The way back was pretty quiet on Aoi-sensei's part. Shinji and Baji seemed to have forgotten that one of our classmates was killed a while ago. Fujiwara was as usual, although she was also a little down at the time. I don't think even she was expecting Shinji and Baji to discard a classmate so easily. Once we got back to the camp that had been set up near the lake, Shinji and Baji told us everything they had found out about the boss. Many were visibly scared to hear that they would have to defeat a giant lizard that shoots fire out of its mouth.

But although some were afraid at first, this was easily overcome by a speech from Shinji. He was always good at influencing people. After all the excitement, the night came again. As usual, I was leaning against a tree that had practically turned into my bed. While I was in this state, I saw one of the tents being opened. As soon as a person with pink hair appeared, I quickly identified that it was Aoi-sensei. As soon as she left the tent, she started walking. From the path she had taken, I quickly realized that she was going to the lake.

(What is she thinking of doing at this time of night?)

With this thought in mind, I stood up and started to go after Aoi-sensei. The way was quite pleasant. The sound of the wind swaying the trees and the many fireflies that were around made the place look unreal but beautiful. As soon as I reached the lake, I found Aoi-sensei sitting with her feet in the water while looking up at the starry sky. Her pink hair flying in the wind made her image even more perfect. It reminded me that she was once my first love. With a sad smile on my face, I walked over to Aoi-sensei, stopping right beside her.

"You're not getting any sleep?"

Aoi-sensei asked.

"From my point of view, and you, who are not getting it"

I said, sitting down next to her.

"What happened? You've been acting strange since we got back"

I said as I turned my gaze to her. Although she was probably sad about the death of the other boy who had gone with us, it didn't seem to be just that. Hearing my words, Aoi-sensei looked into my eyes for a few seconds before her mouth trembled.

"I... I don't understand... how could they do that to their classmate... they don't even seem to be sorry. A person died"

Aoi-sensei said.

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"And the worst thing about it all is that the moment I saw him die, for a moment I was relieved... relieved that it wasn't me"

Said Aoi-sensei. After that, she grabbed my shoulders tightly and looked into my eyes.

"Am I a monster for thinking like that?"

To me, it looked like she was desperately searching for an answer. Staring into her eyes for a while, I looked away and gazed at my reflection on the water's surface.

"You are not a monster for thinking like that, Aoi-sensei. In fact, I think you are being completely sensible"

I said, surprising Aoi-sensei.

"While it is true that you two were student and teacher, you didn't even know each other beyond names. My life and the lives of the people I love come first. If I can use anything else to keep them safe, then that is what I will do"

I said, maintaining a serious expression as I looked at Aoi-sensei.

After that, Aoi-sensei let go of my shoulders and turned her gaze back to the starry sky. She seemed to be trying to digest what I had just said.

"Prioritize what you consider important"

Aoi-sensei muttered something, although I couldn't hear it. She seemed to have finally understood.

"You don't have to worry, Makoto"

Aoi-sensei said with a determined face.

"I promise I will protect you from everything and everyone. I won't let them hurt you"

Said Aoi-sensei as she looked at me. I was happy with her words, but I was even happier because it seemed like she had returned to her usual Aoi-sensei self. After that, Aoi-sensei and I continued talking about various subjects until the end of the night. We discussed our old dreams for the future, our families, and even our first love. Aoi-sensei seemed quite happy when I told her that she had been my first love. After a long and peaceful conversation, both Aoi-sensei and I returned to our respective places and went back to sleep.

That particular night, I slept peacefully. The next day, everyone was awake and getting ready. Everyone from the attack group was going to face the boss. Although I was in favor of them taking more people with them, I thought the number was a bit too much. We from the support group were also going, but with the help of Aoi-sensei, who strongly opposed it, the number was reduced. Although Aoi-sensei also told me to stay, I managed to convince her to let me go too.

"Alright, if everyone is ready, let's leave at once"

Said Shinji, capturing everyone's attention. Upon hearing Shinji's words, everyone stood up and started walking, following Shinji. Saemi, as usual, was next to Shinji, while Baji was walking alongside Fujiwara, trying to engage in conversation with her. Although I didn't catch much of their dialogue, it seemed like Baji was boasting about being the strongest in the group. Aoi-sensei was together with Ramon-sensei, although she certainly wasn't enjoying it. Lately, Ramon-sensei had been invading Aoi-sensei's personal space, but for now, she was managing to keep him at bay, as he usually just held her hands.

With that in mind, I started keeping an eye on him to prevent him from doing something to Aoi-sensei. While I pondered about this, the landscape gradually began to change. This was a clear indication that we were approaching the area where the boss was. A battle would take place in that location, and I wasn't entirely confident that everyone would make it back alive.