As the bus came to a halt, signaling our arrival at the school grounds, Narrow and I exchanged a brief farewell- just a couple of bows. He headed toward the Junior High School section, while I made my way towards the Senior High School. It was a momentary parting, knowing that we would reconvene after our respective classes.

Entering the bustling corridors of the Senior High School, I found myself amidst a sea of unfamiliar faces and a buzz of anticipation. The first day of school always carried an air of excitement and possibility.

I held the book, seemingly invisible, tighter.

As I trudged through the desolate school campus, a heavy sense of gloom enveloped me. The grounds lay in a state of decay and abandonment. The air hung heavy with a suffocating stillness, broken only by the eerie creaking of rusted gates and the distant echo of a solitary crow's caw. How did I even romanticize a place like this?

To my left stood the dilapidated main building, its faded façade became a haunting reminder of past glory. Cracked windows stared back at me, their shattered panes reflecting the shattered dreams of those who had come before. The grand steps leading to the entrance were worn and chipped, their former magnificence reduced to a haunting reminder of a forgotten era.

Beyond the main building, the once-lush green fields now lay barren and overgrown, their beauty swallowed by neglect. Weeds and thorns clawed at the earth, reclaiming what was rightfully theirs, while the absence of laughter and camaraderie cast a chilling pall over the landscape. The echoes of joyous games were replaced by the whispers of lost spirits, trapped in a realm of desolation.

Though I must admit, the entire campus was flooded. There are students everywhere from all backgrounds.

The reception area was filled with students eagerly inquiring about their class schedules, room assignments, and elective courses. Some faces had blank stares at me, while some just didn't care. I tried to avoid every possible problem that might arise. If I see Daniel or the Magnifico boss' brother, I might just actually die. I mean, I did see their faces- I just took the chance to hide if possible.

I joined the line, waiting patiently for my turn. When it was finally my chance, I approached the receptionist with a polite smile and introduced myself. She efficiently retrieved my information and informed me that my assigned room was A-2 in Building 2.

I noticed the appearance of the receptionist. She was something else. The lady wielded some energy that could tame a beast. The inked designs that graced her arm seemed to whisper tales of wild adventures and untamed passions, etched into her skin with a purpose known only to her. Her tattoos... Roses?

With practiced ease, she extended her inked arm, presenting me with the forms I had come to collect. As her fingers brushed against mine, a shiver of intimidation coursed through me.

"Here.", she said.

In that fleeting moment, our eyes met, and I caught a glimpse of the untamed fire that flickered within her gaze. There was a knowing glint, a spark of mischief that hinted at a life lived on the edge, unafraid to embrace the shadows that danced alongside the light. I couldn't do anything, but act normal despite my unbalanced fear.

"Thank you, Ma'am...", I replied.

As I thanked her, my voice carrying a hint of admiration, I couldn't help but wonder about the mysteries that lay beneath the surface. Let's just not think much of this.

And with that, I ran until I reached my designated room- forgetting every face I come across.

Though I cannot forget the detail of every landmark I come across.

As I sprinted through the sprawling school campus, a wave of awareness washed over me, drawing my attention to the minute details that often went unnoticed. The buildings, weathered by time, bore a luscious coat of moss, lending an earthy charm to their facades. It was as if nature herself had claimed a gentle embrace over every surface, softening the edges and whispering stories of growth.

Along the pathways, cement benches stood adorned with a peculiar sight - clusters of vibrant orange mushrooms. Like tiny bursts of color amidst the monotony, they added a whimsical touch to the otherwise mundane seating arrangements.

And as I dashed through the corridors, the scurrying of small creatures caught my attention. Rats, agile inhabitants of the hidden realms, darted through the halls with a hurried purpose. Their presence, though unexpected, lent an air of life to the otherwise deserted spaces, as if acknowledging their role as unseen inhabitants in this bustling microcosm.

Amidst the flurry of movement, other details sprung to life. The distant echoes of laughter and chatter mingled with the faint scent of freshly mowed grass. Dull murals adorned the walls, though the vivid strokes of paint captured moments frozen in time.

As I ran more, my senses heightened, embracing the tapestry of the school campus. The crunch of gravel beneath my shoes, the warm sun casting playful shadows, the gentle breeze whispering secrets through the leaves – every detail captured was in my brain.

"This way...", I read the signs.

With a sense of direction, I navigated through the school's hallways, following the signs that led me to Building 2. As I reached room A-2, I saw all the occupied desks, arranged in haphazard rows. Etchings and doodles marred their surfaces. The chairs themselves creaked under the weight of indifference, their worn platforms offering little comfort or solace. The windows, covered in a layer of grime and dust, cast a dim, muted light upon the desolate room.

As I entered the designated room, I scanned the unfamiliar faces, searching for an empty seat. The room was quite crowded, the only chair left was the one near the back with nobody but an uptight girl seated near a vacant chair. Whatever, let's just get this day over with.

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Instead of the traditional greeting such as the exchanges of 'hello's. I merely said my name and sat awkwardly. "Juju."

She returned my greeting with a warm smile but didn't offer her name in return. Seems strict.

I settled myself in front of the armchair, sliding into a comfortable position. With a casual flick of my wrist, I placed the grimoire in front of me. With a sense of secrecy, I lazily flipped through the pages, savoring each moment as my fingertips danced lightly across the paper. I didn't even care how'd I look from the outside world- seemingly flipping air. I mean- who would see it, right?

Soon after that, the teacher entered the classroom, drawing our attention. He introduced himself, his voice carrying a tone of enthusiasm and authority. He set the tone for the year ahead, outlining the expectations and goals for our class.

"My name is Fritz Gerald. I will be this section's adviser, and I will tolerate no gang activities within my vicinity. Do you all get me?", he then drew a rose on the board and proceeded to state his qualifications. A rose? How odd. I wonder...

This was then followed by a series of student introductions. We'll skip that boring part in my mind. But mind this, the moment I ended my speech, time had another call. It's lunch already? Fuck... I haven't eaten anything this day...

As I concluded my introduction, the bell rang, signaling the much-awaited lunch break. The lady near me still hasn't introduced herself yet...

Ding! Ding! Ding!

I reached into my bag, a hint of curiosity filling me as I discovered a note from Addu. This man. I unfolded it carefully, reading the brief message that held a sense of adventure within its words: "Right, left, straight, mango tree."

While I was confused by Addu's message, the girl right beside me took a great look at me and gave me one intimidating stare, enough to send shivers down my spine. She then bit her lip, her canines making a mark on her tongue. "Nice grimoire.", her eyes soon shed a hostile light.

"Huh?" Huh?

Before I could even react, she turned around and hastily left. She can see it?!

Curiosity piqued, I quickened my pace, hoping to catch up with her and perhaps strike up a conversation. However, as I approached, she suddenly noticed my presence and a flicker of somewhat teasing light flashed across her eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, she turned on her heels and darted away, weaving through the throngs of students with remarkable agility.

Determined not to let this fleeting encounter slip away, I picked up my pace, determined to catch up to her and understand the reason behind her sudden retreat. Dodging through the crowd, I weaved my way past groups of chatting students and navigated the labyrinth of pathways, determined to unravel the mystery that surrounded her. That bitch can see it?!

Despite my best efforts, she remained tantalizingly out of reach, always a step ahead. Her slender figure moved gracefully through the campus, effortlessly blending into the rhythm of the lunchtime commotion. It was as if she possessed an uncanny ability to disappear into the fabric of the school, leaving only a faint trace of her presence.

My pursuit continued, fueled by curiosity and an inexplicable connection that drew me towards her. The minutes ticked by, and the chase intensified, each step bringing me closer to unraveling the enigma that was this odd girl. But no matter how much ground I covered, she remained just beyond my grasp, a mirage in the desert of my intrigue.

I followed her, but by the time I reached the door, she was gone. What was that...

Fuck that! I think I know somebody that might know her... I opened the palms of my right hand, revealing Addu's note. My left hand was holding the grimoire- tightly. I positioned myself facing away from my classroom's door, and here we go.

Passing through the corridors, I tried to blend in with the flow of students, concealing my purpose amidst the bustling crowd. The sound of voices and laughter filled the air, but my thoughts remained fixated on the unknown that lay ahead.

Navigating the maze-like paths, I turned right, left, and walked straight, each turn taking me further away from the familiarity of my everyday routine. The world around me seemed to fade into the background as I focused on the mission at hand, my determination unwavering. And there I saw him, Addu, holding two juice boxes.

As the bustling school day reached its midday crescendo, Addu and I found solace beneath the shade of a majestic mango tree. The tree stood tall and proud, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms, creating a serene oasis amidst the flurry of student activities.

We settled ourselves on the ground, our backs against the sturdy trunk, feeling its ancient energy grounding us in the present moment. The vibrant green foliage above danced gently in the breeze, casting patches of dappled sunlight on the ground below. It was as if nature itself had conspired to create a sacred space just for us.

Under the protective canopy of the mango tree, we found respite from the bustling crowds, the chatter of classmates fading into a distant hum. The world around us seemed to fade into the background as if acknowledging our need for a moment of quiet connection amidst the chaos of school life.

As we sat there, students were engrossed in their own conversations, games, and laughter, yet it seemed as though our presence went unnoticed by the rest of the world. It was as if we were enveloped in a bubble of tranquility, shielded from the distractions and expectations of our peers. The air was filled with the faint scent of mangoes, their sweet fragrance mingling with the distant sound of laughter and the chirping of birds. It was a symphony of nature and human energy, a perfect backdrop to our shared moment of respite.

Addu and I engaged in quiet conversation, our voices barely above a whisper.

"So, did no Magnifico thugs bother you?", asked Addu.

"Why would they?", I drank my juice box. "The Order of Roses has everyone on-hand."

"Woah!", he scooched away from me while his torso and mouth faced my way. "It seemed like Barter has already gotten into your system."

"Addu, you're a Pioneer, right?", I dropped a sudden inquiry.

"I guess, I am.", he replied sipping his juice.

"Can you look for someone for me?"- as soon as I asked that, Addu's composure broadened. Woah.

His eyes, which had once appeared googly and playful, now held a steadfast gaze, as if he were peering into the depths of some unseen realm. The mischievous sparkle that usually danced within his gaze was replaced by a newfound sense of focus and intensity.

It was as though a veil had been lifted, revealing a side of Addu that I had never witnessed before. The carefree facade he often donned seemed to fall away, unveiling a hidden layer of depth and maturity that had remained concealed beneath the surface.

"What an odd request, if I may say.", he moved closer to me. "What a weird thing to say to a Pioneer captain."

It feels like he could kill me at any minute.

I could feel a weapon somewhere within Addu. His presence seemed a little sharp. This is the first time I could say I'm afraid of him a little too much. He's much more intimidating than any of those Magnifico somebodies.

"Uh...", I was left speechless.

"Weird...", he sighed. "I usually have the impulse to threaten somebody who asks me those kinds of things knowing my status. And I usually only receive commissions from high-ranking individuals. But, I actually feel like doing something.", he sighed.

"Whatever.", he threw his empty juice box at me. "Who's this somebody you want to find?"

Ouch. My eyes were hit by the juice box.

"Wait, you're for real?"

"I usually ask for a down payment first, but you seem to contain some sort of an influence.", he scratched his head.

...influence!

And then a strange thought came into my mind. Didn't the landlady see the book when she gave it to me? Whatever...