Season 1: Arc'The Training 'Ep 1_Ch/3

SEASON ONE: EPISODE 1_CH/3[The beginning]

🚫 Warning 🚫

If you're thinking about listening to a song while reading this chapter, I suggest the ending song of Season 1 from Yuukoku no Moriarty - Alpha.

But remember, it's entirely up to you! I won't take any responsibility for your decision to listen to any song. Got it? 😏😁

■ Time: 08:34 Am

■ Location: Inside the wooden carriage, dark brown in color with some golden details, and a square black ceiling. The carriage is drawn by two brown horses. This is the carriage Maria is traveling in.

Beginning:

On that sunny morning, the sky was a clear blue with a few small, light white clouds. The sun shone brightly, but the air was cold, carrying a breeze that soothed the nerves.

The carriage was traveling on the Meishin Expressway, after they had passed the Hanshin Expressway, which starts from Osaka and is one of the major highways. At that moment, they were passing through the urban areas of Osaka.

They continued their journey on the Meishin Expressway, a road that connects Osaka and Kyoto. During their travel on the Meishin Expressway, Maria was admiring the breathtaking landscapes through the carriage window.

Maria was smiling in astonishment, her eyes sparkling with joy at the beauty of the scenery. The beautiful green grass, the small flowers in various colors and shapes, and the butterflies fluttering near the flowers. The sky was clear and blue, with small white clouds, and the sun shining brightly, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings.

On this journey, Maria passed through a small town called Takatsuki.

A small bubble appeared above showing the information:(Takatsuki: is a small town between Osaka and Kyoto, you can pass through it if you are traveling on the Meishin Expressway).

Maria was looking at the city of Takatsuki in admiration, amazed by the beauty of the city. She could see people walking through the streets, some were students, and others were workers. Everyone was busy with their own matters. Some of them were wearing traditional clothes, while others were wearing modern outfits.

While Maria was in awe of the city's beauty, the carriage suddenly stopped without any warning in the middle of a market city where food, vegetables, and fruits were sold. Maria was surprised by this and looked at the old driver, whom she called "the senile old man" since he had not told her his name yet, so she gave him that nickname.

A small bubble appeared at the top showing the information: (Even if he had told her his name, she would still call him "the senile old man.")

Maria looked at him with surprise, her face filled with curiosity, as she gazed through the small front window of the carriage at "the senile old man," as she called him, wondering why he stopped suddenly.

The driver, "the senile old man," got out of his seat and raised his hands above his head to stretch his body from the exhaustion of continuous driving. Of course, there was no other reason, and the reason wasn't that Maria had been bothering him with her annoying questions about whether they had reached their destination or not.

He looked at the old vendor, who appeared to be in her late sixties. She seemed kind, too, from the joyful expression on her face. She was selling fruits and sitting in a shaded area from the sun, with her small stall filled with various kinds of fruits, including oranges, apples, bananas, cherries, and others.

The driver, "the senile old man," shouted, addressing the old vendor: "Hey! Madam, can you bring me a whole bag of fresh apples?"

The old vendor looked at him with a tender smile and replied in the same tone: "Alright, your order will be ready as soon as possible, young man."

At that moment, Maria had stepped down from the carriage, her eyes filled with confusion and curiosity. Why did the driver, "the senile old man" as she calls him, stop suddenly in the middle of their journey? Was it just to buy apples, and why?

As Maria was pondering this, the camera gradually zoomed out from her, showing her completely along with everything around her, including the horses.

One second. 

Two seconds..

Three seconds...

And at that moment, Maria realized what was happening. She slowly turned her head toward the horses and understood that all those apples were for them.

Maria stared at the horses with a puzzled and disbelieving look. The senile old man approached her.

He said sarcastically: "What's the matter, little miss? Is there a problem you don't understand? Hmm, I'm here and will try to explain it to you if your thinking isn't just fantasy, because I don't have answers for fantasy things."

Maria looked at him with contempt, but her expression also turned sarcastic.

She said nonchalantly and sarcastically: "Sorry, senile old man, but I'm not talking to a fantasy like you, so I don't need any other imaginary thoughts."

The senile old man chuckled at what Maria had said.

He spoke, raising one eyebrow in curiosity, with a small smile: "I apologize for being such an annoying fantasy to you, but I wonder why you call me the 'senile old man' when I'm in my fifties, and I don't look that bad."

The old man's words were true; he was in his fifties, but he looked as if he were in his thirties. His face showed health and handsomeness, with neatly styled hair and very light blonde color. His sharp eyes with green pupils, tall stature, and slender, athletic build were noticeable. He wore neat, clean clothes.

(What his clothes looked like: A light orange shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the first button of the shirt unbuttoned. He wore dark brown pants, tucking the shirt inside. He had shiny, elegant brown leather shoes and a small hat atop his hair, adding a modern watch from the famous brand "WINDHIVE" to his look.)

But despite the handsomeness of the "senile old man," "Help me, guys, I loved the word 'senile old man' 😭"

Maria didn't care about his appearance, which attracted some mothers who walked by and praised the old man's looks.

Maria spoke with sarcasm and boredom, her face expressing disbelief and disgust: "What is it that those women see in you that I don't see, you senile old man?"

The old man smiled provocatively and then arrogantly raised his hair with his hand, with shiny effects appearing around him. He said with pride: "What they see in me is matters that concern adults, and you are still too young to understand them."

After he finished speaking, a few women were talking among themselves about the old man's handsomeness, as Maria called him. Some of them were whispering praises.

Maria overheard a few repeated words from the women, like: "Ah, look at him, he's so handsome. I wonder if he has a wife and children. I want to see my luck."

Another one said: "I wish my husband resembled him, even just a little."

Maria looked at those women with a disgusted expression, unable to believe what they were saying.

The old man spoke calmly with a natural expression: "Are you hungry? Because I'm going to have my second meal of the day."

Maria slowly turned her head towards the old man with an expression of disbelief.

She said in surprise, still with the same expression on her face: "What do you mean by 'my second meal of the day'?"

The old man had an expression of surprise, raising his eyebrow at Maria's question, but in a second, he understood what Maria meant and said, smiling: "Yes, because I've been taking more than one student from around Japan, starting from 4:00 AM until now, and you are student number 201 that I've taken with me on my journey today."

Maria still had the same disbelieving expression, but after two seconds, she understood the situation and made an "Oh" sound.

Then the old man repeated his previous question to her: "Are you hungry or not?"

And, in her usual way, Maria didn't refuse the offer and agreed, saying: "Yes, what do you think, am I going to refuse this offer? Impossible! Now, where is the restaurant we're going to eat from?"

The old man smiled lightly at the way Maria spoke and agreed to the offer as she said.

He said, still smiling, pointing to a small kiosk that sold simple but delicious food: "There is no restaurant in this neighborhood, but there are many food kiosks with delicious food that you will like."

Maria looked at the place the old, senile man was pointing to, raising her eyebrows in disbelief and said with an uncomprehending expression: "I've heard that the food from the stalls is unhygienic and tastes bad."

The old, senile man looked at her with a calm smile, but at the same time, it carried a hint of sarcasm: "I wouldn't be surprised by such ideas from the upper class. All those rumors are false. Well, most of the stalls around the world are clean and serve delicious food, but a few of them are not clean. You can tell the difference between the clean and the dirty ones if you have what's called 'a discerning eye.'"

The old man's words were true. The stall he wanted to go to was clean and not contaminated. The worker was wearing gloves so as not to touch the food with his hands, and his clothes were clean and simple.

Maria also noticed this, but she hesitated, making a sound of uncertainty, "Aah," because she had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth and had never been to food stalls before. She had always heard bad things about food stalls, which, of course, were brainwashed ideas from the wealthy class. That's why she was hesitant about trying something new.

The old, senile man looked at her with a smile, enjoying her hesitation, and then turned his whole body, positioning his back towards Maria, ready to leave. He said, "Oh, princess, your Knight won't wait for long, so make your decision quickly, we don't have much time."

Maria quickly glanced at him, thought for a moment, and said to herself, looking down in thought, "Even if I die from this food, at least I won't die alone." After saying these last words, she smiled sarcastically and raised her gaze to the old man, saying confidently, "Alright, I'm in. (She began walking slowly and confidently in front of the old man, adding to her words) Even if I die from this food, I won't die alone, will I?"

Maria continued walking toward the stall confidently, while the old, senile man looked at her with admiration for her confidence. However, after he fully processed what she had said, he shouted in annoyance, "Hey! Little girl, how can you say that to me?"

He started chasing after her, annoyed and muttering irritably.

\ With the passing of minutes /

Both Maria and the old, senile man were sitting on wooden seats belonging to the kiosk. Maria sat on the opposite side, and the same applied to him. He ordered the food because Maria didn't know what to order, as this was all a new experience for her. So, he ordered on her behalf.

During their wait for the food, a light silence settled between them. However, it wasn't an awkward or tense silence, but rather a comfortable one.

They watched the simple, modern buildings with a touch of old Japanese architecture. The streets were beautiful and clean, with lovely public gardens and wooden benches for sitting. There were many kiosks scattered here and there, and various shops selling different items. Modern cars could be seen, along with a few old horse-drawn carriages.

This neighborhood, despite being modern and typical for the ordinary working class, still had its share of traditional elements. The hissing of modern cars, the sound of carriage wheels, the footsteps of passersby, and the delightful aroma of delicious food.

Maria smiled happily because she didn't often visit a neighborhood like this. Her trips were usually limited to passing through the rich districts if she were going to a traditional-style neighborhood. And if she wanted to go to a modern-style neighborhood, she also had to pass through the rich districts. Rarely did she wander into middle-class neighborhoods.

But she realized how this neighborhood seemed to be filled with comfort and peace, unlike the wealthy districts where one would feel uncomfortable, as everyone tried to show off their wealth and take pride in what they had.

Her facial expression changed to one of curiosity; she wanted to know how the lower class, the workers, and the poor lived. How did their lives look? Was it beautiful, attractive, and comfortable like the middle-class neighborhoods, or uncomfortable and disturbing like the wealthy ones? She had never visited such neighborhoods in any country she had been to in her life, but she had heard a few talks from the women who used to visit her mother's house.

During her mother's visits, they would talk about the middle-class, the workers, and the poor neighborhoods in a negative way, especially the poor neighborhoods. From that day on, curiosity grew inside her to know what those neighborhoods looked like.

What pulled her out of her thoughts was the sound of plates being placed on the wooden table.

She looked at the plates, and there were two plates of spicy ramen, one plate of fried chicken, two sandwiches with canned fish and ketchup, and two glasses of fresh mango juice.

Maria was amazed by the sight of the dishes and their delicious aroma. Her eyes sparkled with astonishment as she opened her mouth in a small circle and let out a soft "Wow" of admiration for the food.

She grabbed the wooden chopsticks to unwrap the outer cover and held them with both hands (🙏🏻), then said loudly, enjoying, "Thank you for the food." After she said those words, she immediately dipped the chopsticks into her spicy ramen bowl, lifted the pasta, blew on it a little, then opened her mouth wide and took a bite. She started chewing the food, then swallowed it.

She smiled in pleasure, her eyes closing as she savored the moment. There was a hint of redness on her cheeks. She let out a sound of enjoyment, "Haaah," and then, in delight, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "It's delicious!" This caused the passersby to turn toward her in surprise.

In just two seconds, Maria started eating the spicy ramen quickly, savoring every bite with enjoyment. Meanwhile, on the other side, the old, senile man was watching her with expressions of affection, admiration, and happiness for Maria.

He observed her, admitting to himself that she was very beautiful, her beauty irresistible despite her young age. Adding to her beauty, she possessed an equally captivating personality. He sighed quietly, shifting his gaze and thoughts to his own plate.

—

Minutes passed as they both ate their meals quickly, but that didn't stop them from enjoying the food. While Maria relished every bite of her meal with the refreshing mango juice, the old, senile man—whom Maria referred to as such—kept glancing at her discreetly.

When they finished their meals, Maria smiled with overwhelming happiness, holding her stomach due to fullness. She went to wash her hands and mouth at a nearby roadside faucet.

The old, senile man, as Maria called him, approached her, carrying some tissues while tucking his wallet into one of his pants' pockets.

He handed the tissues to Maria, who took them and began drying her hands and mouth. Afterward, she threw the tissues into the street trash bin. Then, she took out her wallet from her pants' pocket.

She wanted to go to the kiosk where she and the old, senile man had eaten, intending to pay for her share and his as a token of gratitude for letting her try something new.

As she approached the stall, her arm was gently grabbed and pulled. Maria turned her head in annoyance to see who had pulled her, only to find that it was the "old senile man."

She raised her eyebrows in disapproval and said in a questioning tone, "What?"

The old man replied calmly with a composed expression, "Don't worry, I already paid the bill."

Maria was still confused and said with disapproval, "And why did you pay?"

The old man spoke calmly, "I was the one who invited you to eat with me, so it was my responsibility to pay in the first place."

However, Maria didn't accept the idea. She turned to go pay the bill herself. The old man grabbed her shoulders, trying to stop her, but Maria was stubborn. He let out a sigh of frustration, unsure of what to do, before finally making a decision.

As Maria resisted, the old man turned her around so they were facing each other. Maria paused her struggle for a moment, surprised. The old man bent down slightly, and Maria followed his movements with her eyes, her expression puzzled and questioning.

The old man wrapped his strong arms around Maria's legs, lifting them off the ground. Her torso bent forward onto his shoulders, her upper body resting against his back.

In one second, Maria realized how he was carrying her, and she quickly exclaimed, "Huh?!" in disbelief.

The old man began walking toward the carriage, where the horses were ready, having eaten plenty of apples and drunk water.

The old man (or as Maria called him, the senile old man) approached the carriage door, grabbed the handle, and opened it. Then, with complete indifference, he threw Maria inside the carriage forcefully and slammed the door shut without a care.

Maria quickly regained herself and immediately sat on the floor of the carriage with annoyance and a frown. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest and pulled her legs close to her as well.

At that moment, she felt the carriage begin to move. She sighed to ease her irritation and looked at the small front window of the carriage. She saw the back of the old man's head. Slowly, she stood up, placed her feet on the seats of the carriage, rested her hands above the window, and brought her face closer to the small front window of the carriage.

With an annoyed expression, her eyes narrowing, and a look that reflected her frustration despite her attempts to stay calm, she said, "Hey! Why did you do that?"

But the old man, whom Maria referred to as the "senile old man," didn't respond or even turn to her.

She let out a light huff, frowning, her eyes narrowing further, and repeated her question, "Hey! I'm talking to you, you senile old man! Why won't you answer me? Why did you do that?"

Once again, he didn't reply.

She sighed in exasperation and then said, "Fine, don't tell me. Just—can you stop the carriage? I want to sit in the driver's seat too. I want to try it out."

Still, he didn't answer her. Maria became more irritated and opened her mouth to repeat herself, but suddenly, the carriage came to a stop.

Maria was surprised as she opened her eyes wide, but what brought her back to her senses was the voice of the old man, as she calls him, in his calm voice saying without turning his head towards her: "Come on, quickly. I don't have time to listen to your annoying voice much, so get down quickly, we don't have time."

Maria's face brightened again, and she quickly got down from the seat, opened the carriage door, and got out. She closed it and approached the place where the man, whose name she still didn't know and calls him the old man, was sitting. She sat beside him, flying with happiness because she had wanted to try this but was always prevented from sitting there.

But today was her chance. The old man had an unreadable yet thoughtful and calm expression, and he was looking at Maria's happy face. Then he turned his gaze forward, raised his arms, holding the horse reins, and struck them. The horses began to move.

The carriage started moving, and its wheels made a sound of friction on the ground.

---

Time: 11:56 AM

Date: 01/01/1902

City: In the outskirts of Kyoto

Location: Inside a large and vast forest on the outskirts of Kyoto

In that large and vast forest, the carriage carrying Maria moved quietly through the middle of the woods.

Maria was still sitting in the same spot she had been in an hour ago, admiring the scene of the forest around her.

The trees were very tall and numerous, scattered in various places. The leaves were a dark green, and because of the abundance and height of the trunks, the branches intertwined and the leaves overlapped, blocking half of the sunlight. However, the light still filtered through some small gaps between the leaves.

The light green grass adorned the ground, surrounded by flowers of various shapes and colors. The flowers were incredibly beautiful, and Maria seemed drawn to them, though at the same time, she was puzzled. She realized that she had never seen flowers like these before.

Maria, who adored nature, especially flowers, knew all the types of flowers that grew around the world. She had learned about their benefits and uses, and she could name all their types. Yet, this was the first time she had seen such flowers, and she wondered to herself about their kind.

She turned her head toward the old man, whom she referred to as "the senile old man," but noticed the look of discomfort on his face. She decided not to disturb him further, so she kept her question to herself and turned her gaze forward again.

—

Time: 12:00 AM

Location: "Purity" School, an architectural masterpiece blending modern and classic Victorian styles. The towering building with its unique design consists of four main colors: white, black, gold, and orange, giving it a royal appearance that captures attention. Its facade is adorned with intricately carved marble columns, and long windows are decorated with golden patterns that reflect the sunlight, casting a magical glow over the building.

At the main entrance, there is a wide front courtyard resembling a lush green garden. The ground is covered with polished white stone, interspersed with meticulously paved pathways leading to a massive gate with golden details, engraved with the symbols of the organization. The garden is filled with a variety of plants, from tall shade trees to green grasses that emit a faint aromatic scent. Colorful roses are neatly arranged around a magnificent fountain at the center of the courtyard, with water flowing gently from it, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

As for the back courtyard, it contains a large water pond, its clear water reflecting the blue sky and the school's lights at night. Around the pond, colorful flowers add a romantic ambiance to the place. There were also white-painted wooden benches, carefully placed under the shade of large trees that surrounded the area.

The school is enclosed by a tall, wide metal fence, topped with ornate decorations in harmonious geometric shapes. Outside the fence, tall trees surround the academy, their branches waving as if guarding the place. At night, soft lights fixed along the fence illuminate the path, giving a sense of security and calm.

The design of the school reflects a dedication to detail, where modernity and tradition harmonize in every corner, making it a unique place that combines heritage and elegance, fitting for a school called "Purity."

---

There was a large group of students, both girls and boys, too numerous to count. They were all new students at Purity School, wearing the school uniform, with Japanese words engraved on their right eyes.

Some students began to introduce themselves and started talking to each other, while others remained silent. Their expressions varied from boredom, indifference, anticipation, or even apathy, creating a contrasting atmosphere in the place.

Meanwhile, a carriage arrived at the front courtyard of the school, carrying Maria Asahina. The carriage stopped, and Maria gracefully jumped from her seat to the ground. She stood firmly, placing her hands on her hips with her feet slightly apart, and smiled brightly. However, her facial expression quickly changed to one of surprise as she noticed the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the students.

She sighed in despair before turning toward the old man, whom she called "the senile old man." She smiled at him gently, then fully turned her body toward him and said with a bright smile: "Thank you for this enjoyable ride. I hope to repeat it with you again."

The old man, whom Maria had called "the senile old man," looked at her with boredom. But upon hearing her last words, "I hope to repeat it with you again," his expression shifted to one of deep thought.

Maria smiled for a moment, but then she remembered something and asked him in a curious tone: "Ah, I forgot to ask... what is your name?"

The old man smiled calmly but did not answer her question immediately. He grabbed the horse reins, prepared to depart, and then said in a confident and slightly raised voice: "Albert Johnson. It was a pleasure meeting you, Asahina Maria."

The horses began to move, and the carriage gradually pulled away from the courtyard. Maria waved her hand in the air, bidding farewell to the man she had called "the senile old man," whose real name she had finally learned to be Albert Johnson.

—

After bidding farewell to Albert, who worked for the organization to transport new students, Maria turned lightly to look around. Her wide eyes moved between the faces with curiosity that she couldn't hide. She began observing the students around her, reading their expressions, trying to decipher what was going on in their minds. Their features were a mix of tension, indifference, and even curiosity, but she couldn't deduce much.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice coming from the top of the stairs: "Maaaria!"

The voice was loud and annoyed, with a clear emphasis on the first two letters of her name, causing Maria to freeze in place. Her eyes widened in shock, and her face reflected a look of disbelief, while her slightly open mouth mirrored her confusion. For a moment, she just stared blankly ahead, as if her mind was trying to process what had just happened. The voice was so familiar to her, and she didn't need much thought to recognize its owner.

Slowly, she began to turn her body toward the source of the voice, her eyes following the movement of her head until it stopped at the stairs. She lifted her gaze upward to see two people standing there.

Tsuyoko Nakamura, her childhood friend, was standing beside her older brother, Yuta Nakamura.

Tsuyoko's expression was filled with annoyance. Her lips were pursed in a frown, and her narrowed eyes held a look of disbelief. She crossed her arms in front of her chest in a gesture that reflected impatience, while standing at a slight angle, conveying her indifferent attitude. She wore the Purity School's official uniform, which appeared neat and well-prepared, but her stance gave the impression that she didn't care much about the place or the situation.

Maria, still in a state of shock, finally composed herself, but she couldn't stop a small smile from appearing on her lips. She whispered to herself, barely audible:

"Tsuyoko... chan."

(The uniform consisted of long white pants and a sleek black shirt, topped with a small white jacket. A red tie added a distinctive touch, and over the jacket, there was a white blazer with elegant black edges. To complete the look, a long white coat, extending to the knees, was worn over the formal jacket, paired with black formal shoes reflecting elegance and discipline.

Yuta wore the exact same outfit as his sister Tsuyoko and Maria, but the only difference was the color of the tie. Maria's tie was dark blue, giving a calm touch that suited her personality, while Yuta chose a bright green tie, reflecting a distinctive look that suited him.)

Yuta's facial expression carried a clear warmth. A gentle smile was on his lips, and his eyes widened in a playful way, resembling a little puppy. He waved his hand excitedly toward Maria, while his other hand was close to his chest, relaxed but with a slight tension that reflected his eagerness to meet.

As for Maria, her facial expression gradually changed. Her lips began to form a wide, bright smile, and the sparkle in her eyes added to the joy of the moment. She couldn't contain her excitement at seeing her childhood friend Tsuyoko and her brother Yuta, whom she considered part of her family, especially Yuta, whom she saw as an older brother to her.

(He is two years older than her, while Tsuyoko is only one year older.)

Maria waved one hand excitedly in the air with childish enthusiasm and naivety, shouting loudly:

"Hey, Tsuo-chan! Yu-chan! Are you really here?!"

(Tsuo is a nickname for Tsuyoko, and Yu is a nickname for Yuta. This is how Maria called her close friends, adding the word "chan" to show her closeness to them.)

The siblings froze in place for a moment, looking at Maria with a mixture of surprise and astonishment at her behavior. Tsuyoko's expression clearly reflected annoyance, and a thought crossed her mind:

"That idiot... doesn't she have what's called eyes? Or has she lost her ability to discern?"

As for Yuta, his features carried a mix of concern and amusement, and he thought to himself:

"Maria-chan... is she okay? I'm worried about her."

Between Tsuyoko's astonishment and Yuta's concern, Maria stood on the ground, waving with indescribable happiness, as if she saw the world only as a canvas filled with friends and bright colors.

Before Maria could ascend the stairs, she suddenly bumped into something on her chest, stopping in her tracks, and lowered her gaze to the ground. The thing was a bit shorter than her, and when she looked, she saw a girl—or perhaps a boy, she couldn't tell clearly. They had long black hair, with the lower ends colored purple. She noticed they were wearing an outfit similar to theirs, but it seemed more childish, and there were no expressions other than coldness.

Their eyes were unclear, foggy, as if covered by a cloud of darkness.

The young man or woman passed Maria without apologizing, which made her feel angry. Her cheeks puffed up with childish anger, and she continued to glare at them with narrowed eyes. Before she followed behind, she remembered the presence of the two siblings.

Tsuyoko's expression was filled with annoyance, as if she was thinking to herself:

"Why am I here?" (While looking at her older brother with a look of disgust, as if wondering: "And why is this my brother? Really?")

As for Yuta, he seemed lost in his own world, his expression reflecting warmth and friendliness toward Maria, and it could be considered naive and innocent.

Maria smiled happily, even though her expression might have seemed silly to some, and she quickly ran toward the stairs. She raised her arms in the air and let out a loud cry, saying:

"Tsuo-chan! Yu-chan!"

The new students around her noticed their gazes shifting between confusion and annoyance at her loud voice. But this didn't bother Maria at all, and she continued moving forward steadily, unconcerned by their reactions.

When she got closer to where Tsuyoko was standing, the latter remained frozen in place, wearing the same usual indifferent expression. She looked at Maria with half-open eyes, raising an eyebrow as if thinking to herself:

"Is my life incomplete without her bothering me?"

As Maria was about to reach her, taking wide steps and calling out "Tsuyoko" loudly, Tsuyoko sighed wearily, her eyes half-closed and her arms crossed, as though she had predicted this exact situation. However, when Maria leapt toward her with arms wide open, Tsuyoko let out a visible sigh this time and gently moved to the side.

Maria didn't have time to adjust her position and fell to the ground, raising her arms above her head as if she were recording a dramatic moment. Her fall made a muffled sound, causing some of the students to laugh quietly.

"Oh my God, Tsuo-chan! You could have caught me!" Maria exclaimed as she lifted her head off the ground, placing one hand on her head to ease the pain. Tsuyoko, however, responded coldly, saying:

"Catch you? I'm not an air mattress."

Then Yuta bent down toward Maria, who was sitting on the ground in pain, and began gently patting her hair. His expression was filled with concern, like a little puppy afraid of something happening to its owner.

Maria smiled warmly at Yuta's considerate reaction, which eased the pain in her heart and brought her comfort.

"Ah!" Tsuyoko chuckled sarcastically, then said in a tone full of disdain and indifference:

"Why didn't you stay in your castle, future princess, and wait for your knight to come and rescue you?"

Yuta helped Maria stand up, then Maria turned to Tsuyoko and said, with complete innocence, a spontaneous smile spreading across her face and voice:

"My knight is right in front of me."

Tsuyoko raised an eyebrow, clearly confused, and her expression showed that she didn't fully understand:

"Huh? What did you say?"

Maria quickly answered, trying to hide what she had said:

"Nothing."

Tsuyoko responded with a hint of pride, her body swaying lightly as if she didn't care about what was happening around her:

"That's what I wanted to hear. So, tell me, what brought you here? Considering you had refused to come earlier."

At first, Maria appeared with a silly and clueless expression, as if she were trying to decipher a mysterious code. But after a few seconds, she understood the situation, and her face lit up with the expression of someone who had just cracked a dangerous code.

She said eagerly, grabbing Yuta's arm and pulling Tsuyoko's arm to bring her closer, with a happy smile and squinting her eyes: "There are two reasons I'm here. The first is that my father forced me to come, and the second is that I knew you two would come, so I thought to myself: why not?"

Yuta responded with a kind and spontaneous smile, closing his eyes as he listened to Maria with interest and admiration. On the other hand, Tsuyoko showed signs of irritation from Maria holding her arm.

Tsuyoko pulled her arm away forcefully and looked at Maria with a clear expression of disgust, causing both Maria and Yuta to wear puzzled and questioning expressions.

After releasing her arm, Tsuyoko placed her hands on her hips and squinted, saying quickly and in a tone full of annoyance and impatience: "This doesn't matter right now! As usual, you're careless. I wouldn't be surprised if you were sent back; you bring bad luck!"

Maria, still with a confused expression, released Yuta's arm. Meanwhile, Yuta noticed Maria's features and thought she looked sad. With clear tension, he tried to speak up to defend her, realizing that Tsuyoko's anger could end up putting him in an uncomfortable situation if he opposed her: "But... my sister, don't say such things to Maria. She's..."

Maria interrupted him, raising her hand in front of his face as a signal for him to stop. She wore a sarcastic expression as she looked at Tsuyoko, who had turned her back halfway to them. Maria's smile was full of mockery, with an eyebrow raised in a teasing manner.

She slowly lowered her hand and said in a tone full of sarcasm, directing her words at Tsuyoko: "Oh, well, I wouldn't be surprised if you were kicked out of the organization. You bring despair, worry, sorrow, misery, and destruction."

A sudden gasp escaped Yuta's mouth, and his eyes widened with fear and concern at what Maria had said to Tsuyoko. He fully understood the disaster that was about to unfold. Meanwhile, Maria wore a sarcastic expression mixed with a hint of pride, as if she had just achieved a great accomplishment.

On the other hand, Tsuyoko remained completely silent, her face shadowed, as if she were the storm before the explosion. After a brief moment, her shoulders and back began to shake with suppressed anger, and then she screamed in a voice filled with rage: "ASAAAAHINAAAA MARIAAAAA!"

When Tsuyoko finished calling Maria's name without turning around, Yuta realized the impending catastrophe. His expression was filled with fear, his eyes wide open, while Maria was the complete opposite. She smiled innocently, squinting her eyes with childish happiness, and cheerfully said: "What's wrong, Tsuu-chan?"

Maria spoke as if the world around her was rosy, unaware that Tsuyoko's anger was about to erupt like a volcano. Tsuyoko turned around with clear anger, her eyes nearly sparking with fury. Yuta remained frozen, still wearing the same fearful expression, while Maria maintained her innocent features.

Tsuyoko screamed in pure fury: "You'll pay for what you just said, you little brat!"

Another small gasp escaped Yuta's mouth, as if he were the one about to be killed instead of Maria. As for Maria, she opened her eyes wide as if she had discovered a great secret, then opened her mouth in an exaggerated circle and said in a tone full of naïveté: "Wow, Tsuyoko-chan, I didn't know you had this ugly side too!"

Yuta looked at Maria in disbelief, a mix of shock and fear flooding him. Quickly, he covered her mouth to stop her from saying more. His expression screamed, "Please, be quiet! You've made it worse!"

But Maria, despite everything, didn't stop with her childish behavior. She raised her hand in a fist and pointed it upward in a victory gesture, then made a muffled sound from behind Yuta's hand: "Yay!"

Yuta gripped Maria's mouth tightly to prevent her from making any more sounds, then looked at his little sister Tsuyoku with clear nervousness, speaking quickly and impulsively: "Heh, you know Maria well, don't you? She says whatever comes to her mind. You know she's a child and her mind is still growing, so let's just leave it for today, alright?"

At first, Maria stared at Tsuyoko, but upon hearing Yuta say, "She says whatever comes to her mind," she slowly raised her head to look at him, her eyes narrowing in annoyance, and her face clearly showing the expression: "Really?! That's how you describe me? Stupid?!"

But Tsuyoko paid no attention to Yuta's words and began to approach Maria with slow, confident steps. The sound of her footsteps pressing on the tiles was clear in the area, causing some students to look at her in confusion.

Yuta sighed deeply, realizing that Tsuyoko wouldn't calm down until she vented her anger with a hit on Maria. So, he decided to let Maria handle it herself. Maria quickly understood the situation but said determinedly, lifting her head defiantly: "I won't run away from my best friend and partner in crime. I'll be mature and talk to her rationally, right, Tsuyu-chan?"

She finished her words with a bright smile, facing Tsuyoko, who was now exhaling steam like an enraged bull.

Maria's expression suddenly changed, from a determined look to a face completely devoid of any emotion. Then she sighed in frustration: "Hmm, all I'm missing now is that bull steam. Damn."

Without hesitation, Maria turned in the opposite direction and started running as fast as she could to save her life.

As for Yuta, he turned toward her and shouted loudly so she could hear: "Hey, Mari! Didn't you say you weren't going to run away from your friend and you'd talk to her rationally?!"

While Maria was still running at full speed, she replied loudly and clearly: "Damn friendships and rationality! What about my life?!"

After saying that, Maria jumped from the stair railing to the ground and started running fast. Tsuyoko immediately shot after her like a bloodthirsty beast. At that moment, Yuta looked at them with a surprised and genuine expression, raising one eyebrow, and said: "she serious?!"

Then he quickly realized he had let them run while he stood there alone, so he said quickly, running toward the same place they had gone: "Hey! Girls, wait for me!"

At the same time

In the school's back yard

Maria was running with all her might, as if her life were in danger. She was panting heavily from the running, sweat pouring down her face, her eyes wide with fear. She glanced behind her and saw Tsuyoko chasing her rapidly, like a bloodthirsty beast.

A terrified scream escaped Maria's mouth, then her gaze returned to the front. Her speed began to decrease gradually as she gasped for breath. She wanted to take a deep breath and rest for a moment, but something inside her made her look back again.

She looked, and saw that Tsuyoko was very close, only a few meters away. What made Maria even more afraid was Tsuyoko's terrifying expression; her eyes were so wide you would think they might pop out of her head, and she was smiling a wide grin that revealed her pink gums.

Another small scream escaped Maria, but this time she tried to strengthen herself and ran with all her might. However, it didn't help, as Tsuyoko closed in on her with incredible speed. Then Tsuyoko immediately jumped onto Maria's back, causing Maria to stagger and both of them to fall to the ground together.

At that moment, Yuta arrived, panting with exhaustion. When he saw Tsuyoko on top of Maria, delivering punches to her face, he felt worried but wasn't shocked, as he had become accustomed to Tsuyoko's behavior. He quickly ran toward them to stop Tsuyoko from continuing the blows that might cause Maria to lose consciousness.

He got closer and saw Tsuyoko delivering strong punches to Maria's face, who was trying to get away but to no avail. Yota intervened quickly, grabbing Tsuyoko and trying to pull her away, but Tsuyoko resisted fiercely, determined to continue punching Maria. Maria took advantage of the situation and started digging her hands into Tsuyoko's body, making her feel pain, which caused Tsuyoko to forget her resistance.

And that's exactly what happened; Tsuyoko began to feel pain, and from the intensity of it, she forgot to resist Yuta pulling her away. Yuta seized the opportunity and dragged her away from Maria, who was still in pain from the blow she had received to her face. She began to wipe the light blood that had trickled from a wound on her lower lip.

While Tsuyoko tried to return to Maria and land more punches, Yuta began humming a song into her ear to calm her down. This had a positive effect, as Tsuyoko gradually started to calm down, eventually stopping all movement. Yuta let out a sigh of relief when he felt that Tsuyoko had become calm.

He looked at Tsuyoko, who was puffing her cheeks in childish anger, turning her gaze away from them, ignoring them, and staring at an empty spot. Yuta smiled gently as he watched her.

Then, Yuta shifted his gaze to Maria, who was quietly howling in pain to avoid making Tsuyoko feel regret, as that was the second thing she didn't want to do to her.

Yuta said sadly, with an apologetic tone: "I apologize for what happened to you on her behalf."

Maria calmly intervened, saying: "Don't apologize, it's not your fault, it's mine. I shouldn't have made her that angry, especially knowing she'd react like this."

Yuta smiled sadly, then turned his gaze to his chest where Tsuyoko was resting, puffing her cheeks in childish anger, just as she had been, and spoke gently to her: "Sis, what do you have to say about this?"

But Tsuyoko continued to maintain the same expression and said nothing, still looking at a different spot. Yuta repeated his words, but this time with more firmness, though still with a slightly soft voice: "Tsuyoko, do you want your big brother to be sad?" Tsuyoko shook her head without saying a word, so Yota continued, "Well then, apologize to her now."

Tsuyoko lifted her head and looked at Yuta, still puffing her cheeks a little. Yota smiled to reassure her, then Tsuyoko lowered her gaze slightly before looking at Maria, who was smiling sarcastically, her eyes filled with challenge, waiting for Tsuyoko's apology.

Tsuyoko furrowed her brows in anger, and a scowl appeared on her face. She then let out a light sigh and said, turning her gaze away from Maria's eyes: "I apologize."

Yuta then said to her, gently patting her head: "Well said, my princess."

At that moment, Maria intervened, her expression provoking, her voice full of sarcasm: "Yes, well done, you obedient puppy."

A moment of silence spread between them, while Yuta's expression showed deep thought, as if saying, "Has she really not learned her lesson?" Meanwhile, Maria displayed a foolish expression, her eyes vacant like two dots, and her mouth open.

As for Tsuyoko, her expression was initially blank, but in an instant, her face transformed into a fierce, aggressive look. Yuta grabbed her firmly, while Maria's face showed fear.

By the pond, there was a man whose face could not be seen, only his feet visible, wearing shiny black leather shoes and olive green pants. He noticed three unfamiliar students near him—Maria, who was sitting on the ground, Yuta, also sitting on the ground, and Tsuyoko in his lap.

The man looked at their clothes and deduced they were students from the organization. He approached them slowly and calmly.

Maria noticed someone approaching them, and the brothers noticed her reaction, so they turned toward the direction she was looking.

The man walked toward them (and of course, you cannot see his facial features because his back is turned to you). He stood in front of them with calm composure, looked at them, and kept glancing at Maria, then at the brothers, raising his eyebrows in curiosity.

The man then focused his gaze on Maria, as if trying to remember where he had seen her before, and said in a firm voice: "The director will begin her speech. Hurry up before you receive a punishment."

A chill ran through all three of them at once, and they quickly stood up from the ground, straightening like soldiers ready for battle, with identical expressions of tension and fear. They said simultaneously, in unison: "Yes, sir."

They then took a step back from him at the same time, then turned in unison and began to run. Tsuyoko was the fastest, while Yuta and Maria tried to keep up with her speed.

As they ran, the man directed his gaze toward all of them, placed his hand on his chin as if thinking, and then said in an inner voice: "I wonder, where have I seen these three before?"

Meanwhile,

The front yard of the Purity School

The three of them arrived at the school's front yard at the same time, and began trying to catch their breath.

Yuta raised his head slightly, panting quietly, but suddenly stopped and widened his eyes.

Both Maria and Tsuyoko noticed Yuta freeze, so they turned to him with expressions of surprise. Then, they looked at the same place Yota was staring at.

...

The two girls froze in place as well when they saw a large crowd of students standing in organized rows, looking at them with expressions of surprise and curiosity.

At that moment, a soft, small voice came from the top of the stairs: "The remaining students have arrived."

The three of them turned toward the stairs at the same time.

They saw the girl who spoke, with medium-length, wavy hair, and beside her stood a girl who looked exactly like her. It turned out they were twins, but with different hairstyles; one had medium-length, wavy hair, while the other had short, straight hair. Their hair color was yellow with brown gradients, with different colored tips; one had light blue tips, while the other had dark greenish-blue tips. Their eyes were wide, showing the shine of their orange-colored pupils, and both had the same Japanese word written in their right eyes, which was [Air].

They were wearing lip gloss, and their outfits were of the same color but with different designs.

(The younger girl with short hair, having bright, childlike features, appeared wearing a traditional Victorian-inspired outfit that combined formal elegance with a charming feminine touch. The short black pants that reached mid-thigh gently revealed her legs, while two dark greenish-blue lines on the sides added a modern touch, highlighting the unique design.

The black silk shirt, with long and wide sleeves, gave her look an air of luxury. The sleeve cuffs smoothly tucked under the pants, accentuating her well-organized and stylish appearance. The shiny gold buttons harmonized with the white scarf she wore over the shirt, which was sleeveless and reached her waist. A long tail extended down the side of her back, adorned with wide golden lines and dark greenish-blue areas that added a sense of distinction and sophistication. The small pink buttons carefully scattered across the scarf gave it a delicate touch, fitting for her age and personality.

The simple black ribbon tie added a formal look befitting her role as a student guide, without losing the youthful touch of her design.

She completed her appearance with elegant shoes with a medium-height collar that covered her feet completely, almost reaching her knees. The pure white color contrasted with the medium-length black heel, reflecting a blend of strength and femininity. What stood out about the shoes was the small pink ribbon on the sides, adding a playful touch that suited her bright features.

With this look, she combined calmness and sweetness with a hidden strength reflected in her confident, serene gaze. Her childlike features harmonized with the design that highlighted her innocence, while the details of the outfit hinted at her inner strength and courage. This appearance made her a symbol for the students, balancing inspiration and comfort, a character that earned respect and admiration without losing the touch of innocence that set her apart.

---

The older twin, with medium-length hair, appeared with her calmness and dignity that blended with a Victorian-inspired traditional suit, combining feminine elegance with strength that reflected her unique personality. The long white pants, straight and elegant, were distinguished by light blue side lines that added a lively touch to the design, balancing formality and allure.

The white silk shirt with long, wide sleeves flowed smoothly under the pants, while the gold buttons illuminated the look with luxurious refinement. Over the shirt, she wore an elegant black scarf that began at her neck and gracefully flowed down to her waist, with a long tail extending down the side of her back, decorated with prominent golden lines and light blue areas that harmonized with the pants' lines. The small pink buttons added a soft, innocent touch, reminding of her pure character.

The short white tie highlighted the beauty of her small V-shaped collar, giving the suit a smooth, refined look without complexity.

She completed her appearance with medium-neck shoes hidden under the white pants, made from soft black leather. The medium-length heel was white, harmonizing with the suit, while the small pink ribbon on the sides of the shoes added a playful touch that matched her calm and sweet features.

With this suit design, the older twin appeared as an embodiment of composure and tranquility. Her calm, childlike features harmonized with the softness of the fabric and the light color gradients, while the golden and blue lines added strength and charm to her appearance. Her rational and strong personality showed through the simplicity of the details, making her an ideal guide, exuding a calm confidence and a charm that made her a role model for the students.)

After the girl with medium-length hair spoke, both of them stepped back, bowing slightly toward the person who stood in the shadow. Only the lower half of their body could be seen, but one thing was certain—the person was tall.

The figure slowly emerged from the dark spot, walking with a confident and majestic stride. The details of their clothing began to gradually become clearer.

Their hair, medium-length and wavy, was yellow with brownish shades, the lower tips tinged in lavender. Then, their sharp eyes became visible, with an orange iris, and a symbol appeared in the right eye, marked with the word [Air].

The shape of their face was now clearly visible, revealing that the person was a woman.

Her face was sharp, showing no expression except seriousness and severity. She was dressed in elegant attire.

(The woman stands confidently, dressed in a traditional Victorian-inspired suit that blends femininity and strength beautifully. The black, tight pants highlight the length of her legs and elegance, tightly fitted at her high waist, while the black shirt with long sleeves smoothly fits under a distinctive long white jacket. The golden buttons on the shirt gleam with luxury, adding an air of grandeur to her appearance.

The high collar of the shirt covers her neck entirely, adding an element of mystery and prestige, while a straight line runs down the shirt to elegantly showcase the golden buttons. The white tie, designed like a ribbon, adds a traditional feminine touch, with a large golden button in the center that shines under the light, symbolizing her high status.

The long Victorian jacket features wide golden lines that flow across the luxurious white fabric, with touches of lavender that add a halo of purity and distinction. The golden belt around her waist is adorned with elegant lavender patterns, accentuating her slim figure and drawing attention to the details of the suit.

She completes her look with knee-high boots made of soft white leather, with medium-length golden heels that add strength and refinement. What catches the eye is the lavender crystal in the center of the boots, giving them a unique and luxurious touch.)

The principal presents herself with a strict and powerful demeanor. Her sharp, stern features harmonize with the suit that reflects her imposing presence. Her cold gaze makes it difficult for anyone to hold eye contact for long, while her Victorian-inspired elegance adds a classical dimension to her grandeur.

The woman glanced at all the students standing in the front row with a sharp gaze, causing tension to appear on their faces.

She then shifted her gaze away from the students and looked at the three latecomers who were staring at her in shock. However, as soon as they met her piercing eyes, they immediately stood upright like soldiers, nervous under the weight of her gaze, which felt like daggers.

The woman opened her mouth and spoke in a strong, imposing voice that sent chills of fear through everyone in the courtyard: "So, you are the students who are late, aren't you?" She emphasized the last two words sharply.

The three lowered their gazes to the ground, as if they felt that if they looked up at her, they would face their inevitable fate.

None of them spoke to justify their actions, afraid of the woman.

The woman continued to stare at them, waiting for an explanation, but none of them tried to speak. She then shifted her gaze away from them and looked forward, speaking in a calm yet still commanding voice: "Don't do it again. This is the first warning. Is that clear?"

The three responded simultaneously, still not lifting their eyes from the ground: "Yes."

The twin girls with short hair spoke to Maria, Tsuyoko, and Yuta in a gentle tone: "Alright, now you can take your places."

Without saying anything further, they quickly ran to stand in their spots to avoid further embarrassment.

They found three empty spaces in the same area and stood there. Maria stood on the right side, while Yuta stood on the left, and Tsuyoko stood in the middle.

They all listened intently to what the woman was saying, so they wouldn't be reprimanded again.

The entire area was filled only with the light, cool breeze of the air.

The woman closed her eyes, then took a deep breath and exhaled calmly. She began to slowly open her eyes.

Her eyes held coldness and sharpness, and her expression was stern and unwelcoming. She placed her hands behind her back and stood confidently, then spoke in a strong and decisive voice: "I will not repeat myself. You came here by your own will. You were the ones who agreed to come, so you will have to endure the hardships and dangers. Even if you die, die with honor. Is that clear? We help the weak, the innocent, and the oppressed, and we kill every tyrant and villain in this life. Our enemy is one, and that is the eradication of the Embras creatures that our ancestors fought. Is that clear? Now, you will learn how to fight and face adversity, and you will learn how to use your minds, which I see have been buried under the dirt because you've never used them before."

All the students in the courtyard felt embarrassed by the woman's words.

The woman looked at them indifferently, moving her gaze from one to another, then turned to enter the school building. But before she began walking, she spoke loudly again, directing her words to them: "Isabel Martinez, Headmistress of the Purity Organization."

She then said no more and started walking inside. The other two girls bowed respectfully to the students, then lifted their heads, and the twin with medium-length hair said: "My name is Anabelle Martinez." She paused for a moment, then the twin with short hair continued: "And I am Adriana Martinez." They both said at the same time: "We are your guides. If any of you need help, we hope you ask us politely, and we will fulfill your request. Now, we hope you enter the school so we can show you to your rooms."

After they finished speaking, they began walking inside. All the students followed them, careful not to fall behind.

Yuta and Tsuyoko began walking, but Tsuyoko noticed that Maria had not walked with them, so she turned around to find Maria staring absentmindedly at the sky. Yuta also stopped and looked at Maria with a questioning expression.

Then Maria spoke in a distant tone, still staring at the sky: "So, we've started a new story."

Tsuyoko looked at Yuta in surprise, who mirrored the same expression, and then they both looked at Maria at the same time.

Maria continued speaking absentmindedly: "So, that means I'll die if I fail a mission."

Yuta and Tsuyoko were shocked by Maria's words, and Yuta, trying to approach her, raised his hand lightly toward her with hesitation: "Maria..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Maria jumped with joy, as if she were a crazy person escaping from a mental hospital, and said excitedly: "That means I'll go on the same adventures I used to watch in anime and read about in fairy tales! Yes, oh, now I need to find the hero of this story who will defeat the main villain!"

Yuta was frozen in shock at Maria's sudden change from distant to excited, while Tsuyoko showed an indifferent expression with a slight smile, as she knew Maria's mood swings constantly.

Maria began hopping like a rabbit, then started running enthusiastically and happily toward the entrance of the Purity School, with sounds of joy and excitement emanating from her. Yuta ran after her, worried that something bad might happen to her while she was oblivious.

As for Tsuyoko, she smiled with a distant grin at Maria's antics, then chuckled lightly. Afterward, she put her hands in her pants pockets and began walking behind them.

To be continued...

I hope you enjoyed this episode! And with that, we've finished Episode 1, and I will now begin writing Episode 2. Don't forget to leave a like and write your comments about the chapter!

1.What do you think of the outfits?

2.And how about the school director and her behavior?

3.How did you find the characters of Maria, Tsuyoko, and Yuta?

4.Also, what about the powerful strike Tsuyoko gave Maria?

And I'm sure you guys are amazing, but hehe, you're in second place 😎 I'm in first place for being surprised 😂