I opened my eyes to find myself back in my room, the world outside was still cloaked in darkness. I let my head sink back into the pillow for a while.
"Grow stronger, huh?" I contemplated Azier's words carefully. There were still a lot of questions gnawing at me. There was only one way that would allow me to grow stronger.
"The military academy." We can't stay here forever after all, the military academy will open paths for us to follow.
"I'll have to talk with Zei," I murmured to myself.
Soon, the dawn broke, and sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating my entire room. I quickly got up, got ready, and headed over to Zei's room.
Knock. Knock
"Zei, it's me"
After a pause, the door creaked open, and she stood there, with droplets of water clinging to her hair, glistening.
"Rayne, what brings you here so early?" she asked, brushing her damp hair back.
"There is something I need to talk about. Can I come in ?"
She nodded. I entered her room and sat on the chair as she made herself comfortable on the bed. "What is it you want to talk about? Is something wrong?" she asked, puzzled.
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I have been thinking about this for a while." I began, hesitantly, "We can't stay here forever, Asher and Kristen have already done so much for us, and I can't help but feel that if we linger, then we will simply be a burden to them."
I glanced up, meeting her eyes. "We need to get stronger— not just for ourselves but so we can face whatever's coming in the future. Hiding here isn't a solution after all."
A tense silence filled the room as the weight of words settled between us. Finally, I spoke the words out loud, "Zei...What if we enroll in the military academy?"
"Let's do it".
"I know it's sudden…wait, what did you say?" I blinked
"The military academy," She replied softly, placing her hand above mine, "let's join it, Rayne."
"You…already thought about this?"
She nodded. "I have been thinking about it as well. If we want to survive in this world, we need to get stronger, so let's do it."
"I want to make sure that what happened to us never happens again."
"...are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes, I have had a lot of time to think about it. I was hesitant to bring up the topic to you, but it seems like both of us have already made our minds up."
"The memories of the incident still linger in my mind, Rayne," She muttered, her hands trembling slightly. "I want to make sure nothing like that happens ever again."
A smile touched my lips as I looked at her determined face. "Let's do it then."
We both went downstairs, where Asher was already waiting for us. After having breakfast, we decided to tell Asher about the decision.
"We will enroll in the military academy."
He studied us for a moment before a faint smile crept up on his face. "So you have finally decided."
"Yes,"
"Have you thought about it carefully?"
"Don't worry, we have plenty of time to think over it."
"Fine", Asher said, his tone sharpening," however, I have to warn you, it will be gruesome."
"We are prepared for that," I replied.
He leaned back, folding his arms. "The enrollment exam is usually held in three stages, the first one being the theoretical exam, then there is the practical combat exam, where we duel against opponents and our combat abilities are tested. The final one is a team-based strategic exam where we complete missions in teams assigned to us."
"There are mainly three major academies in Eliethiya, each with its own standards and influence."
"We still have around six months till the enrollment exam. I will guide you through the basics first, and then we will move on to the actual combat training."
"That's fine with us," Zei said without hesitation.
"Then it's decided," Asher nodded.
Later that day.
"Zeilona, Rayne."
Alina's voice echoed through the crowded street. She came closer, her golden eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
"Alina", Zei greeted her warmly. They seemed to have become good friends in such a short time.
"How about we grab something to eat first?" I suggested.
"There is a newly opened cafe nearby, should we go there?"
Her face lit up, "Let's do that then."
We made our way towards the newly opened cafe, where the inside smelled like roasted coffee beans, and numerous pastries were on display for people to choose from.
We chose a table near the window to sit. A waitress came over with a polite smile.
"Welcome, dear customers, would you like to order?"
"Truffle chocolate cake with a cup of iced coffee," Zei muttered
"I will have black coffee and cream puffs."
A strawberry tart, please," Alina said cheerfully.
When the food arrived, Zei's eyes sparkled. "It looks so good….," She whispered, already leaning forward.
"Hehe, everyone said the food here was delicious, it looks like it was worthwhile to come here after all." Alina grinned.
I savoured the meal, the first bite melted in my mouth, it was rich and sweet. Zei and Alina were already lost in conversation, debating where to wander next.
"We'll need to pick up some training gear soon," Zei murmured
"I'll have to buymyself a set of training clothes as well."
Between bites, Alina asked, "So… what are you guys talking about?"
Zei glanced at Alina. "Ah, yes, Rayne and I decided to join the military academy."
"Wait—really!?"
"Indeed," Zei replied calmly, "Asher even agreed to train us."
Alina leaned forward, eyes gleaming. " Then let's train together, what do you say?"
I chuckled, "Sure, but I'll have to confirm with Asher first."
"Oh, he'll agree, I'm sure of it."
We left the cafe, wandering through the bustling shopping district. I simply followed Zei and Alina as they went around various stores.
By the time we were done, the sky was painted with orange and violet hues.
"We brought quite a lot of stuff," I muttered, carrying multiple bags in my arms.
"It's all essential stuff," Zei murmured, savouring the ice cream in her hand.
"Then why don't you hold it?"
She tilted her head, a mischievous smile tugging at her face. "But my hands are already full."
I sighed, "...I am never going shopping with you ever again."
"Don't be sad, I bought some for you too," she murmured playfully.
We made our way back as the crowd was starting to thin out, and the lively chatter faded into scattered footsteps. Amidst the horde of people, I noticed a figure staring at us, his face veiled behind a red mask. An uneasy feeling crept up my spine asi gazed at the crimson red face.
"Let's hurry, it's getting late, " I urged Zei.