A soft breeze stirred the curtains.
Julian's eyes fluttered open, heavy with exhaustion. The ceiling above him was unfamiliar, white stone, carved with gentle patterns, softly lit by the midday sun peeking through the high windows.
He blinked, slowly turning his head.
Someone was beside him.
"…Clarissa?"
Before he could say more, the girl flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
"Julian!" she whispered, voice trembling. "You're awake… finally. You scared us half to death…"
Julian let out a low groan. "Ouch…"
Clarissa instantly pulled back. "Sorry! Are you still in pain?"
Julian looked at her flatly, then smirked faintly. "Just kidding."
He opened his arms again, teasing. "Still owe me that hug."
Her face turned red. "J-Julian…"
Clarissa pouted, but her blush deepened, and without another word, she leaned in and gently hugged him again, this time more reserved.
Just then, the door creaked open.
"Ahem," came a voice from the doorway.
Emma stood there with a raised eyebrow.
Startled, Clarissa quickly released Julian and stood up. "I—I'll go get your food!"
She bolted from the room, red-faced.
Emma watched her go, then approached Julian's bedside with a smile that didn't quite hide the worry in her eyes.
"You've been unconscious for three days," she said softly.
Julian sat up slowly. "Three days… What happened after—"
Emma held up a finger, cutting him off gently. "You can ask all the questions you want… after you've eaten. For now, just focus on recovering."
Julian nodded, conceding. "Got it."
Emma hesitated, then lowered her gaze. "Julian… please… don't make me worry like that again."
Her voice wavered at the end, barely above a whisper.
Julian's expression softened.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice low. "For making you worry."
He opened his arms again.
Emma didn't hesitate.
She stepped forward and embraced him, resting her head lightly on his shoulder.
Julian brought a hand up, gently stroking her hair.
It was peaceful.
For a moment.
Then—
"AHEM!"
The door slammed open as Clarissa returned, holding a tray of warm food. She paused at the sight, one eyebrow twitching.
Emma quickly pulled away, flustered.
"I-I was just—!"
Clarissa ignored her, setting the tray down on Julian's lap.
"I brought your meal," she said sweetly. Then, more softly, "Let me feed you."
Julian reached for the spoon, but Clarissa pulled it back.
"I said I'll feed you."
Emma folded her arms. "You should rest. Let me do it."
Clarissa shook her head. "I'm the one who brought the food. It's only fair."
Emma huffed. "You're still recovering from stress. Take a break."
"No."
"Yes."
Their hands shot out at the same time, both grabbing the spoon.
Julian closed his eyes, sighing deeply.
"Maybe I'll just sleep another three days."
--------×--------
The hallway was dimly lit, with flickering fluorescent lights casting pale shadows across the scuffed linoleum floor and faded lockers. Veronica walked beside Erwin, arms crossed, her chin lifted in defiance.
He stopped at his door, turned to her, and spoke with a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
"Come. To my room."
Veronica scoffed and jerked her arm away from his loose grip. "I'm not your toy, Erwin."
Her voice dripped with venomous pride.
"I'm not anyone's."
Erwin's smile faded.
SLAP!
Her cheek stung. Her head turned sharply with the force of his hand.
"You're nothing," Erwin spat, his voice low and seething. "You don't even have a skill worth keeping. You're just like the rest, hiding behind people like me."
Veronica's chest tightened. Her pride, so long her shield, cracked under his words.
But she said nothing.
He grabbed her wrist roughly. "Let's go."
She dug her heels in. "Let go of me!"
He didn't listen.
Dragged through the halls, her mind screamed.
Why am I so weak…? Why do they always treat me like this…? I don't want to be powerless.
In that moment, she wished.
No, she desired.
Deep from within, a flame surged.
Her eyes widened as something awakened inside her.
A pulsing heat.
A sensation of power.
Her body tingled. Her heart raced.
"I have it," she whispered, breaking free from Erwin's grip.
"What?"
Veronica grinned, chest heaving. "I've awakened. My skill is here. I'm not worthless anymore."
Erwin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Show me, then."
She clenched her fists, stepping back confidently.
"Activate—[Enchantment]!"
Nothing happened.
The air remained still.
Erwin laughed coldly. "Hah. That's it? What a joke."
Veronica's face paled.
"No, wait… Again! [Enchantment]!"
Still nothing.
A few people nearby stopped to watch. Then more.
They whispered. Sneered.
"Look at her…"
"Is she pretending?"
"Pathetic."
Veronica's heart pounded, her hands trembling.
"I—I really have a skill! I swear!"
Laughter. Disdain. Eyes looking down on her.
"I'M NOT LYING!" she screamed. "I HAVE A SKILL!"
But the voices only grew louder.
And the darkness deeper.
Suddenly—
She gasped and sat up.
Her chest rose and fell quickly, sweat soaking her clothes.
She was in a dark room. Small. And cold.
A single locked door stood before her.
She scrambled to her feet, holding out her hands.
"Please… please, just once more…"
She whispered desperately.
"[Enchantment]..."
Nothing.
Only silence.
And in that silence, she broke.
Her knees gave out.
Tears welled up, trailing down her cheeks.
In the dark, Veronica wept.
--------×--------
Julian leaned back against the pillows, the empty food tray set aside.
His strength hadn't fully returned yet, but his eyes were sharper now, focused.
Emma sat nearby, watching him carefully.
"You were found near the edge of the battlefield," she said. "Not far from where you fought Erwin. You were unconscious, but not alone."
Julian blinked. "With aya?"
"Yes," Emma replied. "She stayed by your side and moved you to safety before we arrived. Clarissa and I took over after that. We… did what we could."
Julian nodded slowly, piecing it together. "And the rest of Erwin's group?"
Emma's expression darkened. "Separated. The ones you wanted brought to justice are locked in isolated cells. No chances taken."
"And the others?" he asked.
Emma smiled faintly. "They're under Mr. Leighton's protection now. Clarissa and I saved him, he's safe."
Julian looked to the side, thoughtful. "Veronica?"
Emma's smile disappeared.
"She's in a separate chamber. Alone. We blocked the doors with reinforced seals in case she tries to escape using any skills."
Julian let out a soft breath of relief.
"Well done," he said sincerely. "You handled everything perfectly."
Clarissa, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward and smiled gently. "Of course I did. You can always count on me."
Emma folded her arms and added with mock offense, "Obviously. I'm reliable too."
Julian smirked, but before he could respond, the door creaked open again.
Mr. Leighton entered the room, accompanied by Aya.
Aya looked nervous but stepped in quietly behind the teacher.
"Julian," Leighton greeted warmly. "Good to see you awake."
Aya hesitated, fidgeting slightly. "H-how are you feeling…?"
Julian's voice was calm. "I'm fine now. Thanks to you… for getting me out of there."
Aya's face turned a shade pinker. "I-I only moved you… I didn't do much."
Julian smiled gently. "You did enough."
Mr. Leighton nodded. "And I should thank you, too, Julian. For saving me."
Julian responded simply. "You're welcome."
Leighton chuckled and took a seat nearby. "It's been a while since we were all in the same room like this. I think the last time was when you… had that little issue with the students outside school, wasn't it?"
Julian's eyes sharpened slightly.
He shot Leighton a look, a warning, as if to say don't talk about that here.
But Leighton only smiled knowingly and let it pass.
"Regardless," he continued, "I've decided we'll use this school as our base. It's safe, fortified, and familiar. Those without powers can stay protected here."
He looked around at the others.
"We'll begin planting crops in the courtyard for food. Eventually, we'll try to re-establish communication, find out if the government or any other shelters are still operational. Perhaps there are family members out there still alive."
He turned back to Julian.
"Speaking of which… are you going to explore outside?"
Julian's eyes met his.
"I plan to," he answered. "I'm going to look for Emma's parents."
Emma looked at him, her lips parting, but said nothing. Her fingers curled into fists at her side.
Mr. Leighton smiled and stood. "Then take some supplies. You'll need them."
Julian paused. "Are you sure it's alright?"
Leighton patted his shoulder. "It's your right, Julian"
Julian gave a rare smile.
"Then I'll accept. I'll head out once I'm ready."
Leighton nodded. "Rest well until then."
As he left, Aya stood still at the door.
Everyone looked at her as she finally spoke.
"…I want to go too."
Her voice was quiet, but steady.