[ Third Years ]

Natsu leaned back in his chair, resting his head against the backrest as his gaze was set upon the ceiling.

"There's only one student per class, among the third years."

Geoffrey's eyebrows raised for a moment, but then everything clicked.

It all made sense now.

Natsu gazed at Geoffrey. 

"Already realized it? That was quick. Third year assignments are the hardest. Surviving them and getting through them requires a miracle. Being alone in a class turns the assignments into child's play."

Geoffrey nodded.

It made a lot of sense, in a way.

Assignments would usually require entire classes to work together, or pit the students against each other. Being alone probably cut out most of the hard assignments, leaving those that can be easily achieved by yourself.

But then...

"There should be assignments that pit each class against each other," said Geoffrey.

"You're right," said Natsu. "They do have those, but they work together to achieve a neutral outcome. They've been holding the third year classes for a long time, and whenever someone is outed, they usually replace that person with someone they choose."

"This means nobody's ever gone through the final trial."

"That's true. However, things are about to change."

Geoffrey frowned. "How so?"

"President!" yelled Nora.

"Eh, she's right. I've said too much already. Well, the third years are much more busy with us, this year. This means you should have it easy, but keep your eyes open, they'll try to mess with you guys. Especially since you're the A class, the class most likely to have students who could get to third year."

"So you believe the attack on Leo is the work of third years?"

Natsu scratched his head in thought.

"I don't know. It doesn't make much sense, but we're looking into it."

Geoffrey stood up, pushing his chair back.

"Thanks a lot for the information," he said.

Natsu stood up too, quickly imitated by Nora.

"If there's anything, you know where to find us."

Geoffrey nodded, thanking them one more time before heading toward the exit.

If this is how it is, then things are worse than I thought.

He opened the doors and reached the hallway, where Emilia was waiting for him, standing against the wall.

Her face brightened up as soon as she saw him.

"Geoffrey! What happened?! I saw your desk... I heard Leo's at the infirmary..."

Geoffrey took a few steps forward, gently grabbing her shoulder.

"I'm fine. No need to waste your worrying on me."

She smiled, but he could tell she still hadn't truly warmed up to him.

He let go, and started walking toward their classroom, Emilia right next to him.

"So, what now?" she asked.

Geoffrey shrugged. 

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"We've fixed my balance, what's the next step?" she asked.

Geoffrey frowned.

"I'm not too sure what you mean. Is there something else we're supposed to do? I doubt you'll have any more problems from Jet."

"Hmm," she voiced, in thought. "Who are you voting for?"

"I don't know yet, feels like Peter will be the obvious choice."

"Ooh," said Emilia, voicing her surprise.

Am I missing something?

"What is it?" asked Geoffrey.

"I thought you'd vote for Rei."

"Rei?"

"Yeah, I think he's won half the class already. You two seem so close I thought you'd vote for him."

Rei as class leader? 

"Can you tell me who's voting for Rei?"

Emilia looked up, in thought as she tried recalling those she overheard talking about Rei.

Geoffrey had to pull her repeatedly, gently getting her out of the way of others who were walking through the hallway.

Doesn't she see them walking straight at her?

"—And I think that's it. Some are also quite indecisive," said Emilia.

"I'm surprised you know this much," said Geoffrey.

"A lot of these discussions happen during lunch break or after school, if you stayed you'd know too. The other candidates are honestly not popular enough to ever make it. I think you'd have a chance, however," she said.

"I won't run for class president."

"Why? After what happened with Jet and I some people think you were really courageous. Some girls just can't stop talking about you, too."

Geoffrey arched both eyebrows. "Really?"

"What? Are you interested?" 

Her tone was almost accusatory, yet still playful.

"Yeah, I'm interested. Maybe you could arrange a date?" 

He stared at Emilia, analyzing her reaction. She was hard to read, and it looked like she had some interest in him.

I fixed her problem with Jet, so it makes sense she appreciates me a little more now. So let's see...

Instead of answering his question, she changed the subject once more. An approach that wasn't too bad, he thought.

"So, why aren't you concerned about the threat?" asked Emilia.

"Well, for one, I know who did it."

Emilia stopped walking, standing in the middle of the hallway.

"What is it?" asked Geoffrey.

"Who is it?!"

"Ehh," he replied, scratching his head. "I can't tell you."

She frowned. "Why not?"

"It's too early, and you could be working for them."

The surprise on her face was quickly overshadowed by the anger, Geoffrey quickly raising both hands.

"I'm kidding. I know you have nothing to do with this."

She was still pouting; her face already red.

"You sure you know it? Should I make sure you know it?!"

"I wouldn't dare let you show me what that even means..."

They had arrived at the final hallway that would lead them to their classroom. It was quite empty, compared to not long ago.

Geoffrey pulled Emilia aside before going any further, lowering his voice.

"I've had Leo follow someone for the past days. I'm guessing they're the ones who had him attacked."

Emilia took a step forward, closing the distance between them even more. She was unaware of their proximity, her astounded expression inches away from Geoffrey's face.

"You had him follow someone? Why did he even agree to this? Look at what happened to him because of it..."

"It gave us a lot of information."

Geoffrey's neutral gaze matched Emilia's, unbothered by how close she was.

"Information? Your friend is barely alive!" she said, frowning.

Friend?

"When I first asked him, I didn't expect much to come out of it, but I thought it would be better than not doing anything. It's sad that he was attacked, but his bravery will make a difference."

"I can't believe you..." she said, with a disappointed tone. "And so? What conclusion did you come to?" 

"For now, none. All I know is that this vote won't be as simple as it seems."