A few days had passed. Several envoys from the Empire had visited the three. Through them, special instructions on what will transpire were explained in great detail.
Monsters of such grades were not easily killable by just anyone. The intermittent monster in the ranks of D - B required one to be at least on the same level as the best it could be in combat. Or at the very least have a party comprising of a knight, a mage and a tank.
And as such, Evie, Rowan and Vicius have been labelled as special assets by the Empire. Which in turn has granted them the special privilege to be standing where they are. Eyes wide open with mouths hanging open low.
"I am not seeing things right??" Rowan continued rubbing his eyes.
"It is offaly….surprising." Evie, who was just as shaken, also appeared to be deep in thought.
Vicius, however, simply chose to march forward. Trying to appear as an example for his two friends, that life never waits for anyone. However…
'Maaaan, what the heck is this??? Why are we here??!' His hands were sweat-ridden, and his nape burned.
Hundreds of students flowed through the school gates. Classes would soon begin, which had struck Vicius as odd. Wouldn't there be an orientation meeting first?
'Ah, I remember. The envoys had mentioned the headmaster being away on urgent business.' He fished out a class schedule from his bag.
A special note had been given to him, and most students really. The first classes of the year would be nulled, an incentive to push new students to explore the clubs and join them beforehand. Attached was a map.
"Alright, so I guess it would be best to split up and probe as many clubs as possible. I myself am interested in the spellcrafting club. What about the two of you?" Vicius took the lead and circled some other candidates that could be interesting.
Evie took out her own map and pointed at a stall tucked away in a small corner of the main building. "I will be going to the alchemical club. If possible, I would also like to check out the potioncrafting club."
Those were Evie's specialities; in their old school, she was nicknamed 'The Apothecary' for making strange but medicinal potions.
"You guys are wayyy too intense. Come on, loosen up! We are in the Empire's top academy, and you guys don't wanna check out the girls or guys?" Rowan nudged Vicius with a cheeky smirk on his monkey face.
Evie's eyes ignited at the implication.
"Orrr~ perhaps not. Well, I guess the swordsplay club is calling my name~ Bye bye." And he was gone like the wind.
Vicius wearily looked at Evie.
"You didn't have to stab him with your glare."
"Nonsense. He knows I only have eyes for you and you for me." A slight blush coloured her cheeks.
"Right…of course, how could I forget?" Is what he said.
'This girl is crazy sometimes!' Is what he thought.
==========
After parting, Vicius was quick to explore the building's many features. The clubs he had taken an interest in were not open yet. So he bided his time, walking around eating the food prepared by the homebody club.
"They really know how to make snacks…Maybe I could join them, too."
His steps carried him down the stairs. The soft aroma of cinnamon in the cookies was completely taking over his mind. 'Food is simply the best!'
"Ah shi-" He tripped on the top step.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
But before the girl could look up, his body crashed against hers, sending them both down the academy steps.
Vicius pushed down, his eyes struggling to open.
'Warm? Soft? Strange. I thought the floor of the academy was cold and hard.'
His unfocused gaze looked down at the blushing girl. Her brown hair glistened in the warm light of the rising sun.
"Do you plan on squeezing my boobs all day, or are you gonna get off?" Her voice was authoritative yet had a slight shake to it.
"Crap! Sorry!"
Vicius leapt back, already presenting his neck for the prompt beheading.
The young girl laughed, her green eyes sparkled as tears of laughter glowed brilliantly.
"At least you know your place. Fear not, I know it was a mistake, your neck is safe." She moved in to pin him against the wall with his collar.
"But tell me, little pup, what is your name?" Her smile was nothing short of warm, despite her demeaning language.
"V-Vicius. Vicius Aurelian." His mouth moved mechanically, in fear, one wrong move could jeopardise his freedom.
"I will remember you. By the looks of your uniform. A first year, same as me."
She loosened her grip, allowing Vicius to drop down to his knees in surprise. Her brown hair swished through the air as she left the scene.
But he leapt forward, snatching her hand, yanking her gaze back at him.
"And what is your name?"
The smile spread even further, almost inhumanly so.
"Call me Miss Luminary."
With that, she truly left. Only a wildly beating heart echoed through his mind. A blush redder than any tomato painted his cheeks, his hand trying to latch on to any remnants of her heat.
Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. He knew that feeling all too well. Vicius turned around to see Evie with glowing red eyes.
"So~ you want to get flirty with another girl on your first day?"
She stepped forward.
"After telling you explicitly that you love me and I love you."
Another step.
"Disobedient. Unloyal. Unfaithful. Unlovable."
The final step deleted the space between them. Her body pressed flush against his. A mind-melting blush with a smile that could put any seductress out of business.
"You love me. Right?"
Vicius gulped, afraid to answer no.
"Y-Yes." He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her in by the waist, their face only three inches apart.
[You have activated your Manic System!]
"Whaa-?"