Rei walked alongside with Sylvie as he introduced her to his friends that were walking with them. They have gotten along so quickly since Haruki was almost the same as Sylvie in terms of personality while Hinata and Erika relate to her in knowledge. They shared stories of what happened to their school life such as Sylvie meeting Rei which made everyone shock how it all happened from her being all serious and cold similar to Eunji if she wasn't that ruthless before warming up due to Rei's persistent nature which turned her into a calm, reserved, chill and fun person to be friends with. Rei smiled as he reminisced the peaceful moments that he had with her before all of this happened to him. Sylvie's voice and her presence gave him a chance to feel normal again especially when he was getting a bit used to Kamigami Academy school life. Erika noticed how soft Rei looked as she decided to ask him about it.
"You alright?" She asked quietly but enough for Rei to pick up. "Oh? I'm fine. It's just that I feel a bit normal again. You know, like before I started a new life here I guess." His response gave Erika an understanding of his situation as she nodded her head before continuing their walk.
They immediately began to split apart as some of them needed to go to their extracurricular activities especially with Hinata's Taekwondo club and Erika's newspaper club while Haruki in the photography club. Rei enjoyed his moments with Sylvie at the moment since it may be their last interaction before they go back to their own lives doing what they want to do with themselves. Sylvie brought out her dreams to be a lawyer again but without following her mother's footsteps as she expressed herself to try doing it in her own way by defending those who can't afford a lawyer in serious false accusations. "That's nice." Rei commented before the two of them went to a balcony around the block. "What about you? Any plans after this?" Sylvie asked as she observed how peaceful his academy was from seeing so many people talk to each other normally without showing off their prowess except for some individuals that are entitled nobles.
Rei started to think about what he wanted to do ever since his father passed away. He always told his father that he'll find out in his journey but never found the answer. Definitely not a teacher since he could barely control his emotions and sometimes unable to explain things normally or professionally. Even with his prowess, there was no way he could fit in properly in society. He mimicked lots of prowess yet he doesn't know what to do for the long run of his career. He listed what he could do with his career and prowess usage. Listing from miner to a professional office worker but all that didn't suit him since his prowess would be limited to copying what he had around him.
"You have a kind heart, son. Don't be afraid of it. You have the passion to protect others."
The words of his father struck his heart from a sudden remembrance before he passed away on the hospital bed. Rei clenched his fist tightly as he got a resolve in himself to keep doing what he thought was best. To protect others from danger and corruption in order to build a peaceful society without worrying about potential wars and tragedy.
"You know. Since I'm already here, I might as well go for a sorcerer career." He answered with a confident manner as Sylvie smiled at his expression ever since she started seeing more of him. "A lot of opportunities… I could be an investigator, raid officer or perhaps just be a professional sorcerer that could help out society to build a peaceful environment." Rei added as his eyes met her mint green orbs.
Meanwhile, Keith who was observing could only gag at such sweet interaction before he manifested himself out of the area as he stood next to Eunji who's surprised while she's watching over the other group of guests who's taking a break in the cafeteria area. She shook her head in disapproval as she glared at him with such intensity with her hate.
"What?" Keith asked as he stared into her aqua blue orbs while the set of his eyes roamed around the surroundings. "What do you mean 'what'? Whenever you are out, the first thing you do is always flirt with me or just basically harass me with any means necessary." She started with a hint of venom in her tone.
Keith could only chuckle before leaning a bit close to her face. "Can't help it, sweetie. You're too easy to read and tease ~" He smirked as he dodged a sharp crystal bullet at point blank range before he whistled in a teasing manner.
Rinka, who was both supervising the other guests with Eunji, saw what was happening as she enhanced her hearing while still looking over for the guests. She was surprised to hear the conversation between the two as she deduced whether or not this was a taboo or just something simple. She couldn't help but use this opportunity to tease her best friend later after overseeing the guest when they returned back to their temporary dorm room.
"Fuck me…" Eunji sighed before realising after she said those words as Keith could only grinned while returning a perverted gaze that she hated so much. "That's a nice offer although we're in public unless that's what you're into." His comment made Eunji blush, which Rinka has never seen her like that before.
Rinka noted to herself that she should mention that whenever she's on the losing end of her argument with Eunji for small trivial things or something that she could use as a blackmail to go on easy with her.
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Rei woke up with a groan as he took a look at his clock. 3:00 A.M, he was surprised to see how early he woke up since it was Friday and he took a day off to not overextend himself in both training and current school life. He decided to get up from his bed and start early on either doing what he does most during his spare time such as watching some videos on UTube or go on his GramSta like any person would do on their social media. Rei read through every post or website to entertain himself while also trying to get himself back to fall asleep since this method always helped him sleep faster. A message notification appeared at the top of his phone screen which he took notice of since he never received a message from her unless it's related to school or the extracurricular class.
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[Eunji Chat Log]
Eunji: Rei. Get up and go to room 638
Eunji: Sylvie had a nightmare an hour ago
Eunji: Rinka and I are reassuring her right now
Eunji: I believe this is your moment with her to heal things
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Her text gave Rei a bit of panic but calmed himself down since he needed to be strong for Sylvie. She was always there whenever he had nightmares of his past trauma of being a reckless and naive kid who solved things with his hands and feelings rather than being logical. Ever since his experience with Sir Ellis Kadoorie School and Kamigami Academy, he had learned to think things straight rather than rushing in with no plan and dealing with the harsh consequences afterwards. He took some personal belongings with him such as his wallet that consisted of his currency, allowance and personal ID information, his phone and keys for his dorm. He locked the door before heading out the male dormitory as he went to the female dormitory across from him. The guard looked confused as to why he was out this early and immediately looked confused and suspicious until Rei showed his badge from the extracurricular class during his second day.
He entered as he went to the lift quickly, immediately pressing the number 6 button as he waited patiently while calming himself down since Sylvie needed him. He reminisced the memory of how they took care of each other emotionally and physically as he clenched his fists as he straightened himself upon hearing the sound of the lift arriving at the sixth floor. Once the elevator opened, he dashed quietly as he looked for room 638. Heading as soon as possible to the room as he knocked on the door which Rinka emerged upon opening the door as she opened it, signalling him to go on as she left while he went in before closing the door behind him.
"Sylvie." Rei called out in a gentle tone as he saw Eunji peeked out from what seemed to be a living room across the hallway. "Rei?" Sylvie's voice appeared when he got closer to them. He saw her all curled up on the sofa as he sat next to her while Eunji gave them space as she went to the hallway.
Rei comforted her for a while as he held her close to him, patting her head while Sylvie seemed to calm down slowly as her breathing became more stable than what he had witnessed moments ago with ragged breaths. "Thanks…" Sylvie said as she snuggled herself in his arms as Rei only responded back with a comforting hug. "No need to thank me." he said as Sylvie smiled at his kindness while she was falling asleep in his arms slowly. Rei observed her as he could only see peace when she's in slumber. All he could think of was how peaceful she was, his thoughts focusing on how he could keep a peaceful expression on her face as he started to think deep about how society can be at ease without worrying and tragic conflicts.
Eunji waited for a long time as she decided it was time to head in to tell Rei to go back until she saw them, the two sleeping peaceful as if nothing has happened bad to them. She couldn't help but smile a bit before heading off as she closed the door behind her on the way out of the room. Leaving the pair who are sleeping to their peaceful slumber. Rinka saw Eunji leaving as she wanted to asked if they were okay but Eunji's face already had the answer she was looking for as she stood by her side before returning to their dorm room since they were roommates. Meanwhile, Keith who was witnessing everything could only express himself in disgust as he described the scene to be cringe and too much of a romantic drama as he shut everything off before he dozed off once again. Probably having the dreams of having his way with Eunji or just generally doing his own things such as reading and butchering.
The next morning, Sylvie woke up from the warm and bright light that was peeking through the curtains. She was more confused on where she was sleeping since it felt like she was on someone that is until she got her answer upon looking up as she saw Rei's sleeping face. He looked peaceful from the last time she had slept at his place or after their intimate session, she never looked at him that much in a way as they were nothing but just friends with some benefits for them. She caress his face slowly and gently, smiling to herself as she found him to be cute which surprised her before pushing those thoughts away before enjoying herself one last time with him as she woke him up by pinching his cheeks lightly. "Hey. Wake up. Don't you have things to do?" She said as Rei slowly woke up as he closed his eyes a little from the sunlight. "Morning…" he grumbled as he yawned as Sylvie sits up properly on the couch while Rei followed by sitting up properly as rubbed his eye. "What time is it?" He asked as Sylvie looked over to the clock. "9:30 AM." She responded as she got up from couch before heading off to the bathroom. Rei followed her as he hugged her from behind as he leaned his head over her shoulders while she was brushing her tooth. He grumbled as he tried to stay awake while Sylvie could only blush from what he was doing with his arms wrapped around her waist. She shouldn't blush cause they have done things more than this and yet she found herself blushing like a shy maiden who got asked out on a days in which she found in pure distraught to herself.
Rei didn't let go for a while before the knock of the door was heard when he finally let go of her. Sylvie opened the door as she saw Eunji, Rinka and Rei's friends on the opposite side of the door. "Figured that we might have breakfast together." Rinka was the one who spoke out as they entered before Rei helped them as Sylvie saw the bunch of meals they brought in especially with the amount of ration of what Rei would've eaten. "I don't know if it's to your liking since our diet here differs from here…" Erika said as Sylvie took her which consisted of a sausage, eggs, toast and some green vegetables. "It's alright." She answered before taking a bite which she was surprised at how good it was, the flavour seemingly lasting long in her mouth before taking another bite. The rest could only chuckle at her except for Eunji who's doing her own thing before soon digging in as well. They all shared stories from how Erika and Haruki met, Hinata discovering her prowess and how much she had some embarrassing moments from it, Rinka sharing her experience as a senior while sneaking some remarks on Eunji which she noticed as she scolded her and correcting it later on.
These kinds of moments are what made Rei feel a sense of normalcy ever since he got expelled from his former school before transferring to Sir Ellis Kadoorie School then going to Kamigami Academy for his situation. He enjoyed the moment as he shared laughter with them while the memories of his bad experiences were lingering weaker the moment they continued their joy and happiness in each passing moment. Haruki didn't pass the opportunity to tease Erika as he was once splashed by her water manipulation prowess then Rei and Hinata pulled him away while Eunji and Rinka pulled the water manipulator user away from them as Sylvie could only giggle at their situation. Sylvie felt at ease since she was able to be herself without being reminded of her status as a 'blank' which Eunji found dumbfounded before ignoring those facts as she gave advice to her that skills and knowledge matter more than status itself.
"How does your prowess work?" Eunji asked as the conversation went on since they started talking about their prowess. The rest look interested as well since they've never heard of a prowess like hers, Sylvie felt a pride in her as she recalled that she had her prowess while she explained it to them. "I can rewind time for a few minutes, pause time for an hour at best and slow time for a couple of minutes depending on the spiritual energy I have left in my reserves." They all intrigued before Eunji tried to do something which surprised everyone, some spiritual energy leaked out of her as it reached out to Sylvie before a string connected them as it disappeared immediately. "What was that?" Haruko asked before Rinka answered in her place. "Her 'prowess technique'. Harmony. It allows her to resonate with someone's soul to be able to use their prowess and store it into her own arsenal. She can amplify its fire power at will and can combine multiple techniques that are compatible with each other." Rei looked surprised since he had tried mimicking the crystal technique she had used and only to find out he was trying to copy an arsenal rather than her actual technique.
"So, basically like Rei's?" Hinata asked before Eunji answered her. "Rei's prowess only allows him to copy when one is activated then sampling the output henceforth the replication of the prowess that he mimicked or channeling his spiritual energy to mimic what he remembers on the prowess he wants to use. On the other hand, I could use others' prowess with that technique by resonating with the user in order for me to get a hold of how their prowess works without needing to see it in action." Sylvie and Rei were amazed at her analytical skills while Haruki looked like he was witnessing a divine being explaining sorcery to him. "Therefore, I could copy or make my own version of their prowess after using 'harmony' without needing any substitute or medium while being able to change the firepower at will along with the ability to combine them to make a powerful prowess as well." She finished explaining as Rinka could only ignore them since she hates explanation although she had to deal with it.
They all anticipated how Eunji could use Sylvie's technique as her aqua blue orbs glowed brighter. Sylvie wanted to see her prowess in use once again ever since she had witnessed Rei use it during his match with David. She asked him about it as Rei only said that he was just lucky to be able to do it since it took a lot of spiritual energy to hold her prowess for a few seconds worth. Eunji appeared to disappear instantly as she was suddenly behind the pair. Rei was the first to react since his passive allows him to detect mana waves from someone whether or not they were active. Sylvie followed suit as she looked behind her as she saw Eunji with a calm expression on her face. "Woah…" Hinata was amazed at how Eunji was using Sylvie's prowess before she looked towards Sylvie before rambling. "So that's what it looks like when you're using your prowess? It looks amazing and powerful! It's like looking at someone that disappeared then appearing out of nowhere!" Sylvie blushed before Eunji added. "It's a great prowess especially at times when you need to do stealth or quick paced battles." Her compliment made Sylvie blush and a sense of pride from having her prowess complimented by a sorceress like Eunji.
Eunji continued to use time manipulation as Sylvie got more impressed on how she could use it very well than her. After all, she could only maintain her usage for an average duration of time depending on what she wanted to do. When seeing Eunji using it flawlessly and performing better than her, she couldn't help but feel envious as she wanted to have her prowess back if it weren't for that incident to lose it so tragically. Rei noticed her reaction as he comforted her. "Don't worry. You'll get it back soon." He said before the rest caught on to it. "Wait… She can't use her prowess?" Erika asked with a confused expression while Rei answered in her place. "She got involved in an accident back then. Somehow lost her prowess when some random people gang up on her while dropping a dose of whatever was in that syringe in her." He explained before Rinka spoke up with a serious expression.
"That's absurd. No matter what you put in the syringe either for medical purposes or experiment. You cannot take it away permanently as you can only shut it off temporarily since our prowess is a part of our soul upon inheriting it." She said as Sylvie and Rei looked confused before Eunji went in to add her statement. "She's right. I've seen something when using 'harmony'. A restriction similar to those who are born with spiritual energy and yet have no access to it."
"You mean those 'limited' users?" Hinata said as Eunji nodded her head before explaining. "Sylvie is similar to them as they have spiritual energy in them but cannot use them. The only difference is that 'limited' users are permanently unable to use spiritual energy but can gain extreme physical attributes such as strengths, speed, stamina, senses and reflexes. On the other hand, Sylvie's condition is being restricted continuously by some unknown anomaly that's residing within the boundaries of her soul which is restricting the flow of her spiritual energy and the reason why she cannot use her prowess." Her explanation gave a slight headache to Rei while Sylvie looked devastated for a bit before Eunji continued.
"I can take you to Eri to check on your condition whether she can get rid of the anomaly or make a cure for you but I can guarantee that it will take a lot of time." Her statement gave Sylvie a doubt since she's been waiting for the results at the hospital back in Hong Kong as there were no reports on her condition. Her desperation seemed childish but she had to know either way. Sylvie had made a choice as she nodded her head at her while Eunji texted the school nurse for the situation they had to make.
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Eri had a lot of blood samples and somehow managed to get some spiritual energy out of her as she conducted lots of tests while Rei comforted Sylvie who looked drained and terrified from the test. "It's a restriction technique… Probably a dark arts user since the mana that's restricting her mana flow is similar to necromancy techniques or curse restriction dealing art… Maybe a mixture of both…" Her explanation made Rei furious as he wanted to make them pay for making Sylvie's life a mess.
"Is there a way to undo it?" He asked which surprised Sylvie as she was about to ask the same thing. Eri nodded her head as she answered him. "I can look up what kind of technique is used on her. If I'm able to make a sealing technique that can undo whatever this restriction is then she will be able to use her prowess at full control once again." Eri's statement gave a hint of hope to Sylvie until Eunji interrupted the hopeful scene. "If that's the case, is there a chance that someone is cursing her?" Her question made the pair shaken up although Rei was obviously fuming in anger due to how tight he was gripping onto the desk corner.
"It's possible… Although I can manage to reverse the curse and get rid of it. Just give me a bit of time then I'll be able to lift it up." Her statement gave reassurance to Sylvie as she was finally happy that she got the chance to get her prowess back. Rei, on the other hand, was figuring out a way to give her justice by punishing those who harmed her.
Meanwhile, Keith who was observing on the side lines could only grin as he was looking at her soul while comparing it to a figure that appeared within his memory.
"Time manipulation… how fascinating…" he uttered before going back to his slumber.