POV: Rai Shinsei
The silence within the once chattering classroom was deafening as the question Rylie asked left me at a standstill.
I wasn't paranoid earlier.
She knows something.
"According to your exam report, you're ranked two hundredth in the academy and yet, on your first day, you've already defeated a mid-ranker who held the sixty-second rank without even using your own Aspect. That feat alone is impossible for a low-ranker with a rank such as your own." Rylie stated as she flipped through a few pages of my exam report until she found a page with a detailed description of my Aspect.
"Your exam report states that your Aspect is a Normal-Type that enhances your reflexes, but your last name is telling me otherwise as within the entirety of this world, I've only ever heard of one person with the same last name as your own, which begs the question…"
"Who are you?" Rylie questioned once more, shifting her skeptical gaze onto me as she narrowed her eyes.
It seems Ryan was telling the truth about my mother, although it doesn't matter.
This last name of mine is the only thing I have left in order to honor my late mother.
I don't know what my mother did in the past before I was born, but one thing is certain…
I don't appreciate the hostility coming from this woman.
"I'll tell you this once and only once…"
"It's none of your concern." I answered with a harsh, cold tone, matching her threatening gaze with my own before leaving the classroom as upon entering the chaotic hallways, I took a deep breath in order to regain my composure as I began strolling my way towards the exit.
My mother was a loving parent with the compassion of a saint.
One day, I need to ask Ryan for the truth as to why someone as kind as my mother is treated with such animosity.
~
As I arrived outside the academy, I noticed Arthur, Everett and Aria waiting for me by a nearby bench as I then approached them.
"What took you so long? Did you get lost inside the academy?" Arthur asked with a playful grin as Aria healed a rash around Everett's neck due to Arthur's carelessness.
"I had to use the bathroom, but did you guys decide on where you all wanted to eat?" I asked as the four of us headed towards the food court section of the academy.
"I heard that they opened a new ramen shop last week. Should we try it?" Aria suggested as everyone came to an agreement with the exception of myself since my mind was elsewhere at the moment.
A mission in two weeks.
It's been a few years since I last went on a mission, but this is my first time going on one without the supervision of a hero.
Along the way towards the ramen shop, I watched the three of them converse with one another about frivolous topics as I couldn't help but break out a smile, encouraging me to take a moment to indulge in the crisp autumn weather as many cherry blossom petals brushed past us.
How long has it been since I was able to enjoy myself like this?
I don't know how dangerous this mission will be, but I'm sure the four of us will make it back together.
~
"Rai…"
"It's… ALL YOUR FAULT!" A young girl shrieked, her scream reverberating through the air as the shrill sound of my alarm abruptly jolted me away from my nightmarish slumber.
In a daze, I looked around anxiously, struggling to separate reality from the horrors of my vivid nightmare as my heart pounded restlessly against my chest.
"You really don't sleep well, do you?" Arthur asked with concern as he brushed his teeth while I slowly regained my composure.
"I don't even want to imagine the kind of nightmares you must experience for you to wake up drenched in sweat every morning." Arthur added as he walked into the bathroom to rinse out his mouth while I placed my face into my palm.
Another nightmare.
After regaining my composure, I took a deep breath before stretching my arms as I stood from my bed and carried out my morning routine before leaving my dorm shortly after Arthur.
Two weeks had passed quickly as the day of our mission arrived.
Luckily, I was exempted from the written exam due to my late enrollment as the past two weeks were fairly relaxing.
Amidst the horrifying nightmare lingering within my mind, I eventually found myself outside of Ryan's office as I opened the doors to find Ryan conversing with Jennifer on a rather inappropriate matter, alerting both of them as Ryan's expression remained the same as Jennifer was slightly flustered by my sudden appearance.
"You didn't hear anything, right-"
"Even if I said yes, I doubt that answer would suffice." I answered Ryan as he chuckled away while Jennifer struggled to maintain her professional composure due to embarrassment.
"Anyways, don't you look happy this morning! Excited to go on your first mission?!" Ryan asked sarcastically, attempting to casually cover up the incident as I found his mocking grin quite annoying.
One of these days, I'm going to make sure he can't run his mouth anymore.
"Good response! I called you here today because I went ahead and ordered you an outfit for your mission since I knew you wouldn't even bother in attempting to order one. I asked the tailor to use the same design as your old outfit with some minor adjustments added to it." Ryan stated, placing a medium-sized black box with a smooth intricate white design around the edges as the academy's symbol of a sword with wings rested in the middle.
So he forgot about my key again.
With a sigh, I stepped forward and opened the box as I examined my outfit, which consisted of a black collared hooded jacket with a black undershirt folded beneath it.
As for the bottomwear, it consisted of black cargo joggers with belt straps attached on each pant leg as they were complemented with lightweight black slip-on shoes that truly lived up to their name.
Not bad.
"And lastly, your weapon." Ryan said as he tossed me a black katana sheathed in a black scabbard."
"I know it doesn't compare to your previous sword, but it's a Grade Two sword and I'd be at ease if you used a weapon for this mission." Ryan added as I placed my outfit back inside the box, but his comment raised several questions within my mind as I matched his eyes with my own.
"I'm aware that there won't be any hero supervising my team, but why would I need a weapon?" I asked curiously as Ryan's expression became grim, arising a sense of disquietude within me.
"Rylie will explain in full detail once you arrive, but in short, the mission has changed. With Arthur there, you all should be fine, but if the worst possible scenario arises, then I need you to make sure everyone comes back alive. Do you understand me, Rai?" Ryan asked gravely, creating a moment of silence until I sighed deeply.
"I don't know what you expect from me, but I can assure you that I won't die until I fulfill my dream." I replied as I left his office, however, his words echoed inside my mind as I resolved myself for the unexpected.
~
Inside my dorm, I changed into my outfit as I stared into the mirror and embraced the silence, which eased my mind until the tragic memories of my mother and father dying before me replayed vividly in my mind, bringing me back to reality as my anger nearly led to me cracking the countertop of the sink with my grasp alone.
Remember your purpose, Rai.
Embracing the silence once more, I closed my eyes and with a deep breath, I cleared my mind as I attached my sword onto the side of my waist as I left my dorm, walking down the long corridor of the dormitory as I passed by several students along the way who all experienced different feelings towards their first mission.
It doesn't matter if the mission will be easy or hard.
Exiting my dormitory, I headed towards the academy as several staff members directed many first-year students inside special vehicles that resembled a sports utility vehicle as it was designed for the sole purpose of protecting and transporting heroes.
Entering inside the academy, I began navigating my way towards my classroom as the hallways were much more empty than before and upon my arrival at the closed classroom door, I felt a strange sense of anxiousness swell within me until I calmed myself with a single thought.
At any cost, I will come back alive, as in order for me to achieve my dream…
I must survive.