The morning sun shone bright with promise, hinting at the good day that was to come. After packing all of my things I left my room and made my way down to the front yard with Flare following close behind me. On the way, I was surprised not to have run into anyone which made me realize I was the last one to get there. Letting out a sigh, I quickened my step.

After walking through the hall, I made my way down the stairs, and, passing the lobby, exited through the front door. There, I found everyone saying their goodbyes.

"Hey, sorry we're late," I said, rubbing the back of my head in embarrassment. "Mother, Father." Ahead of me was Emma and Leon. They've hardly changed at all, for as long as I've known them they've looked the same.

"Oh? Arata," said Emma, her voice rising with affection as she took in my image. Coming in close, she outstretched her arms and gave me a warm hug. Then pulling back slightly she asked, "You have all your things? Are you all ready to go?"

"Yes, mom," I answered, showing a small smile. My mother, still quite young, younger than me I'm sure, with her long flowing dark hair and amber-colored eyes, regarded me with such a delicate touch, a testament to her caring nature.

"Flare," Emma said, acknowledging her presence with a nod of her head. Emma cares about Flare as much as she does her other children. However, they haven't really had the chance to build a close relationship since Flare and I have been living in the dorms, while the times that we are home Flare only ever wants to stay by my side.

"Good day to you, Emma," Flare replied, giving her a smile. According to what Flare tells me, she loves Emma very much because of the way she looks, she reminds her of... me.

Turning her attention back to me, Emma moved her hand up from my shoulder and pushed some of my hair out of my face to get a closer look at me. The corners of her lips curved up into a small smile as she said, "Go on, say goodbye to your father."

With a nod of my head, I turned forward and walked toward Leon. Leon, my father, is the same age as Emma. With his blonde hair and grey eyes, he kept his face clean of facial hair, which only made him look younger.

Showing a wide smile, he looked at Flare and me, put an arm around both of our shoulders, and pulled us in close. "Ha, well look at you two. You sure have been growing up," he said, pulling away slightly while giving my shoulder a few pats and letting go of Flare's.

"And you're only getting older," I joked, his enthusiasm bringing a smile to my face.

"Whatever do you mean?" he questioned, his tone one of sarcasm. "I'll have you know I take good care of myself. Just look at me, I don't look a day older than I did ten years ago."

"Sure," I replied, my tone mirroring his as I gave him a side glance. "Keep telling yourself that."

"Meh, just go already," he said, pushing me slightly forward. "You'll see, by the time you come back you'll find that I will still look the same."

"We'll see." Was the last thing I said as I turned elsewhere.

"Hey, Flare," Leon began, turning to face her, his voice holding some level of concern. "Take care of Arata, will you, and make sure he doesn't get in trouble."

"I'll do my best," Flare replied, lowering her head slightly, determined to do just that. Leon and Flare get along just fine, they both enjoy fighting and eating, so that's something they have in common.

In front of me, I found my sisters patiently waiting, both of them neatly adorning the school uniform. "Are you guys ready to go?" I asked, taking in their images.

Hanna is fifteen years old which marks her fifth year in school. Throughout these last few years, she's probably the one that has changed the most. For the most part, her personality has remained the same, however, her physical appearance is what's changed the most. She grew taller and started wearing makeup, she still practices the sword and is rather good at it so she's in good shape.

Mia, on the other hand, hasn't turned eleven but will very soon in early Autumn. Mia has changed a lot as well, before, she would always rely on Hanna or me to care for her needs almost daily, but now, after years of spending days alone, she has grown more independent. As for her physical self, she grew taller too but not by much.

"Hmph!" Hanna let out, turning away from me with a puff. "We should be telling you that since you went ahead and took your time to get here."

"I told you we were going to be late," Flare murmured my way, bringing her hand up to scratch her cheek. To which I replied by showing an embarrassed smile.

"I'm ready!" said Mia, her excitement practically brimming out of her. Since she's one of the youngest ones in the family she stayed at home while the rest of us moved into the dorms to attend school. For a long time, she was all alone, waiting patiently to finally attend school with us and now it's finally happening.

"Well, let's go," I said before walking past them. Ahead of us, I noticed Theodore and Nina saying their goodbyes. My eyes swept across Creon and his wife, lowering my head slightly I gave them a nod of acknowledgment. Theodore and Nina then readied their things and began following Hanna, Mia, and me.

"Wait!" just then, a familiar voice called for us to stop, a soft female voice. Turning around, I saw Lena making her way to us, her blonde hair swishing with every step. "Someone else also wants to say goodbye," she said, showing a smile. Hiding behind her, was her son, the youngest member of our family, he is six years old if I'm not mistaken. "Come on, don't be shy," Lena told him, pushing him slightly, and encouraging him forward with a smile.

Slowly he came out of hiding and walked slowly to us. "Atticus come here." First to respond was Nina who lowered herself to the ground and greeted him with open arms.

Atticus fastened his pace and returned Nina's gesture. Nina then picked up Atticus who was now in her arms and by the look of it she struggled to hold him up. Taking a step toward her, I carefully took him from her.

I placed one of my arms underneath his legs so that he would be comfortably seated and the other around his stomach so that he wouldn't fall. "I think he's too old now to be carried like a baby," I said while rocking him up and down.

Picking his head up, Atticus's big round eyes, shining with innocence, locked onto me. "Bye, Arata," he spoke, his voice high-pitched like that of the child that he is. Then turning forward, he waved his hand and said, "Goodbye everyone."

In turn, everyone all together responded in kind. With a big smile on his face, I set him down. Raising his hand, he waved at us one last time before running back to his mother. My gaze wandered around, going from my parents to Creon and his wife and finally to Lena. All of them wore the same expression, a small smile painted on each of their faces, probably due to seeing us all together.

With one last glance at our parents, we all turned around and began walking toward the awaiting carriage. One person after the other, we all entered while two guards sat outside for protection. Within the undeveloped vehicle, I sat more toward the middle in between Theodore and Flare. As we all found ourselves in a comfortable sitting position, my gaze fell on Mia who excitedly stared out the window, her leg rapidly moving up and down in anticipation.

On the seat in front of her, sat Alexander, like Mia, he stared out the window but unlike her, he didn't look happy or excited to return. He currently had a cool and collected behavior as we rode to our destination. I haven't talked to him much during these past few years, though, I have tried. He doesn't seem interested in even being acquainted with me.

I don't get him, it's probably due to his father's teaching that he's developed the way he has. I don't really know what he or his sister do.

All I know is that Alexander is the vice president of the student council and that he only hangs around other nobles while belittling others he deems beneath him, which is pretty much everyone. It's no surprise since he didn't show up to Nina and Theodore's birthday as for his sister, Ada, she was there for a little while before leaving. However, I don't think that it's because she hates us, she's just not very sociable. The few times I've talked to her, she didn't seem to dislike me.

On the sociable side, there is Nina, who has continuously been making friends left and right. Her unintimidating appearance and sweet personality make her likable to others. Everyone just seems to be drawn to her as shown when we walk through the halls and random people begin to greet her.

Theodore, I'm sure has made other friends, not as many as Nina though, and Hanna has her own companions, as well as her fair share of acquaintances. Not sure about Ada... While I've been on the same friend group as I was three years ago. I know from my past life experience that having a large friend group is not necessary as after our school years finish, I know I'm not going to see many of these so-called friends in the outside world. But then again, who knows, this is an entirely different world than my last.

After a ride full of chatter, we finally arrived at the school. Just like we entered the carriage, we exited one by one, each one of us gathering our things. We didn't have much, just night clothes and casual outfits for after-school hours. However, to enter certain places it was mandatory to wear the school uniform, two examples are the study halls and library.

After hopping off the carriage, I stood on a wide flat area decorated with a line of trees on each side by the end of the pavement. Flare, before exiting, transformed into her wolf form and followed behind me. Looking ahead I, took in the sight of the throngs of students making their way past the school gate. Some stared at us recognizing the Arathel family logo while others walked happily with friends or family members and then there were the lonely individuals.

"Well, this is where we split," said Theodore, turning up from his schedule to look at us. "I'll see you guys during lunch." Was the last thing he said before turning around and walking away.

"Goodbye," followed Ada's low, expressionless voice as she too began walking away, her long black hair flowing in the wind.

"I guess I should be going too," Nina said, turning to look my way, her green eyes locked onto mine. "I'll see you later."

"Right," I answered, unsure why her words were directed toward me. "Good luck." Following my words, she lowered her head slightly before leaving.

"Where do I go!?" Mia exclaimed, her eyes taking in the swarm of students before her before shifting her focus to Hanna and me.

Before either of us got the chance to respond a voice, carried by the wind, reached our ears. "First years this way, you're reporting to the dueling arena." It was one of the staff members giving directions to the newcomers.

"The dueling arena," Hanna began, tilting her head to the side. "Arata and I can walk you there, our class is just on the other side of that building."

"You guys have a class together!" Mia said, sounding somewhat disappointed. "Lucky," she mumbled, her fists clenching at her sides.

"Let's just go," I said, stapling past them to take the lead. Seeing this, both Mia and Hanna quickly followed close behind. As we walked I noticed Alexander ahead of us walking in the same direction we were going.

I learned from the previous years that first-years report to the dueling arena on the first day of school for the director to give them a welcoming speech and tell them the school rules as well as the classroom expectations. Since it is the first day, it is quite later in the day than it usually is, plus explaining the whole thing also takes time so by the time they're released first-years report to their lunch period. From there, they are given a tour of the school so that they'll be well informed on what building is what and what subject it centers in. I didn't get to experience this since well... yeah.

As for all of our belongings, we need to carry them with us until we get to our dorm. The resident advisor won't give us our key until the end of the day to make sure students attend their classes.

As we walked to our destination, there were many first-years walking in unorganized lines around us, all of them curiously taking in their surroundings. Before long, we reached where we wanted to be and it was time to say goodbye to Mia.

"Well, this is it," I began, coming to a stop before the giant arena that loomed in the distance, capable of fitting every student and staff with room to spare.

"Uh? Already?" Mia said, looking a bit down as she heard my words. "What do I even do inside."

"Find a seat, listen to what they have to say... talk to people, make some friends, I don't know," I answered, not really bothered by her predicament.

"Okay, I guess I'll go now," she said turning to face the building ahead. "But... before that..." she began, letting her words hang in the air. In the next moment, she quickly turned around and lunged forward straight to me, her arms spread wide, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

Before I could react she let me go and did the same to Hanna. "Huh? Mia?" Hanna said, surprised by her actions.

"Goodbye," was the only and last thing Mia said as she took off to the entrance of the arena. Hanna and I stared at her in silence as her figure disappeared within the crowd of students.

"I hope it goes well for her," Hanna said, breaking the silence between us.

"I'm sure it will," I replied with no change in my expression. Now that Mia is gone I can't help but feel worried, I hope as much as Hanna that it does go well for her. "Come on, we should get going." Turning around, I took the lead.

"I'm kind of excited to be in the advanced combat," Hanna began, fastening her step to catch up to me. "A bunch of strong fighters are going to be there," she said with a sparkle of admiration in her eye. "Aren't you even a little bit nervous?"

"No, not really," I replied, my gaze firmly fixed ahead. There were three small arenas each overlooked by a teacher. My combat teacher is and has always been Miss Amber she teaches the advanced class in the morning for three periods, then the intermediate in the afternoon for two, and the beginner class for another two right after that.

Hanna has made a lot of progress with her sword training, in just three years she managed to pass both the beginner and intermediate combat classes, and this will mark her first year in the advanced course. It's the same for me, I was already well-qualified to move ahead to the advanced class, however, I was still viewed as too young since it was mostly in that class where students take on the more dangerous activities.

Anyway, Hanna's spike in improvement was caused because of none other than Leon and I. We both trained with Hanna and regularly engaged in combat with her. At first, she lagged behind but with persistent practice, she began to keep up with us.

"I guess you're right, there is no reason to be nervous. Based on last year's results I'm listed as one of the top students so people will think I'm weak if I act scared," Hanna said, taking in a deep calming breath. "Plus, you'll be there so I have nothing to worry about."

It didn't take all that long to reach our destination from where we dropped Mia off. "We're here," I said, stopping for a brief moment before continuing on my way inside the small practice arena.

"Phew, okay, time to calm down," Hanna mumbled to herself. Flare seemed to be feeling the same way as me, unbothered.

After passing through the double door, we walked forward through a small hallway that had doors leading to other parts of the building. Ahead of us was another door, and past that one, we were finally inside the building. Since the fighting area was dug into the ground, Hanna and I found ourselves by the seating area. Around us, students sat down comfortably, some talking with their friends while others patiently waited for the teacher to give instructions.

"Arata!" Almost as soon as we stepped through, I heard somebody call my name. Turning in the direction of the voice, I found Ari, who had gotten up from his seat and waved his hand in my direction to get my attention. Beside him were Asmodeus and Nia.

"Hanna!" on the other side, a feminine voice called Hanna's name. Curious, I turned my head that way at the same time Hanna did and saw two of the three friends she always hung out with. Another reason why Hanna improved so much was because she didn't want to get left behind by her friends. One of them trained with the sword while the other was a magician.

"I guess this is where we split," I said as Hanna turned to look my way. Then, signaling toward the spacious sparring area down below, I added, "I'll see you down there in a bit, okay."

"Alright," she replied, lowering her head into a brief nod before turning around and making her way to her friends.

With one last look in her direction, I turned around and did the same. There weren't many students in the class and the ones that were here sat all bunched up on one side of the arena. Carefully, I quickly made my way through a few of the seated students until I reached where I wanted to be.

"Hey, Arata, Flare, what's up," said Ari, briefly bringing his hand up to pat my shoulder as I took a seat beside him. Taking in my image, his shining green eyes locked onto me, his pupils vertically slit like that of a cat. His dark hair was styled messily all over and his furry ears stuck out of his head.

"Arata," said Asmodeus, lowering his head slightly in acknowledgment while Nia beside him waved my way with a smile on her face.

Asmodeus, the other reincarnate, was born as a demon. His matching purple hair and eyes as well as his envious good looks were proof of that. Nia was also born a demon. With her and Asmodeus being actual relatives, she had purple hair, yellow eyes, and horns.

"Hello," I replied, my tone casual as I took in their features. Tilting my head to the side in confusion, I noticed there were some people missing, prompting me to ask, "Where are Selkie and Shina?"

"Oh them..." Ari began, seemingly unsure of the answer himself. "For some weird reason, they had Arena C listen on their schedule."

"Huh? That's weird," I mumbled to myself, my gaze turning elsewhere. They've always had Arena B with Miss Amber but now they're at a different one, how odd.

Just then, the doors to one side of the arena walls opened, revealing our teacher for this class. "Hello, everybody, and welcome back to a new school year. I hope everyone is doing okay," Miss Amber began, staring down at a paper in her hands while she talked. Her hair was neatly tied back, and her overall appearance still remained the same as it was when I first saw her.

Then looking up from the paper, her gaze slowly swept across every student who was seated. "And it looks like everyone is here," she continued, lowering the hand in which she held the paper. "Now there is no need for introductions, I'm sure you all know who I am just as well as I know who you are, unless you're a new student that was switched to my class."

"The counselors have been moving around a few students but if you're here now, hooray! You made it, you're stuck with me. Any questions? Comments? Concerns?" she asked while showing an awkward smile as no one said anything. "Great, why don't you all come down and begin training, or don't, you can take it easy for today if you'd like."

At her words, several students got up from their seats and went down to the arena to begin training. It seems the advanced classes just take it easy which makes sense since there really is nothing more we can learn. Soon we'll be adults and if we want to continue down this path all we need to do is keep training and gain battle experience. This class lasts for three periods, every period lasts for fifty minutes with ten minutes in between to switch classes.

Ari, Nia, Asmodeus, and I went down and walked up to Miss Amber. "Professor," Ari called, capturing her attention. "How come Selkie and Shina got moved to a different teacher."

"Oh, that, as I mentioned before, the counselors were moving students around because they wanted to make sure each combat teacher received a certain amount of students, and, this might sound mean, but we get to choose what students we want to keep and which ones we're willing to give out. And I wasn't about to lose the three of you," she answered, leaning forward slightly as she whispered that last bit, referring to Ari, Asmodeus, and me. "Professor Osmon was short on students so those two are probably with him."

Throughout the years Professor Amber has become suspicious about us three, she knows we only perform accordingly to the class requirements, showing only minimal effort. She believes we are more capable than we're letting on. "Okay," replied Ari, showing a smile. "Well, that's all I wanted to know, thanks."

"Sorry, perhaps next year I'll get you all together," Miss Amber said, looking somewhat guilty.

Moving away from her we made our way to the wall of the arena where I sat down on the floor and leaned against the wall with Ari doing the same. "What?" Asmodeus began, noticing our behavior. "Are you guys not going to train?"

"Nah," I replied, letting out a deep breath. Bringing my knees up, I placed my arms above them while my hands hung off on the other side, my actions conveying my relaxed mood. "Not today."

"Hm," Ari let out, tilting his head in curiosity as he noticed something. "You still wear that thing?" he asked, pointing at the bracelet around my wrist. From the way I sat, my sleeves rolled up, making it visible.

"Ah? I'm so used to having it around my wrist that I forget I have it on sometimes," I admitted, moving my hand up to get a closer look at it. The bracelet had a greenish gem that looped in a circle, held in place by metal decorations.

Originally it served to help me keep my mana hidden but after years of practice, I am now able to suppress all my mana without the assistance of the artifact. Without much thought and effort, I took it off. It served me well but I don't need it anymore.

"What are you going to do with it?" asked Nia, taking a seat beside me. Her gaze was fixed intently on the bracelet as her eyes sparkled with interest.

"I don't know... I'll probably store it away in a cabinet and forget it exists," I answered, staring at it with quite the opposite gaze. I turned my head her way and upon seeing her expression I remembered something. "You like jewelry, right? I know this isn't much but if you want you can have it."

"Really!?" she exclaimed, slamming her hands down on the floor, and leaning closer to me in the process. Her eyes flew wide as they locked onto mine with intensity.

"Yes, really, since I don't need this bracelet anymore I am certain I won't use it for anything else so you can have it," I told her, extending out the artifact for her to take.

Slowly, she reached out and grabbed hold of the fancy-looking bracelet. "T-Thank you..." she mumbled, her cheeks slightly red as she stared at the bracelet in her hands with a wide happy smile

"So we're really just going to sit here for three hours without doing anything," said Asmodeus, sitting down right beside Ari.

"Actually, it's two hours and fifty minutes," said Ari.

"Oh, wow, big difference," Asmodeus shot back.

Then, we all fell into silence, just us four comfortably sitting down and looking at the scene ahead. Many students were training, sparring against a partner while others sat down, taking it easy for the day and talking amongst friends. Some students I recognized, having seen them the previous years, one that stood out to me was Theresa, Director Stanton's granddaughter. Perhaps I'll go say hi later.

My gaze then landed on Hanna as she and her group of friends stared in our direction, giggling to themselves. "I'm really starting to think your sister hates me," Asmodeus said, seeing the same thing I did.

Hanna's Perspective

"Look Hanna!" said Lilia, one hand gripping her long staff and the other pointing ahead. Lilia, a girl I've been friends with since my first year of school. Her dark ponytail swished as she turned my way, her brown eyes below her neatly cut bangs meeting mine. "It's your crush."

"Shh!!" I exclaimed, my face heating up with color as I took several steps her way. "Don't say that so loud." I had a feeling he would be here, that's why I was so nervous before.

"Why don't you go talk to him," said Sarah, coming up from behind me and lightly pushing me forward. Like Lilia, Sarah is a friend of mine I met years ago. She had long flowing red hair and whenever her dark eyes locked onto someone, you'd think she was glaring but that's just the way she was, always with a mean expression on her face.

"No!!" I replied, turning around to face her. Her head tilted to the side, unsure of why I was so unwilling to do so. Sarah has always loved fighting and is blinded to everything else so she's never experienced love, she wouldn't know what it feels like.

Letting out a sigh, she only shrugged. "Whatever, let's just train already!" she said, tapping her foot on the floor with impatience.