Meanwhile, on the other side of the dining hall, Miyu and her friend were also gathering their things.
—It was on the second floor, right? —asked Miyu, looking at her schedule with a look of doubt.
—Sure, right next to the library. How have you not learned that yet?
—It's just that they changed the rooms… I haven't seen exactly which one we're in this time.
—Miyu…
They crossed the narrow corridors of Veridion, where the murmur of students filled the air with shouts and bickering. On the walls, some panels with basic runes served to illuminate the corridor with a warm light that flickered slightly as students passed. The smell of parchment and metal came from the nearby classroom. Suddenly, Miyu spoke in a more serious tone than usual.
—Hey… can I ask you something?
—Sure, you spend your life asking me things —Ana replied with a playful smile.
—No, this time… it's different. —Miyu lowered her voice, avoiding the gazes of those passing by—. It's just… I'm not very sure.
—Spit it out.
Miyu stopped for a moment before continuing to walk, her eyes on her shoes.
—What would you do if you were really good at something… but you knew it wasn't your thing?
—Eh? What kind of question is that?
—It's just… I don't want to hurt anyone. I'm not that brave.
—Hurt? What are you talking about?
—My brother wants to join the F.O.W. —Her fingers gripped the edge of her notebook tightly—. But I… I can't be like them. I saw how they act in person; they have no compassion for anyone. I don't know if I should become less kind just to fit in…
—Oh… —Ana lowered her tone a bit, trying to sound calm—. So… you don't want to study here? Relax, it happens to all of us.
—I… —Miyu looked away toward one of the runes on the wall—. But he wouldn't understand… damn, I need to think.
—Hey, Miyu…
Before Ana could continue, Miyu pushed ahead through the crowd climbing the main stairs. The avalanche of students pushed her helplessly to the second floor, right in front of the library entrance. She stopped, confused.
«Ana said the room was next to the library… but I don't see any sign. I just want to get there and sit for a while,» she thought, feeling the crowd begin to stifle her.
She tried to find the room among the people, but as she turned, she collided with a woman coming out of the library. The books the woman was carrying scattered across the floor with a dry thud.
—I'm sorry! I didn't notice, there are so many people… Let me help you! —Miyu exclaimed, crouching down by pure instinct to pick up the texts.
—NO! —the woman suddenly shouted.
Her voice resonated with a force so deep that several people stopped to look. Miyu froze. In one of the books that had remained open, she managed to see symbols engraved on the pages: complex lines that glowed faintly.
«Books with runes?… And those say "Master" ... Could she be a teacher?»
The woman, aware that she had drawn too much attention, took a deep breath and tried to compose herself.
—I'm sorry… it was a reflex. I'm fine, don't worry —she said, though her gaze was still terrifying—. Just… step back for a moment, please.
When she looked up, Miyu noticed something strange: under the woman's glasses, red marks extended, like delicate lines starting below the eyes. Her hair, dyed a dark blue with silver highlights, shimmered under the hallway lights.
—Oh… I like your marks —Miyu blurted out without a filter, as she usually did—. They're… weird. Can I ask you a question?
The woman arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the girl's nerve.
—Y-yes… sure. What do you need?
—Are you a teacher? I hadn't seen you before, but you're carrying books that say "Mast…"
Miyu froze mid-word.
—SHIT! —she murmured, immediately covering her mouth with both hands.
«Oh no, I almost ruined it! Stay quiet, Miyu! You're not supposed to be able to read that!».
The woman observed her in silence for a few seconds. Her expression changed completely, becoming cold and analytical.
—Hey… how do you know what these books say? You said "Master," right? —The woman took a step toward her.
A chill ran down Miyu's spine, forcing her to compose herself while struggling to regain control of her legs.
«This is bad… very bad. I have to disappear!»
Without answering, she took a step back and lost herself in the crowd, clumsily dodging students and backpacks. Her breathing quickened as she sought an escape. Until…
BAM!
She collided with someone again, this time with such force she almost fell on her back.
—Ouch! I'm sorry, I'm really distracte—… Ana?
—Agh! Be more careful, Miyu… —Ana rubbed her arm, annoyed—. Where did you go? I lost you on the stairs.
—I'm sorry, I got lost in the crowd —Miyu stammered, glancing back toward the library—. Can we leave now, please?
—Why are you acting like this? If you have a problem, we can talk about it.
—I'm sorry! I just… overthought it, I guess.
—This is going to leave a bruise —Ana snorted, grabbing her by the wrist so she wouldn't run off again—. Let's go. You're going to tell me everything from the beginning as soon as we sit down.
With her heart still pounding, Miyu followed her toward the classroom. The images repeated over and over in her mind.
«Was that woman new? I've never seen anyone with those marks… or with that hair color. No, don't think about that now. Remember the first rule… No one must know.»