Day Two – Essentia Academy of Arts.
The morning sun didn't care about anyone's sleep schedule. It shone straight through the dorm windows like it was hired to be annoying.
Ezren stumbled behind Kagetsu, half-asleep and fully regretting his life choices.
"If I collapse on the way, just drag my body into class…" he muttered.
Kagetsu didn't even glance back.
"If you collapse, I'm donating your organs to alchemy."
"So cold… are you always like this before breakfast?"
They reached Classroom B-1, expecting another lecture or some magical punishment. Instead, a glowing message floated in the air above the blackboard:
TEAM FORMATION – Day Two Assignment. Survive Together, or Fail Alone.
"Thank god i can understand this world's writing" Ezren thought to himself
Ezren read it twice.
"…That's super dramatic. Why does everything here sound like a death threat?"
"Because it probably is," Kagetsu replied, casually taking his seat.
More students filed in, chatting nervously. The air buzzed with anxiety, tension, and at least three different kinds of hair gel.
Then—
BANG.
The door exploded open, and Instructor Bront stomped in like he just headbutted a mountain.
"Alright, listen up, you wide-eyed gremlins!" he roared. "Today, you're forming teams. Three per group. you will train, and probably bleed together."
Ezren leaned over to Kagetsu.
"He really knows how to start the morning with a hug, huh?"
Bront held up a glowing scroll and read aloud:
"Group One: Enjin, Kaguro… and Aeloria."
The class turned to the trio as they stood up. Enjin gave a polite nod. Kaguro didn't bother acknowledging anyone. Aeloria, tall, graceful, long silver hair swaying, stood in silence, her eyes sharp and unreadable.
Bront continued:
"Group Two: Vanessa, Ellyn, and Tiffany."
A trio of picture-perfect girls stood, flipping their hair in unison like they practiced it. Vanessa, the obvious leader, smirked.
"Let's be honest, we're gonna be the strongest team here."
She shot a glare at the rest of the class, particularly toward the back row, where the delinquents (Ezren and Kagetsu) resided.
"Especially stronger than the 'money-motivated losers' from yesterday."
Ezren raised a hand lazily.
"Appreciate the branding. Can we get that on a T-shirt?"
Bront didn't flinch. He read the next names:
"Group Three… Ezren, Kagetsu… and Mira."
Both boys blinked.
"…Who?"
The girl sitting quietly near the corner stood up. Long black hair, pale skin, and hauntingly pretty features. Her eyes looked… distant. As if she wasn't really here.
Mira said nothing. Just walked over and sat beside them.
Ezren leaned toward Kagetsu and whispered:
"isnt she the girl that got third place in the entrance exam, i bet she is super powerful."
Kagetsu gave a rare grin.
"Yea, your right."
Bront clapped his massive hands like thunder.
"All teams, sit with your squad. You'll be stuck with each other for a long time. Get to know one another. Or don't. Just don't die in the field."
The students shuffled around until all teams were seated together.
Ezren tried to break the ice.
"Sooo… Mira, was it? What brings you to magical boot camp?"
Mira stared at her desk. Her voice came out soft, almost robotic.
"I was forced to enroll."
Ezren blinked.
"…Cool. Love that. Super relatable energy."
Kagetsu gave her a nod.
"We're not here to judge."
Mira didn't reply, but she didn't walk away either. That was progress, probably.
Ezren leaned back in his chair.
"Well, looks like Team Budget Trouble is officially assembled."
Kagetsu crossed his arms.
"Team names aren't official yet."