RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
Allie and I exchanged glances. I decided to introduce ourselves, knowing how much of an introvert she is. Honestly, the only reason she even joined the academy now was because she has someone familiar by her side—me.
"Hello, roommates! This is Allie Frost, an aias and aiasho mnarillaza. Her pracien's name is Owlice. And me, I'm Rhein Gomez, and this is my pracien, Forelody. I'm a…"
The words caught in my throat. For some reason, it was hard to say my mnarillaza type aloud. "…I-I'm a…"
"You're a…?" one of them prompted.
Allie came to my rescue. "She's a hwizta mnarillaza. She only found out earlier, so she's still in disbelief."
"Whoa. Really? But judging from your pracien's color, I would've guessed you're an ofris mnarillaza." Lovely's eyes widened. "Good you have told us. Are you a princess?"
I quickly shook my head. "No."
"What a shame." She pouted in disappointment, but her wide smile returned just as quickly. Turning to Kate, whose face remained serious, she exclaimed, "We're so lucky, Kate! Our roommates are both special-type mnarillazas!"
Before we could react, she suddenly pulled us into a tight hug. "From now on, we'll be good friends!"
We burst into laughter as she bounced over to her bed and began jumping on it like an excited child.
They invited us to have lunch in the cafeteria. Allie and I had planned to nap—we barely slept last night—but we couldn't refuse, especially when they each grabbed one of our arms and dragged us along.
"Rhein, your friends are… unusual," Forelody said cheerfully.
"Yup," I agreed. "Definitely unusual."
FORELODY'S POINT OF VIEW
I had known Rhein was a hwizta mnarillaza from the moment I emerged from her blood. I was going to tell her the truth, but Grandfather Lembo told me not to—at least, not yet. Because she's a princess, she must undergo the same trials as her sibling.
I was just as shocked as anyone to learn my pracien is a princess. The confirmation came when her sister, Princess Rona, spoke to me after Rhein lost consciousness.
To be honest, I lied to Rhein when I said I didn't see the deore mnarillaza or the snakes that appeared that time. Princess Rona had instructed me to feign ignorance. Luckily, I'd also managed to convince Allie and the Great Crescent Master to keep the truth from her.
I could feel my partner's confusion about everything she's discovering, and it only worsened when she saw her badge and realized her true mnarillaza type. I didn't know what to say to her anymore, so I chose silence.
A faint, bittersweet smile formed on my lips as I watched her sleep peacefully.
"Pracien… just a little longer, and you'll know the truth soon."
DYLAN'S POINT OF VIEW
At last, our mission was finally over. And here I am—back to school life and its never-ending exhaustion.
It was already late at night when I stepped out of Principal Oak's office. Because I'd been gone for several days, the workload had piled up on my desk.
Balancing life as both a student and the student council president is no joke. In the mornings, I have to catch up on missed lessons, and at night, I am buried in academy proposals. Truly, a headache.
"There were so many gorgeous praciens earlier, Dylan. Some of them even winked at me," Tyler said cheerfully, launching into yet another story about his women. He really had it easy, while I was busy wearing myself out.
I shot him a glare. "Shut up, Tyler. I'm not interested. I'm tired. Give me some peace and quiet. Please."
"Hmph! That's exactly why you don't have a girlfriend," he teased.
I gave him a sharp, serious look, which was enough to silence him. This bird just had to poke at me. Not that I felt insulted—I simply wasn't in the mood for banter tonight.
I continued walking toward the dormitory. Just as I was about to step inside the building, I caught sight of a familiar girl with striking green eyes. She was standing alone on the balcony at the very top floor of the girls' dormitory, staring blankly at the moon.
There was a deep look in her eyes, as though her thoughts were tangled in something she couldn't quite grasp. Just a little more time.
"Is there a new mission involving her?" my companion asked.
The girl stepped lightly onto the balcony railing and leapt toward a tree branch, landing gracefully as if it took no effort at all. My lips curved into a faint smile.
"No," I told Tyler. "But I'll take care of her—of my own will."
RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
We went to bed early last night, but I'm still sleep-deprived. My mind just wouldn't stop racing thoughts one after another.
I frowned at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. The uniform looked fine on me—white short-sleeved button-down shirt, gray necktie, gray high pleated skirt, black tights, and black shoes—but I wasn't comfortable. If only we're allowed to wear gray pants instead, that would've been so much better.
Stepping out, I sat on my bed and began combing my hair while glancing at my class schedule.
Grandfather Lembo was right. Mornings would be for regular subjects, while afternoons are dedicated to lessons related to the worlds of Mnarra and mnarill. A mix of nerves and excitement stirred inside me when I spotted Friday afternoon's schedule—half a day of self-training in mnarill.
My gaze drifted to my badge. I pinned it to the left sleeve of my shirt, and with a touch of magic, it adhered instantly, as if it had always been part of the fabric.
Once we had our things ready, we headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. Classes didn't start until seven, so we still had an hour to spare.
We'd already been here yesterday, but I still couldn't help but be in awe of the place. It is nearly the size of a gymnasium, with countless tables and chairs filling the center. Along each wall stood the food stations, lined up neatly.
"Go ahead and take the seats we had yesterday. I'll get our food," Lovely offered.
I actually wanted to experience lining up for myself, so I went with her. "I'll go with you."
"Sure."
The cafeteria is spacious enough that crowding isn't an issue. After picking up our meals, we headed back to our table.
"Oh no! S-sorry!"
When Lovely turned around, she accidentally spilled iced coffee on a student. His three friends immediately burst into laughter. So much for no crowding problems—there is still the risk of collisions.
My gaze lingered on him the moment I sensed his mnarill. A frown creased my forehead, confusion flickering through me, but I quickly masked it, hiding any hint of what I had noticed. I tried to catch a glimpse of his badge, but it was pinned to his left sleeve—just out of sight.