Butterfly Effect (4)

"Yes, the newly established Magic Department Club."

Upon hearing Artoria's words, Vallen's eyes widened, caught in a momentary surprise. The information seemed to settle in as he slowly closed his eyes, absorbing the revelation. A deep sigh escaped him, carrying a weight of realization and perhaps a tinge of resignation. He shook his head in response to his internal musings.

The atmosphere shifted between them, an unspoken tension lingering in the air. Artoria, still curious, began to pose a question when, before she could finish, Vallen, with a casual air, walked past her. His hands were tucked inside his pockets, an almost nonchalant demeanor painted on his face.

As he moved away, there was a subtle murmur, as if thoughts were finding expression in muted sounds. A chuckle, soft yet distinct, escaped Vallen's lips. The echo of it lingered briefly, leaving an intriguing layer to the atmosphere. The clubroom's ambiance held a certain enigmatic quality, as though secrets whispered within its walls.

Though confused, Artoria proceeded to enter the room, shutting the door behind her.

-Thud!

...

..

.

In the pristine atmosphere of the Principal's Office, Vallen addressed the head of the school with a request that hung in the air.

"Miss Principal, may I ask what happened to the new student named Aerial?"

The Principal regarded him with a measured gaze, her eyes betraying the curiosity beneath her composed exterior. "Why's that?" she inquired, prompting Vallen to reveal the purpose of his inquiry.

"I have something important to give her."

The Principal contemplated his request, her thoughts forming like ripples on the surface of a tranquil pond. After a brief moment, she nodded, indicating her approval.

Although, normally, only few professors, students with high rankings are allowed to stand before the Principal, Vallen, despite lacking conventional strengths, held a unique standing in the school. He was a variable, a factor that easily disrupte the usual order. While his magical abilities and his intellect in academics might be unremarkable, a variable will remain a variable.

He doesn't have any sort of TALENT.

However, he is a GENIUS.

The Principal recognized the value of this particular variable. Their association wasn't one-sided, of course; Vallen sometimes use the Principal's influence when needed, creating a symbiotic relationship. It was also because of her, Vallen decided to stop himself from making Artoria disappear before his first regression.

Anyways, the Principal, aware of his capabilities, had the role to ensure Vallen remained on his leash. Who knows? He might end up being the real reason of the 4th World War.

"She... How do I say this? Well, student Aerial had decided to stop going to school from now on. Though, I can still give you her location. She's probably around the city," she conveyed, punctuating her statement with a light shake of her head.

Vallen, taken aback, blinked several times, as if hoping the repetition would alter the reality he now faced. His disbelief manifested in a heavy sigh, and he wearily rested his head on his forearm, contemplating the implications of this unexpected turn of events.

"What the hell? It's the second day of school. How can she even stop?" he muttered, his frustration audible to the empty air.

Observing his reaction, the Principal couldn't suppress a mild curiosity about his connection to Aerial. She teased him gently, "What do you even want to give her? A present? A flower?"

Vallen, rolling his eyes, shifted his attention toward the window. "I better get going," he declared, standing up and leaving the room without offering further explanation.

Click—!

The Principal watched him exit, the door closing with a muffled sound, leaving her alone with a lingering sense of curiosity.

The Principal closed her eyes and pondered for a moment.

"Vallen... Why does he...!!"

It was then, a boy who's face was blurred, except for his crescent smile, resurfaced in her mind. Surrounded by darkness from behind, a dark fog-like arm extended from the boy's eyes.

It was at that moment, the pen she was using fell on the floor.

Tik—Tak!

She snapped out of her daze upon hearing the sound of the pen and let out a short sigh.

"...Must be my imagination."

***

(Vallen POV)

Upon reaching the city, I meticulously observed my surroundings, keenly scanning faces to ensure I wouldn't overlook anyone. The decision for Aerial to leave school so abruptly intrigued me, but I doubted I'd find a straightforward answer.

My heightened senses, a result of recovering my sight a few years ago, aided me in navigating the bustling environment. "Where could she go now...?" I pondered, considering the possibilities.

Recalling the second loop, a lightbulb moment struck me, guiding me to the store Aerial frequented during that time.

Upon arrival, serendipity was on my side. I caught her in the act, tugging a substantial, circular-shaped object shrouded in cloth. A quirk formed on my lips as I marveled at the size of her baggage.

"That's some big baggage you got..." I remarked, unable to suppress my curiosity about how she managed to haul it all the way here.