"You are leaving?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, dear," Mom said, donning a coat. "I was called to Edenis Raphiel with all the other Heads. We have an important eting."
"I see. Well, have a good trip," I said with a smile.
Mom grinned and stroked my hair. "Thanks. I need so reassurance since I'm going to hang around these annoying fellows."
By annoying fellows, you an the other Heads, Mom?
"Please, Mom, don't create another problem and restrain yourself," Christina pleaded.
"You should trust your mother on that, young girl," Mom sulked and embraced Christina. "Take care."
"I will, Mom. Leave the Kingdom to ," Christina said confidently.
Oh, without Mom, Christina had to remain in the Kingdom to take care of it, I see.
"You too, Amael," Mom hugged tightly and patted my head again. "Take care of yourself and of your sister too."
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Goodbye, big sister!" Annabelle then rushed to Mom and hugged her.
"Co here, little girl!" Mom caught Annabelle, even though she already looked like a twelve-year-old. "Promise to study diligently while I'm away."
"I will!" Annabelle nodded her head.
"Then I will keep my promise too," Mom said, glancing my way.
Huh?
What promise?
Annabelle cast a resentful glance my way before averting her gaze in a sullen manner.
"Samara, promise you'll safeguard our family, alright?" Mom's request was t with a nod and a gentle smile from Samara, who received a pat on her head.
"Ti to go!" Mom exclaid, vanishing in an instant, inadvertently sending plates clattering on the table.
"Mother! Oh!" Christina exclaid, visibly distressed.
"I'll handle it, my lady," Blaire swiftly cleared the ss, earning gratitude from Christina, who, in turn, prepared to address the city's pressing matters.
"Have a nice day, sister," I said, concluding my pancake breakfast.
Christina grinned and playfully flicked my forehead. "Best of luck on your last exam for the trister, little brother."
"Thanks," I replied, watching her departure. Turning to Samara, I urged, "Stay with her in my absence."
Samara nodded and began to leave, but I gently grasped her arm, pulling her into an embrace. I sensed her initial tremor, but she soon relaxed, her cheeks tinted with a subtle blush. "One day, when everything is settled, I want you by my side, Samara. Until the very end."
"Yes," Samara affird, her embarrassnt evident as she disappeared from my embrace.
There's no ti to waste—I must expedite the creation of bodies for both Samara and Annabelle. They deserve lives of their own, free from my influence.
With a casual wave to the sulking Annabelle and the rest, I left.
…
…
The upcoming days held imnse significance, not only due to the impending trister exams but more crucially, the imminent threat of Behemoth's attack. Safeguarding the Horn beca our top priority, demanding important attention.
However, a new complication surfaced—I couldn't rely on my usual knowledge this ti. My interference with Nora might have altered their entire plan.
"Everyone should be here," Professor Jas Raven surveyed the assembled group, comprised of over 200 individuals standing in front of the academy. Today marked the final trister exam for both Second and First Year students, transforming it into an Interclass examination with the inclusion of the First Years.
"Looks like you are quite hated.," John remarked.
Glancing around, I observed a noticeable void within a five-ter radius—people deliberately kept their distance, driven by either fear or disdain. Countless hostile stares, mostly from elves, bore into .
"You're stuck with now," I retorted to John, dismissing the animosity surrounding and pointed at Alia with a smirk. "You added one more just yesterday."
John subtly glanced at Alia, who maintained her focus on the professor. The fatigue under her eyes, artfully concealed by makeup, didn't escape my notice. However, what intrigued more was Celeste's uncharacteristically serious deanor, a stark contrast to her usual self from the previous day.
Well, if she's motivated, that's good.
Professor Jas Raven proceeded with the details of the final exam, emphasizing its group battle nature. He outlined the criteria for evaluation, emphasizing the importance of protecting and cooperating with one's groupmate. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of quick-witted retorts during encounters with opposing groups.
"The assessnt will comprise three rounds for each group, facing opponents chosen initially at random and later based on accumulated points. My colleagues and I will handle that aspect. Your objective is to acquire all four bracelets from your opponents," he explained, displaying a white bracelet as a visual aid. "Each group mber will receive such bracelets, worn on the wrists. Losing a bracelet renders you unable to participate further, leaving your group at a nurical disadvantage. Exercise patience, study your opponents, and refrain from reckless engagent."
"I will now reveal the groups," Professor Raven announced, unveiling the pairings.
The revelation took ten minutes, leaving slightly taken aback by so unexpected combinations. Regardless, there was no ti for dwellings.
"I count on you, Senior," Roda Moonfang expressed confidence in Victor.
"Likewise, Roda," Victor responded with a smile, forming part of a group with two others.
Selene's cold gaze toward Victor and Roda did not go unnoticed. Unfortunately, she ended up in John's group, making him uncomfortable being with a Yandere other than his own sister.
Observing John, whose mood had soured even further, I inwardly sighed and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.
"What the hell are you doing?" John glared at , attempting to break free, but I maintained a firm grip.
Staring at him with a seriousness that mirrored the weight of our circumstances, I spoke, "We've died once, John. This is our second life, a chance to live better and make our wishes co true, or perhaps, live the way we always wanted."
"..."
"You've been fixated on Layla for too long, and I'm here. Now, focus on yourself. I'm not dictating what you should do, but a girl like her shouldn't be missed just because of fear. Those bastards, whoever they are, will et their end. We'll be the ones standing at the top, with one hundred percent of the Gas completed in a Happy Ending," I concluded with a grin.
John looked at for a mont before removing my arm and departing with a light scoff.
"Are you that scared, Johnny?" I shouted.
"Fuck off," he showed his middle while joining his group.
A true tsundere.
Smirking, I shifted my gaze elsewhere.
Oh.
Celeste found herself tead up with Lykhor, and the two engaged in serious discussion about their exam.
Turning my attention to Alvara, I observed her alongside her brother, Allen, who had evidently recovered from my earlier altercation. His usual smirk had vanished, and he now stood with his head lowered, resembling one of Alvara's loyal dogs. Alvara, true to form, remained aloof, hanging around her umbrella without sparing a glance for her three groupmates standing silently behind her.
Shifting my gaze again, I spotted Elizabeth.
Right...
We shouldn't make this awkward...
Nurous eyes were still fixed on us, observing our interactions.
"Well, good luck, Elizabeth," I said, approaching her.
"To you as well, Amael," Elizabeth replied before surprising with a soft embrace. Her emotional control surpassed mine, evident in her composed deanor.
Returning the hug, we both retreated simultaneously, a shared flashback crossing my mind as soon as I touched her.
"Um, I'm leaving... good luck, Amael," Elizabeth said, departing with a slightly flushed face.
"R-Right," I nodded, equally embarrassed, and sighed as the awkwardness lingered.
It's fine.
I will get used to it.
I hope.
Now…
Another sigh escaped as I turned around, reserving my attention for the most challenging mber of my group.
Seated on the bench while the others engaged in conversation, Alicia Angelica Raven caught my eye. She tenderly cared for her rapier on her lap, wearing an indifferent expression that made it unclear whether she even noticed the group assignnts.
Setting aside the apprehension of our other two groupmates, I decided to confront the situation and approached her. The atmosphere was tense, and others seed too intimidated to approach either of us.
Well, I couldn't bla them for that.
"We're in the sa group," I spoke to Alicia once I stood in front of her.
Alicia's pale hand paused in its work, and she raised her gaze. Her nearly cold, indifferent crimson eyes locked onto mine.
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