17 years ago…
The sky turned dark. Thunder rumbled like an angry beast, shaking the heavens. Lightning flashed, tearing through the black clouds, and heavy rain poured down.
"Waa~ Waa~"
A baby's cries echoed in the middle of the forest, but the storm drowned out the sound.
Alone.
No parents. No warmth. Just tall trees and wet grass surrounding the tiny, fragile body wrapped in a thin white cloth.
The rain soaked through the fabric, drenching the baby's skin. But strangely, after a while, the crying softened.
As if… it had already accepted its cruel fate.
The small body shivered, tiny hands curling weakly. Its breathing slowed. The cries turned into soft whimpers before fading completely.
Then—
A shadow appeared, standing over the child.
The storm roared on, but the figure didn't move, just silently watching the abandoned infant.
"Who the hell left this little thing out here?" The deep voice was filled with quiet frustration.
Then, with careful hands, the figure lifted the baby, shielding it from the pouring rain.
"Pathetic… You've been thrown away like trash."
The baby didn't react, only staring blankly.
The man sighed.
"Fine. From now on… you're one of us."
A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating his face for just a moment before the night swallowed it again.
---
Present Day
The sun was shining bright. After a long journey, the ship finally arrived at the port.
I leaned against the railing, staring at the vast sea, my mind drifting.
"We here already?" I muttered.
I took a step forward and looked down. My eyes widened.
The port was stunning. The roads were paved with smooth grey stone, polished so well they almost shined under the sunlight. Elegant street lamps lined the walkways, and the whole place had this high-class vibe.
"This is Kuniah Port," Élodie's voice came from behind me.
I glanced at her.
"Fancy place. Full of nobles?"
She chuckled.
"Actually, no. This is the one place where nobles and commoners mix freely."
I raised an eyebrow.
"How's that even possible?"
"This port was the First King's will. He wanted a space where status didn't matter."
"Huh." I looked at the crowds below. People of all kinds were walking together—no signs of social division.
"So… no conflicts?" I asked.
Élodie smirked.
"The rules here are the same as the academy's. If someone causes trouble, they won't last long."
I hummed in thought.
"Guess that makes sense. Anyway, I'll head out now. Thanks for the ride."
I turned to leave, but her voice stopped me.
"If anything happens, let us know. And…" she hesitated. "Thank you. If you hadn't dealt with that giant octopus, we might not have made it here."
I froze for a second.
That warm, grateful tone… It felt strange.
I wasn't used to it.
I scratched my head. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. See ya."
Élodie watched me as I walked away, a small smile on her lips.
"Nao… I don't know why you hide who you really are. But I know one thing."
The wind blew, carrying her whisper.
"You're a good person."
---
After settling into my room, I stepped out and noticed something weird.
In the hallway, a group of people were huddled together, hiding.
I frowned.
"...Oi."
"SHHH!!" They all turned, putting their fingers to their lips.
Okay. What the hell?
Before I could ask, a loud voice shook the hallway—
"MANABU!!"
I turned my head.
Nadja was stomping down the hall, looking around like a hunter tracking her prey.
I glanced back at Manabu and his group. They looked at me, desperate.
"Shhh!" they pleaded again, trying to shrink into the shadows.
I sighed.
Then Nadja's sharp gaze landed on me.
"Nao!"
I blinked. "…Yeah?"
She didn't answer. Just pouted, arms crossed.
She was pissed.
I scratched my cheek.
Was this because of yesterday?
I sighed.
"Nadja, I—"
Before I could finish, something insane happened.
Manabu and his group suddenly rushed forward—
And hugged me.
"T-The hell?!"
"NAO! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE!" Manabu was on the verge of tears.
I stood frozen, completely lost. Since when were we this close?!
Then—
Nadja suddenly threw herself at me too.
What.
WHAT?!
I almost choked, completely trapped in the crushing hug.
"Oi—! I CAN'T BREATHE!!"
But they just clung on tighter.
One minute passed.
Two minutes.
I started prying them off, one by one.
"Enough already! I need to go."
Nadja was still holding on, though.
"Nadja," I said firmly.
Slowly, she loosened her grip, looking up with teary eyes.
"...Are we really saying goodbye?"
I sighed.
"Nadja. Every meeting ends in a goodbye. Even if two people stay together forever, death will separate them one day."
She wiped her eyes.
"...Then, I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
"For being mad at you."
I blinked.
Then, I chuckled.
"It's fine."
I turned to leave.
With every step, I felt the weight of their eyes on me.
When I reached the main road, I heard one last shout—
"NAO!!"
I turned around.
Nadja and the others were waving like crazy.
"See you again!" Nadja grinned, her usual energy back.
I smirked.
"Good. She's not crying anymore," I muttered.
I raised my hand in a lazy wave.
Then, without looking back, I walked forward.
My real journey was about to begin.
The Academy of Sandy—
I was finally heading there.