RONA'S POINT OF VIEW
At any moment now, Rhein can discover the truth. Just a little longer and she would be here with me in the palace. I'm only waiting for Father's signal on when to fetch her.
I should be happy with what I've learned—but I can't be. After days of relentless pestering, the king and queen finally told me why Rhein is being targeted by the deore mnarillaza and the Deorcanen Clan.
Even now, I'm still in shock. Inside Rhein's body lies the core of the Juelaetornulus Ruihnas—a stone with the power to destroy both Mnarra and Earth. She was chosen as its guardian because of her powerful hwiztamnarill, perfectly suited to control the deore mnarill it contains.
FORELODY'S POINT OF VIEW
Tomorrow is the selection day, and the senior high students are training like their lives depend on it. My partner and I are in the gymnasium as well, though we're seated at the very top of the bleachers, watching her friends practice with the others below.
"Pracien, aren't you going to train today?" I asked Rhein for what must be the fifth time.
As always, she just gave me a brief smile before replying, "Whatever happens, happens. I don't plan on joining the ranking or the student council anyway. Just a headache waiting to happen."
"And what if your opponent makes it hard for you?" I couldn't help but worry. I know she's confused right now, but she still needs to prepare for her match. "You still have to fight. Don't disgrace yourself as an ecialismnarillaza."
From her shoulder, she lifted me and placed me on her right side. Her hand brushed gently over the feathers on my back.
"These past two days, I've tried. But the result? Nothing. I still don't know any other abilities beyond those of an ofris mnarillaza. Probably because I'm not fully transitioned yet." She turned her gaze back to the gym floor, which had begun to look more like a battlefield than a practice area.
I studied her face for a moment. Ever since we visited the information office, I haven't quite been able to read her. I have no idea what happened while she sent me away, but I'm certain something changed. She smiles more now, hiding whatever thoughts are weighing her down.
"Do you want me to win?" she suddenly asked without looking at me.
"H-huh?" I blinked at her, wondering if I'd heard correctly. No—she really did say it. And after two whole days, this was the first time I'd seen her grin again. "Why? Are you finally going to train?"
"No. I'm just asking." I frowned automatically, but couldn't help smiling at what she said next. "If you want me to win, I'll try… I'll fight."
RHEIN'S POINT OF VIEW
"Rhein, are you sure you're ready? Gosh, I'm the one getting nervous for you!" Lovely said, fanning herself with her hands.
I glanced at all of them and sighed. Forcing a smile, I answered, "Trust me. I'm not about to let my opponent humiliate me, even if I'm still figuring out my mnarill. Remember, I can still use the abilities of an ofris mnarillaza. I can fight even if I'm not fully transitioned into a hwizta mnarillaza yet."
"You're way too carefree," Lovely pouted like a child—so Kate grabbed her and shoved her face-first into the bed.
"O-o-o-ouch! What the hell, Kate? Do you want me to die?!"
"You're acting like a kid. As your closest friend, it's my duty to bring your usual self back."
"You're just jealous of my beautiful face!"
"What? Your ugly face?"
"You shitty—!"
"Monstrous Baby Lovely."
Allie and I could only shrug and shake our heads. This is pretty much every night in our room—apparently, arguments are a form of bonding for these two best friends.
It reminded me of Xyrille and Jean. They'd be exactly like this whenever they fought. I wonder how they're doing now… They're probably furious at me for leaving without any word.
I stood up and pulled my gray hoodie from the cabinet, slipping it on along with the rubber slippers from under my bed.
"Where are you going, Rhein?" Forelody asked, springing up from my pillow.
I just smiled at her before glancing at the two still bickering, and Allie, who was watching me with a furrowed brow.
"Where are you off to now?" Kate asked seriously. "It's curfew. Don't tell me you're sneaking out like last night."
"Better get used to it, Kate," Lovely said with a teasing wink. "Looks like she's planning to make it a habit. Right, Rhein?"
"Something like that," I agreed with a laugh. "Forelody, get some sleep. Don't be like me, struggling to fall asleep every night." I patted her head, as I always did.
"You don't want me to come again?" she asked, giving me a sulky glare. "You're hurting my feelings."
"You really want to lose sleep? You won't be able to watch my fight properly tomorrow if you're tired. Better rest. I'll take you with me another night."
She seemed convinced. "Fine. Be careful."
"I will."
"Don't worry, we'll watch over her," Allie said.
"Thanks." I gave her a meaningful look, and she nodded. "See you later."
I slipped out onto the balcony, leapt onto a tree branch, and dropped silently to the ground.
The surroundings were quiet—no one in sight. Everyone must be asleep by now. It was dark, but the few lights still on in the dorms and the moon's glow gave me enough visibility.
Maybe I am just being paranoid, but I can feel eyes on me. I quickened my pace until I reached the gymnasium. Ever since the announcement about the selection, the place had been left open for students to train in.
Leaning against the door, I focused on sensing the presence outside. My instincts are right—someone is following me. But after a while, they didn't move closer or confront me, so I decided to ignore it.
I didn't bother turning on the lights. The dim moonlight filtering through the small high windows was enough. The only sound was the slap of my slippers against the floor as I walked to the center.
Yesterday, I noticed changes in my mnarill. I can still only use the abilities of an ofris mnarillaza, but the thorns on my vine magic has been turning pure white. Under the right light, they gleamed so brightly they were almost blinding.
With a snap of my fingers, thick leaves grew over the windows, sealing them perfectly so my magic's glow wouldn't be visible from outside.
I sat down and pressed my right palm against the floor. Instantly, countless vines with white thorns burst forth, sprawling across nearly the entire gym.
Thanks to the building's self-restoration mnarill, I didn't have to worry about causing too much damage.
A smile curved my lips as I looked around. I couldn't help but admire the sight.
"This feels… surreal."
I thought I'd be training all night. But soon enough, I found myself grinning at what I saw.