Chapter 23 Return of The Sammich

"Yummy!" Mira said with glee. Rohan watched as she filled her cheeks with the sandwich like a squirrel.

The bright afternoon sun cast dappled shadows beneath the sprawling trees in the academy courtyard. Students bustled around, finding quiet spots to enjoy their lunch amidst the lively chatter.

Apparently, ever since the incident at the cafeteria that brought on the duel between Mira and Sydnia, students have been challenging one another in the cafeteria like some sort of trend.

Mira sat on a weathered stone bench, her chocolate-brown hair catching the sunlight, a simple sandwich in her hand. The sandwich was a simple pleasure, and it was moments like these that made her academy life feel more wholesome.

Not too far from her, Rohan leaned against a tree trunk, observing her with a fond smile. He'd come to see Mira as a little sister, a cherished friend who had become an integral part of his academy life.

As he gazed at Mira, his thoughts began to drift to the loyal hounds that lay by her side.

Bonds, huh? He smiled. There was hope.

He couldn't help but wonder if his journey through time had affected his deep bond with Azure, his dragon. Dragons, unlike simple bonded animal companions, hailed from a different plane of existence, and Azure's connection was something Rohan had been sensing faintly within him for the past days.

Rohan's eyes wandered from his hounds to the clear blue sky above. In a moment of deep though, he couldn't help but hope that his connection with Azure remained unaltered, as steadfast as the azure sky itself.

Rohan's view was suddenly eclipsed by a familiar icy blonde figure. The cascade of icy hair momentarily eclipsed his view, drawing his attention. Rosenia, who had approached him, reminded him of their upcoming duel.

"Do not forget, red-haired mage," Rosenia said in a resolute tone, "tomorrow. Afternoon."

With a slight smile, Rohan turned to Rosenia, his crimson eyes meeting her gaze. "Don't worry, ice princess," he replied. "Varian informed me about it already. I'm ready for our duel." His words held a sense of calm confidence. Rosenia didn't react.

She's a bit more mature than that bratty sister of her's...

Mira reached into her bag and pulled out an extra sandwich, offering it to Rosenia with a friendly smile.

"Here, Rosenia," Mira said, holding out the sandwich. "I thought you might be hungry."

Rosenia accepted the sandwich with a short nod.

"You know," Mira began, "I've always thought you were pretty cool. You're strong, confident, and always seem so composed."

A faint blush colored Rosenia's cheeks, and she lowered her gaze, hiding her expression. "Thank you, do—I uh—"

"I'm Mira," she smiled warmly. "Let's chat more often, 'kay?"

"Yes. Voglio. That's really kind of you to say." Rosenia straightened herself out, "I shall be leaving now-"

"Hey! You scam mage!" A new voice appeared. He wore robes in the fashion of an ice mage, but the gaudy house emblem embroidered on the front and back stood out in stark contrast.

Rohan squinted his eyes at the fast-approaching mage, "Uh?"

"It's me! The guy you made a fool of during the entrance exam!" Rohan nodded.

It's quite helpful that people sometimes explain how they are relevant in the moment.

With a friendly smile, he clarified, "Right. Frostclit?"

"Frostfliff!" The ice mage turned red.

The Frostcliff mage, a stern expression on his face, approached Rosenia with an air of frustration. "Rosenia, don't you think this is infuriating? I was ready to face this scam of a mage, but the headmaster's decision to have him duel you has thrown my plans into chaos. I need to challenge him as soon as possible. You must convince him to accept my challenge."

Rosenia, her gaze unwavering, turned to the young Frostcliff mage, her tone calm yet firm. "I am under no obligation to resolve your problems, and I have my own duel to focus on. His affairs are his own. Handle them yourself."

"Rosenia! We're both ice mages. Help me out here!"

The Frostcliff mage watched helplessly as Rosenia walked away, leaving him to ponder his predicament.

"Ice mages sure are... weird," Rohan remarked. "Hey, buddy, if you want to fight me you have to get in line."

"You're really popular, Rohan," Mira commented. The ice mage turned to Mira and scoffed.

"I suppose you're feeling cocky just because you beat a water mage, huh? Well let me tell you, your friend is no match against an ice mage, especially our ice princess!"

Mira nodded, "Sure."

"Stop being so insolent!" He poised a hand to strike. Rohan stood up as a reaction but Mira immediately grabbed the ice mage's wrist nonchalantly.

"Wait," she swallowed the last bites of her well-made sandwich, then she spun the mage around and kicked him like a ball on his behind. "Off you go now!"

Rohan whistled low as the mage rolled towards another group of students huddled together in the field.

"I think he had a point, Mira," he grinned, "you're getting more confident."