After however long, drifting in the darkness of consciousness, groggily, heavy-lidded, Miu finally opened her eyes. It was bright; her vision was cloudy. She was unable to recognize what was around her. A gentle warmth enveloped her, but her body was stiff as if she’d slept uncomfortably.

 Once her vision cleared, she noticed a shoulder—her head resting on a firm arm. Confused, she began to recall the events in the classroom. It got dark; everyone fell onto the floor. And before she noticed, she was out cold.

 As she fully regained consciousness, her eyes widened. Noel, her childhood friend, gently enveloped her in his arms—just like he’d done in the past whenever she was sad because the other kids chastised her.

 …If I remember correctly, he caught me when I fell, right? Miu giggled lightly. A smile intruded as she looked at his sleepy face.

 Numb, her neck was itchy and uncomfortable. But when she finally looked past his shoulder, she noticed the sun rising.

 “Huh…?” surprise escaped her lips.

 The sky was clear, without clouds—not obstructed by windows or walls; she couldn’t believe her eyes. Gently, she moved Noel’s hand from her side, rolling him on his back, and got up. Looking down, she noticed the long strand of grass that—moments ago, caused her discomfort. But as her gaze wandered—where are we…? Miu marveled, astonished to the point she failed to comprehend.

 The others were scattered, snores reverberated; disheveled, they’d forced their warm jackets off. The weather was unsuited for the current heat because this wasn’t the early spring with slushy snow puddles, which were cold and clammy. No, it was more like a hot summer day on the vast green field in the countryside.

 “Na…ni…?”

 Miu’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe what she saw and fell to her knees—thud… Her numb legs couldn’t feel the pain. She just watched the sunrise by the horizon. Trying to comfort herself with a hug, her gaze fell onto Noel. His shaken eyes stared blankly at her ruby eyes, which were bent and distorted due to the flood of tears.

 “…Miu?” Pained shock clenched his heart—he hadn’t seen her cry in years.

 “Noe… Noe-chi…” Tears ran down her cheeks. Her soft hair clung to her face, making a total mess. “Where are we…?” a confused hitch escaped amongst the weeps. “I-I remember being in pain, my chest hurt, my head hurt—I felt so feverish I thought I’d die… and now… and now… where…? Where are we…?”

 “…Huh?” Noel was uncertain if he’d imagined it or not, but Miu’s hair seemed to glow in a warm light.

 He shook his head, realizing there were no ceilings, windows, or walls—the ticklish sensation caressing his hand and neck was the feel of grass strands. The sky was blue and clear; there was no uncomfortable humidity—instead, a gentle warmth.

 But he couldn’t afford to be attentive to his surroundings—it wasn’t important right now. He’d shrugged the questions off his mind, got up, and pulled Miu into his chest. Surprised, she closed her eyes in acceptance, casing her arms around him, sobbing quietly as he patted her back.

 However, when Noel saw his unconscious best friend, memories flooded his mind. Raw, visceral horror of Alum being disfigured from the inside. His blood veins burst, and his skin cracked to the beating sound of his bones breaking while his muscles snapped. The recollection stifled his breath. Dreadful imagery overlapped with his sleeping face.

 “—!” Noel tried to catch his breath, unconsciously squeezing Miu too tight, making her uncomfortable.

 “N-Noel… it hurts.” Miu’s low cry caused him to loosen up.

 “S-sorry.”

 “It’s okay… just let me stay like this a little longer.” Miu dove into his chest again.

 “Got it.” He accepted her request without complaint and took some time to gather his thoughts.

 What was that…? Noel pondered—the disturbing image lingered. Though calm, the sight of Alum carrying Emely while being deformed alive was haunting. Was it all a dream—what was all that blood?! …No. No… He denied, gazing at the serene face of his friend. That… that shouldn’t be the case… it must’ve been a nightmare… Shaking his head, he released Miu.

 “Feeling better?” he asked, diverting his attention.

 “Nn… I feel better. Thanks…” Miu answered, wiping her tears as she heaved a sigh.

 “Your hair… it was glowing for a moment,” he relayed, wondering if she was aware.

 “My hair…?” Miu’s head leaned to the side. A question mark appeared above her head.

 “Uh… never mind. It’s nothing,” Noel shook his head, thinking he imagined it. His eyes wandered around; he couldn’t fathom everything yet, making his head throb and ache. “Sigh… They’re still unconscious—I have too many questions, but let’s wake them up before anything else.”

 “Nn… got it—”

 Before Miu could reply, a sudden cry reached their ears. “—W-what the…?!” Oliver woke up, looking around frantically in disbelief. Soon after, a few more came to—most of which slapped their faces or pinched their cheek.

 Then, Emely finally opened her eyes. She noticed the comfort, snuggling—unaware of the ensuing chaos. The memory of sharp pain in her chest and nauseating headache reminded her of the time she was sick till the point she’d die—but as she saw the face of the youth holding her, a smile crept up on her. Her heart tickled—she wasn’t lonely anymore. The restless nights over her doctorate, the times she got sick, cold, lonely—in spite of that, he was there…

 ‘It’s nice to meet you. My name is Emely, and I am your cousin—we’ll be living together from now on, so you can tell me anything on your mind, Alum!’ The memory of their first meeting always played in her mind whenever she struggled. I just thought he was shy at first… she chuckled, recalling his intimidating greeting.

 ‘What? Are you also after the inheritance?’ the young Alum inquired, his voice filled with hostility. She didn’t care for the money, but his words cut deep. ‘Take what you want. I do not care. But get in my way; you had better prepare a competent criminal lawyer—you will need it; it will be a bloody scene,’ he stated coolly as though indifferent.

 Seriously—I couldn’t believe those words came from a seven-year-old… Emely quietly sighed. It was perhaps true. I guess I had ulterior motives at the time. I was so… lonely—we were kin. I thought he wanted someone… too… Shaking her head, she brushed off the worries. No, no. It isn’t the time to look back—it’s a rare opportunity to cuddle in his arms~ …wait, where are we?

 Emely calmed down; her gaze became fixated on the blue sky. Are those… nebulae? The thought crossed her mind. She freed herself from Alum’s gentle cradle and noticed her students were shocked—she now shared the sentiment.

 The change in scenery had taken her breaths away, leaving her horrified and confused as other extraterrestrial bodies were visible in the sky; the moon was enormous—there was another star, albeit dimmer, as it shone gently along the harsh sun.

 Furthermore, the plains echoed and rustled the sound of brushing tall grass; it danced to the rhythm of the tender hissing breeze. Occasionally, she spotted massive trees in the vast of it all. There were strange-looking animals in the distance, seemingly bulkier and different from anything she’d seen. For some reason, they stayed away from the area. Amidst the confusion loomed the realization—she was far from home. Her eyes naturally drifted toward Noel and Miu.

 Noel clenched his fists, realizing it wasn’t a dreamscape. His usual jest demeanor changed completely. Miu pinched his sleeve in worry—Noel showed a rare exasperation only when deeply angered. The other students noticed his profound shift in gear. It was then most of them came to terms with the surreality of it all.

 “We’re not even on earth…” The notion echoed loudly.

 But amidst all the resignation, one youth still hadn’t woken up. Emely tried to wake him up. The confirmation dawned on Noel—was… all that I saw real—Alum… was he mutilated alive? He shuddered, and his stomach twisted. His bones cracked as rivers of blood ran down his eyes, coating his body… Ugh?! I don’t get it?! He resisted scratching his head out of frustration and could only wait if he wanted answers.

 …

 ..

 The silence hadn’t been this loud before. Too baffled or caught by their thoughts, the students sought comfort from those nearby. Most gathered around Emely, Noel, Miu, and some Oliver.

 David was the one watching the two groups. His light amber eyes locked on the youth on Emely’s lap—his chest rising and falling steadily. Why hast he not awaken? David pondered deeply. A calm smile lurked; he adjusted his shirt, tightened his tie, and ran a hand through his soft gray hair. It appears intriguing. He calmly walked toward Emely and the murmuring students.

 “Professor, is there something I can do?” David spoke softly, knelt to meet her eyes, and smiled.

 Emely’s gaze rose for a moment. “Oh, David… you’re so considerate… umm… we are currently collecting our thoughts…” Her eyes were downcast on Alum. She spoke gently as she stroked his hair. “Firstly, we should focus on the now—it doesn’t matter where we are. Second, we must secure water, food, and shelter—”

 “Like this?” David smiled, showing Emely his palm.

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 “…?” Intrigued, David caught the attention of the others too.

—Gurgle.  

 The bubbling soft noise tickled their ears—gentle light widened their eyes, and the sight of flowing water snagged their breaths. David had somehow made a ball of levitating water in his hand.

 “With this, water is secured, right?” He calmly smiled, his lips met the cool fresh water—gulp—swallowing some of it. “Phew… that’s pretty refreshing.”

 “…” Silence befell them again. Even Oliver and his group took notice of the sudden shift. “What the…” Bewilderment escaped their thoughts as they witnessed the perfect sphere of transparent water.

 “In fiction, I think it’s called magic, or is this perhaps supernatural powers?” David pondered casually.

 “…”

 Too mystified to comment immediately, the others glanced amongst themselves, murmuring. Only Noel didn't seem as surprised. I see. Miu’s glowing hair must’ve been related to this, too… he concluded.

 “I doubt I’m the only one capable of this—just before everyone woke up, Miu’s hair shone golden; I suggest it’d be some sort of power and magic, don’t you think?” David inquired, eying Noel with his mellow gaze.

 “Right… Maybe we all might possess some magical ability—the question is, what?” Noel clenched his fist, staring, then leveled his gaze toward the others. “Say. Doesn’t it feel a little strange? At first, I was rather stiff, but now… I feel great physically—it also feels like I can do more.”

 “Exactly. I somehow intuitively knew how. Not sure why, though,” David shrugged.

 Everyone looked at their hands, but Emely’s sharp voice snapped them back. “Don’t be too eager to test things out just yet,” she interjected sharply. “…We must be cautious; distance ourselves—it wasn’t your first time doing that, was it, David?” Her determined golden eyes locked onto him, brimming with confidence.

 “You really are sharp, Professor.” David closed his eyes, smiling with a hand resting on his heart as if proud of the fact. “Yes, I felt something strange, as Noel mentioned. I thought there must’ve been more to it. As Professor said, I went to try things out on my own before coming here—you all should too, so as not to endanger others,” he casually assessed and encouraged them to do the same.

 The students glanced at one another, then at Emely as if to seek approval. “I know you’re all adults… but be careful.” Emely sighed, expressing concerns; her warm voice filled them with hope in the helpless chaos—she, indeed, was the Professor they respected.

 “Sigh… well, that’s one box checked,” Noel casually chuckled. “And if David can manipulate water, then someone should be able to manipulate earth, right? Then, the shelter problem would be solved. All that’s left is food…. It might be a little tricky, though.”

 “…In the worst case, we got cannibalism.” Kevin’s intrusive thoughts echoed—shit… I said that aloud???! Sweat ran down his back.

 “…” Even Kurt couldn’t follow up on that one.

 “Pfft… haha-haha~ well, in that case, we’ll begin with you, Kevin!” Noel grinned, licking his lips sadistically.

 “E-eep!” Kevin shrieked.

 “Pfft… ahahaha,” the others burst out laughing too. “Noel’s right, Kevin, you’re the one that brought it up!” they exclaimed.

 “G-guys?!”

 And so, we all agreed that Kevin would be our first means if the push comes to shove. Noel chuckled lightly. His eyes wandered towards Alum. You’re awake, aren’t you?

 “…”

 Well, maybe not.

 …

 ..

—Drip… drip…

 In the world of unconsciousness, Alum found himself gazing into the vastness of the dark while heavy drops echoed in the hollow space. He closed his eyes and stood there, surged by the melancholy. With each step, ripples formed beneath—imitating light, resonating the world into deep crimson. The thick, sticky sensation clung to his feet—echoing and resounding its depth.

 He walked. And walked. Still assaulted by the salty metallic taste along with a deep crimson scent. He opened his eyes. A pure white canvas emerged before him. He looked at his hands—

 “What is the point? The only paint here is despair,” a youthful declaration resounded throughout the ink world. “You will not be able to paint anything with that. Pardon. Wrong suggestion; its only color is misery, which is something—suppose you have yet to numbed to its company, that is?”

 “…”

 “Supposedly, are you to dive into this ocean of crimson ink? Light in the abyss? How absurd,” the voice froze the world.

 “So?”

 “…What? What?! So?! Are you saying, ‘So what?’ are you?! ARE YOU?!” The voice erupted—black and red paintings emerged in the crimson-lit space. “Did you forget all these paintings?! Did you?!”

 “No, I did not,” Alum calmly answered, crossing his arms as he detachedly analyzed them.

 “Do they mean nothing… to you?” the voice hitched as ink rained. The youthful boy appeared. He was on his knees, supporting his body with his hands as he sobbed, looking into the abyss.

 “…This miserable abyss might be deep, but who doesn’t experience sorrow?” Alum stated, kneeling and placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Everyone carries sadness, lives with it, and sometimes moves on.”

 “…” The youth didn’t respond, averting their eyes.

 “But... You know? I saw something beautiful just now.” Alum recalled the peaceful faces of those close to him when he was on the brink of death. “Even misery can paint something beautiful—it can encourage the want to change.”

 “…”

 “It’s true as they say; you’ll never appreciate it until it’s gone. In this case… they aren’t gone. You can hear them too, don’t you? The others in the waking world.” Alum smiled as the youth finally looked at him. “Because they aren’t, I must appreciate them, mustn't I?”

 The boy tried to say something; however, soft light penetrated the dark world, illuminating all the red without the black ink.

 “I don’t need to cover it with darkness—I remember all of it clearly. That’s why, when we meet again, I’ll bring you other colors.”

 The boy hesitated, but Alum hugged him, causing him to reciprocate the embrace. “Promise me,” the boy voiced, shaken with uncertainty. Alum chuckled, “I promise,” he reassured. The boy finally smiled and closed his eyes. His body began to disburse into light as the world slowly faded.

 Left alone in the pure white world, Alum looked towards the cracks—it’s about time I wake up, he thought, and a soft smile tugged his lips. I’ll do my best to understand these feelings—after all, it’s our promise for new paint; we already have some.

  …

 ..

 The warmth was ticklish. The strands of grass were uncomfortable and itchy—yet comforting. Slowly, Alum’s heavy eyelids open. His crystal vision locked with the sky and Noel’s bluish-silver eyes. But the world rumbled and shook.

 “You can stop shaking me now…”

 “Oh! You’re finally awake!” Noel exclaimed and got up on his feet. He reached his hand toward Alum.

 “…Thanks.” Alum grabbed his hand, and his eyes began to wander in search of Emely. “Mm?” he paused, narrowing his brows and clenching his fist—Monochrome? …How comforting, he scoffed inwardly.

 “Hey, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?” Noel’s reluctance clogged his lungs as he nervously waited.

 “I’m fine, thanks for asking.” Alum smiled, shrugging in reassurance.

 “…” Caught by surprise, a mellow yet casual demeanor replaced the bloody figure in Noel’s eyes.

 “What? Did you see a ghost or something?” Alum inquired.

 “No…” Noel sighed, his shoulders relaxed. “I wish that was the case, haha~”

 “You’re peculiar,” Alum said, playfully hitting Noel’s shoulder.

 “…”

 “What?” he leaned his head sideways.

 “Uh, no, it’s nothing.” Noel’s eyes were glued to Alum while he looked around to assess the situation.

 What is going on? The thought crossed Noel’s mind. He wasn’t this playful before; could it have been from shock?

 “Are you really okay?” Noel repeated the question—this time, in bewilderment rather than concern.

 “Mother Three, you worry too much. More than Emy—”

 No-no-no-no-no, there’s clearly something wrong! Isn’t there??! Noel screamed inside.

 “Um… yeah, I guess I am…” He resigned, thinking he wouldn’t understand Alum’s mind; he hadn’t until now—and it wouldn’t change either. “A-ahem… so, yeah, we’re in another world.”

 “I see.”

 “…”

 “…?”

 “That’s it…?” Noel scratched his head.

 “It’s not like I can do anything about it,” Alum casually replied.

 Noel sighed. A smirk crept and surfaced. Alum noticed the abrupt change. His eyebrow rose. Then suddenly, a flame engulfed, levitating in Noel’s hand, crackling and emitting warmth—

 “You’re not surprised, are you?” Noel’s expression became flat when he noticed Alum’s non-reaction.

 Alum shifted his gaze, nudging his head along. Noel’s eyes followed; the others manifested their abilities. A few discussed how to utilize their magic and apply them practically.

 “Sigh…” Noel crossed his arms and huffed. “So you do pay attention to everything around you…”

 “No,” Alum feigned with a soft smile—

—Shuffle-shuffle-shuffle.

 Quick footsteps rustling in the grass approached rapidly—Alum spread his arms wide and caught Emely as she launched at him.

 “Al!” she exclaimed while burying her face in his chest, sobbing as her knees wobbled. “Hic… I was so worried! Sob…” She squeezed him tight, unwilling to ever let go.

 “I was just asleep—it was a pretty pleasant dream.” Alum rested his chin on her head and patted her back as he stroked her soft hair.

 His gaze met Noel’s; the two smiled at one another. Noel began to walk. As he passed Alum, he patted him on the shoulder, heading toward Miu and the others.

—Sob… hic…

 Suddenly, a few other students broke down in tears as well. Miu’s friends hugged her. Kevin sobbed at the wholesomeness but also out of loneliness as Kurt and Daniel patted his shoulder. Oliver huffed, crossing his arms. But a smile emerged with a lonesome look in the distance—his group looked at him and closed their eyes to reflect all that’s happened.

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