Mike tilted his head slightly. "Why do you ask?"
Elina hesitated for a moment, then answered honestly. "Because… if you join a group, I'll join the same one."
Mike looked at her, a little surprised, then nodded. "Alright."
She relaxed a bit and smiled. "Still, let's wait and see. I want to check what other groups are forming in the academy first."
"That makes sense," Mike said. "No need to rush."
Elina lowered her arms. "We have time. One night won't decide everything."
Mike nodded again. "Then we'll look around first."
With that settled, Elina turned to leave. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah," Mike replied.
She walked back down the hallway, leaving Mike alone in his room again.
He closed the door and looked around once more.
Groups, choices, alliances.
"Now, according to the information I bought, Elina will join a group of commoners—others from simple village backgrounds like her—and lead them," Mike mumbled as he sat on the bed.
