After that, Aira and I entered the classroom together. The moment I stepped in, I realized the room was enormous—nothing like an ordinary school classroom. It felt almost surreal, like something out of a dream.
Aira looked at me and said, "What's wrong with you?"
I shook my head. "Nothing, really."
Hearing that, she turned her face away. I could tell she was hiding something, but we kept talking. Suddenly, someone called my name. I turned around and saw Reinhard. My eyes widened in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" I
asked, confused.
He gave a small, knowing smile. "I'm in your class."
I blinked, trying to understand. "Wait… in our class?"
"Yeah," he replied.
I frowned. "But… I've never seen you here before."
"I was out hunting S-rank monsters," he said casually.
I froze. "You… fought S-rank monsters?"
He nodded. "Yes. It's nothing unusual."
I couldn't hide my shock. I thought to myself… S-rank? That's where the most terrifying monsters dwell—the ones considered the strongest.
S Rank – the deadliest monsters, extremely dangerous.
A Rank – slightly weaker, but still formidable.
B Rank – moderately strong, manageable for most hunters.
And there are countless other ranks. Humans aim to defeat monsters in this world, and for that, gods and angels work to keep balance. If Reinhard can face S-rank monsters… then just how strong must he be? Outwardly, he seems calm, always smiling, with his piercing red eyes.
I asked, "Why did you leave yesterday when you were helping me?"
He shrugged lightly. "I had my own work. That's why I left you behind."
I hesitated. "Did anything happen after you left?"
"No, nothing at all," he reassured me.
We continued talking, and Aira suddenly spoke up. "Reinhard, how many hours do you plan to keep talking to him?"
Reinhard looked at her apologetically. "Sorry, I forgot about you… dear sun princess. If I've made you feel bad with my behavior, please forgive me."
Aira's expression softened but remained firm. "Reinhard… you don't understand. You're still a student now. Don't act so boldly with me. Have you forgotten your childhood friend?"
Reinhard shook his head. "No, I haven't forgotten."
I was stunned by their conversation. "Hey, Aira… is he your childhood friend?"
She nodded. "Yes. We were friends when we were kids."
I was shocked. "You knew each other all along?"
"Yes," she said. "Back then, he protected me."
I paused, trying to process it. "He… protected you?"
"You don't know?" she asked.
I almost forgot. "Right… everyone knows I'm a god," I said.
She smiled faintly. "Yes, I know. But no one else has a boy like him in their world."
He looked slightly embarrassed. "I almost forgot. Forgive me."
I shook my head. "No… it's nothing."
Curious, I asked, "Can you tell me more about him?"
Aira hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, I can… but should I? He didn't have the best childhood."
I was even more intrigued. "What do you mean by that? Did something bad happen to him?"
I asked again gently, "Do you know anything about him?"
Aira's face darkened slightly, but she said softly, "Alright… I'll tell you. But listen carefully."