Knock knock knock.
"Rin, I'll blow the door down if you don't open it."
Rin opened the creaky door to find Taro standing there with his usual smug grin, hands in the pockets of his long coat.
"Morning, sunshine," Taro said. "You look like you lost a fight with your own bed."
"Didn't sleep," Rin replied. "And stop threatening my door. It's one kick from collapsing as it is."
Taro stepped in and immediately wrinkled his nose. "You've been living in this dumpster long?"
Rin ignored him.
Taro's gaze landed on a torn pack of cigarettes on the table. "Still smoking?"
Rin stayed silent
"When are you going to quit smoking, man" taro said
Rin glanced over and shrugged. "Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow."
As they stepped outside, Rin shut the door behind him with a final click. "See you next year," he whispered again, "or maybe never."
They walked the crumbling streets of Gloomshade, passing flickering signs and broken lampposts. As they neared the usual food stalls, a shutter slammed shut.
"Closed," Taro said flatly. "Of course."
"It's fine," Rin replied. "They'll have something on the ship."
Taro looked unconvinced. "Yeah… something cold, overpriced, and suspiciously crunchy."
Just then, he stopped. An old shop leaned against a tilted wall, its sign missing a few letters. The place looked like it had survived several apocalypses.
"Let's eat here," Rin said.
Taro blinked. "Are you sure? That place looks like I'll die just breathing near it."
"The owner's an old man. Has no energy to clean, only cooks," Rin said. "Cheap. Good. Trust me."
They went in and ordered fried eggs with rice and shredded meat. When the plates came out, they glowed with warmth and spice.
Taro stared. "This doesn't look like the place at all."
"Told you," Rin said, already digging in.
They ate in silence, the tension of the upcoming journey hanging overhead. When they left, full and slightly dazed, they continued toward the docks.
"You think we'll be in the same class?" Rin asked.
"We still share the fire attribute," Taro replied.
"Yeah… but the rest of our magic paths aren't exactly aligned."
The academy ship came into view, massive and gleaming—a floating fortress. They stood still, gaping.
"First time seeing something like that up close?" Taro asked.
"Yeah," Rin breathed.