Unnamed

Third person's POV:

Ahmya examined the file, sitting cross-legged. Her amethyst eyes absorbing its contents.

After sometime, she shifted her gaze from the file to the group of students who were standing infront of her.

It was impressive how the file contained a comprehensive detail on the criminals she requested information about.

The investigation was conducted with utmost precision and attention to detail.

But, what caught her off guard was the fact that these students had managed to complete the assignment in just one day.

One fricking day.

Such levels of accuracy and efficiency could only be expected from seasoned professionals.

However, the students standing before her were far from being experienced in the field.

Then, how?

Ahmya's eyes scanned the group, her gaze piercing each student as she posed her question once more. "So, let's clarify this once again. It was a collective effort?"

As if on cue, heads nodded in unison, affirming their agreement.

With a dismissive snort, Ahmya pressed further, her tone laced with skepticism. "And who among you devised the plan of the investigation?"

Before anyone could respond, Noah replied, "No one, Senior. It was a collaborative effort. We discussed with each other, weighing our options before we were able to come up with a strategy. It was power of our friendship."

Ahmya couldn't suppress a scoff, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto the handsome guy standing before her.

Noah Grey. The name did trigger a faint spark in her memories.

Yes, Ahmya knew Noah. Or at least, she knew him once, during her childhood days.

When she first came across the name 'Noah Grey' on the unit she was assigned to supervise, it didn't immediately ring a bell.

But, as her foggy memories slowly resurfaced, she began to remember that there was indeed someone named Noah, in her past.

Someone she had once crossed paths with.

It seemed that Noah, had no recollection of this shared history.

Well, that was hardly surprising, considering the passage of time and the countless people one encounters in their lives.

Ahmya couldn't help but find the entire situation amusing.

Well, to be honest, Ahmya's connection with Noah was very short, which lasted only a few months. It was during her childhood.

When Ahmya was a kid, her father was transferred to Frostfall Province. During her stay in Frostfall, she shared the same neighborhood as Noah's.

Their acquaintance was casual at best; they knew each other's faces and exchanged occasional greetings.

Friendship was not something that bound them.

When Ahmya bid farewell to Frostfall and moved away, Noah's existence faded into the recesses of her memory.

Years passed, and Ahmya completely forgot that there once existed someone named Noah Grey.

Perhaps the same was the case for Noah as well?

But now, fate had brought them back together.

Sadly, it seemed that Noah had no memory of who the fuck Ahmya was. The ignorance hurt Ahmya's ego, puncturing a tiny wound in her pride.

But what truly invited Ahmya's attention was Noah's academic history. Noah seemed to be a gifted student with a potential to grow fast.

This was good. Ahmya just found another pawn for herself. And the guy was handsome too.

After a moment she waved her hand saying,"Professor Riya is waiting in scutum magic arts class. You all may go."

Just as everyone was about to leave the room, Ahmya called out, "Wait Karthik, not you. Rest of you may go."

***

Ahmya's POV:

I looked at Karthik, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Please, have a seat," I offered.

He obliged, his simple dark-brown eyes meeting mine.

Bringing a chair closer to mine, he positioned himself across from me, our eyes locked in an intense face-to-face.

With a faint smile, I asked ,"You were lying, weren't you?"

Karthik's gaze shifted, his eyes wandering to the window as he nervously rubbed the back of his head. He feigned ignorance, "I'm not quite sure what you mean, Senior Ahmya."

The smile on my lips faded as I leaned closer to him, softly clasping his right hand in both of mine. "Are you gonna lie to me, Karthik?"

His face flushed with embarrassment, as he freed his hand, stumbling over his words, "I-uh, I... don't..."

I interrupted him, putting him at ease, "No need to be intimidated now. But if you lie to me, it will make me sad." I tilted my head to the side, my expression devoid of any emotion.

After a moment he nodded looking at me with puppy eyes.

'Such a sweet guy. He's going to be a useful pawn.'

"Then, why don't you actually tell me what happened?How did you guys gather the information just in one day?"

"We simply followed Noah's instructions, and it worked out flawlessly," Karthik confessed, finally revealing the truth.

"Umhm? Did Noah specifically give you all orders, or was it a collaborative plan developed by the entire unit?"

Karthik shook his head, his hand absently scratching his cheek. "No, it was all Noah. He devised the entire procedure on the spot, without any prior discussion."

'As I suspected,' I thought to myself.

Turning my attention back to Karthik, I encouraged him, "Why don't you fill me in on all the details Kartik-kun?"

As he began telling what happened I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

Noah's method of extracting information seemed illogical at first, but against all odds, it proved to be remarkably effective.

'Such an unpredictable oddball, with irrational approach to problem-solving', I mused silently. 'Yet somehow, it all aligns perfectly... Is it sheer luck, or is there something more?'

***

Noah's POV:

I was chilling on a park bench. In the morning I had hardcore hand-to-hand combat drills, and after that I met Ahmya Xinzumi.

Gotta admit, though, she's kinda thicc. I see why Karthik likes her so much.

Anyway, currently a select few intrested in scutum magic were being instructed under professor Riya.

I, of course didn't take part in learning any of the six arts of magic because it was pointless. I had no mana core, no point in learning those magic.

I'm starting to see the value of the privileges I've got.

Even though I won't be learning magic, I still gotta show up for those weapon arts classes.

I refocused my being to the present, leaving the realm of thoughts.

I looked to my left and smirked as I teased James, "So, when are you gonna pop the question?"

Anastasia, sitting to his left, observed the conversation with curiosity.

James, clearly flustered, gritted his teeth and forced a smile, "I don't get what you're talking about, Noah."

This was getting fun. I gleed, asking, "C'mon, James, you're not gonna propose to her?"

Anastasia, completely baffled by our discussion, interjected with a confused tone, "Wait, what are you guys talking about? Who is James interested in? Did I miss something?"

I couldn't contain my excitement and blurted out, "Yes! James here is secretly in love with yo-mmphh! Mmmph!" Before I could finish my sentence, James quickly covered my mouth with both hands, muffling my words.

He then let out a hollow laugh, glancing at Anastasia over his shoulder. "Haha! You know Noah, always goofing around! He never knows when to stop!"

James redirected his gaze at me glaringly, demanding, "Isn't that right?!"

I nodded in agreement as he finally released his grip on my mouth.

"Jees! Such a pucy! " I exclaimed, rubbing my mouth.

Anastasia locked eyes with me and asked, "By the way, Noah, quit dodging the real question. When are you gonna spill the beans? How did you magically become so strong?"

I shrugged and replied, "I've been busting my butt, like I've told you before. Hard work pays off, you know?"

Annoyed by my response, James chimed in, staring up at the sky, "C'mon, Anastasia, drop the boring topic already. There are better things to talk about. Besides Mr secret here is not gonna tell us anyway."

Anastasia, feeling a hint of disappointment, blurted out, "It's a shame we're not in the same unit."

Smirking, I quipped, "Well, at least James is lucky. He ended up in your unit."

I added, "You know, this guy once said that your bwebs are quite huge-mmphhh! Mpphh!" Before I could finish my sentence, James swiftly covered my mouth with his palm, his eyes shooting daggers at me.

"That's it, Noah! I swear I'm gonna kill you!" James exclaimed, his anger radiating from his gaze.

I managed to push his hand away, breaking into uncontrollable laughter. "Phtahahahah! Dude! Look at your face! Oh man, that's priceless! Hahahaha!"

...

After chatting for a few more minutes, a new topic emerged. Anastasia asked, "Hey, have you heard about the beef between David and Kenta?"

I raised an eyebrow in confusion and asked, "What beef are you talking about?"

James took a deep breath and explained, "Well, both David Smith and Kenta Shiro are part of Svetlana's unit. Apparently, they both have feelings for her, and things have been tense between them lately."

As the news hit me, my face fell, and a wave of disappointment washed over me.

Well, too bad for both of them.

Svetlana already said she's interested in someone else.

'She likes someone...'

A strange sensation tugged at my chest.

Who could it be?

Who does she like? I couldn't shake off this sudden feeling of unease that washed over me.

I swiftly unlocked my phone and sent a text to Svetlana. Talking to her always calmed my nerves.

[You: "Hey, wanna meet up? Right now?"]

Within mere seconds, five replies popped up on the screen:

[Svetlana: "Now? Sure!"]

[Svetlana: "Where should I come? Your room?"]

[Svetlana: "By the way, have you had lunch?"]

[Svetlana: "I kinda missed you."]

[Svetlana: emoji1, emoji2]

[You: "Come to the A1 section's roof."]

I got up from the park bench, ready to head out. "I've got some stuff to take care of, you guys. Catch you later."

Suddenly, something crossed my mind, and I gave James a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Oh, and don't worry. You've still got time. You can tell her whenever you want. It's not like she's going anywhere..."

James and Anastasia were both my friends, and little did they know, they had feelings for each other. I

genuinely wished for them to have a long and happy life together.

After bidding them farewell, I made my way to the A1 section's building and headed up to the top floor.

I really wanted to ask Svetlana who she liked. Curiosity was eating away at me.

I don't know why... I was definitely feeling a bit jealous? This was strange.