Chapter 14: Back to school

As Shoun entered the school, he ignored the stares from some of his classmates. Despite studying there for several years, many still felt curious about the Rank 1 Seeker who was also a student. Shoun, now accustomed to the attention, headed straight to his locker.

—¡Shoun!—A high-pitched voice echoed from the end of the hallway. It belonged to a boy with bright yellow hair, so light it could almost be mistaken for white. The boy wore a white shirt and gray pants, neatly dressed for school. He ran up to Shoun and raised a fist—Where've you been? I called you all weekend!

—Sein, I told you to stop yelling. Now everyone's staring—Shoun whispered, covering his face with one hand while bumping Sein's fist with the other—I couldn't answer. My phone broke.

—Ooh… sorry for shouting.

—It's fine. Just try not to do it again.

—Okay! Shoun, come with me to buy something! And give me your new number. I wanted to invite you to a movie last weekend, but you never answered!—Sein ignored Shoun's request and kept talking loudly, prompting a sigh. Shoun was used to Sein's energy… to a point.

Sein was a student at the same school, two years younger than Shoun. The age gap hadn't stopped them from becoming close.

—…So I kicked the ball and—boom!—a goal! We won thanks to my epic skills.

—Last time I saw you play, you had two left feet. I don't believe you pulled that off.

—I'm serious!—The two bantered about random things as they walked to the cafeteria, until a person with long green hair blocked their path.

—Hi, Shoun. Hi, Sein~—Robin greeted in a magnetic voice. They wore a green shirt with a purple tie, a dark green sweater tied around their waist, black jeans, and matching sneakers. Glasses and bright purple earrings adorned their face—How've you been? It's a shame we couldn't meet these past few weeks—they added with feigned sadness, slinging an arm over Shoun's shoulders.

—I've been great, Robin!—Sein replied excitedly.

—…Do you have to act so much, Robin?—Shoun asked, visibly uncomfortable as he shrugged Robin off—Just say what you always come to say and leave.

—Ugh, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed {as usual}—Robin muttered while rummaging through their pockets—Anyway, Shoun, as you know, the military's always recruiting. It'd be an honor if you joined, blah blah blah… you know the drill—they tossed Shoun a business card, which Shoun immediately crumpled and threw into the nearest trash can—Well, that's my job done for today. See you later! Have a nice day!—Robin waved cheerfully before walking away.

—…Was it necessary to treat them so harshly?—Sein asked, pity in his voice.

—…If you were in my shoes, you wouldn't be so kind, Sein—Shoun replied flatly before resuming his walk to the cafeteria, Sein trailing behind.

Shoun quietly opened his front door to find Kaze sprawled on the couch, watching a samurai movie.

—I'll save you… for my honor!—the actor onscreen yelled before launching into a fight. Shoun stood behind Kaze, who only then noticed his presence.

—Oh, hi Shoun. I didn't realize you were back—Kaze said monotonously, turning off the TV—…that scene reminded me of our time in the mirror world. Don't you think?

—Except I'm not a girl, and you're not a samurai. Totally the same—Shoun replied sarcastically, plopping onto the couch.

—I knew it—Kaze said proudly, still oblivious to sarcasm.

—…Whatever. How are your injuries?

—My core's full, so I'm better. We could even go hunt vestiges.

—I have class tomorrow. I don't want to explain a black eye or something. I get enough attention as it is.

—What do you mean?

—How often do you think people see Codex bearers?

—All the time.

—Half-true. Most only see government or guild officers. They work at entrances or high-security zones, so people rarely meet them. When they do, they're idealized as super-powered heroes. People like me—bearers who aren't official—get… side-eyes. I don't know how to explain it. Anyway, there's another problem.

—Is it bad?

—Yeah. The military's eyeing my growth potential, so there's a recruiter in my class.

—Recruiter?

—Robin. They've been a bearer since they were 15. Right now, they're finishing school before joining the military full-time. They're supposed to keep tabs on me and recruit me. Imagine this: someday soon, I'll become an apprentice.

—So Robin'll notice when you ascend.

—Exactly… and there's no avoiding it—Shoun sighed—I'll figure something out. Let's make lunch—he said, heading to the kitchen.

—What if we create an alibi?—Kaze snapped, pointing at Shoun. His tone was flat, but you could tell from his body language that he seemed excited.

—Alibi?

—An alibi is—

—I know what it is!—Shoun cut in—Where'd you learn that?

—A movie.

—…

—…

—Look… I'll skip the jokes. What's your idea?

—Make it seem like you've been hunting vestiges elsewhere. That way, Robin won't suspect anything.

—That doesn't solve the core issue… I'll think of something. I'm hungry—Shoun stood up to cook while Kaze resumed watching movies. At the table, they ate rice, beef, and a vegetable salad. After finishing, Kaze asked:

—Thought of an alibi?

—It's only been an hour… but yeah. I don't love it, but it's better than nothing. I'll register as an adventurer.

—Didn't you say you wouldn't join the guild?

—I'm not. Anyone can be an adventurer if they meet the requirements. Guild adventurers are called "Hunters"—they sign contracts for perks and duties. I'll pretend to be an adventurer to cover our trips… but there's a problem.

—Feels like every solution creates a new problem.

—Just shows how messed up this is. To leave the city as a Seeker, you need at least two people. And you don't count.

—I assume you've thought of a fix.

—…Sort of. Asking someone to join as cover means revealing your existence and the mirror world. Even if they come along, they'll notice my progress is faster than normal. So I need someone trustworthy…

—You don't have many friends?—Kaze's blunt question made Shoun stare incredulously at the mask's blank eyes.

—Subtlety isn't your thing, huh?—Shoun snapped, confusing Kaze—Ugh, never mind. Back to the point: there's one person, but I'm conflicted. I know they'd join, but I don't want to put them in danger.

—Why?

—His name's Sein. He's 15—barely old enough to be an adventurer. His parents died in a vestige attack, and his grandma raised him… He's a good kid. Trusting, optimistic. I don't want him to die because of me. I don't know anyone else who'd agree… What do I do, Kaze?—Shoun's voice grew heavy.

—…Shoun, I don't know Sein. But if you trust him, believe he'll rise to it. Didn't you say in the mirror world that you just need to rely on your comrades?

—…True. But he's just a kid. He can't fight, and—

—Then teach him. Problem solved. If you're scared he'll die, protect him with your life—like I did for you. Train him well, and he won't need protection—Kaze wasn't pushing Shoun to recruit Sein—he was nudging him to act.

—…You're right… Overthinking's exhausting—Shoun leaned back—I need time to decide. We aren't hunting until the weekend anyway, right?

—Yeah… about that. Can we go to the mirror world tonight? Just to test your new Visa skill—Kaze had been curious since Shoun mentioned it.

—If we're not fighting and just testing… sure. Let's go tonight.