The cafeteria was still under maintenance so I wanted to just sit on the roof for a bit. I didn't bring my lunch today so I guess that's my fault. Can't blame the Academy because they did warn us that the lunch hall wasn't going to be usable. Looking at the emptiness of space would usually calm me down besides reading more books. I think the librarian probably thinks I'm annoying with the amount of times I've visited to ask for more things to read. Then again, it's not my fault that Juxo has so many things to make me learn. How many more rotations till I can finally take a class up? Just as I was about to turn around, a girl was sitting beside me. Her combat suit already dustied up and band aids on her soft skinned face. Something told me that I knew this girl. Right as I was about to ask, I realized that I was sleeping on her lap. She had moderately long black hair that reached her shoulders. It matched the onyx eyes she had. I held out my hand to her but she held mine. She knew who I was but I didn't know her. We were just on the roof of the structure admiring the passing stars. The cold artificial air was fluttering our hair as we just sat there. Her hands were badly bruised up probably from combat training too. Mine were too but compared to her, it was much more purple.

???: You okay Arc? You look like you just had big nightmare. You've been getting those a lot lately actually.

Arc: I'm not sure. I was having a bad dream but I couldn't quite remember what it was about. Something about fighting. I couldn't pinpoint on what it was.

???: I see. You can go back to sleep if you want. We still have some free time.

Arc: Why are we here again?

???: Because the cafeteria was destroyed and it needs to be fixed. Shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. Until then we can just take our moments up here. Some of the students decided it was funny to use their magic to manipulate a magical food fight. It just alerted the admin golems.

Arc: Oh, I see…

???: Are you sure you're fine? You're way more lost than usual and that's saying something.

Arc: Yeah I'm fine. Just trying to wake up is all.

???: No snarky comeback? Or backhanded anything? Strange... Well if you aren't confused then what's my name?

Arc: Why would I want to answer that? You know exactly well that I know it.

I didn't, I just didn't want to offend someone that had my head on her thighs. It would make this whole situation feel much more awkward than it needed to be. No matter how many times I looked at her, she just seemed too foreign to me. Where was I? Is my head being scrambled again? If I did then I should be able to wake up by now. But this was completely different. I could feel the air, the surface I was laying down on, the warmth of her legs and her hand. Something just felt real about this. What was I even dreaming about? Or why I think this wasn't real? Her face was smiling like she caught someone red handed. She wasn't wrong though.

Arc: It's… Yeah... You got me. I kind of forgot.

???: We've been at the same levels since we got here and you still don't remember.

Arc: I think I hit my head on something. I can't recall properly.

???: How about we play a little game? You can keep asking everyone around what my name is? I think it'll teach you a thing or two about socializing.

Arc: That doesn't sound fun at all. Sounds like a lot of work.

???: Well it's better that you do. Someday you'll be in a class with people you don't know. Then you're going to wish that you did what I said.

Arc: Do I have to?

???: Of course! Because I said so. Now go for it!

She lifted my head up leaving me on the ground. It was somewhat nostalgic seeing the Academy's uniform. A gray shirt with a red slash design right across the torso and black combat shorts. Her smile was one of the warmest I've seen. A second later, she made her way out of my sight. I sat back up seeing the dozens of books that I read already. Is this a memory? If so then I couldn't remember this one. I walked back into what looked to be the door going downstairs. As I walked down, students of classes started to flood the halls entering different levels and rooms. The floors were as gray as I remembered making them so dull. Walls were made out of the sleek dark metal used for strong space ferrying ships probably because of the students using their magic in the halls. Rooms that had their code numbers plated on the side were slowly being filled up. I continued to walk through the maze of students until I finally reached a room that I was familiar with. Room H-L5, this was his class. I entered and the smell of the plants were clogging my senses. The place was filled to the brim with flora, the room was specially made to change its atmosphere just like some kind of season to keep the plants alive. Despite that, the room was always so small. I could barely move around without potentially smothering a plant. Without realizing it, I started to feed some plants special feeds, supplements, and water. I even remembered how to properly calm an Abmorimime succulent. Just make sure the snout is fed first before watering it's root or it'll drink the water with its snout making the roots dehydrate. It has two different feeding methods. It's both a herbivore and a carnivore separately. Couldn't help but feel at peace here. Just as I was about to continue on, Juxo had appeared with a watering can. His face lit up when he saw me taking care of the Abmorimime.

Juxo: I thought I said there wasn't a class today. I was confident that I used that special app thing on the screen to do that for me. Anyway, get lost. We don't need you but thanks for taking care of Leslie.

Arc: Yeah, no problem. But I didn't have anything else better to do so I wanted to come by anyway.

Juxo: That's quite rare. I thought you hated spending time here.

Arc: I guess it grew on me. Besides I'm not actually sure what to do right now. I thought coming here would give me a hint at it.

Juxo: I knew it would someday. I was about to reject your offer for combat training. But since you put me in a good mood, I'll accept.

Arc: No, I really wasn't here for a combat lesson.

Juxo: Now I'm actually surprised! This is very new to me. Are you sure you're Arc? Not asking for combat practice isn't something that you'd usually do!

Arc: Are you making fun of me? Yeah, it's me. I just wanted to calm down for a bit. I thought going here would give me an idea on what's going on.

Juxo: I see, well since you're here. You don't mind helping me maintain some of these plants. There are more at the back. Just do a couple of tasks like trim the leaves of the Obsmup vines, give some pesticide to the Chimthorn hydrangea, then feed the Mercurion sapling. The rest should just be normal water and toil.

Arc: Those are some impressive finds. I didn't think that they'd be approved by the Academy.

Juxo: Well they weren't really approved but don't tell them that. It's best I keep my personal collection a complete secret.

Arc: So what will I get for keeping my mouth shut?

Juxo: How about I go easy on you during combat training hahahaha. Sounds like a fair price. Besides these things will go a long way someday. This Mercurion sapling will turn into a tree that could potentially produce an extremely flammable sap. Quite the explosive material. Imagine an explosive that just needs the slightest amount of heat to activate. Just tampering with a thermostat could blow up an entire building.

Arc: How about you answer one of my questions instead? I'm not interested in fighting people who hold back after all.

Juxo: Sounds reasonable. Nothing like a good question and answer with a brat to make my day special.

Arc: Do you know who's the girl that I hang out with? Has kinda short dark hair and onyx eyes.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Juxo: Whoever you date or be friends with in the Academy doesn't interest me son. So if you're asking if I know who that is then the answer is an obvious no.

Arc: Thanks anyway. I'll do the rest then spend my free time elsewhere.

Juxo: Thanks for helping out anyway. I actually do appreciate it when you're not talking about fighting. A day for you to shut up about it is nice.

A Chimthorn usually dies because of diseases because of how it doesn't have a good resistance to anything. They usually live in the most southern tip where they freeze most of the time. So seeing one so up close was amazing. It was inside it's mini freezing chamber then flipped the switch to release some pesticide then back up again. The flower itself was a beauty. Its petals were orange that turned into a darker hue towards the edge. Orange tails would sprout out of the dirt. No one actually knows why though but those tails contain powerful natural adhesives. Some help create the perfect sticky bombs and for industrial glue. Interesting find Juxo. Obsmup vines tend to latch on to any surface they find. Sometimes it even kills animals because they block or choke it to death with it's sheer strength. That's usually why people need to trim its leaves. With a pair of shears, I carefully cut the vine's leaves while it was attached to a wooden pole. These things are mostly used for armor based stuff. Microfibers of these vines help create slim tight but breathable clothes. These green fellas are usually found in forest planets. Last but not least, the Mercurion sapling. This oddity was literally on fire. It's black wood resistant to flames to even suns. The sapling just needs a couple tosses living ice. Pretty expensive thing to eat but unless it's on it's home planet, it can't eat anything else. The tree would automatically incinerate it. It's these moments that I forget about when I'm out on the field. Reminds me of the things that I had to give up. I couldn't quite understand why Juxo had such a hobby or class. I never actually got to ask him the real reason. With the set of skill he has, he would've rose the ranks pretty easily. Yet, he's here with me treating plants. Since everything was done, I started to head out back into the Academy's halls. Just as I was about to leave, Juxo called out to me.

Juxo: Hey… Try to enjoy these last few rotations okay? If you really are going on to the yellow class, then you might want to do things you want to enjoy up here in the Academy. The Platform recognizes you as part of the yellow class, then knows what you're into. I can't save you anymore after that. It'll be class after class.

Arc: I know that. If it helps save some of the kids here then I'll do it.

Juxo: Guess I lost. Who knew what they said would be so accurate.

Arc: Who said that?

Juxo: None of your business. Get your butt out of here already.

I smiled a bit then continued on back to the halls. That detour didn't do me any favors. Everyone around the halls were busy chattering about what they were going to do after taking some levels while others were just happily chatting. Did I even have friends here? Guess I'll never know. I went down towards the empty courtyard. This was the place that most loners would frequent. It was nice and people would know that they should leave anyone here alone. However, there was one person right next to the Favron tree. He was just sitting alone having a moment. But this person looked extremely familiar that I couldn't help breaking out into a small jog. I tapped the person's back to see a small faced kid. His pink hair was already starting to grow to cover his eye.

Arc: Nex?!

Nex: I'm sorry. Who are you?

Arc: Oh! I'm sorry. Are you not Nex?

Nex: I am. But I don't know who you are. I'm sorry… I didn't mean to offend you by forgetting!

Arc: No, it's alright. I thought you knew who I was. My bad.

Nex: …

Arc: This is awkward…

Nex: Sorry…

Arc: Stop apologizing. Let's start over. I'm Arc. I'm next in line for the 24th iteration.

Nex: I'm Nex but you already knew that… I'm not sure if I'm going to be in line for the next iteration. I'm a bit weaker than my other relatives. So if you're here to pick on me…

Arc: No, I wasn't going to. I just thought that you needed someone to talk to.

Nex: I'm not sure what you mean…

Arc: This is the tree that students go to when they're feeling sad. This is a Favron tree, it attracts negative emotions and feeds on it. That's why it has purple, red, and black leaves. It's quite therapeutic if you need to release emotions.

Nex: Oh! I didn't know… This is embarrassing…

Arc: It's alright to feel sad from time to time. You don't need to force yourself.

Nex: But I want to be strong, strong people don't get sad.

Arc: The strongest people do get sad. It's what they choose to do with that sadness is what makes them so strong.

Nex: Thanks… That helps. You said you were next in line. That means you might get shipped into a class in the Platform.

Arc: Yeah, it's coming much sooner than I thought. I haven't even found other people that are going to be in the same class as me yet. Hopefully, I don't go in it alone.

Nex: What class did you refer for?

Arc: Yellow.

Nex: Yellow! Why yellow!? Don't you know what that class is?!

Arc: Yeah, I know. It's called the suicide squad after all.

Nex: You must be pretty strong then. I can't help but be jealous a bit. Wish I had the courage to choose something so terrifying.

Arc: Who knows? You won't know unless you try it out.

Nex: Yeah… You're right…

Arc: Just keep your head up alright? If you fight hard enough, you'll find what you want.

This is fine right? Was I always like this? I couldn't remember but seeing Nex so young does bring up memories. The times when we went on future classes together in just a few rotations time. Is this actually a memory because I don't remember meeting Nex here. The first time I did was when he was assigned to be in the yellow class. The wind blew hard again showing Nex's smile. I can't say no to that face. Before I could say anything else, I saw the girl again walking towards the training hall. Right, I forgot that I had to find out her name.

Arc: Say, do you happen to know the name of that girl over there. She seems to know mine but I don't know hers. It's a bit awkward. Have a clue?

Nex: No, I don't recognize her at all. But I think she's one of the few that are going to be shipped out to the Platform. I think she might be going out at the same time as you.

Arc: Thanks, anyways I have to go. I'll see you around Nex.

Nex: Wait, you're Arc and you're going to the yellow class right?

Arc: Yeah, what about it?

Nex: Nothing! I'll see you when I see you.

He waved and smiled as I did the same. I followed the mysterious girl towards the training hall. She was already up ahead so I had to jog up to try and catch up. As I turned the corner, I smacked right into someone! Their books dropped on the ground. That's embarrassing! I started to pick them up for them but as I looked to see who it was, I just saw long white silver hair flowing down. After picking everything up, I passed them on to the girl. Her friends were all giggling behind her then started to walk away grinning wide. If it wasn't obvious, this was Nitra. Nitra's face started turning a bit red when I gave her the books. She's probably embarrassed that I smacked into her while her friends were around. Not exactly the coolest thing to do.

Arc: I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to bump into you. I was just heading towards the training grounds, I should've looked where I was going.

Nitra: Oh it's fine… I was going to pick them up but you were too quick there.

Arc: Well it was my fault anyway. Anyway, I gotta go.

Nitra: Wait Arc, what's your name?

Arc: Didn't you just say it?

Nitra: Eeep! Oh! Right! Sorry… I slipped up. I guess I'll introduce myself instead. I'm Nitra.

Arc: Cool. Anyways, is there anything else you need from me?

Nitra: Uh… Um… I don't know. I just wanted to introduce myself I guess ehehe.

Arc: Alright then. See you around Nitra.

Nitra: Bye…

I ran after the girl to the training grounds. As I entered everyone was busy at work in this facility. Different weapons, various magic projectiles, and people getting thrown to the ground. This was the ultimate place to get work done. I looked around the area but she was nowhere to be seen. The entire room was just filled with people that weren't joking. A part of me was getting scared because of the person I'll come to know. This was the place where she became who she was. Some people I could already recognize were Volv and Siv fighting in one of sparring circles. Siren and Onagi were just reading some books on the spectator boxes of the training facility. I guess she was here huh. As I entered deeper, the more I forgot about the smell of the people training. Artificial lights made sure that the place wasn't like a heat lamp making the area have perfect lighting. Padded surfaces to make sure that it was safe while some spaces had different terrain rings. Some were even lit up on fire just to reference what it's like to fight in molten environments. The next place to check here was the running platforms. There was a door that led to it. Before a person can enter the room, there's a sign that says to be careful. This training course was the dangerous one. Pushing the door, wind started to gush out and freezing cold started to make my hair stand up. The game was set to frozen waste land. Spikes were on the ground, ice pillars were erected, and a mighty blizzard was brewing. Right as I was about to enter, the mysterious girl grabbed my hand.

???: Where do you think you're going? There's a match going on.

Arc: Oh I didn't mean to go on. I was just looking for... Well, you.

???: Did you figure it out?

Arc: No, I don't think I have anyone here that I know. What more asking around.

???: Did you actually ask people this time? Last time I asked you to find someone and you said you searched, you just went to Juxo.

Arc: You can't blame me for asking him first. He's the only person I talk to frequently.

???: That is true. But you have to talk to other people.

Arc: I did talk to other people besides Juxo. They still had no clue who you were. Or maybe I just couldn't figure out a way to describe you properly.

???: Well I didn't expect you to actually talk to people so that's great. But I'm still not going to say my name. You have to figure it out since you're the one that forgot.

Arc: This is a pain.

???: At least we can watch the match. I wonder who'll win the ice stage. Not a lot of people like fighting on this stage.

Arc: It's pretty easy once you grasp that you're not supposed to try to find control in each step.

???: Yeah, it's more of who can use the ice to their advantage rather than who can fight better on the ice.

Arc: Do you have an idea on who's fighting?

???: I don't know. I was just asked by my referral to help out. It's some blond girl and whatever. Frankly, I don't care.

Arc: Well I better ask around some more then. I don't think staying and watching is going to give me a better idea.

???: Let's get some lunch then. I'm sure you can tell me all about your investigation for my name.

She grabbed my hand again then ran out of the room. A professor was shouting for her to come back to oversee the match but we just kept running. We sped past everyone around the campus, ignoring anyone who was looking. It felt like I was living another life. I wasn't sure if this was all real because I can't remember this at all. The walls, the people talking, and the warmth of the place was real. She was real. As we approached the dining hall, everything was starting to blur out. Areas of the school were now slowly disappearing from view. Students were vanishing. Eventually, we entered the mess hall. The place was empty but I could still hear the chattering of the students around. Rubbing my eyes, crumbles of this reality were starting to crack. The color of the metal started to turn dull and colorless. She sat me down on the only table that I could see now. Was I dying? I'm not quite sure if that was true or not. Panic was starting to set in but my head couldn't figure the reason why just yet. I could feel my face contort from the confusion. The girl started to place some food on the table that was unfamiliar to me. Right as I was about to comment on my condition, Nex started to come up to the table and sit down followed by a shy Nitra. The girl was surprised and happy at the same time.

???: So these must be the people that you've talked to! I thought for sure that you were lying.

Nex: We did talk but I'm not sure if we're friends.

Nitra: I'm just sitting here because there was nowhere else to sit.

???: Whatever it is, you guys still talked to Arc.

Nex: Those hands… Did it hurt?

???: Well yeah, training is training but you have to do it. Right Arc?

Arc: Yeah…

???: Someday I'll beat Arc. But for now try these things that they called meatballs. Don't know what's in it but it's meat!

She shoved a spoon full of it in my mouth. There was only one thing that was going through my head. I knew who she was! This can't be right! There's no possible way that this was her. The cafeteria started to disappear slowly and slowly. I was running out of time. I stood up on the table then reached out before it was too late.

???: Arc?

Olley: ARC!

I jumped out of my daze and I could feel the burns around my body. My hand was in intense stinging pain. Olley had been applying some burn cream on me. I kept screaming as the cream was doing it's best to heal my burns. What I reached out for was Olley's hand. This place was hot and the only thing that I was breathing from was the mask. Before I could finally get used to things, I finally remembered where I was. I got back to my senses. I dug in deep and shoved what I was feeling down. I looked at Able now decommissioned next to me. How long was I out? The buildings were being blown up from a distance while giant metal guardians were smashing the grounds where mutants were.

Arc: I'm okay! I'm back! I'm… back... How long was I out for?

Olley: Just a couple of minutes. We need to keep going! We have to leave Able!

Arc: I know… I know!

Olley: Let's go...