"The Sky Is the Limit,"

We are walking on the grounds. The open atmosphere felt very refreshing to me. But the heat and the unpleasent breeze was bugging me. We entered the academic building. I asked her which floor were we headed. She replied, ”3rd floor.”

“Only 2 periods and 4 subjects are left for today.” She informed me.

“Come again?”

“There are total 6 periods everyday. The first period is fixed with the student’s class teacher. The other 5 are open to the student’s as they like. meaning, after the set period the students have their own will to study their subjects to their own according.” She imparted.

She continued, “In short, you can study the way you want.” She concised.

Giving the opportunity to study at will. It takes trust to implant a method like this. I guess the student here are pretty obedient.

“Now we’re headed to the class where Lars is.”

“So are we 2 in the same class?”

“No, only 2 of us. You & Lars. I'm a year ahead of you 2.”

“Oh. Anyways, I have a favor to ask….”

“Huh?”

And I thought ma’am had a plan to stash us up together in one class. We entered the classroom. It was quite beautiful. The floor was shining like glass. I think I could see my face on it. I looked at the class. It was quite big for only 30 students.

“Teacher I brought the new kid.” Yuki pointed at me.

“Ok, Mitzuki-Kun. I’ll take it from here” The teacher said.

“I’ll talk with your class teacher regarding your arrival. See you later.” Yuki told me and headed out.

The teacher said,”Class we have a new student among us. He’d like to greet you all.”

I can hear them gossiping about me. Some were saying why did I apply in the middle of the year. I am too short. Another foreigner and so on. I started, ”Hello, My name is Rayemond lynn-Akdteruß. I hope to get along with you all and work hand in hand.” Thank God. Because of Yuki I was able ready a speech in time. Though it’s half baked.

“Ok, you can take your seat.” The teacher allowed me.

I sat beside Lars. He handed over a filecase to me. It had my books in it. He told me to bring out the Biology book. What a great subject to start class with, if you know what I mean.

Actually I liked the class. It wasn’t as mediocre as my previous one. But I’d still prefer the one at Stuttgart. I started to put back the books in the filecase. Everyone started to head out of the class. Maybe they’re changing classes as Yuki mentioned before. Lars told me to follow him. I packed my stuff and head out with him. Someone called me from behind while we were walking on the corridor.

“Ram-mui-st-” Yuki tried to call me.

“You can call me Raye or something easy like that.” I told her.

“Ahh… ok. Anyways have you decided which class will you take next?”

“No. I was just following Lars.”

“Oh, Ok. I’ll see you 2 at the office then.” She ran off.

Lars told me to follow him. He's way open and friendly than a normal member of the royalty. Well, I guess that's thanks to Aya.

The 2 of us then got to another class. It was English. The teacher was very pretty. Also good in English. I was bit bored. I started to check out the room.

Once, I asked Aya was it normal for a mage to give birth to a normal human? She replied that it was normal. Rare, but normal. So that means there are people like me. I didn’t ask her about their whereabouts but I don’t know how they are living. Not that I’m sympathetic towards them but rather curious on the subject.

The class ended. The 2 of us started to head back to office.

While we were walking Lars started,“I know all about you.”

“About what?”

“What happened at Brandenburg and how you ended up in the military.”

“Ohh.”

“Apparently no one but me, Chini and Aya knows about it. And it’d be better if it was kept that way.”

“But why? What’s bad in knowing that? I mean it’s our job right?”

“None of us but you, Chini and Aya have killed someone. Demon or not.”

DID I JUST GET THROWN IN WITH A BUNCH OF BUNNIES IN A HUNT-FEST?!?!

What did ma'am think deciding this group? Everyone here is soft. Yet they are supposed to work in the military. Working with them will be hard. Especially when things will get bloody. Though I have no problem chopping them down if I need to.

We entered the office. Una was standing right in front of me. She made an angry face and turned around right away. Good, I don't have to waste effort to keep myself away from her… I sat down on the couch and saw a man. He was standing beside ma'am. He was way too tall. More than a feet than me. I think I saw that face. Oh! I remember. He was the man who was in Sir Tyler’s office 6 years ago. He is very intimidating. He has black hair buzzed short like the army style. Someome poked me from behind and I fell on the floor with a loud “UHH!” I took a wild guess who it could be.

“I see you’ve met Jonny.” Yup it was chini…

“DIDN’T I TELL YOU TO NOT TO POKE ME??” I told her roughly. And it’s not like I met him. I just noticed him.

“Raye, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. A former Demon, Jonathan gedge-Hughes.” Former demon? I wonder why he quit.

“Nice to meet you.” I greeted him.

“….” I can see why he is her friend…

“He’ll be available anytime at your disposal if you want to hone your skills or practice.” OK… my combat teacher… I guess.

“Here, I peeled some fruits.” Yuki came walking in from the kitchen.

“Here gimme some, Miki.” Chini took some of it.

“I'll have some too.” Una also joined in.

“Why are you spacing out?” Yuki pointed at me.

“I… don’t like… fruits.” I replied.

“Huh? What kind of human doesn’t eat fruit?” Human? look who’s talking…

“The smell is horrid. I feel like to barf out whenever I take a whiff. It’s in no sense beautiful and WILL YOU STAY AWAY FROM ME CHINI WITH THAT, ‘THING’!!!” Chini was closing in to me with a slice of Apple in her hand.

“Eat it up. It’s good for health. No wonder why your body’s so messed up.”

“LOOK AT YOURSELF BEFORE SAYING THAT TO ME!!”

I moved away from her and asked ma’am to change the topic, “So, where would I be staying?”

“You’ll be staying with yuki at her house.”

“I could live in an apartment..." I tried to object.

“We can’t let you roam the city on your own since you don’t have any clue over it whatsoever.”

“I personally have no problem. But what about yuki?”

“It’s fine Kokusho-Kun. We had planned this before hand.” Yuki said me.

“Well then it’s settled. Go right now. You must be exhausted from the flight today. You should rest up a bit.” So now ma’am decides to hospitalize me.

I think I get it why Aya chose Yuki. Lars is going to stay with Aya; No doubt with that. Chini won't be a good host. Una... well, I don't want to think about her. I could stay with Jon but, wait. If I compare, Yuki and Jon are good bet. the only thing is Yuki is more caring. But Jon is protective while being harsh. It's as if like, I'm handed over to Yuki to keep me hospitalized. Am I overthinking?

The 2 of us got out of the office. I started to walk towards the gate but she grabbed me from behind and I turned into cold as ice. Shivering.

"SORRY, SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO DO THAT." She apologised.

I tried to cool down and said, "Why'd you do that for? Don't tell me you're also effected by 'Chini-Syndrome'."

"No, No. It's just that, you should meet your class teacher before leaving."

"Can it wait for tomorrow?" Not that I'm complaining. I already met too much people for one day, I can't digest anymore.

"Please? it'll just take a little time."

I don't think it'll do any harm, "Ok, I'll go."

"Well then, follow me."

We entered the building. While we were climbing the stairs she asked me, “What was it like there?? In Germany?”

“If you’re asking about my everyday life, it was bland. But a hell I'd like to live in.”

“What do you mean??”

“Such as, I had to eat my food without salt. It was too much painful for me.” I can’t stand food without salt.

“You’re crying over something like that?” She laughed a bit.

“YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO LAUGH ON MY PAIN!”

“Sorry, sorry.”

We entered the teacher's common room. Quite big. It is half empty. Not a single person standing. And quiet. It's more like a library.

Yuki started to search the room. But she was unable to find the teacher.

"Where is he?" I asked.

"It's not a he." She replied.

"Looking for me?" A voice came from behind. A new voice. I turned around.

"Meet Miya-Sensei. Your class teacher." Yuki introduced her.

"I'm Rayemond. Rayemond lynn-Akdteruß" I introduced myself to her.

"Oh, I know who you are. I'm Miya. Kirisaki Miya."

"Kirisaki?"

"Oh, yes. She's Kirisaki-San's mother." Yuki informed me.

I took a better look at her. She's right. She has the same red hair but pink eyes. Reddish-pink.

We talked for the next 5 minutes. She asked about my likes, dislikes and lots more. Taking my rèsumè that is. She was nothing like Una. But yes, she was very energetic but a thousand times better mannered than Una. If Una didn't get this attitude from her mother then that means, yup, papa's to blame...

We got out of the room. The school was still pretty much lively though it ended some time ago. Guess club activities are responsible for that.

We were walking on the corridor. Suddenly, I saw a girl in front us. Her eyes were wet, she was crying, looking back and forth with desperateness. Yuki and I stood still for a few seconds after looking at her. Then I started to walk towards her. I placed my hand on her shoulder. She turned around swiftly. Her eyes were full of water, ready to burst anytime. Her cheeks were cute red and all. And her expressions, she is just like a baby.

"Are you crying?" I asked her.

"WHAT KIND OF QUESTION WAS THAT? SHE IS CRYING. YOU SHOULD'VE ASK HER WHY SHE'S CRYING!!" Yuki scolded me.

"My bad, are you crying because you're sad?"

"Nice move Rai-Kun. Let me try." She moved me aside and asked her, "Is everything alright?"

The girl shivered a bit than started babbling, "I-WEH, HAI. UHM;HE"

"Woah, calm down. We have time." I tried to pacify her. I stood in front of her and pulled out my handkerchief. I placed my left hand behind her head. And wiped her face with the handkerchief using my other hand, "Cool down, we can talk later." I kept wiping her face. It was soft as a cloud. Actually, softer than a cloud. Just like an infant's. "Done." I finished cleaning her up.

She looked at me for a few seconds. Then broke into crying harder. I THOUGHT SHE WAS A QUITE SNIFFER, NOT A LOUD SOBER!!

Anyways, we managed to calm her. She started, "We were walking on the corridor, ready to go back home. But my brother was being stalked. At a moment the stalkers approached him. They were about to assault him. but we broke into a sprint. He was caught but I got out of their grasp. I came here to look for a teacher."

"Where is he now?" I asked her.

"The next floor." She answered.

We started to go up to the next floor. The girl leaded us on the left. I saw a boy there. He is being bullied by 2 other boys. They are school students but I wonder if they are teenagers anymore.

"They are the ones, right?" I asked her.

The girl nodded to the affirmative.

I took a look at them. I could tell they were overconfident. Huge advantage point. They are boasting with rage. Another point. I don’t think they are carrying any weapons. The surrounding is also secure. No one to interfere. Not to mention my biggest advantage...my opponents always underestimates me. All the advantages are at my side. Wait, Is underestimation something I should take pride in? Tactically speaking it’s advantageous but in reality… it’s embarrassing. Anyways I decided,“Then let’s go help him out.”

I started to walk but Yuki grabbed my shirt from behind and said,”Are you out of your mind?”

“It's no biggy if it’s those two.” Worst case scenario I could at least run away from them.

I again started to walk towards them. I took off my corrective lenses. One of them was about to punch the boy but I pulled the boy out of his range. He missed his punch and lost his balance because of the momentum.

I told the boy to go meet up with the others.

"You should look at yourself, pulling a fight at school might attract unwanted attraction." I told them.

The one who lost his balance got up and grabbed my collar“SHUT THE HELL UP! YOU THINK YOU CAN INTERFERE AND THEN TALK ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY.” Why not? “ WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO STICK YOUR LEG IN OTHER’S BUSINESS?” What gives you the right to assault on someone? “ YOU SHORTY I’M GOING MAKE A PULP OUT OF YOU.” Pulping up bones won’t do well.“YOU PINT SQUEAK I’M GOI-“

I couldn’t take it anymore. He had a bad breath. I don't think he brushed his teeth today. I jabbed him in the face and took my defensive pose.”You nasty breath. Brush your teeth then talk to me.”

It worked. He was very angry. His face was all red. At this rate blood might turn into lava any minute. He charged into me and pulled a punch. A wussy punch. I blocked it with my elbow. As soon as the shock got absorbed I bent down and performed an uppercut. His tongue was swinging out so I’m sure that uppercut made him bit his tongue hard. And I was right. He bit it so hard that blood began to come out. He tried to attack again instead of recovering from the blow. Such amateurs… it was more like a scaredy cat punch. I strafed left to dodge it and kicked him on the back of his knee. It made him to kneel down. I got a boost from the kick and flew over his head. I wrecked his head with the filecase in my hand. He is now out of his consciousness.

I turned to the other guy. He is a lot bulky. 220lbs+. I tried to keep distance. He tried to ravage me with his weight so I decided to get on his head. But I failed. I tried again but this time his hand went under my crotch. Then he lifted me up. AM I THAT LIGHT WEIGHTED?!?! He tried to smack me down but I countered it by crawling on his back. The force made him lose his balance. I landed on his back. Before I could get up he caught my collar and threw me in front of him. I rolled off. It was quite an interesting roll… i’d like to that once more. I stood up and took my stand. He tried to get up but his body was too much heavy for him. He ended up crawling towards me like a dog. It was a bit hilarious. I performed an axe kick and put him out of commission. Both of them were now unconscious. I heard a lot of chatters. I took a look around. The brawl spawned a little crowd. I felt a bit uneasy. I grabbed Yuki and the girl's hand and ran away from there before they could get a hold of me or call the teachers. We kept running until we got out of the school. We stopped to catch breath. I asked Yuki, “Why didn’t you help me fight them?”

She looked at me with a sorry face, “Oh, I am not specialized in combat.” Then stuck her tongue out.

A dog that can’t bark… Nice choice ma’am… nice choice.

I turned to the siblings and asked the boy, "What's your deal."

He gave a grin and said, "Thanks for saving me, you see I sort of... exposed them."

"Be specific." I told him with a serious tone.

"I framed them over some stuff."

"And that'd be?" I asked him again.

"I brought some adult magazines and put them in their bag."

"Please forgive us. He's obsessed with those stuff." The girl pleaded. Great a pervert. Can't complain much though.

"Anyways I am Alridge-mestris von Schleeve." The boy introduced himself. He brought his hand up to shake hands. He had yellow hair and green eyes. He was just about my size. Just about... mine.

I didn't shake hands with him, "I'm Rayemond lynn-Akdteruß" I introduced myself.

I turned to the girl, "What's your name?"

"I'm Michelle. Michelle-artis von Schleeve" She is just an inch or 2 taller. She had long slightly wavy blonde hair that reached her waist. Her eyes were pink like cotton candy.

The 4 of us kept walking along. We talked the whole way. They were quite the interesting duo. I came to know that they are Irish. Well, the first friends in this school. And the only, maybe.

The boy is quite a perv. Good at talking and stuff. Not so good on field work. But there's something about him that bothers me. As if his personality is forceful. On the other hand the girl is extremely gentle. And kind hearted. Like Yuki. She's friendly and helping towards others. But not the kind to keep calm. Fragile and emotional. Tolerant but not rough. Someone I'd like to stay along with.

We departed. I and Yuki started to walk. It took 5 minutes. Finally, we arrived at her home. It was an apartment building. Her’s was on the 2nd floor. I entered and checked it out. It had 3 rooms.

I asked her,”Where are your parents.”

“They are in Libertia.”

“Oh, why?”

“They are law enforcers but I don’t know their ranks.”

“Oh, I see.”

“You go on and take a bath. I’ll prepare dinner by the time you are out.”

“Huh? Sure you don’t want to go first? We could swap places.”

“No I’m fine.”

I entered the bathroom. Neat. I took off my lenses and headed towards the tub. I immersed in the water. It was cool. It was a very pleasant feeling. But the enjoyment didn’t last long. Because that’s when I knew…I messed up……I messed up big time…I DIDN’T BRING MY LUGGAGE!! I wrapped a towel and went outside to inform Yuki.

“Yuki? You there? I forgot to bring my luggage.” I kept saying while walking towards the kitchen.

“You di-“ and that’s when I knew I messed up… I messed up big time… again. Though it’s not a biggy for me because I don’t mind showing my upper part. Not that I like it but, i'm used to it. But Yuki… words cannot express her looks at the moment.

*BEEP* *BEEP*

“Hmm…it seems like they left the office.” She put the phone away from her ear and informed me.

“Great…”

“Uhh I don’t have men’s cloth but, you could use mine.” Suggestion of the day.

“I’ll be fine with the school clothes for today.”

“You shouldn’t. it’s all sweaty and odourful.”

“It’s something I can handle.”

“No wait. You go and wait in the room. Give me a little time. I’ll wash your clothes.”

“Th-thank you.”

She showed me the room in which I was going to stay. Nothing much. Just a standard work desk and high bed. No windows. Hmm…I do like cramp space and without the windows… it’s really my type of place. I sat on the bed, observing the surroundings. After a little time Yuki came in. She handed me the clothes.

She took a look of my body, “Doesn’t it bother you?” she asked me.

“What’ll bother me?”

“Your patches.” She pointed at my body full wounds and bandages.

“Ohh, I am used to it.” It is an everyday thing to me.

“Alright. Anyways the dinner’s ready. I got curry rice for tonight. Hope you’ll enjoy.”

I think I get it why ma'am chose her to be my host. She doesn't show much arrogance and pride usually and is willing to take care of others. But the question is, why am I being serviced like this?

I dressed up and went to eat with her ‘Japanese style’. With chopsticks and sitting with my legs folded. I practiced it all before coming to Japan. I wouldn’t say I am used to it but I can adjust. I did enjoy the meal. It was mighty fine. She’s a fine cook I must say.

I started to go to sleep. Before Yuki could come up to me with something to waste time over. I crashed on the bed with my school uniform.

So this is where I’m going to stay. A fine boss, and her weird hare-brained, irksome friend. One soldier for houseworks, a clueless prince accompanied by a haughty with small asse-…brain. And last but not least a renegade… total 7 of us. On the outside we have a perv and an worrywart cry baby. What a wonderful reception I just had… pun intended.

After knowing the truth I am now in Stuttgart. Training to fit in the world and war. After all, I was kept in a hidden closet all this time. Coming to the sunshine after a long 9 years of sleep was a bit unbearable for me, but I adjusted to it alright. I trained here for the next 6 years. Bone-breaking massacre it was for me. Despite the hard path, I overcame it. I can look directly in my instructor’s eye and say him, "you didn’t train me to be eligible. You trained me to literally kill me". I was pushed to death to be reborn as a new man. I can’t count how many times I returned from the dead spells. After the impossible road I came from, I'm now walking the path, at the end there's a light, which is filled with lies.

To Be Continued

Name(s), Character(s) & other element(s) are subject to change without notice. Many element(s) of this franchise might be taken over to another, resulting a ban to this franchise.

19th July 2017