Now that I think about it, why is there a faction working together in the first place? It’s only the second day, I can’t imagine them getting along that fast. So much so to work together for a goal. Perhaps there’s an underlying factor that I’m missing? I kept these thoughts while the five of us stood near the entrance of the academy building.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Who are you?” I asked Lester's friend.

Due to the scuffle, I really didn’t pay attention to him. Buzz cut, chubby build, brown hair, Basil color eye, that was a basic summary of his appearance. Honestly, I’m surprised he’s very agile with that build. I’m sure he’s deliberately keeping himself that fat. Otherwise he wouldn’t be as strong as he is. Out of all of us, he’s the one with the least amount of injuries.

“Ah, right. I’m Randy Curran, you could say Lester and I are childhood friends. By the way I’m also in Class A. Nice to meet you,” he said, stretching his hand.

“Yeah, thanks for the help,” I replied, shaking his hand.

Letting go, we continued talking about the situation, but then we parted ways. Though I called out a certain person.

“Abigail, I want to talk to you,” I said, grabbing her hand.

“Sure,” she said, brushing my hand off her.

I didn’t mind as the only reason I did was to keep her away from escaping. Anyways, I now can get closer to the truth. Surely there was a reason for all of this. While she doesn’t have the answers, she should have valuable information.

“You said you were attracted by familiar mana, that was because you knew her,” I started.

“Yes,” she said, nodding her head.

“So, how do you know each other? From my perspective you are not on the best of terms.”

“Just some personal business,” Abigail quickly replied.

“I see,” I replied, a bit disappointed.

This won’t go anywhere if she keeps answering like this. Granted, she wouldn’t reveal much to a complete stranger. As such, I’m weighing my current options. Whether I draw my card or wait, if I fail to extract the necessary, I pretty much shoot myself in the foot. Do I really want to go though?

“Do you know Lester or Randy?”

“No, this was the first time we met.”

Thought so.

“You know, why are you so keen about my relationship with her? You asked me similar things when we first saw each other.”

She got closer as if to see my expression better, not to the point of being uncomfortable, but she indeed got closer. Her gaze tried to detect any upcoming lies, that’s if there were any in the first place.

“I’m curious, that’s all,” I responded, offering an explanation.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

“Is that really so?”

“Yeah.”

“You suck at lying,” she said, sighing.

“That’s the truth though,” I replied, keeping my response the same.

I’m curious. That’s all. I really am. If I wasn’t then why am I going out of my way to ask her personal questions? It doesn’t make sense, does it?

“I can’t believe that! If you don’t tell me the truth then I won’t answer any of your questions anymore,” she snapped, grabbing the collar of my uniform.

“Why should I? You haven’t answered my question either. How do you know each other?” I repeated my question once again.

“I said it’s personal business! That’s the answer to your question, now answer mine!” Abigail got more defensive whenever I asked about their relationship.

“That isn’t an answer. Now, if you want to know why I’m so invested in your relationship with her, then I’ll tell you. I’m curious, that’s all,” I said, answering her question in the same manner.

“You…!”

Assuming that my statement was the wrong way, it didn’t seem to please her as she tightened her hold on my uniform. I continued waiting if she was going to answer, staring at her.

She could easily beat me, but she didn’t. The reason? I do not know, yet she was reluctant on using violence. If I had to describe her attitude, it would be all bark and no bite.

She’s so—

“Fine then, since you won’t tell me what I want to know, I’ll do the same.”

Seeing me not budge, she let go and took a deep breath. Abigail turned her head away, frustrated about my silence. I fixed my uniform, not wanting for it to be messy. Just as she was about to leave, I causally raised one of my hands as if resting something on my palm.

“No need to get angry, Abigail. All I did was respond in the same attitude. Plus it isn't characteristic for a Basset to behave in such a manner,” I said nonchalantly, calmly talking.

“What did you say…?” Abigail, on the other hand, didn't, glaring at me, daring me to repeat my sentence.

“Hm? Did I not make myself clear? I said it isn’t characteristic for a Basset to behave in such a manner.”

As such I repeated the question for her to hear again. I was disinterested in her reaction, instead cleaning the dirt from nails. From my corner of my eye, Abigail's figure could be seen walking briskly towards me. When I looked up to see what her deal was, I was greeted by a slap on my face.

“You bastard, you knew!? You knew everything from the start, huh!? Why lie to me then!? Tell me!” Abigail shouted, more emotional with the passing second.

“What are you talking about? If I knew everything then why would I ask you? That logically doesn’t make any sense, does it? It seems like you’re getting too emotional, take deep breaths and you’ll feel better,” I said, placing my hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t touch me!” Abigail smacked my arm away, actually putting strength into it.

I had to enhance my arm at the last second or my arm would be broken, that’s how angry she is. It appears Lester is not the only one who needs to take anger management classes. Oh, well, how am I going to deal with a hysterical girl?

A Basset would never let their emotions get the better of them.

Especially Leon, the whole—

“I…I’m leaving,” she turned around, walking away.

“You’re going already? We haven’t finished talking,” I said, rubbing my cheek.

“Leave me alone,” she replied, walking away.

I saw no need to pursue her, so I let her leave. I kept rubbing my cheek, the pain had been bothering ever since she slapped me. She didn’t hold back on that one.

It’s the second day of school, and I’ve already messed up.

Or have I?

Nah, I definitely did.