Chapter 87– A Path of My Own

The walk back to my dorm was quiet. The academy grounds had begun to settle into the evening, with students moving in groups, chatting about their day.

I walked alone.

I had gotten close to them.

Leonhardt, Alicia, Seraphina, Reynard, Luca, Sylvara, Elena… In the past few months, I had interacted with them more than I expected. Not just in training or battles, but in casual conversations, study discussions, and even moments where we simply sat together after a long day.

Yet, I kept my distance.

Not physically, but emotionally.

The images of that night at the black market flashed in my mind—the sheer chaos, the screams, the way blood pooled beneath lifeless bodies.

I had seen death before. In my past life, I had spent years lying in a hospital bed, knowing my time was running out. But this… this was different.

This was slaughter.

And I knew, deep down, that if I got too close to people, it would only make things harder.

"You're thinking too much again," Kurenai murmured.

I glanced at my sword, strapped securely to my waist. "Am I?"

"Yes, Master. It is natural to bond with others. Even the greatest warriors had comrades," she said. "You are strong, but you are not invincible."

"Companions only make things more complicated," I muttered. "If I care too much, I'll hesitate. I can't afford that."

"Hmph, what a boring way to live," Shiranui said, her voice playful but laced with understanding. The little fox, resting on my shoulder, flicked her tail. "But… I get it. You're scared."

I stopped walking. "Scared?"

"You don't want to admit it, but deep down, you're afraid. Afraid of losing them. Afraid of feeling that loss."

I looked at the sky. Was she right?

Maybe.

But in this world, emotions could be a weakness.

I exhaled slowly, continuing my steps. "Even if that's true, it doesn't change anything. I have a goal, and I won't let emotions slow me down."

Shiranui sighed. "Then at least be honest with yourself. Don't pretend you don't care at all."

I didn't respond.

The dorm came into view. The lights inside were dim, a quiet comfort after the long day.

As I entered, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it.

For now, I would walk this path alone.

But deep down, a small part of me wondered…

How long could I truly keep my distance?

—

To Be Continued…

Chapter – A Lone Path

The final class of the day had just ended.

I stretched slightly, rolling my shoulders. Today had been eventful, and while I wasn't physically exhausted, my mind was drained. The fights, the evaluations, and Reinhardt's words still lingered in my head.

I just need some rest.

With that thought, I turned toward the dorms, ready to call it a day.

But, of course, things were never that easy.

"Alden!"

I glanced back to see Leonhardt Valerian approaching, his usual confident smirk in place. Behind him, the rest of the main cast followed.

"Come with us. We're heading out to relax for a bit," Leonhardt said. "After today's battles, a break is well deserved, don't you think?"

Alicia von Rosenheim crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You don't seem like the type who socializes much. It's about time you joined us, don't you think?"

Reynard Faulkner grinned. "Yeah, come on. You can't just disappear every time classes end."

Luca Ashenpaw's tail flicked as he added, "We're going to a tavern near the academy. They serve some good food there."

Seraphina Everfrost remained silent, her cold gaze watching me. Judging.

Sylvara Nightwhisper and Elena Brightwind simply smiled, waiting for my response.

I exhaled. "I'll pass."

Leonhardt blinked. "What?"

"I'm tired. I have to rest." I said, keeping my voice calm .

Alicia scoffed. "You're really going to turn this down? Do you even have friends?"

Seraphina finally spoke, her voice smooth but emotionless. "He's not interested. Let him be."

Leonhardt sighed. "Alright, alright. No need to force him." He glanced at me. "But you should join us sometime, Alden."

I said nothing and simply turned away.

The voices of the group faded behind me as I walked toward the dorms.

I wasn't here to make friends.

At least, not yet.

The walk back to my dorm was quiet. The academy grounds had begun to settle into the evening, with students moving in groups, chatting about their day.

I walked alone.

I had gotten close to them.

Leonhardt, Alicia, Seraphina, Reynard, Luca, Sylvara, Elena… In the past few months, I had interacted with them more than I expected. Not just in training or battles, but in casual conversations, study discussions, and even moments where we simply sat together after a long day.

Yet, I kept my distance.

Not physically, but emotionally.

The images of that night at the black market flashed in my mind—the sheer chaos, the screams, the way blood pooled beneath lifeless bodies.

I had seen death before. In my past life, I had spent years lying in a hospital bed, knowing my time was running out. But this… this was different.

This was slaughter.

And I knew, deep down, that if I got too close to people, it would only make things harder.

"You're thinking too much again," Kurenai murmured.

I glanced at my sword, strapped securely to my waist. "Am I?"

"Yes, Master. It is natural to bond with others. Even the greatest warriors had comrades," she said. "You are strong, but you are not invincible."

"Companions only make things more complicated," I muttered. "If I care too much, I'll hesitate. I can't afford that."

"Hmph, what a boring way to live," Shiranui said, her voice playful but laced with understanding. The little fox, resting on my shoulder, flicked her tail. "But… I get it. You're scared."

I stopped walking. "Scared?"

"You don't want to admit it, but deep down, you're afraid. Afraid of losing them. Afraid of feeling that loss."

I looked at the sky. Was she right?

Maybe.

But in this world, emotions could be a weakness.

I exhaled slowly, continuing my steps. "Even if that's true, it doesn't change anything. I have a goal, and I won't let emotions slow me down."

Shiranui sighed. "Then at least be honest with yourself. Don't pretend you don't care at all."

I didn't respond.

The dorm came into view. The lights inside were dim, a quiet comfort after the long day.

As I entered, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it.

For now, I would walk this path alone.

But deep down, a small part of me wondered…

How long could I truly keep my distance?

—

To Be Continued…