4.4.

"Azaleas, what are you thinking so hard for?" Rose quipped.

"Did you not realize those effects earlier?" Azaleas responded.

"Of course I did!"

Rose folded her arms.

"What about it?"

"I'm curious how exactly something like that is created. A butterfly out of mana, individual spheres of sparkling lights– those are not simple creations by any means. If possible, I would like to pick the brain of the instructor behind those spells."

"Why do that? You're their enemy, you know that? Just focus on your own magic."

After the assembly, all exchange students were orientated to the facilities in Riestellia Academy. In fact, these three were in the midst of it right now. They were brought to the hero's museum, the training theater, the cafeteria establishment, the dungeon entrances, and all around the lake.

"Looks like they don't show us where Alator's Grand Chamber of Magic is," Lancet said.

"We'll have to ask around.. hey, why are you so concerned about my sister but not me huh?" Rose narrowed her eyes.

"Spare me," Lancet rolled his eyes.

The three of them were student representatives from different courses. Lancet was chosen as a backup for the New Dawn Series Tournament. As a third year student, he was eligible to participate. Meanwhile, Azaleas and Rose were students of the magic concert faculty. They were part of the main team in the New Dawn's Grand Magic Showdown.

As the tour came to an end, the students from the different academies were notified of their assigned apartments. They were free to explore the campus or rest for the day.

Academy instructors settled the students into their rooms before making their next plans. The same was happening for the students in Eluive Academy except that.. there was a slight delay because of the huge influx of people into the foyer of the dorm complex.

After some sort of discussion among the cohorts of the academy and the princess, the students from Eluive Academy were told to gather at the lobby once they're done unpacking their stuff in their room.

===

"Celebration? Mochi Corner? Sure thing?" Schwii said with a confounded look in her eyes.

"Is it presumed, or did you receive permission?" Iona asked.

"I asked properly. They said it was alright if both of you joined."

"No specific dress code?" Schwii asked.

"As long as it isn't something lewd.."

"Then I'll go wear my maid uniform."

"Schwii.. please.."

"Just kidding silly. You're cute when you overreact like that.." she stuck out her tongue.

"..."

"Then my current outfit should be fine?" Schwii pointed at herself, loose white blouse with cream coloured skirt.

"I think it's appropriate."

"Should I have a change of clothes myself?" Iona asked, tugging at her maid uniform.

"I think that would be a good idea."

"Then pardon me," Iona got up and went to her room to change.

Both of them watched as the door shut.

Schwii then asked, "Just me and Iona are going right? Are you going to invite anyone else?"

"No. Just you and Iona. I don't know about Nynim, Leticia and the others, they might be busy with other things."

Schwii nodded deeply, "In regards to the performance, how did it go?"

"It went well.. crazy. I think I should've told you to see it, but well, it's over now so.."

"Crazy? Elaborate," Schwii raised a brow.

When Iona finished changing, they went down to the lobby. Just as the elevator door opened, they were met with a huge crowd of students standing before them. Both parties froze in shock.

"Let's go," Iona's words took them out of trance.

The sea of people parted, allowing them through. Of course, with many people came with it many envious or hostile gazes. Doing their best to act ignorant, they made it to the lobby.

"This is crazy.. just how many people are there?" Schwii knitted her brows.

"A hell of a lot. Stick close I guess.."

Sequence tightened his hands around her's, she stuck closer to him.

Skipping past the students, Schwii and Sequencee made their way to Mochi Corner.

===

Girls and boys were divided into separate dorms, which meant that Lancet would not be staying in the same apartment with his fiance, Rose. After unpacking his items, he proceeded to the lobby at once where the students of Eluive Academy gathered.

"Greetings my dear students. I once again congratulate those standing before me here for being the representative of our academy. While we are current in Riestallia, let's not forget our roots, shall we? In preparation for the competitions to come, I hope that you will attempt to use the facilities here to the fullest. I'll guide everyone over a detailed directory of these places tomorrow. As for today, I simply wish that everyone settles down well in the new environment," Titania said with a soft smile.

The students nodded in response.

"Now, shall we go have lunch?"

Titania herself had visited Riestallia countless times before, just as many of the selected representatives of the other academy's have. Hence, the specially arranged tour earlier was actually unnecessary, it was done simply out of formality.

They headed to one of the hotpot restaurants located at the ground floor of the cafeteria establishment. A place had been booked in advance thanks to the connections Titania had with the manager there.

It was the kind of restaurant where you chose the type of broth you wished to boil the raw food items inside in. There was also a condiments station and complimentary grass jelly for those feeling extra spry.

"Tastewise, I much prefer this to many food items in our academy," Rose commented, chomping down on the meat.

"I agree. It's a privilege to study here.. how unfortunate we couldn't persuade father," Azaleas blew on her spoon and downed the sour-salty soup, a perfect balance of flavor made better with the leaked juices of the meat.

Lancet remained focused on the food. Using the chopsticks, he added more of the raw meat and vegetables into a boiling pot in the center. It didn't take two minutes for it to cook completely.

"Lancet, can you help me grab me a tissue," a student by the name Seketh pointed at the small box with one hand, cupping his hands below his chin with the other.

"Hold on."

"I'm so glad I fought hard for this."

"Can't wait for the competition day. Well, we'll see who comes out on top."

"The past few years, which academy won the competition? Or does it change often?"

"If I'm not wrong, for the tournaments, the top spot is almost alway clinched by the students from the Saint's Academy, those guys are absolute monsters. Riestallia Academy comes out second or third place depending on luck? As for the magic concert competition– sometimes it's our school, sometimes it's Crue's Magic Academy, or Covenants Academy. Riestallia Academy has never gotten into the top five."

"Then we have a fighting chance."

"Can't be complacent though. There are rumors going around that there's a third year student in the academy that can actually rival the Saint's Academy."

"That's for the tournament, I'm talking about the magic concert one."

"Does the winner of the New Dawn's Grand Magic Showdown get the chance to become acquaintances with the hero? No right? It's just prize money and the trophy?"

"That's a bummer.."

"Wait, didn't they say that they had a demon lord horn on prize?"

"What? Seriously?"

"You have to do win this Seketh–"

"Hm?" The supposed top dog participating in the New Dawn Series, Seketh, turned to the rest with a mouth pouch stuffed full of food. Swallowing, he said, "The food is great."

Another group meal was arranged for later in the evening. Everyone was to again gather at the lobby by the stipulated time. The reason why the advanced tour was set tomorrow is because Her Highness Titania had to first receive permission before she could usher the magic concert representative into Alator's Grand Chamber of Magic to practice their grand spells.

Rose, yawning to a full stomach, walked beside Lancet with sleepy eyes. The sun was high up, and they were nearing the dormitory complex. Afternoon was free time, she was planning to take a short nap before going off to explore the campus independently.

"How annoying it is that they separate students by gender. If I could pay, I would get a room just for us," Rose snickered.

"Leaving me out?" Azaleas asked with an unconcerned smile.

"In what part of us did I not include you in? You tell me," Rose glared at her.

"Really unfortunate that we'd have to comply with the regulations," Lancet muttered.

They watched as students, those from other academies–though mostly Riestallia students–flowed in and out of the entrance. Shifting his gaze a little to the sidewalks, there was a beautiful hedge garden with blooming flowers, also, the infamous 'konbini' that is being mobbed by students.

'I wonder what's so special about that place?'

Lancet returned his gaze to the front. Her Highness Titania and Nearl had gone to the office to meet some of the people of this academy, so the students were being guided back by their instructors.

Reaching the foyer, everyone dispersed to their own unit. Rose and Azaleas reluctantly parted from Lancet. As he, together Seketh and the other male students made their way to the elevator lobby. For a moment, Lancet thought that he saw Her Highness Titania sitting at one of the bakeries–

Upon closer inspection, he realized that it wasn't Her Highness. The individual was a student, a girl with bright green hair simply enjoying a drink with her other companions..

"Lancet," Seketh kicked his shoes, urging him to move.

"Nothing."

He resumed moving.

"I thought you wanted baked goods," Seketh muttered.

===

Mochi Corner is located closer to the eastern edge of the campus, nearing to the edge of the Black Ravine. It was a place which sold various desserts, items, and drinks among other foods such as cheesy potato fries, spaghetti, sandwiches and carbonara.

Schwii and Sequencee had frequented here during the evenings when they wished to spend an evening alone together. Iona was also dragged alongside them to enjoy the food here on a weekly basis by the excuse of 'taking a break'. While the food can't compare to her cooking, it still created a satisfaction that can't be found from eating in the apartment.

Outside, they have seats attached with adjustable umbrellas which could be unfurled during hot days, this accompanied by a nice view of the lake from a rare vantage.

Inside, the place had a crude, shack-like bar design. Neon wires coiled inside glass, lit in various colours to form words; sticks woven into beautiful spherical nests holding candles which decorated each table. There were also displays of old weapons, magic devices, and magic wands. Seat arrangements were asymmetrical, made from the cross section of big logs– to put it otherwise, it felt like a fancier tavern.

The students here were not limited to staff which were in direct support of Risa's performance. Contributors, volunteers, and speakers that had helped with the arrangement of the stage event could be found celebrating. Food was prepared buffett style, you were free to order desserts at the counter or drinks from the barista.

"It's Sequencee!"

"No wonder he's late.. he's brought his girlfriend– and maid!"

"Thanks for coming, you guys! Sequencee, thanks a bunch for the lighting and effects! It couldn't have been any better. Have you tried the food here? Especially the mochi, I had them prepare every single type," Risa forced her way to the front to talk to the trio.

"You want to try the mochi?" Sequecnee turned to Schwii.

"Ah, I want to get some coffee first. Maybe I'll dip the mochi into coffee and see.." Schwii, tugging at Sequencee's hand, made a beeline for barista.

"Okay.."

"It would be an honor," Iona said, parting ways and heading towards the mochi station instead. Risa hummed as she followed her favorite chef along.

The servers were also caught up in the merry mood, attending to the students with enthusiasm. Though, over at one of the corners, the ambient felt different. There was clearly something up, seeing how students would look that way every so often, but avoid approaching any closer.

'Shiro is there with Linzy.'

Schwii raised a finger to the barista, and as a regular, he understood right away.

"Come to think of it, that time we bumped into the person named Linton," Schwii started, turning to look at Shiro and Linzy afar, who looked like they were in their own world.

"Do you want to ask about it..?" Sequencee found Her Highness Evelyn somewhere nearer to the dessert bar.

By coincidence, her amethyst eyes found him. Just for a short moment it was, before she turned away and acted as if nothing had happened to her clique of friends.

"Sequencee, can you do those effects again?" a student from a magic course came up to him and asked. His name was Vincent, someone who had been part of Risa's dancing team. Also, Sequencee had also gotten somewhat close to him the past week of practice together.

He tried to formulate the butterfly, but failed.

"I don't have the magic formula for this, you just have to keep trying," Sequencee didn't need to do anything, a blue butterfly faded into existence and landed on Schwii's hair.

"Do it slower please.. step by step. I don't get it," Vincent begged.

"How pretty," Schwii looked at her own reflection using the top of the shiny counter. The butterfly looked like a really fancy hairpin.

Sequencee demonstrated again the process he took to construct a basic butterfly. It was a pointless attempt– after all, what Vincent needed was practice. He lacked the proficiency to make minute adjustments to his magic.

Leaving the sulking Vincent behind, Sequencee, together with Schwii and her super sweetened coffee went to the mochi station where Risa sat, trying to feed Iona.

It was an odd scene; there was even a peanut gallery there.

"Just open your mouth.. "

"..."

Holding the mochi between chopsticks, Risa tried to force it into her mouth. Everytime, Iona would turn away. Swipe, flick, bend, tilted, dodge– motions accelerated until it became a blur for those that didn't have the kinetic vision trained to catch it.

"Open.. your mouth.. Miss Iona.."

".. No."

"Can I ask if it's alright if I had some of this?" While that was happening, Sequencee walked up to the staff at the mochi station and asked for a few pieces.

"Please give me a moment."

Some were colourful, some were plain, some had nice patterns to it. The flavors contained within were unknown, but from the looks of it, all of them would probably taste great.

Sequencee and Schwii found a spot amidst the peanut gallery, enjoying the taste of the different mochis while watching the intense food war play out between the hero and demon general.

'Would this go down in the history textbooks?'

Having seen it, Sequencee finally understood why heroes were considered individuals that break the culture of the world to rebuild anew. They held no discrimination towards demons at all.

Foowwp!

The mochi slipped out of Risa's chopsticks and shot into the crowd–

"Mochi!" she shouted.

– Headed straight for Schwii; bracing herself for the impact that.. never came.

She opened her eyes. Sequencee had grabbed the things before it reached.

"Now it's a mess.."

But everything had become squashed in his palms.

"Sorry!" Risa apologized.

"Nevermind... Schwii?!"

"It would be a waste of food not to eat it," Schwii restrained Sequencee' hand and began nibbling from it, showing a suggestive connotation.

"H-Hey.. we're outside right now.." Sequencee warned in a whisper.

Schwii said nothing, even beginning to lick some of the filling stuck to his palms.

"..."

The peanut gallery's attention had shifted. A wave of inundated shame washed over him..

'I want to be buried..'

Schwii who noticed that grinned secretly, her own ears were burning.

She peeked towards Evelyn's direction. Seeing her deadpan expression, Schwii silently cheered.

'He's mine. Give it up.'

"There. You can go wash your hands now. Thanks for the meal~" she said, licking her lips.

Sequencee didn't know how to respond. He picked up another mochi and just tossed it into his mouth.

'Someone kill me..'

"Miss Iona say ah!" Risa's exclamation redirected the focus of the peanut gallery once more.

…

..

.

"So what you're saying is this Linton guy might be Linzy's brother?" Risa's eyes sharpened.

In the end, Risa did successfully feed Iona a single mochi. Though, that was after many failed attempts. That said, no more peanuts among the gallery was harmed in the process of doing so.

"I think. He's from Convenant's Academy, not sure how we're going to get in contact with him."

"Do you know his house name?"

"He has a house name?"

"Nevermind then.."

"Do you know if he's participating in the New Dawn Series or the Magic Showdown?" Evelyn asked.

It was a little while, when the mood had settled did Schwii bring up this subject. Hence, a small meeting was called upon, with Shiro absent as he was busy attending to Linzy at the corner, a worrying sign of obsession, if anything.

"I'm not sure. My guess is that it's the Magic Showdown," Sequencee proposed.

"Okay, okay. So simple, enough, I'll ask if she has a brother later," Risa quipped.

"Someone has to ask Linton who it is he's trying to find too."

"Had you not confirmed that?" Evelyn asked with a raised brow.

"No. Various circumstances you see.."

'I just wanted to not get involved.. doesn't seem like fate is letting me get things my way.'

"I'll go now," Risa stood up and walked towards Shiro.

Of the students that remained, those that were aware of the mood changes turned to spectate. Linzy, noticing Risa began to hiss out loud.

With a cold expression, Risa asked.

"Linzy, you have a brother, right?"

Linzy narrowed her madder red eyes.

"Linzy has a brother?" Shiro asked. He looked worn and fatigued.

"Linton, right?"

"..." Linzy remained silent.

"Are you deaf?" Risa hissed.

The beastkin then turned and hugged Shiro tightly.

"B.." Risa bit her tongue to stop the word from leaking.

"That explains why she's like this.." Shiro muttered.

"So just because she got separated from her brother she gets to take someone else's brother away huh?"

"Risa? No, that's not what I mean.. not it."

Risa took in two deep breaths.

"I don't even know why I'm mad," Risa turned her back on him. She thought to rejoin Sequencee's group when an inexplicable emotion gobbled her up. She felt the burning of her eyes as everything in her vision shrunk. Halting after a few steps, "Evelyn, I.. I leave the rest to you, I'm sorry, I'll leave first.." saying so with a choking voice, the hero made her way to the exit and walked out.

A hush fell upon the place.

"Linzy, let go," a deep commanding voice echoed.

Normally, the girl would've denied.. but the weight of his voice felt different that it jolted her instincts to comply.

Shiro settled the naive Linzy down on another seat, got up, and went to chase after Risa.

All of this happening, Sequencee watching.

"How long has this been going on for?" Schwii asked.

"Two-three weeks. I think Risa is at her limits," Evelyn responded robotically.