Chapter 21: Preparations

Lesson had just concluded, with Miss Sakkaku dismissing the class before making her swift exit.

Kuroyami trudged out of the classroom and headed toward the academy gate. As he approached, he spotted Ein leaning against the wall, a sword hanging at his waist. 

This time, he was dressed in a black uniform that seemed to absorb the afternoon light around him.

"You are late," Ein stated, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Uhm, I'm sorry," Kuroyami replied, fidgeting with the strap of his bag. "I had class duties and was assisting the class president with organizing documents."

"I didn't ask for an explanation." Ein pushed himself off the wall and began walking, his posture impeccably straight, every movement calculated and precise.

Kuroyami hurried to follow, his own posture a stark contrast—shoulders slumped forward, steps uneven.

 Most students had already departed, leaving an eerie quietness hanging over the academy grounds. Unseen eyes tracked Kuroyami's movements from the shadows.

'I can't tell him I'm having trouble with some classmates,' Kuroyami thought glumly. 'He's already helping me with training. I don't want to burden him further.'

"So Senior, where are we going?" Kuroyami ventured after several minutes of uncomfortable silence.

"Don't call me that," Ein replied, his words sharp as ice.

"Oh okay, I'm sorry," Kuroyami apologized quickly, shrinking into himself.

'The way this guy carries himself really makes me nervous,' Kuroyami thought.

 'It's like he's got this overwhelming aura around him. And if you don't want me to call you senior, then at least tell me how I should address you.'

As they walked through the streets, people instinctively moved out of Ein's path. 

He didn't bother adjusting his route to accommodate others—he simply continued forward, expecting the world to bend around him. And remarkably, it did.

Kuroyami touched his necklace, examining it with growing concern. 

Three of the clovers now bore cracks that seemed deeper than yesterday.

'I don't know anything about this necklace except that I've always had it with me,' he thought, running his finger along one of the fractures.

 'It's my only lead to learning more about myself.'

'But something feels wrong. Deep down, I know something terrible will happen if I let it shatter completely. Yet I don't even understand what's causing it to break in the first place.'

 His worry intensified as the necklace seemed to pulse faintly against his fingertips.

They passed several stalls and clusters of students from various academies. 

A pair of girls nearby turned to stare at Ein as they walked by.

"Hey, look at that guy, isn't he hot?" one whispered, not quite softly enough.

"Yeah, he has a good face, and from that uniform, he's from the mana academy. It's the perfect package," the other responded with barely contained excitement.

'Jeez, I'm walking right next to him, and it's like I don't even exist,' Kuroyami thought, glancing sideways at Ein.

 'From this distance, we can hear everything they're saying, but...' he paused, studying Ein's impassive expression. 'Ein isn't even bothered by it. It's impressive how calm he is. He's honestly so cool compared to me—I'm nothing.'

Ein continued walking as if sealed in his own private universe, oblivious—or perhaps indifferent—to the mixture of fear and admiration he evoked in everyone they passed. 

Kuroyami felt like a mere shadow trailing behind greatness.

---

At the Astra castle, Theo's footsteps echoed through the marble hallway as he approached a door adorned with intricate crystal designs. 

He entered to find Aimi seated on her ornate chair, her posture radiating authority despite her small frame. 

The white fox mask concealed her features as always, adding to her mystique.

"Did you carry out your orders?" she asked, her commanding tone filling the chamber.

"Yes, my lady. I rescued three adventurers I found from certain death," Theo replied, dropping to one knee and bowing his head respectfully.

He proceeded with his detailed explanation, providing a comprehensive report about the events at the abandoned factory.

"A boy with a monster-like presence..." Aimi mused, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest.

 "That's unexpected, but we can deal with that later. Right now, we should focus on evading certain destruction."

The air in the room grew thick, pressure building with each passing second. 

Even the guards standing at attention seemed to breathe more shallowly.

"You handled it well overall," she continued, gesturing for him to rise. 

"You may sit. However, you could have reported faster. I cannot plan our next move without all the details."

"I apologize, but I thought it would be better if I checked on the little lady first," Theo explained, his voice remaining steady.

"I'm aware of that—which is why I'm not punishing you." A sigh escaped from behind her mask. "I feel terrible about leaving her alone for so long."

"I appreciate your kindness," Theo replied as he took his seat.

'My lady is truly impressive,' he thought, observing her composed demeanor.

 'I know she can hardly bear being separated from Chihiro, yet she puts the people and kingdom before her personal feelings. Such dedication is both amazing and admirable in a leader.'

"It's too early to get comfortable," Aimi warned, leaning forward in her chair. 

"There are too many pieces in play that we know nothing about." She exhaled heavily before continuing. "So where is the level seven you mentioned encountering?"

"Right now, she is in the training room, watching the Knights practice," Theo reported.

"Good," Aimi nodded slowly. "We'll need all the strength we can gather for what's coming." Her words hung in the air like a storm cloud, promising darkness on the horizon.