This night Cyril had a rare dream.
He saw a quiet village among the woods. The people living there had happy smiles and didn't have much ambition in their eyes.
He was there with someone reluctantly doing something. Whenever the people tried to approach him, he would ignore them or, if they got too annoying, directly show them a lesson.
This put him at odds with someone.
He said it was because of how pointless it all was, but the truth was that a certain heavy feeling on his chest urged him.
The sunlight, peeking through the window, reached Cyril's eyes, interrupting his sleep.
He woke up, immediately noticing a mighty tiger curled up on his chest. On top of him was Morpho, her wings folded, as she dreamed on the soft white fur.
So it was you...
Cyril sighed internally and stayed still.
"We spent only a day in that village, and yet it felt like way more than that. Frankly, I had my fill of it."
Maybe.
Cyril remained on the bed, only peeking at the clock occasionally.
Time passed little by little, as the feeling of being back in the Academy finally dawned on him completely.
I hope they wake up soon...
He wasn't kept prisoner for long.
Eventually Morpho twitched her wings and suddenly awoke, flying up in the air.
She excitedly fluttered around the room, even waking Tigris up by shaking him.
The newly created kitten angrily twisted in place and opened his eyes, sharply glaring at the attacker.
However, Morpho ignored that. Instead, she picked the cub up in the air and threw him.
Tigris woke up fully, waving his paws in a panic as he landed back on the soft bed.
His fur raised, Tigris sent a pitiful look at Cyril, tears welling up in his blue eyes.
"Good morning. It's indeed time to wake up."
"...Morpho, ask for his permission first next time you do that."
The red butterfly twitched her antennae and landed on his shoulder, particularly energetic.
I feel like she hasn't heard me at all...
"It can't be helped. She is just excited, let her have some fun!"
Cyril shook his head and got out of bed, ready to begin his studies.
...
After his usual morning routine, Cyril exited his dorm, dressed in the grey academy uniform.
Tigris was left in Morpho's care, for better or worse.
Won't she just ignore him completely? I feel she'll go to the training field immediately...
Rhamn patted herself on the chest, no concern in her red eyes.
"She'll do good, don't worry. They are family after all."
If you say so.
Just as Cyril was talking with Rhamn, a friendly voice called out from behind.
"Cyril! It's been a few days!"
A young man with black hair and eyes, his face completely harmless, ran up to him while waving his arm.
"Cedric."
Cyril turned around, sending his classmate a piercing stare.
"What do you want?"
Cedric momentarily stiffened and awkwardly scratched his hair.
"…I wanted to see how my classmate is doing."
Then, his friendly smile regained his energy as they began walking.
"So, how are you holding up after the Tower incident?"
"I'm good."
"Huh. You do look fine. Somehow you seem easier to approach now. Did something happen in these few days?"
Cyril didn't reply, only sending another glance.
Cedric forcefully laughed and massaged his neck.
"...Right. You know, my days have been quite eventful. I've actually helped-"
"Cedric, I am not interested."
The young man flinched, then shrugged, his friendly smile seemingly unchanged.
"You should lighten up a little more. It's easier to smile than to frown, you know?"
I don't know about that…
"Does this little saint think you are his friend? Or does he have a savior complex and like to meddle with everyone? Either way, he is an idiot."
Cyril walked in silence, while Cedric walked near, talking about various useless things.
Whenever they met another student on the way, they would often greet Cedric, then send a curious but cautious glance at Cyril.
The amount of people that knew Cedric staggered him somewhat.
"I guess idiot types are popular."
Cyril simply talked with Rhamn, ignoring all the friendly exchanges near him.
...
They arrived at the Demonology auditorium earlier than most.
"Good day to you!" Cedric waved and went to his usual place, while Cyril went to his.
There, on a seat nearby, sat another familiar classmate.
An intellectual-looking girl with brown hair and blue eyes calmly read through a notebook.
Noticing him, Rose only nodded and returned to her notes.
Cyril habitually placed his things on a seat near her and began waiting for the beginning of the lesson.
Rhamn appeared in front of him, sitting on top of the table.
She pinched her chin in thought, occasionally glancing at the other students slowly filling the auditorium.
What's on your mind?
"I'm glad you asked." She crossed her legs and raised her finger in the air.
"So you want to build a good reputation, right? However, I feel that a sunny, good-natured look wouldn't do well with us."
He leaned into the chair and crossed his arms, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
"For one, the students here, as well as many other people, already have an impression of you. Suddenly behaving differently would only create a jarring effect."
That makes sense.
More and more people filled the auditorium. The students' faces were enthusiastic as they whispered about demons with each other.
"Another thing is that there is already a type like this in our academy, Cedric. He is a natural, and it wouldn't do us good to compete with him for that reputation."
"And finally, I just hate the way Cedric behaves. Imagining you do the same makes me make your skin crawl."
...That's true.
Cyril pinched his chin, contemplating for a few seconds.
And what do you think?
Rhamn crossed her arms and raised her head higher.
"I already have an idea! Instead, we can play a cool type, cold on the outside, warm on the inside. That will be easier, too."
When most other students had already filled the room, Myra finally showed up with a pale face.
She hurriedly approached the desk, greeting Cyril and Rose in the process.
"I overslept!" She whispered to them before hurriedly unpacking.
Cyril briefly glanced at Myra, her reaction to his smile flashing on his mind, and returned to Rhamn.
That does seem easier, but how do I do the second part?
"Easy! With your actions! Save some losers in trouble! People will do the rest on their own. Humans, with their feeble minds, love to be lost in delusions."
"Looks are a key component for that, and you got that covered. This will be easy! Trust me."
Cyril stared at her bright red eyes for a few seconds.
Just as the bell rang, he nodded.
Let me try it later. For now, let's focus on the lesson.
"Sure thing!"
She gave a thumbs-up and twisted her body a bit to the side, letting the whiteboard come into view.
"Feels funny to study Demonology now, right?"
A little bit.
He got ready for the lesson.