Doggone Academy

Pant, pant, pant.

The cold dawn breeze struck Lunas face.

It was as if she had just awoken from a dream, only then regaining her senses.

With the wind, the forest that surrounded her violently swayed.

She stood in its midst, briefly mistaking this for a dream her arms were bitterly cold and sore. It was not a dream.

Her breathing was ragged; her heart threatened to burst from her chest.

Why am I here? Nothing comes to mind. Its as if the pages from her memory were torn out, leaving only blank spaces.

In her right hand, she gripped something a dagger.

Her left arm was covered in self-inflicted wounds, blood dripping like raindrops.

She closed and opened her eyes, repeatedly confirming that this was unequivocally reality, not a dream.

Moments later, the moonlight broke through to illuminate her location.

Silver leaves shimmered with the moons glow, faintly illuminating her surroundings. Only then did she realize where she stood.

She was in front of Eternias Guardian Tree.

Why?

It was a situation that Luna herself could not fathom.

Around the Guardian Tree, something dark was scattered in a large circular pattern.

Luna calmed her shaking breath and crouched down, gently running her fingers over the trees roots.

Something cold and damp grazed her fingertips.

The liquid was heavily soaked, as if freshly spilled.

It was blood.

Her own blood, scattered all around the Guardian Tree.

What on earth?

A nameless terror soon enveloped her; she could not move.

Clouds masked the moonlight.

Drip, drip.

Raindrops began to fall, their number gradually increasing.

The downpour drowned the surroundings. Lunas blood merged with the rain, seeping deep into the earth.

[Giggle, giggle, HAHAHA!]

Luna turned towards the direction of the noise.

From a forest corner, a formless black figure appeared, laughing as if mocking her from within the shadows.

[HAHA, AHAHAHAHA!]

[HUHAHA! AHAHAHAHA!]

The black figures multiplied, soon completely encircling both the Guardian Tree and Luna.

Laughter echoed throughout the entire forest.

Luna desperately called upon spirits, but no response came.

Ah, ah,

Cumulative mental anguish had breached its threshold, and she succumbed to a panic state. Control was beyond her grasp now.

Enough, enough!

She covered her ears and hurriedly ran towards the dormitory. But the laughter rang clear despite her covered ears.

This was not something Luna could contend with alone.

In her mind, she could only think of one person.

Silveryn.

Only Silveryn.

***

Time had swiftly passed, and the entrance ceremony was imminent.

The dormitories were abuzz with carriages for the students move-ins.

The areas around dormitories 1, 2, and 3 were so congested it was hard to pass by. It wasnt just the incoming students; their families had also come, making the crowds inevitable.

From a distance, I observed the scene.

New students settling in, followed by their family members.

Mothers tearful as they watched their children embark on a new chapter.

Fathers brimming with pride at their grown children.

Younger siblings admiring older brothers and sisters enrolled in the academy.

Servants silently standing guard.

Though each family differed, the larger tapestry of family and household was quite similar.

Close by, yet from a completely different world than mine. Whether inducted into a prestigious academy or winning accolades, no family in the world would celebrate for me.

Ive long moved past the phase of wallowing in self-pity, swallowing tears while begrudging my fate. Now, I could watch with a composed spectators eyes.

All I occasionally pondered was what it felt like to have a family.

Silveryn was the only one with whom I had a profound bond.

I am newly reminded of the acceptance Silveryn granted an unrealted stranger like me. What do Eternia, or the Masters Class matter? Without Silveryn, I am but a half.

Although carriages waited in front of the Witthrush Hall, unlike other locations, it remained quiet. The maids informed me that Witthrush Hall was more than half empty at any given time.

I was genuinely thankful not to be swept up in the dormitory festivities.

After the sightseeing, I entered the lounge of Witthrush Hall.

Now I began to occasionally encounter other residents of Witthrush Hall.

The real academy life was commencing. Only now did it truly begin to sink in.

The dormitory that I used to have all to myself was no longer just mine.

The sofa in front of the fireplace in the lounge was always mine when I was alone.

But now it was occupied by someone else. This plunderer who didnt seem bored at all sat modestly, gazing blankly at the firewood. Two days straight.

I couldnt simply approach and take a seat next to them. The usurper was Sion.

I had assumed she was of a fiery and lively character, but contrary to my expectations, she was quiet as a cloistered monk.

Could she also be lacking a family? Ever since moving into the dormitory, she had been killing time alone.

Seeing her like this was oddly comforting, yet at the same time, chilling.

I preferred to steer clear of Sion. Its not an exaggeration to say she possessed some of the most extraordinary abilities among the freshmen. Like Trisha, she could catch on to my vulnerabilities and unmask me, and if that happened, she might torment me with a challenge to duel.

I crossed the lounge, making sure to keep my distance. Luckily, she didnt recognize me, nor did she show any sign of interest.

Up to my room I went to prepare for my departure to the Labyrinths Thorn Garden.

***

Lilith had moved all her belongings into Marigold Hall, which housed the upper-echelon students, and now sat quietly at a tea table set up in the central hall.

She watched every boy who passed through the hall. Lilith was convinced the kid from the entrance ceremony would be in Marigold Hall.

She owed him a lot. There were debts of disdain to be repaid, as well as debts for his significant role in enabling her admission to Marigold Hall.

Acting like a sentry at a checkpoint, scrutinizing everyone passing in and out wasnt exactly a pleasant undertaking. Unwanted exchanges of looks with boys occurred, and there were even instances where Liliths glance was mistaken for interest, causing faces to flush with embarrassment.

Could it really be a girl?

Considering the face was hidden and not a word was spoken, the thought did cross her mind that the kid could be a girl. Even the jawline visible through the gap in the mask seemed rather delicate.

But Lilith soon shook her head, dismissing the thought. She had seen that kids bare body and had even touched it, so his being male was certain.

Just the recollection made her face feel warm.

Amid these thoughts, someone stopped in front of Lilith.

Uh, um, hi.

?

Weve made eye contact a few times, havent we?

Who?

Ah, Im Bertang. I thought we could become good friends.

Bertang extended his hand to Lilith, offering a handshake.

The possibility that that kid might approach her incognito was there. But the one in front of her, Bertang, was definitely not the one.

The palms should be rougher with calluses, the forearms should bear prominent veins, and the physique should look lean yet sturdy overall.

This boy named Bertang seemed to have the body type of someone who ate a lot of meat and did not exercise much.

Lilith remembered this boy was one of Cecils group members.

I have someone Im waiting for. Please, excuse me.

An awkward Bertang moved aside. As he left, he muttered to himself.

Embarrassing, isnt it

She closed her eyes tightly and sighed.

Asking Cecil was also an option. It seemed she also had ties with that kid. But, oddly, that option repelled her. The act of inquiring from Cecil felt too much like giving in.

Soon after, another man approached Lilith. It was her friend, Matthias.

He handed her a note, saying,

Heres that thing you asked for.

Huh? Did you really find him?

Lilith had asked Matthias to find out if there was a man in the combat division with auburn hair who was adept with a wooden sword.

Hes the nineteenth one to reach the top of the combat division. Red hair, often practices with a wooden sword. As for the mask, well, maybe if you look youll find it?

No, that wont do. He has to be within the top five, at least.

You talking about that kid who squared off with Sion? Sions non-responsive, though. Are you sure this isnt just a rumor? Hm, there doesnt seem to be anyone else in the combat division.

But why are you looking for him, anyway? Got a grudge? If you want, I could take care of it quietly.

Since when does a pampered noble talk like some gangster? Its my business. No matter what, dont intervene.

Matthiass eyebrows twitched, signaling his annoyance.

He was one of those hot-blooded young men trying to make a favorable impression on Lilith.

The thought that Matthias cared about that kid led to an overwhelming wave of fatigue.

Lilith unfolded the note.

Combat Division, Nax Krueger

Regardless, compiling the physical descriptions, this person seemed the most likely candidate.

Lilith was sure of it. She remembered clearly on top of Mt. Grace; definitely, that kid had faced Sion. Whether winning or losing against Sion, that person had to be either the valedictorian or the salutatorian. It was likely Matthiass rank information was incorrect.

If not in the top two ranks, Nax Krueger, then the answer was perhaps withdrawal.

With impressive skills and carelessly using rare potions, it was clear he had a significant background. Participating in Eternias entrance exam as if it was game seemed possible. Using a mask to hide his identity to prevent noise also made sense.

And if he judged there was nothing to learn at Eternia, a swift withdrawal could have been his choice.

Well, lets put this aside for now. Shall we go have a meal? My family is outside. Come greet them

No, thank you. I should be going.

Lilith hurriedly excused herself from the spot.

Watching Lilith depart, Matthias clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction.

***

Outside the Labyrinth, regardless of what was said, the compass always pointed toward Eternias Guardian Tree.

To journey to the Labyrinth, passing through the Guardian Tree was imperative.

The opposite was similar. If you asked the compass for the exit while in the Labyrinth, it consistently pointed to the Guardian Tree.

I comprehended belatedly why Silveryn referred to the room with a view of the Guardian Tree as a hint.

Standing in front of the Guardian Tree, I got the compass working again.

As I followed the determined direction for some time, thick fog once again enveloped the surroundings.

It had been a week since I last visited the Thorn Garden.

In other words, I had left the strained relationship with Trisha unaddressed for a whole week.

Confronted with the thick fog of the Labyrinth, I felt suffocated. A tinge of sympathy arose for Trisha, who was fated to stay in such a constraining place until graduation.

Advancing for some time, I stood before the Thorn Garden dormitory. Entering inside, a song faintly tickled my ears. It was Trishas voice. It seemed she hadnt noticed my arrival.

I moved toward the sound of the singing. From one firmly shut door along the first-floor corridor echoed the melody.

Despite knocking, there was no response. After waiting for a while, I reluctantly decided to enter.

It was a scene typical of a household kitchen: numerous dishes arrayed, flour haphazardly dusted around, and a small hearth blazing with firewood.

There I was, frozen at the sight of a girls back.

An apron string hung around the small of her back. Her busy hands indicated she was in the midst of cooking.

Yet, this silhouette did not match the Trisha I remembered.

The white hair cascading down to her waist and the silhouette of her back were achingly familiar reminiscent of someone I had long since forgotten.

I squeezed my eyes shut. Was I witnessing a mirage?

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