"Oh! And here is Mr. Titanium Balls!" Mr. Redtliff's voice greeted me as I appeared at the door of the university dormitory.
I had set off this morning on the bus, intending to check into the university since today marks the last day of summer. To be frank, I had little desire for this. I was keen on continuing my assistance in the investigation, ensuring the thorough cleansing of Eshin, even though Nein pointed out how intricate and prolonged the process would be. Zanh Kiem, on the other hand, urged me not to meddle in everything and to stick to the principal directive: try not to deviate from my life's plan so as not to bring closer the End of the World. The Maker assured me he'd keep me updated on matters, and if my help becomes necessary, he would surely reach out. For now, he primarily advised me to tend to my personal matters and train the Break Knights.
Thus, my previous day concluded with a visit to a special clinic. There, I was reassured that under Rui's watchful care, Leonidas was undoubtedly on the path to recovery. Had it not been for the Master of Secrets' intervention, the outcome for the young raig could have been dire. The sinister order of "slow death" had been ingrained in his energy body. Thankfully, the Seer managed to combat this black clot and extract it from Leonidas' aura.
To be exact, the actual end of my day came a bit later. After my clinic visit, I securely stashed the First Angel in a discreet location, easily accessible from the university campus. Next morning, I woke up to my alarm, had a quick breakfast, grabbed my pre-packed bag, and boarded the bus. This bus transported me and about thirty other prospective students to the university.
The first thing I observed while walking with my bag slung over my shoulder along the now familiar paths was the distinct and evidently agitated bustle everywhere. It would have been understandable if the source of this anxiety were newcomers like myself. However, it wasn't the students who were in a frantic hurry but rather the staff. Perhaps this commotion is routine, given that the academic year commences tomorrow and preparations are underway. I am sure, as usual, much is done at the last moment - in this regard, this world is no different from mine.
Yet, as I neared the building where I'd reside during my studies, I couldn't help but notice that the hustle and bustle were definitely excessive. The same superintendent, whom I'd known for quite some time and who usually exuded composure, seemed unusually edgy. There was also a noticeable agitation among many students; they were dashing about, engaging in boisterous conversations and muttering curses. Notably, it was primarily the seniors expressing their discontent. Some of them cast rather hostile glances at us freshmen.
"Good morning, Mr. Redtliff," I responded, bowing politely. "I see you're swamped today."
"Good observation skills..." The superintendent remarked with a hint of sarcasm. As he put his signature on a document, he looked up at me. "And that's an understatement! Some lous... I mean, a bee, yes definitely a bee, stung our heir! Just yesterday, an order came in to allocate a separate room for every first and second-year student. As if we have the space! But, since the directive is from the top..." The superintendent rolled his eyes. "We dutifully comply." Mr. Redtliff paused to give instructions to his assistant before turning back to me. "Consequently, our building will house only freshmen, while the upperclassmen will have to adjust to having less personal space."
"I see, hence the disgruntled looks and all the commotion," I commented.
"However, it doesn't concern you," the superintendent said with a smirk. "You were already assigned a private room, so it remains yours." He detached a key from his belt and passed it to me. "The first week's curriculum has seen major changes," he noted, handing me a sheet. "Review it and act accordingly! And yes, try not to run down the corridors today and don't make a fuss at all, even without you here today, as you can see..." he gestured to the bustling lobby.
"It was good seeing you, Mr. Redtliff. So, shall I go and start to not-make-a-fuss?"
"Yes, do that," he dismissed with a wave, moving towards a noisy cluster of upset upperclassmen. "Alright, young folks, what seems to be the problem?"
Not particularly keen on witnessing the impending chastisement, I hoisted my bag and headed to my floor. Opening the door, I found my room unchanged, save for the absence of the second bed and nightstand – a logical adjustment. I unpacked and, sprawling on my bed, examined the leaflet given by Mr. Redtliff.
Wow! The first week's curriculum had been drastically altered. In fact, it appeared the original plans had been entirely scrapped. Presumably, due to some new mandates from the Castle – likely stemming from a fresh agreement between the authorities and the Break Knights – the university was undergoing significant shifts. Hence, the revamped schedule was, in a word, unconventional. All lectures for the first ten days for freshmen were called off! Instead, we were expected to attend senior classes "to familiarize ourselves with university traditions," as it was phrased. Freshmen were to collect their tailored schedule from the secretariat by day's end. A glance at the clock told me I had some time to relax. However, given my light breakfast of a few toasts and tea, I slipped into my sneakers, aiming for the canteen. On the return, I planned to collect my lecture attendance schedule.
Trying to avoid the upperclassmen, I hugged the walls as I traversed the corridor, eventually descending back to the lobby. The commotion there had grown. Two additional buses with freshmen had arrived, and they clamored about, their voices mingling in a cacophony. Mr. Redtliff seemed on the verge of an outburst, his face pale from the stress, yet somehow, he held his temper in check. His level of self-control was commendable.
Navigating to the canteen was simple, thanks to my prior knowledge of its location. I had anticipated a crowd, but to my surprise, it was relatively empty, save for four third-year students engrossed in a heated discussion about the relocation. They voiced their dissatisfaction with the university officials, and in hushed tones, criticized the duke.
After enjoying a quick vegetable salad and washing it down with tea and a sandwich, I departed. The third-year students' glares were palpably hostile, making a hasty exit seem wise.
In stark contrast, the secretariat was packed. I found myself sandwiched between freshmen, waiting for what felt like ages. The animated chatter around me meant solitude was unattainable. Occasionally, my peers would turn to me, their curiosity evident, and it felt impolite not to engage. I kept my responses brief and non-committal.
"Here's your schedule," a weary-looking middle-aged secretary handed a paper to the boy before me. "Note that it's provisional and might change. Do you own a cellphone?" She gestured towards a container filled with outdated mobile devices.
"I have my own," the boy replied, glancing warily at the old phones.
"Great, please provide your number," she requested, jotting it down once he did. "Ensure your phone is always accessible in case we need to communicate schedule changes."
"Understood."
"Next!"
"Good morning," I greeted, stepping forward as the boy hastily retreated. "Though, I can see it's been anything but for you."
The secretary offered a faint smile, extending a sheet towards me. "I overheard. I've got a phone," I informed her, dictating my number.
"I wish everyone was as considerate," she sighed while writing. "Everything clear?"
"Absolutely."
"Then please move along!"
"Take care."
"Next!"
Exiting the secretariat proved a bit challenging due to the swelling crowd. But with utmost politeness and patience, I made my way out, opting not to react to unintentional jostles. With tensions already running high, it seemed wise not to fan the flames over minor inconveniences.
To my astonishment, there was an unoccupied bench on the university's main square, right by the grand fountain. I quickly settled onto it and unfurled the schedule handed to me by the secretary. The meticulous planning was evident – ensuring each freshman's lectures were spaced out to avoid overburdening the classrooms must've taken significant effort. Someone undoubtedly endured sleepless nights crafting this. For instance, after tomorrow's ceremonial assembly and the rector's address marking the commencement of the academic year, I'm slated to attend four lectures. They include third-year mathematics, fourth-year cybernetics, fifth-year physics, and a lecture by some astrophysicist professor. Thankfully, there's no mandate this week to attend any clubs, supplementary courses, or athletic activities, affording me some leisure. Speaking of clubs, I've yet to decide which one to join. According to university policy, it's compulsory for every student to be part of at least one extracurricular group. Thankfully, I have a week to navigate this minor dilemma.
For today, freshmen like myself had been granted a "day off", ostensibly to get familiar with the dorms and explore the island. Intriguingly, I recall the original itinerary for today being quite distinct, comprising orientation lectures, tours, and faculty introductions. But the revamp makes sense given the myriad of changes and the limited time to effectuate them. Everyone's preoccupied, leaving student concerns by the wayside.
I tucked away the schedule into my shoulder bag and scanned my surroundings. The square was bustling, yet there seemed to be a deliberate void around a certain section near the fountain's statues. My vantage point didn't offer a clear view, so curiosity led me closer.
And there she was-Maya Grimm, perched elegantly on the fountain's ledge, draped in a light blouse and a provocatively short skirt. Beside her stood a man in his early thirties. He was of average height, boasting a muscular physique and light blond hair. Engrossed in what appeared to be an earnest conversation with Maya, he had an air of familiarity, even though I was certain our paths had never crossed. His vigilant, sweeping glances suggested he might be a bodyguard.
Why does a raig need a guard? We can defend ourselves against nearly any threat.
Wait. Nearly. Yet, we're not invincible. Zanh Kiem's warning about the young Knight being drugged and subsequently dismembered for reagents flashed through my mind. Was this guardian appointed to prevent such incidents? Or was he, as Spark hinted, a shapeshifter?
Oddly enough, knowing Maya, I believed she'd have rejected a personal bodyguard. Most likely, Zan had a word with her and convinced her. Plus, it was evident from her demeanor, gestures, and expressions that she had some prior acquaintance with this protector, albeit not a very intimate one.
I gave her a casual wave. At first, she seemed puzzled by my gesture, scanning my face for a few moments. It was only when she spotted the giant robot design on my T-shirt that she rolled her eyes in recognition. Her bodyguard, clearly a top-tier professional, didn't even flinch at my sudden appearance, though I was certain he'd instantly evaluated any threat I might pose.
"...Izao, I've mentioned him to you before," I caught a snippet of Maya's conversation.
The man beside her studied me with an intense gaze. That look! It was Ivan from Sharp Knives! True, his facial features have been slightly tweaked, and he looked completely different in civilian life, but it was unmistakably him.
How did he manage plastic surgery so swiftly?
Wait, what was I thinking? Shapeshifters heal minor surgical procedures in mere minutes. But why him of all people? Then again, why not? He's a neutral figure, unaffiliated with any governing or involved groups. Plus, I recall his nearly reverential attitude towards Maya. Maybe he was a compromise choice agreed upon by all stakeholders, with the Maker having a say as well.
I was tempted to approach and indulge in light banter. The sight of Maya getting flustered by the "robot boy" always amused me. But her curt wave and deliberate pivot towards Ivan were clear signals: she was preoccupied. Considering the recent events weighing on her, I thought it best not to press. So, I returned her wave and continued towards my dormitory.
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I strolled leisurely, taking in the surroundings. I had to give it to the landscape designer of the university; they were truly gifted. Despite the island being populated with students, faculty, staff, and visitors, it was surprisingly easy to find a quiet corner away from the bustling crowds. Presently, I found myself on such a secluded path, relishing the serenity. I did encounter a few individuals, but they seemed to be of the same mind as me - those seeking a peaceful retreat from the commotion.
I wasn't particularly keen on returning to my room and idling away, but I had to unpack and settle into my new living space. I even contemplated a minor room reorganization, given the abundance of space available. I'd need Mr. Redtliff's approval, but if my hunch was right and the superintendent was aiming to recruit me as his informant, I didn't see him denying such a trivial request. With these thoughts, I felt a renewed energy and began to hum, watching the branches gently sway in the breeze. It was during this that I spotted a faint shadowy figure darting above the tree canopies.
A raig! But not Maya, as she seemed content to spend her time at the fountain square. So, other Break Knights were enrolled here as well? Given the number of freshmen, it wasn't all that surprising.
Intriguing. Very intriguing! And this shadow seemed to be heading towards my dormitory. I recalled a hidden spot nearby and quickly veered off the path, diving into dense shrubbery. It was the perfect location to shift into the Break without detection.
Ra-a-a-a-a-i-i-i-g!!!
I instantly leaped upwards to confirm my suspicion: no one had witnessed my transition. I took a slight detour, making it appear as if I had come from the direction of Wilflaes, and resumed my journey to the dorms. The raig might have vanished by now, but it was worth investigating. And I was in luck!
Perched atop the second building of residential quarter "D" was none other than Ungor. He started at my arrival, probably contemplating an escape, but upon realizing I had seen him, he reconsidered and gave me a wave.
"Master Maestro, what brings you here?" Ungor asked. "Are you a faculty member at this university?" He ventured a guess.
"What?!" His assumption genuinely took me aback. "No, but Maya Grimm is a student here." Due to the "Word," I can't lie, so I frame my responses in a way that allows others to draw their own conclusions.
"Oh! So you're here to visit her!" He interpreted my statement just as I had intended.
Pretending that the answer was self-explanatory, I shifted gears. "Do you study here?" I quickly feigned realizing the intrusiveness of my question. "Although, it's really none of my concern."
"Yes, I just enrolled," he replied, his fingers twitching nervously on his weapon before he continued, "Just one thing, Master Maestro. Please keep my identity a secret."
"Of course," I assured him. "Maintaining anonymity is crucial at this point." Eshin might have been almost eradicated, but this news has not been disclosed yet, and he was unaware of this detail.
"Yes, yes, precisely," the Break Knight concurred immediately.
"Just remember," I warned, "you won't be able to keep your secret for long. Besides you, there's at least one other raig here."
"Ah! Maya! Right, she could spot me. Thanks for the heads up. I must go now; I left some documents at home and need to retrieve them immediately." It was evident that he was eager to end our encounter, so I didn't press further.
"Take care! See you around."
"Goodbye!" The relief was palpable in the raig's voice as he waved and leapt off the roof.
How unexpected! I had never pegged him as student material. But, everyone can be mistaken, myself included. Now, before heading to my dorm, I should really catch up with Maya. What if Ungor inquires about our encounter today? It'd be awkward if she's caught off guard with his question about my visit.
Opting against using "Sliding" due to the short distance, I swiftly made my way to the university's main square. As anticipated, Maya was still there. I caught her eye, circling a few times.
"What a surprise!" Maya greeted, her smile radiant, shifting into the Break.
It's heartwarming when someone is genuinely pleased to see you.
"Just happened to be in the area," I replied cautiously, ever mindful of the "Word" limitation. "What's all the commotion here?"
"It's complete chaos!"
I patiently listened to Maya narrate events I was already familiar with. Nonetheless, hearing her perspective, especially given the heightened attention she was receiving, was enlightening.
"Who's that with you?" I casually inquired at the conclusion of her story, nodding towards Ivan.
"Oh, you noticed? By rank, I'm entitled to a servant, or in today's terms, an orderly. That's him. He also doubles as a secretary, bodyguard, and instructor in hand-to-hand combat, tactics, and marksmanship. Zanh Kiem presented arguments I couldn't refute." She paused, looked down, smirked, and teasingly added, "Did you recognize him?"
"And should I?" I countered her question with one of my own.
"Well... You do know him!"
"Do I?" I struggled to suppress a smile.
"It's Ivan from Sharp Knives!" The girl beamed, revealing her excitement. "His appearance was slightly altered, and now he goes by Ayvan, but it's him!"
"Fascinating! But why Ivan?"
"Zanh Kiem spoke to him and recommended him for this role."
"Maker wouldn't steer you wrong." I finally let my smile show.
"That's what I figured!" Maya grinned in response.
"What's the latest from headquarters?"
The updates weren't particularly groundbreaking. Things were progressing as usual. However, Rui had fallen ill and they had decided to send her back to the monastery. Her aura had been compromised during a curse cleansing and required healing. While the news was somewhat disheartening, there was a silver lining: the leader of the Third Palm believed she'd recover swiftly. Nein was still engrossed in paperwork and reports, and that situation remained unchanged. I shared with her that Leonidas was making a steady recovery. After exchanging these updates, Maya had to leave as one of her professors was seeking her. This was probably for the best, as I needed to get back to my room and start unpacking.
I chose a slightly circuitous route, jogging towards the bay and then heading to my dorm, sticking to the dips in the landscape and out-of-sight areas. Opting not to use the main entrance, in case Ungor might spot a raig's shadow from his window, I phased through the wall, ascended the staircase, and found myself in my hallway.
Damn! Why is he here? Referring to a note and meticulously checking room numbers, Nicholas paced the corridor. It was the same young man I had almost befriended during my previous visit to the university. He was the first to ace all the tests back then. I had a genuine liking for him – intelligent, self-reliant, with a unique perspective on the world, free from any pretentious urban airs. And if I recall correctly, he hailed from a prosperous family.
Unsurprisingly, he paused before my door, cross-referenced the number with his note, and knocked. What should I do? Pretend I'm not in? It was an option. But, to be honest, I was pleased to see Nicholas, even though he'd departed last time without a proper farewell. I moved past him, phased through the door, and reverted to my tangible state.
The moment I did, I realized I'd overlooked a detail. I should have exited the Break away from the building, ensuring the security cameras captured my return. However, with today's constant hustle and bustle, it's unlikely anyone would spot such a minor oversight.
"Yes! I'm opening up!" I exclaimed, hearing another knock. Swiftly grabbing my headphones, I opened the door.
"Hello!" With an open smile and outstretched hand, he genuinely seemed thrilled to see me again.
"Hey, come on in. Excuse the mess. I haven't had a chance to tidy up yet."
"It's no big deal, I'm in the same boat," the fan of space and manga brushed aside these words.
"Did all this commotion affect you too?" I inquired, motioning for him to sit while I began organizing my things. "Is it okay if I talk without turning to you?"
"I don't mind at all! And yes, I'm your neighbor now. More precisely, almost a neighbor - third floor, sixth room from the central staircase."
"Why? Weren't you placed in one of the cottages?"
"They reshuffled things. The cottages were reserved for upperclassmen, so they moved me here."
"Are you upset about it?"
"Why would I be?" Nicholas seemed genuinely taken aback by my question. "Does it really matter where one sleeps?"
"You have a point, looking at it that way."
"Exactly! Let's swap phone numbers. I got a new one. If you're preoccupied, I can add my number myself." My phone lay close to him on the table, and as I glanced over, I saw him reaching for it.
"No need - I've got it," I interjected. Although there was nothing incriminating on this phone, which had long been registered to Izao, I'd rather not hand it to someone else.
However, it seemed my luck had run its course for the day. The aged phone, a gift from Melanie to her son three years prior, appeared to have given up the ghost. No matter which buttons I pressed, the screen remained dark. Removing and reinserting the battery didn't remedy the situation either.
"Damn, seems my phone's given out," I sighed in resignation.
"Actually, I need to head into the city," Nicholas chimed in. "I wasn't expecting to be in a regular room, so I need to pick up some things like a hanger. We could go together - I could give you a ride to the nearest hypermarket."
"Are we even allowed to leave the campus?"
"Yes, given the current disruptions, they've said we can leave freely until evening," Nicholas confirmed with an understanding nod. "Plus, they emphasized that we should keep our phones handy."
"I recall."
"Of course you do," he said with a confirming nod.
"You mentioned offering a ride..."
"I have a car waiting for me out front, complete with a driver. I haven't learned to drive myself," he explained, seeming slightly embarrassed.
What should my response be? If I use the Break, I could reach the store and buy a new phone in a fraction of the time. But if I decline now and he sees me with a new phone tomorrow, that might raise suspicions. Besides, I didn't mind some light conversation with him - perhaps about space, robots, manga, and other such interests.
"If you don't mind, I'd appreciate a ride," I concluded, wrapping up my thoughts.
"Great!" Nicholas exclaimed, rising from his chair. "Let's head out."
"Now?"
"Why wait?"
He had a point; the sooner we headed out, the quicker we'd be back.
"You're right," I conceded, getting up as well.
Engrossed in casual conversation, we left the room, the building, and finally the university grounds. Soon, we found ourselves in a sprawling parking lot near the bridge that linked the island to the mainland.
"Hop in!"
Nicholas gestured as he opened the back door of a lavish high-end vehicle. Impressive! His family was clearly affluent – only the upper echelons of nobility owned cars like this. From the sturdiness of the doors, it appeared to be armored. The tinted windows ensured privacy for its occupants. Clearly, Nicholas's father didn't compromise on his son's safety. The driver, separated from the back seats by a thick glass barrier, likely doubled as a bodyguard. But given that Nicholas wasn't a shapeshifter and thus lacked noble status, his guard couldn't accompany him onto university grounds.
"Michael," Nicholas addressed the driver after we settled into the plush seats, pressing a button to communicate. "Let's get moving."
The car set off, its motion so smooth and silent that it had to be electric.
"Luxury living has its perks," I remarked with a smirk.
"Don't mind it," Nicholas brushed off. "It's not my wealth, it's my family's."
"With your intellect, I've no doubt you'll amass your own fortune soon," I commented sincerely, believing every word.
"Of course," he replied, nodding as if stating the obvious.
As we crossed the bridge and merged onto the highway leading to Wilflaes, Nicholas turned to me.
"Have I mentioned what I've recently become passionate about?"
"How would I know?"
"True," he laughed. "Magic tricks! Want to see one?"
"Why not?" I replied, though magic tricks weren't typically my cup of tea.
"Watch this." He retrieved what appeared to be toy handcuffs from a compartment in the seat. "Give me your hands."
What's the worst that could happen? Even if my usual paranoia is right this time, I could always escape to the Break. With that in mind, I willingly extended my hands. The metal felt cold against my skin and the cuffs, it turned out, were genuine despite their toy-like appearance.
Interesting. Was this a kidnapping? Someone was in for a surprise. I stifled a smirk.
"So, what's the trick?" I inquired, feigning ignorance about the steel restraints.
"This was the weakest point, but you bought it..." He began with a grin. "And the trick is that I'm smarter than you."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's clear that I'm smarter than you, Break Knight named Ungor." He clamped down on my shoulder with the strength of a seasoned weightlifter, not a boy of his seemingly modest stature.
How is this possible? His aura reads human, and the Dark Ones lack the physical might of shapeshifters. Yet those teeth... He's a shapeshifter! There's no faking a partial transformation. A shapeshifter with a common man's aura? What have I walked into?
"You believe I'm a Break Knight?" I asked, keeping my voice steady despite the pain in my shoulder.
"I don't believe," Nicholas corrected, "I know."
"Really?" I forced a genuine smile, or at least tried to.
"Indeed. I can sense a presence of a strong raig in the Break. My surprise was genuine when I knocked on your door and was overtaken by a powerful shadow, rivaling Maya Grimm. Only five raigs of this caliber exist in the city. You're neither Maya nor Crixus. That leaves Halley and Ungor. Given that Halley is pursuing law in his second year, that makes you Ungor."
"Why not Maestro?"
"You truly are clueless," Nicholas remarked, a hint of disappointment in his tone. "It's unfortunate."
"Care to enlighten the ignorant?"
Then it dawned on me...
He claimed he could feel the raigs in the Break. This means... He's from Eshin!
"Allow me to explain," Nicholas began, though I barely paid attention, still reeling from my revelation. "I've seen footage of a battle between Maestro and the Maker. Warriors of their caliber have a distinctive presence, even in their walk. The most compelling evidence? If you were Maestro, I would already be lying on the floor, tied up like some kitten. After all, my abilities are as distant from a Maker's as Earth is from Mars."
"Let's suppose you're correct... for argument's sake," I said, lifting my hands. "How do these cuffs hinder a Break Knight? And yet you consider yourself astute?"
"Your naivety astonishes me," he smirked, all traces of his earlier affability gone. In his place sat a dangerous, sharp-minded, and ruthless young man. "Go ahead, try to access your Break... Oh? Unable to? Fascinating, isn't it? The wonders of alchemy."
"Alchemy?"
"That's the real magic behind this. And don't bother shouting. You can blow up a grenade inside the car, and no one will hear. And should you attempt to flee, I'll ensure you won't walk or use your arms again," Nicholas, or whoever he truly was, said with chilling nonchalance.
"They will look for me."
"They will," he replied, unfazed. "And a dozen witnesses will vouch that I left you at the store. Where you went after that? I haven't a clue."
"And now what?"
"Now," he smirked, "my naive and bumbling friend, we'll head to an interesting location, and you'll meet some intriguing individuals."
"I'm not particularly eager to make their acquaintance."
"Do you think your opinion matters here?" He dismissively shrugged, placing his hand on the nape of my neck.
Damn it! I can't shift into the Break - it's entirely out of my reach. If only I had the Angel on me, I'd have shown him. But I don't have that luxury now. How can I escape? My projection is blocked, the car is fortified and soundproof, and physically, he's far superior to me - and he won't hesitate to prove it. It seems I'm trapped, outmaneuvered on every front. What irks me the most is that everyone was convinced that Eshin's elite were neutralized. But now, it's painfully evident that's far from the truth...