3rd August

They were back at the shed. The place where it all began. Yuki and Naomi were still standing at the entrance of it, with Yuki leaning over one of the walls. Beside him, Naomi stood tall, a playful glint in her eyes that didn't quite reach the corners. Yuki was still mentally preparing himself for the trip, a grimace twisting his features, while Naomi stayed by his side. “It was very painful last time you know…” Yuki said, “It felt like someone was squeezing down on my brain.”

“Don't worry, Yuki. It stops hurting once you get used to it.” Naomi claimed.

“Was it the same for you too?” Yuki looked Naomi in the eyes.

“Uhh…” Naomi hesitated and took her eyes off Yuki’s, “In a way, yes.” she said as she fidgeted the ends of her top. “It's going to be fine, Yuki.” She looked him in the eyes again.

“I'll just have to push through it, it seems” Yuki grumbled. He straightened up, his shoulders squared in a feeble attempt to appear confident.

“Do it, Naomi.” He said, looking up at the ceiling pumping himself up with outward confidence.

“Alright, tough guy.” A ghost of a smile played on her lips, “But don't go screaming like a little girl this time.” She removed a small card from her pocket, the same one as before. As she manipulated its surface just as before, Yuki couldn't help but notice her fingers tremble slightly. Is she nervous too? She held the card over her head, “Vocare!” she shouted just like before.

ガシャンッ ガシャンッ ガシャンッ

The bright light came crashing through the roof of the shed, weaving an illusion of the ceiling being ripped to shreds. A faint tugging sensation pulled at him, as if gravity itself were adjusting, a slight feeling of weightlessness. On the outside it looked like a giant circular white beam crashing into the shed, but from inside, it was a completely different story.

Yuki's head was hurting significantly less from last time, there was a slight ringing in his ear but that was it. “Just like Naomi said.” He thought. Due to this he could actually witness the magnificent view of their travel. The inside of the giant dosser of light looked like it was weaved from tens of thousands of wavelengths spread throughout the visible spectrum, it resembled a rainbow on a scale he never could have imagined, a symphony of light that defied his human understanding.

Beyond the walls of the beam was the whole universe. Literally. Yuki saw everything – galaxies swirling in the distance, nebulae glowing with otherworldly hues, and stars scattered like diamonds on black velvet. He could sense the vastness, the unimaginable scale of existence that dwarfed his own world.

A gasp escaped Yuki's lips. His mind reeled as he tried to comprehend the sight. Was this real? Was he truly witnessing the very fabric of reality? A sense of awe washed over him. He felt insignificant yet somehow connected to this grand display of the universe.

Yuki's understanding of the world, and perhaps even Naomi, was undergoing transformation. The question lingered – was this journey simply a gateway to another world, or was it something more profound, a revelation of the true nature of reality?

He stole a glance at Naomi. Her face was bathed in the swirling light, her expression unreadable. Did she share his awe, or was there a hint of something deeper in her eyes? A silent question hung in the air between them.

As they hurtled deeper into the beam, the vibrant colours began to shift subtly. The playful dance of primary colours gave way to a dominance of purples and aurora greens. Was this a sign of their approach to Avalon?

The light became brighter and brighter, its joyous symphony of colours merging into a blinding white. The playful dance of hues faded, replaced by a stark, searing luminescence. The ringing in his ears escalated to a deafening roar, a relentless assault that vibrated through his very bones. Yuki squeezed his eyes shut, his hand flying to his throbbing head in a desperate attempt to block out the sensory overload. The feeling of weightlessness intensified, pulling at him in all directions, a disorienting tug-of-war between up and down.

Then, just as abruptly as it began, everything stopped. The pain vanished, leaving behind a dull ache that pulsed faintly in his skull. The ringing subsided into a faint echo. Slowly, tentatively, Yuki cracked open his eyes.

The world of Avalon was once again in front of him, but this time… this time there was something different… something ethereal about it. The air shimmered with a subtle luminescence. It felt as if a million fireflies had been released within the very atmosphere, casting an otherworldly, cool glow upon the landscape.

And then he heard it. A faint melody, carried on the wind, a sound so beautiful and otherworldly it sent shivers down his spine. The very air was thrummed with a celestial symphony, a composition so exquisitely ethereal it could have sprung only from the likeness of Mozart or Beethoven. It wasn't a song in the traditional sense, but rather a weaving of notes – some high and crystalline, others deep and resonating – that seemed to emanate from the very fabric of the land itself. It was a melody that resonated within him, stirring emotions he couldn't quite name. Was it a welcome? A warning? Or simply the natural music of this fantastical world?

Yuki stood there, mesmerised, the ache in his head forgotten.

A prickling sensation crawled up his spine, raising the hairs on his neck. Yuki and Naomi weren’t the only ones there. There was a woman awaiting them. An air of grace and elegance covered what could only be called a deadly captivating presence. “I don’t know how… but I just know that I shouldn’t mess with whosoever this person is.” Yuki’s heart raced from the pressure that this woman’s mere presence put on her. “G-good morning, Miss Yuan.” Naomi greeted the woman hesitatingly, Yuki noticed her accent had changed for some reason. When Yuki looked at the woman closely, her Asian heritage was quite apparent. With an ageless charm, she appeared to be in her mid twenties. She walked closer to the both of them, every small movement of her body choreographed with utmost precision. “Good morning, Miss Sasaki.” she spoke in a sharp cold voice. Her eyes shifted to Yuki, then back to Naomi, “This must be the new pupil I suppose?” She shot icicles from her mouth, and Yuki noticed her accent sounded different too.

“That’s right, Miss Yuan.” Naomi’s voice was very hesitant, it sounded as if a slight hiccup by her would cost her deeply. The woman she called Miss Yuan looked at Yuki again, “Then you must be Mr. Tachibana.”

Yuki, heart hammering in his chest, bowed deeply. “はい！橘由生です！[Hai! Tachibana Yuuki desu!]”

A beat of surprised silence followed, then a flicker of amusement in Miss Yuan's eyes. Naomi's lips twitched slightly. Yuki straightened, his cheeks burning with a mixture of panic and confusion. It sprang to him then – they'd been speaking English. "U-Uhh..." he stammered, "I-I'm s-sorry. I'm Yuki Tachibana."

“Good, both of you follow me.” She commanded, seemingly unfazed by Yuki’s blunder. Yuki watched as she turned, her figure a study in controlled grace. Several inches taller than him, she moved with the confidence of a master artist.

Adorned in a traditional Hanfu [漢服], she effortlessly embodied a fusion of tradition and sophistication. The crimson Ruqun [襦裙], its white collar framing a glimpse of pale skin, flowed around her form, secured by a sleek black cincture. Delicate white roses danced across the red fabric like a mesmerising melody. A black Shan [衫] draped over the ensemble, its design echoing the roses of the skirt, but rendered in a bold red.

Her ebony hair, meticulously swept up in a flawless bun, was secured by a golden Ji [筓] hairpin adorned with intricate carvings. The style artfully accentuated her sharp features. In her hand, she held a delicate folding fan [折扇], its design mirroring the captivating motif of her Hanfu.

Completing the ensemble was a black cincture, adorned with a sleek sheath that held a gleaming Dao. As she walked, the sunlight glinted off the polished metal, sending a shiver down Yuki’s spine. The harmonious combination of her attire, accessories, and poise created an aesthetic that was nothing short of breathtaking.

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Both of them did as she said, Yuki looked at Naomi with a loss of words, almost terrified. He had many questions, “What is happening?”, “Who is this woman?” and as such. Yuki wanted to ask Naomi many questions like “How is she allowed to carry a sword in here?” “Why does this lady look so strict?” “She won't kill me right?” et cetera, but the presence of the lady was so strong that Yuki was scared to do so. He was surprised that even Naomi, who wouldn't miss a chance to tease Yuki, stayed shut. She made a gesture towards Yuki only through her expressions, it seemed as if she wanted to say “Just stay quiet for now.”

They walked away from the dome over a bridge that connected it to the mainland of Avalon. The bridge resembled the beam of light that hit the shed and transported them here. It seemed like it was made of glass and a rainbow.

Yuki realised they had already crossed the bridge. Even though it seemed hundreds of metres long they had crossed it in mere seconds. “Was this magic too…?” Yuki thought to himself. "That very dome," Miss Yuan intoned, "along with the bridge you traversed, forms an integral part of what we have designated the 'Bifröst'. It helps us to traverse through the tapestry of the universe.” She said, her voice possessing a cool elegance. “We will now be registering you to The Avalon Atheneum.”

Yuki admired the surroundings as they walked into the fortified academy. The entrance to the structure was like the peak of a tall triangle; as they entered the dark castle-like structure they were greeted with a long courtyard forking into two pathways like two sides of a triangle. Their steps echoed as they walked on the polished floor. The overarching walls hung tall and the courtyard appeared narrow in their reference. “This is Block A.” Like a cold rave, words rushed out of Miss Yuan’s mouth. “Once you cross this courtyard you’d be greeted with the training grounds that separate Block A from Block B.” In the area that spanned between the divided paths was a garden, well decorated and laced with exotic flora. Yuki couldn’t take his eyes away from the mesmerising structures and took in every detail they provided.

Walking alongside Naomi, Yuki felt a knot of apprehension tighten in his stomach. The grandeur of the place was awe-inspiring, yet the atmosphere felt heavy. He stole a glance at Naomi, hoping to find a flicker of familiarity in her expression. She too appeared to be stressed from the presence of the woman. “We will be going in here.” Miss Yuan stated as she gestured towards a door in the courtyard, a sign hung near its edge that said ‘Registration Room’.

Pushing open the heavy oak door with ease, Miss Yuan ushered Yuki and Naomi inside. The Registration Room was a stark contrast to the cold, imposing hallways. Sunlight streamed through high windows, illuminating a surprisingly warm and inviting space. The walls were an aged hue of yellow, while the floor was made of the same oak wood as the door.

The room was surprisingly spacious, big enough to harbour a class here itself. In the centre of the room stood a large, ornately carved wooden desk. Miss Yuan walked over and sat behind it. Papers were neatly arranged before her, and a quill pen rested in an inkwell that glittered with an otherworldly sheen. There were multiple small bookshelves scattered along the walls of the room, each older than the other. “Now,” Miss Yuan announced, “we shall begin your registration.” Yuki couldn't help but feel a tinge of anxiety as he realised the gravity of this moment—the formalities that would solidify his place in Avalon.

Curiosity compelled Yuki to question why he couldn't fill out the form himself. With a chilly demeanour, Miss Yuan explained, “We don't allow the pupils to fill out the form themselves. There is a risk of mistakes due to their unfamiliarity with the process.” Her response sent a shiver down Yuki's spine, leaving him with an uneasy feeling about the system in place.

“Now, let us begin with the questions.” Miss Yuan declared, her tone commanding attention, “Miss Sasaki, you know what you have to do now.” She commanded.

Naomi silently nodded her head and left the room with her head facing downwards, leaving the both of them alone. Yuki couldn't help but steal a glance at Naomi as she left. Her eyes ended up meeting his and she forced a smile, as if telling him not to worry.

Miss Yuan dipped the quill into the inkwell, the otherworldly sheen seeming to mock him. As she began to write in a flowing script across the aged parchment. “Alright.” he mumbled, the grandness of the room suddenly feeling oppressive. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his gaze flickering between the polished oak floor and the expectant Miss Yuan.

“First,” she began, her voice sharp as a quill point, “place your hand on this.” she said as she pushed forward an apparatus from her end of the table to another. It wasn't the simple quill and parchment Yuki had expected. Instead, a strange device sat before him, its purpose unclear.

The centrepiece was a crystal ball, perfectly round and flawless. It sat atop a gleaming metal stand, its surface catching the sunlight and fracturing it into a rainbow of colours across the room. Below the crystal ball, a series of intricate gears and levers whirred to life with a soft hum. They resembled the delicate workings of a clock, constantly shifting and clicking as if deciphering some unseen code. Finally, at the very base of the device, a small compartment resembled a miniature printing press. A blank card, similar in size to a playing card, lay nestled within, waiting to be etched with information.

With a deep breath, Yuki extended his hand, palm facing down, towards the cool, smooth surface of the crystal ball. A jolt of energy surged through him as his skin made contact with the crystal. The room seemed to hold its breath – the only sound was the whirring of the gears, now faster and more urgent. A faint blue light emanated from the crystal, bathing Yuki's hand in an ethereal glow.

A thousand questions swirled in Yuki's mind. What kind of mistakes could disqualify him? Why such a formal process for something seemingly simple? But with Miss Yuan's gaze fixed on him, a heavy silence pressing down on the room, he held his tongue, a knot of unease tightening in his chest.

Miss Yuan began asking Yuki questions, some very basic and some strange. As Yuki was answering the questions a ray of light was lasered onto the blank card in the apparatus, printing details over it. A couple of minutes passed with them going through and fro with the question, until Miss Yuan said, “Finally, the last question, what is your birthdate?”

Yuki hesitated for a moment, grappling with the significance of this question. His birthday held a deeper meaning, one that he wasn't ready to divulge so readily. Nevertheless, he mustered the courage to answer truthfully. “August 6th, 2004.” He looked back towards the oak door as if trying to catch Naomi with his eyes, except she wasn’t there.

“Very well. Your form is complete, check for any mistakes.” Miss Yuan announced, handing over the document to Yuki for his perusal.

As Yuki glanced at the form, confusion washed over him. Miss Yuan had asked only a handful of questions, yet she had filled out the rest of the form herself. It seemed like an intricate process, one he struggled to comprehend. His gaze fixated on the section dedicated to aura, where Miss Yuan had confidently written 'Acrux'. The section regarding affinity, however, remained blank, leaving Yuki perplexed.

The meticulousness of the form intrigued Yuki. Miss Yuan had managed to accurately fill in details such as his height without any measurements. The precision with which she completed the form hinted at a deeper understanding of the pupils and their unique attributes. It was clear that there was a well-established system in Avalon, one that operated with an uncanny efficiency.

Examining the form, Yuki couldn't help but feel a sense of mystique shrouding the registration process. The answers he had provided were only a small fragment of the puzzle, unveiling the surface of his identity within the realm of Avalon. With each passing moment, he grew more aware of the complexities that lay beneath the surface, eager to unravel the secrets that awaited him.

With a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, Yuki returned the form to Miss Yuan. Their encounter had left him with more questions than answers, fueling his desire to explore the enigmatic realm of Avalon and uncover the truth behind its intricate workings.

“Yes, this is completely fine.” Yuki stated as he returned the form.

“I see. According to your details, your ID number shall be 1608. Your ID card must be generated now.” Miss Yuan stated with a sense of authority. The crystal ball emitted a soft, bluish-purple glow as Miss Yuan deftly inserted a card into the lower part of the device, and within moments, it emerged from the other side, bearing Yuki's details and image.

“This is your ID card,” Miss Yuan declared, presenting it to him in a traditional Japanese manner. “From now on, you are a student of the Avalon Academy and a citizen of Avalon. Your existence in the Earth realm has been erased. I will provide you with a few guidebooks later, so be sure to read them. They cover the basics of this place. Miss Sasaki will be there to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. For now, you can explore the surroundings with her. See you later, Mr. Tachibana.”

With those final words, Miss Yuan left the room, leaving Yuki to marvel at his newly acquired ID card. As he examined it, he couldn't help but notice a peculiarity. While the details in the form had been filled out in Japanese, the ID card itself was in English, with his name written in the Western format of first name first, last name last. It was a small quirk that highlighted the blend of cultures and influences within the realm of Avalon.

“Phew, I didn't expect Miss Yuan to personally welcome you.” Naomi sighed in relief as she entered the room. “It's a good thing you handled yourself well, or else she would have annihilated you with just a single glare.”

“Her presence was so intimidating that I couldn't help but obey her commands instinctively.” Yuki admitted.

“Well, that's Miss Yuan for you.” Naomi chuckled, shaking her head. “She has a reputation for striking fear into the hearts of even the bravest souls.”

Curiosity sparked within Yuki as he couldn't help but inquire further, “So, who exactly is Miss Yuan?”

“Her full name is Akari Yuan [朱莉媛]. She serves as a subordinate to one of the senior teachers here, who also happens to be her older sister. And believe it or not, her sister is even scarier than she is.” Naomi revealed with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Yuki's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How can someone be scarier than Miss Yuan? And I noticed, Akari is a Japanese name, while Yuan sounds Chinese. How does that work?”

Naomi shrugged, a hint of intrigue in her voice. “It's a mystery. There are rumours floating around that their father was a Chinese assassin who had an affair with a Japanese shinobi. But, you know how rumours can be. I wouldn't put too much stock in them.”

“I see.” Yuki mused, contemplating the fascinating blend of cultures. “So, that means we have people from all over the world here, huh?”

Naomi nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, indeed. Avalon is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds and talents. It's what makes this place truly extraordinary. Speaking of which, I didn’t realise you spoke English so well!” Naomi exclaimed.

Yuki sighed, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. "That's because I've been playing a lot of international MMOs these past couple of years, that's why." He couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration, “And why didn’t you care to tell me everyone will be talking in English here?”

“Oh… that… why does it matter, you know it now.” She offered him a sheepish grin and puppy eyes. "Besides, you seem to be doing just fine!".

“Can’t disagree with that.” Yuki said.

“Now that the formalities are done, let's make the most of our time here. What are we waiting for?” Naomi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Yuki grinned, appreciating Naomi's enthusiasm. “Sounds perfect. Lead the way, my tour guide extraordinaire.”

<10 - RestartーEpisode 2 - Fin>