we were to save him now, I frankly can't guarantee our lives." It was sound reasoning that I couldn't argue against.
"He does it for money, what makes you say he would just outright murder us?" For some semblance of an argument, unless money is involved, I doubt he would go through with murder.
"He might not, but I would rather be killed than become his pet." Lyra wasn't wrong, Raja did like to play with lives and I can't imagine what he would do to women.
"B-but surely there is a way." At this point, there was no hope of helping Rev anytime soon.
*Sigh* "I'll give him until the end of the week to ask for help. If he doesn't, we can find him." Lyra looked very against the idea, as it puts us closer in harm's way.
"HOWEVER! If he is completely fine or isn't in any kind of danger, then we will leave him be and just check on him occasionally." It wasn't much, but realistically, all we could do was what Lyra suggested. It was better than nothing and I could settle for that.
"Fine." Sitting back down, I hugged my knees since I really did want the best for Rev, but I was helpless.
"Don't beat yourself up, Saki... I know he is your best friend, but you also need to consider your safety." Lyra returned to her gentle tone, but it still felt like she was still annoyed with me. I turned my head away, embarrassed by my actions.
"How about I treat you after school? You're yet to have some of this world's deserts, right?"
"Bribing me now, are we? You have a deal." It wasn't hard to win me over, as I couldn't turn down free food.
"I'm not so sure about an after-school date, girls." However, amid Lyra's bribe, Helen, our homeroom teacher, appeared right in front of us. She stood on top of the balcony's railing with an unimpressed look.
"You're lucky the room behind you just leads to storage, but there is a reason why these places are off-limits. Also, you are in direct view from the headmaster's office." Helen pointed to the side and following her finger, it was directed at a large tower where a window was open. In that very window, it was Tolverkin waving at us, at least, I think, he was too small to tell.
"S-so did we get approved for the dungeon?" Lyra tried to divert the topic, but I don't think there is a way around this.
"Hmm, I don't know about letting some trespassing students into a dangerous place." Helen pushed up her glasses, but it was obvious she was teasing us.
"Please?" I figured some manners might go a long way.
"As long as you promise to keep this location between you." Helen nodded and let go of a piece of paper in her hand that floated down to our feet. Lyra and I took a peek at what was on it and both our faces lit up.
"Thank you so much, Miss! I swear we won't say anything." Lyra saw the seal of approval and instantly bowed her head.
"No worries, but genuinely be careful in there. Lyra, I expect Saki to be in perfect condition when she comes to class."