Halloween I

Two weeks after mid-terms, Halloween arrived.

In this world, Halloween was a major celebration, much like it had been in my old world. Mythos Academy, being the prestigious institution it was, hosted an elaborate event for the occasion. Since the academy was situated on its own island, the celebration was an exclusive affair for the students—complete with parties that lasted late into the night.

This was perhaps the only time you'd see princesses like Rachel, Seraphina, and Cecilia partying at what could be considered "normal" events. After all, a formal ball for Halloween would feel a little out of place, wouldn't it?

Despite the world's deeply ingrained traditions, this world had modernized. We were in the year 2047, after all. That meant parties that were less formal, and a temporary suspension of the rigid social hierarchies that usually governed interactions.

Of course, social status still held importance, but here at Mythos Academy, those lines were often blurred, at least for one night. Halloween was a time to let loose and just enjoy the night.

As I wandered through the festive decorations that lit up the academy grounds, I couldn't help but smile. It felt like a momentary break from the intensity of training, the weight of expectations, and the looming Inter-Academy Festival.

We had a few limitations when it came to dressing up. Vampires and demons were off-limits, for obvious reasons. In this world, they weren't just myths or fun costumes—they were real threats, black mana species that had caused, and would continue to cause, humanity serious harm. So, dressing up as them wasn't just in poor taste—it was practically a taboo.

And unlike my old world, there were no fictional superheroes to draw inspiration from either, so our choices were more limited.

After some thought, I decided to dress up as a swordsman from ancient times. It was simple but fitting—a costume that mirrored my actual skills while still embracing the spirit of Halloween. I wore a dark cloak, a traditional tunic, and strapped a replica sword to my side. It wasn't as flashy as some of the others, but it suited me just fine.

As I made my way through the crowd, my gaze landed on the trio of princesses—Rachel, Seraphina, and Cecilia—each dressed in costumes that made them stand out even more than usual.

Seraphina had chosen to dress as the Goddess of the Moon, an ancient figure once believed to control the tides and guide travelers under the night sky. Her costume was breathtaking, a flowing, shimmering gown of silver and pale blue that seemed to capture the very essence of moonlight. The fabric shifted and glowed softly with every movement, as if reflecting the night itself. Her shoulders were adorned with delicate silver chains, draping down like starlight. A crescent moon crown sat upon her head, crafted from gleaming metal, giving her an ethereal and almost divine appearance. Her long hair cascaded loosely down her back, blending seamlessly with the soft glow of her gown, as if she were truly part of the celestial heavens. Small, sparkling gems dotted her outfit like stars scattered across the night sky.

Rachel, on the other hand, looked almost ethereal. She had opted for a fae-like costume, her dress flowing with layers of shimmering, translucent fabric that seemed to change color depending on how the light hit it—shades of blue and violet swirling together like a dream. Silver vines wrapped around her arms, with small glowing stones that resembled enchanted crystals hanging delicately from them. A delicate crown of silver leaves rested on her head, giving her the appearance of an ancient fae princess, untouchable and mysterious. Her costume highlighted her natural grace, making her seem otherworldly as she moved through the crowd.

And then there was Cecilia, who had gone in a completely different direction. She wore a playful catgirl costume, and it suited her more lighthearted nature. Her outfit was sleek and stylish, a fitted black dress paired with tall boots. The subtle glitter in the fabric caught the light as she moved, giving the simple look a bit of flair. But the real standout was the pair of black cat ears perched atop her head, playful yet somehow managing to look cute on her. She even had a little tail attached to band circling her waist, swaying slightly as she walked, making her costume both fun and charming.

They drew attention without even trying, standing out even at a party where royalty was meant to blend in with the rest of the students.

As I approached, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of them.

"Looks like everyone's gone all out for tonight," I said with a smirk, glancing between the three of them.

Rachel gave me a gentle smile. "And you, Arthur? The swordsman look suits you."

I shrugged, returning the smile. "I figured I'd keep it simple. Didn't want to compete with a fae and a goddess, after all."

Seraphina laughed softly, her voice carrying a musical quality. "Oh, I don't know. You're doing just fine."

Cecilia chimed in with a wink, her tail swaying behind her. "Not bad, but I think you're missing a few cat ears to make it truly complete."

The party continued in full swing, the vibrant energy of the students filling the air as laughter and conversation echoed around us. The academy grounds had been transformed, lit by flickering lanterns and glowing orbs that added to the festive atmosphere. Music played in the background, and the occasional burst of laughter punctuated the night as students mingled, danced, and showed off their costumes.

Rachel, still glowing softly in her fae-like costume, stepped gracefully closer. "You should try to relax more, Arthur," she said, her voice soft but teasing. "It's not every day we get to forget about all the academy's pressures."

I chuckled. "You're right. Tonight's a good break from all that."

Seraphina joined in, her moon goddess gown shimmering as she moved. "Especially with the Festival coming up. We all need a night like this." There was a hint of tension in her words, though, a subtle reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Cecilia's eyes gleamed playfully from beneath her catears. "And here I thought you'd never say something like that, Seraphina! You always seem so serious."

Seraphina laughed, the sound light and melodic. "Even I need a break from training sometimes."

We wandered over to the center of the party, where a few groups were dancing and enjoying themselves. The energy was contagious, and before I knew it, I was pulled into the flow of the crowd. We danced together under the glowing lights, our laughter blending in with the music.

For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered—the upcoming battles, the rivalries, and the weight of expectations faded into the background. Rachel's ethereal fae presence, Seraphina's calm moonlit grace, and Cecilia's playful cat-like energy made the night even more memorable.