Everyone remained seated in their chairs, their food still frozen in front of them.

"So, what's with the weird names?" Rona asked.

"Well, I didn't want to spoil it for you just yet, but yes, you girls are the characters in this story," Skadiel replied.

"And the 'Magic boy' is this so-called Yule?" Rona inquired.

"Yes, and you're Leader girl," Skadiel said. "In my defense, this is just how he told me the story."

"And I'm the Magic girl, huh?" Nikola said, flicking her fingers, and flames burst out from her hands. Everyone gazed at her in awe. "So, will you proceed with your story now, please?"

"Ah, yes! Let's see...? Hmm," Skadiel pondered.

---

Morning arrived, and they were once again summoned to an open field for more lectures. Yule stood on the side, crossing his arms. Rona saw him and walked towards him to discuss further the conversation they had.

"As if nothing has changed," Yule said, staring at the open field.

"The only difference is that our days are numbered," Rona said, trying to hold back her emotions.

"Just act like you know nothing. It's better that way," Yule coldly stated.

"I know, I've already discussed this with the others after you left," Rona said calmly. "But what happens after all of it?" she asked.

"I'll resurrect you all," Yule casually said without looking.

"And is there any guarantee of that?" Rona asked, glaring at him.

"I don't make promises I can't keep," Yule replied, turning his gaze towards Rona. "Once I say it, I will do it," he stated, looking away.

"Well, you better fucking keep it," Rona said as she walked away.

****

Night fell, and Rona spoke with the other girls.

".... That's what he said when we talked earlier," Rona explained.

"I say that's bullshit, and he better shut the fuck up!" the girl named Naima exclaimed angrily.

"Calm down, Naima," Merry said, trying to soothe her.

"Well, there's no point in arguing about whether he'll be able to resurrect us or not," Nikola said. "It's whether what he said last night was true or not."

"Well, the pills he made us take, still don't have any side effects," Rona stated.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"The question is why the hell would he want us dead if it's all a lie?" Bianka asked.

Rona nodded her head. "Good question-"

Knocking interrupted their conversation as someone knocked on the door.

***

Morning arrived, but the girls were nowhere to be found. The boys found it strange and decided to ask the teachers and guards about their whereabouts.

"They've been separated since they will be having different training lessons," the guard informed them.

Yule, who was present at the time, tried his best not to laugh at the obvious lies. The boys noticed his reaction and asked him about it.

"Why the hell are you laughing?" one of the boys said

"It's nothing," Yule replied, trying to stifle his laughter.

"You know something, don't you?" another pressed on.

Yule remained silent, his face contorting with suppressed amusement.

"Come on, Yule, don't keep us in the dark," one boy said, starting to get frustrated.

Yule's face become more blank. "All of you are too moronic to even understand the situation." He says as he tries to leave but a guard arrives.

The guard delivered his message, "The king has summoned you to the throne room."

"Heh~" Yule says silently amused.

*

They arrived at the throne room and the king greeted them, "Ah, my champions, welcome."

The boys bowed their heads in respect. Yet Yule remains standing. "You may raise your heads" Says the king

Immediately after they raise their heads. "May I inquire your majesty about the girls whereabouts?" one boy says.

"Your mission is about to begin," the king said, ignoring their question about the girls' whereabouts. "Follow me."

*

The boys exchanged worried glances as they followed the king into a long, dimly lit corridor. "Your majesty," one of the boys spoke up, "may we know where we are going and why we are being sent on this mission? And what about the girls? Where are they?"

The king gave them a stern look. "All in good time," he said, "but first, you need to focus on your mission."

"But your majesty," another boy countered, "we aren't even well trained yet. How can we be expected to complete a mission when we don't even know what it is?"

The king ignored the boy's protest and continued to lead them down the hallway. Suddenly, he stopped and turned to face them. "You wouldn't want the lovely ladies to be hurt, would you?" he threatened.

The boys bristled, drawing their weapons in response. "What did you do to them?"

The king chuckled, seemingly unfazed by their weapons. "Relax, boys. The girls are safe... for now. But if anything happens to me, they will be in grave danger. So put down your weapons and focus on your mission. You'll be briefed soon enough."

As the boys stood there uncertain of what to do next, they suddenly heard a commotion coming the dungeon. The king's face grew stern and he hurried towards the source of the noise. The boys followed him and arrived at the dungeon where they saw a guard rushing towards the king in a panic.

"What?!" the king exclaimed, his voice filled with anger.

Yule suddenly started maniacally laughing, prompting the other boys to continue walking towards the dungeon cells. As they approached a certain cell, they were surprised and shocked to witness the girls chained up.

The boys rushed towards the cell, their hearts filled with worry and concern for their friends. "What is the meaning of this?!" one of the boys demanded, his voice laced with anger.

Yule's laughter grew even louder, and the boys looked at him in confusion and concern. One of them asked, "Yule, why are you laughing? This is serious!"

But Yule just ignored them and flicked his hands in a strange motion. Suddenly, the king and the guards became frozen in place, unable to move or speak.

The boys were shocked and amazed by what they saw. They looked around, trying to figure out what was happening. Confusion filled the room.

Yule walks towards the cell. "Manipulation is a game where you make the other person think they're in control, while in reality, you're the one pulling the strings."

"What does that even mean?" one of the boys asked, clearly confused.

Yule ignores the question and walks toward the girls unlocking their chains. As he carefully lays them on the ground, the boys shout at him and ask why the girls aren't moving. Yule glared at them, and only says, "They're dead dumbfucks."

*Chapter Ends*