Tenma looked at Sabrina who’s walking slightly ahead of him, putting his arms behind his head and sighed wearily. He did volunteer to accompany her just for today, and he does want to make Sabrina forget about her work even for a bit… but maybe asking her what they’ll be doing in her day off was a mistake. He should have taken more initiative and planned ahead…Because Sabrina wants them to go register their Mission License and try out an official mission. Which means, it’s a real job, and runs counter to what his intention for today was. He really wants Sabrina to take her mind off her work, not taking more job. Mind, if it was any other day, he would take the job without any complaint. But today is not supposed to be work day…… fine. I’ll make this work. I’ll make today fun somehow!Tenma and Sabrina stopped in front of a huge wooden door that is furnished by a large fire-shaped black emblem. Only one building holds such emblem, which is the building of…The Swarthy Order, the offic
Discordia.A vast world where many sentient races lived, it consists of nine main areas and countless other uncharted areas. The uncharted areas are typically inhabited by monsters and other beings that doesn't conform to the civilization of the Nine Areas.Power and prestige are the currency of this world. With those two in abundance, one can do almost anything. Justice, rules, and law... with enough power and prestige, one can decide what counts as those abstract concepts. And now...The sound of metal clashing resounded loudly on the shore.Once. Twice. Thrice. And keep on repeating. The clash of the two metals raised sparks that lit up the shore. Those clashes were so fast, it was impossible for an ordinary human eye to follow the movements of the two sharp metals that were continuously clashing fiercely.There was no other sound on the shore, not even the sound of the waves crashing at all, because part of the beach had been frozen. The large part of the seawater on the shore ha
He opened his eyes and saw a familiar ceiling. He turned his head to the side. A lot of beds with white sheets and pillows. Light blue curtains. Scent of medicine in the air. Yup, this is unmistakably the Infirmary of his combat school. He had made frequent visits here before, and apparently today was also one of them. He stretched his body carefully, feeling that there was nothing wrong with his limbs. Looks like someone has healed his wounds and also cared enough to put at least his jacket and pants back to cover his body. However, his shirt was gone, probably too dirty and bloody to put back on. And his head, which was wrapped in rather thick bandages, feels rather heavy and dizzy. What did happen before, he could hardly remember. What was clear to him, is that he had stay the night in the infirmary because something happened the other day. Hmm, wait… a fight. Yes, a fight. He remembers that he fought Iceheart in a duel and it kinda went south quickly… The memories start com
-Later, that night-In the vast lands of Discordia…Aetzer was a great city and kingdom. The houses were made of fortified and magically enhanced bricks, they have steep and gabled roofs with round angle. Most, if not all of them, have small towers with clear-glass dormers on it. Those who are more security and warfare-oriented chose to place turrets on top of those towers.Some who are more inclined in artistic sense have their houses decorated with statues and detailed woodworks. Or simply painted their houses with bright colors. In short, it could be said that the designs are layered, cluttered, ornate, and eccentric. But that's not all.There were factories on the corners of the city. Iron machinery with rotating gears working on whatever their purpose, like providing power for the city and producing food. The clockwork-based constructs run delicately in the background.It was always a busy place to live in. People from many races trying to live their life, making the best of thei
Tenma snapped his eyes open. He blinked few more times and remembered he was home. He had no nightmare last night. And all is well. The sun has risen, and its warm light has shone through his balcony. Despite that, he felt a slight chill. He realized it's because he isn't wearing any clothes, the lower part of his body covered by only a blanket. He also noticed something else lying on the bed with him. Noa was sleeping beside him, her body covered by the same blanket that concealed his. Her bare chest was concealed by her long crimson hair, now untied. There was something serene and calming in her contented expression. Something that also brings a smile to his face. He took his time looking at her sleeping face. She was smiling about something even in her sleep, he doesn't know what, but it must be good to warrant such an expression. Not wanting to disturb whatever good dream she's having, he slowly and carefully try to get off the bed. As Ten
He smiled as he remembered everything that happened last night. And everything that happened last night were like blurred memories. He could remember some notable details, like him flipping her over so he can be on top and---nope, nevermind that. The memories start coming back faster than he thought, and he'd already reminisced too much this morning. He would rather stop lollygagging and start being productive now. He begins to collect Noa's clothes from all over the room. As Tenma gathered her clothes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and happiness wash over him. It has been a long time since they were together, and he was very grateful to have Noa in his life. Once he had collected all of her clothes, he folded them neatly and placed them on the chair near the bed, so Noa can see it when she wakes up. Then he cleaned up the room for a bit. It simply won't do to have it all messy from their activities last night. Reina will have a fit if she
They decided to jog around as they raced their way to the school. Not that they were late, but simply as a form of warming up for today's activities. It's also fun to compete in something trivial like this sometimes.Reina leads in the front, awfully chipper and energetic, while Sabrina puts up a measured pace in the middle, occassionally eyeing Tenma and Noa who were in the rear.Tenma was purposefully slowing down because Noa suddenly had a limp. He knew why she had that, and felt rather guilty. Must be because what they did last night. He quietly decided to make it up by his actions."Are you okay?" He asked."It's okay, don't worry about me." She assured."No can't do." Tenma shook his head. "I'll carry you."He casually and gently lifted her off her feet, putting her in his arms. One arm under her legs and the other supporting her back. Noa yelped in surprise, but she had no time for further react since Tenma started to run faster than
Shortly after...They made their way to the second floor too, although they weren't trying to hurry at all. They entered the Elevator in a pleasant silence, just the two of them. As they arrived at the second floor, they can see the other students wandering and passing by each other. Some are fussing over something that they didn't bother listening to, but they can take a good guess.Of course, the Field Exam. The third and second years will have to undergo a mission decided by the school staff outside the school itself, with the supervision of teachers or graduates. The first years will have it a bit easier, their exam will be held inside the school environment.On the way to their own class, they passed over a set of statues made of emerald. They are life-sized, so they can almost be mistaken as actual people sometimes. Those statues are displayed on a circular room that serves as a hub that connects to all the pathway to the classes.Three statues. One