Mystery Tales Under the Moonlight

Chapter 53: Things Remain the Same, But People Change (5).

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Swish!

"I want you to come with me somewhere."

As he trained at dawn, sword in hand, those words came from the young woman behind him.

"Where?"

Dio opened his mouth, but his focus on his sword didn't waver.

Swish!

Each of his movements was supremely fast, precise, and powerful.

The surrounding air parted smoothly without resistance.

When his sword stopped near the ground, the momentum of the cut was enough to throw nearby soil and rocks far away.

"…I can't say."

Her calm voice reached his ears.

When he looked at her, her red eyes were full of conviction, but a hint of hesitation was noticeable.

Her expression was undeniably calm. It was certainly true, but why…

Why could he see the confusion in her expression?

"…Alright."

With a thoughtful expression, Dio stopped his training and agreed to walk with Cha Nayeon, wherever she wanted to go.

A considerable uproar shook the academy; an unprecedented incident had occurred.

The final practical exam was canceled.

Instead, all students' results were based on a written test. This assessed their lineage abilities, combat training, and simple procedures such as strength and speed evaluations.

Many complaints were voiced but silenced by a few words from the teaching staff.

"Your safety is more important than such matters. Due to certain circumstances, the third practical exam is impossible; taking it means exposure to danger."

"We don't know how you view the world or the importance of the exams to you, but I'd rather resign my position and live as a vagrant than endanger my students."

These words from supervising Professor Dios were unexpected. The external impression of him was that he was cold and ruthless.

The students, understanding the severity, put their efforts into the written exams, which, contrary to their expectations, tested their practical understanding of situations they might face in their path and their abilities as individuals.

The effort put into compiling information about all students was evident.

In any case, without much surprise, Leon and the group fell into class (D).

Leon cursed them as if they'd killed his family.

"My money! My precious money. Return my money, you lowly bastards-!!"

His plan for the third exam failed because it was canceled.

This was an unexpected blow to his plan to extort—ahem! Not that, but seize, yes, seize the money of other students!

"…Of course, right?"

"…It's impossible for things to go as smoothly as I expected. I should have foreseen this, damn it."

"This is the price of trying to steal from others… Is that what they want to tell us?"

"I wanted to buy new clothes…"

"Smile at life; life smiles back and sues you for harassment… Wasn't that the example?"

"The poor will remain poor… We weren't born to become rich anyway…"

While not cursing like Leon, the others stared at ants moving listlessly, trying to console each other.

Except for the silent trio, everyone, even Lilith, was depressed.

"It's alright… It's alright, guys. This isn't important, is it? We achieved our main goal."

"Young Lady Lilith… You entered the upper class, isn't that also good?"

Lloyd tried to comfort the others.

"It's alright… you say?"

"Our goal? Damn you and the goal! I want my money!"

"Isn't it important that I relieve my poverty and taste the life of the rich a little?"

"You're just a poor peasant satisfied with your poverty. How can you understand our pain?"

"Young Master Lloyd, there are limits to rudeness… I thought you were a respectable person. I did enter class (A), but at what cost? My precious, dear money… I'll never see it again." The poor young woman wiped her tears.

Naturally, his good intentions were met with sharp words.

Only Selena and Cha Nayeon were unfazed.

Excluding Lilith, the other nine entered the same class.

Four days had passed since the incident.

Nothing significant happened during those days.

Nothing except Leon's contact with the class. No, it wasn't contact; it was literally "enslavement."

Since the class assignments, a lot of buzz surrounded various matters in the hallways and classrooms.

Leon, the openly acknowledged strongest first-year student, entering class (D), and even the thrill-seeker Logan Hermes ending up in the same place.

The talented young swordsman Dio Antarios, the circumstances leading to the cancellation of the final class-determining exam.

News of the unfortunate young man from the Eternal Night Clan's survival, Baek Kang Woo's entry into class (C), the ambiguous relationship between Leon and the Kronos princess, Lilith.

Even with the passage of days, many hadn't adapted to the changes in their lives.

The only certainty was that they had begun their new lives as students in this place.

"…The place is noisy indeed."

Walking silently alone, Dio murmured softly.

He didn't know why, but Cha Nayeon had asked him to meet by the academy's garden fountain.

The garden was a place for relaxation, where everyone exchanged pleasantries to relieve the fatigue of a long day.

It wasn't a school day; it was the last day of the break.

Tomorrow was the official first day of classes.

"…When the others heard, they told me to wear proper clothes with wide eyes. Even Loki gave me luxurious clothes with a jealous look, as if he was reluctant. It's annoying… but fine."

Dio wasn't oblivious to his surroundings. The reason for a woman asking a man to hang out was clear.

Of course, he didn't want to jump to conclusions without concrete evidence. Perhaps her intentions weren't what he thought, so he preferred to go in his official student uniform.

But his companions had a different opinion.

Thus, somehow, he ended up attracting attention with his appearance in the garden.

Maybe that's what I truly believed?

He shook his head in denial.

No, perhaps not at all. Perhaps…

Hope returned to his eyes before flickering out, and the process repeated.

But Dio being Dio, didn't notice.

"…Who's that handsome young man?"

"Has anyone seen him before?"

"He's that young man… the swordsman Dio Antarios, the gifted swordsman who displayed amazing combat in the second exam's battle."

"If he's that talented… why is he in class (D)?"

"How should I know? Aaah, if he weren't already taken, I would have definitely seized the opportunity!"

Young women whispered among themselves, stealing glances at Dio standing by the fountain.

In their opinion, Dio and Cha Nayeon were already in a relationship, so they couldn't target him as a partner.

Due to such a misunderstanding, Dio was saved from a bloody battle.

"…Sorry for being late."

While his mind was in a fierce battle, Dio heard a girl's voice behind him.

He turned, and what his eyes beheld left him speechless.

The morning sun slowly melted the remaining snow. The light's reflection on the fountain made the view somewhat difficult.

Standing near the fountain, bathed in the sunlight, her blonde hair fluttered in the last winter winds of the year.

Silence filled the area.

Dio's elegance and appearance had caused a commotion.

But this young woman's mere presence silenced the entire place.

She was beautiful… no, she was beauty itself.

Her red eyes sparkled as she opened her mouth.

"Are you alright?"

Her emotionless tone was as always.

Her words dispelled the sudden halt; people came back to their senses.

"Umm, cough! Yes! Yes, I'm fine!"

Aware of the concern in her voice, Dio immediately replied.

Others might not notice, but he heard her concern when she asked him.

"Anyway! Shall we go now?"

He extended his hand toward Cha Nayeon, saying this with some hesitation.

A bold move Dio wouldn't normally make; he wanted to try.

It was a reach for her hand.

"Umm."

Cha Nayeon nodded, taking his hand.

When it's cold, the temperature difference is as clear as the sun at midday.

When the young woman and young man's hands touched, the warmth of their bodies transferred through their hands.

At first, it was a light touch, then a slightly bolder grasp.

After fumbling for a while, the two held each other's hands in silence.

Neither spoke a word.

They walked like this amidst the noise of people and conversations.

Finally, gaining courage, fingers intertwined as Dio and Nayeon walked together.

Each felt the warmth emanating from the other, oblivious to the commotion around them.

Only a small smile found its way to Dio's face.

A young man who loved the sword, a young woman who had lived her life with the sword.

They usually trained with swords instead of wandering around like this.

But hey, what can we say?

Humans aren't things that function in a specific way; they aren't predictable or easily understood.

They grow, interact with the world around them, change, and continue to grow.

Even the harsh have a soft side; the kind also have a harsh side.

And like all humans doing things unusual for themselves, there was a faint smile on the blonde girl's lips.

As her fingers intertwined with those of her companion, her teacher, and the one whose sword she longed to see shine, an unfamiliar feeling swept over her heart.

That feeling was called "peace of mind".

----------

"Ha!"

Swish!

Unnaturally powerful force cut through the air as the blonde young man wielded his sword.

The sweat dripping from his forehead was proof of his deep fatigue, but he didn't stop.

"…Not yet."

Weak, pitiful compared to that swing.

His face was sullen; he wasn't satisfied with his performance.

Many things filled the young man's mind these days.

His talent inexplicably increased, the overwhelming power of Leon and his group in comparison, the changing events within the academy itself.

He couldn't understand everything by thinking alone; unknowingly, he'd been training since dawn.

But he wasn't training in an isolated place.

"Isn't that the Nicola family's failing son?"

"Hehehe, it's funny watching him train so hard. Does he think anything will change with effort alone?"

"Humph, if effort was enough to overcome talent, why would the world have the weak and the strong? It's a meaningless struggle!"

"Look at him; there were rumors that his family head was extremely disappointed and might withdraw his candidacy for the family head."

"That's logical. Anyone would do the same. Would you bet on someone with mediocre talent? No sane person would!"

Fernando's lips trembled slightly as his frown deepened.

He was bothered by people's words.

"But what bothers me more is that their words still affect my heart."

A pure heart and a carefree mind, how easy is it to obtain that stable mentality?

Whether he liked it or not, the onlookers' words pierced his ears.

It was annoying, truly annoying, but…

Swish!

He swung his sword powerfully, but this swing was more consistent and smooth than before.

It's alright.

With time, he'll get used to it.

His mind should focus on his sword; what would hurt more is being left behind.

Others were growing stronger. In Fernando's previous belief, Leon and the others were strong enough.

But how? How could he see the clear dissatisfaction on their faces during training?

That wasn't training; it was more like "torture."

Logan, Cha Nayeon, and Fernando himself couldn't bear their training, yet they endured as much as possible.

Cha Nayeon perfected her father's swordsmanship, Logan was naturally strong, but he pushed himself even further.

Then there's Song Woo Jin, who came two days ago to train with them, and the gap between them was widening.

Leon was immensely strong from the start. Loki and Lloyd, Dio and Raphael, too.

But these companions…

"They are growing and improving even while strong."

If these people trained as if tomorrow might not come, would Fernando have any face to meet them if he didn't do his best?

His talent had slightly increased, but that's all.

The only one who didn't improve was Fernando. Anyone might argue he wouldn't improve in just one or two days.

But so what? It's true that one won't improve quickly and easily, but is the slow pace an excuse for not trying his best?

Fernando understood.

He chose to train amidst people because he knew they would ridicule him; he knew what would be said.

This way, he would get used to it.

He'd been with these companions for a short time and had observed their progress.

Certainly, it was good to have someone to protect and rely on.

But that's only for the others who gave up on strengthening themselves; they would be happy.

Fernando felt like a burden instead.

To become stronger, he had to change.

Fernando had flaws; the others had flaws, too.

This is undeniably true.

But still…

"Still, it's alright. I'm certainly not very strong, but it's alright. Strength doesn't come easily, but it's alright. I won't give up just because my situation is slightly worse."

I'll accept my mistakes and won't deny them again. I won't close my eyes to what's before me.

I will learn and look forward.

People must accept their flaws to overcome them. Those who ridicule others can't understand this because they preferred escape, finding happiness through social validation.

Fernando was like them; he wasn't different.

That's why he had to change.

It won't happen quickly; it might take a long time, but he'll definitely change.

The moment his sword would also become strong will come.

It's still early; it's the beginning of the road.

Following their backs for a longer time is acceptable.

But one day, for sure…

The time when he'd no longer be observing their backs while they do everything for him will come.

And unlike before…

They will walk together, supporting each other.

----------

In the academy's commercial complex.

"Don't be shy, don't be shy! We have the finest fish from the northern blue ocean and even the Clear Fragrance Lake! Our prices are affordable for everyone!"

"[Ego] Sea Fins! With this [Ego], you can swim as if you've been in the sea your whole life! Cheap price and excellent quality… only 130 Ego stones!"

"Here, here! Clothes of the finest quality! Students, you're still young and at the height of your beauty. Dazzle your peers with our high-end clothing!"

Loud voices echoed; merchants from various stalls and shops attracted customers.

Moonlight Academy occupied a vast area, containing numerous sections, not just for studies.

There were shops, hospitals, residential buildings, security sections, and more.

It seemed more like a city than an educational institution.

In the market complex, many varied items were sold, not only to students but also to all academy staff.

This was another aspect that distinguished this place. It adhered to healthy human nature instead of the strict etiquette and laws of other places.

Communication was friendly.

Lloyd and Selena walked in silence.

Neither usually liked noise, but the bustling place had a strange appeal.

"It's full of life."

Lloyd murmured admiringly. Selena nodded in agreement, her eyes wandering around.

Tools, fish, clothes, shops, and stalls intermingled, creating a marvelous scene that left one in awe.

Some were bargaining; some left shops frowning, others entered hoping to make a profit.

"Let's go."

Earlier, Leon suggested the two go to the market together.

His reasoning?

"Isn't trying to communicate silently like this troublesome? And it's even more tiring to write everything my sister-in-law wants to say in a notebook. There are some tools that can record thoughts and extract them; this will make your communication easier."

While playing ball with others, Leon suggested with a bored tone.

"…That's not easy. The problem is, such things aren't cheap, and I didn't bring any money."

"It's alright. Leon will give you some."

Loki, reading his book, answered calmly. He still wasn't used to reading but began to get absorbed in the enjoyment.

He smiled slightly to himself. I must look great right now…

"Loki, your book is upside down."

"pee on you."

"Why give him money? I'm not his father." Ignoring Loki's displeasure, Leon said irritably.

"You owe him for the clothes you tore and owe Dio for his rusty sword, you ungrateful scoundrel."

There was no need to identify the speaker.

"…Tsk! Fine, take it Lloyd. Don't return the rest, but enjoy yourself, or I'll make you bankrupt for the rest of the month!"

"Why a whole month? And you have no say in this; you said you aren't his father?" Raphael was slightly confused.

"I'm not his father, but I'm his older brother; that's my pride as a brother, hehe."

"…Brother, the difference between you is just two months, even less between us."

"Your voice doesn't carry any weight in front of me, kid Raf."

"Yes, yes, older brother~"

A demeanor fitting Raphael's paternal personality that came from nowhere.

Leaving them arguing over the results of their game, Lloyd took a bag filled with Ego stones.

In this way, the two found themselves wandering through the shops looking for the "[Written Thoughts Ego]" Leon recommended.

This [Ego] specialized in thoughts and was first-level; it resembled a white board with a long slit in the middle, like a box.

When magical energy was pumped in and one thought of something, it was stored on the board.

It had two methods of use. If a book was placed in the long slit, which could be opened, all thoughts were recorded in the book. The other way was to simply record thoughts on the opposite side of the Ego.

"Welcome to our shop! How may I help you, customers?"

The two entered a shop with the sign "[Comprehensive Thought Seller]." Apparently, this shop sold tools and weapons related to thoughts.

They were greeted by a man in his mid-twenties.

Seeing the students' uniforms, the shopkeeper immediately greeted them; all Moonlight Academy students were valuable customers; it was foolish not to impress them.

"…Hello. I hope we didn't interrupt you, sir."

Lloyd greeted him politely; he was worried he was bothering the merchant.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly waved his hands. "No, no bother! On the contrary, I'm glad to have a customer at this hour! As you can see… there isn't much foot traffic here."

The shopkeeper's smile was bitter as he finished speaking.

"In any case… I'm curious about what the esteemed customers desire?"

"Actually, I'm looking for the [Written Thoughts Ego], if you have it."

"I'm sorry to say this, customer, but such an Ego is precious and sought after in the market. The demand is higher than supply; it arrives on the market and is bought immediately."

"…So that's it."

Lloyd's voice was slightly disheartened. This was the fifth shop they visited, but they hadn't found it yet.

Why did Leon recommend it if it was so difficult to obtain?

Lloyd was slightly sullen. Leon played pranks sometimes but didn't joke in such situations. Why did he say they should specifically look for this?

He looked at Selena to apologize for the inconvenience, but… what he saw was a young woman looking around curiously.

Lloyd was taken aback. He thought she was tired… but she seemed to be enjoying herself.

"…Selena?" Unintentionally, her name escaped his lips.

Her deep black eyes turned towards Lloyd, who called her. She tilted her head slightly, questioning.

What is it?

As if she said this, a small smile crept onto her lips.

"…Nothing."

Lloyd avoided her beautiful eyes for some reason. The sight was more pleasant than he could bear. At that moment, realization dawned on the young man.

He'd been trying not to tire Selena out; his excessive focus made him frantically search the shops and forgot to enjoy himself.

I was worried about Selena being upset, but I forgot that simply wandering around together is enough; how could I forget this!

Lloyd slapped his forehead at his stupidity.

Her eyes widened in concern!

Hearing the loud slap, Selena found herself rushing to Lloyd, holding his face with a worried expression.

What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?

Her gaze spoke volumes.

"No… I was worried you weren't enjoying our trip… since we haven't found what we want yet."

He said this in a slightly trembling voice. Her touch to his face made him feel instinctively embarrassed, but he didn't move her hand for fear of unintentionally hurting her.

He'd wanted to avoid saying it, but her worried expression made him feel guilty.

The girl didn't remove her hand from Lloyd's face.

After looking at him for a while, a teasing smile appeared on her face as she covered her mouth with her other hand as if trying to stifle her laughter.

"What's so funny?"

Lloyd wondered with question marks in his head.

The teasing smile vanished, replaced by a kind and gentle expression. She removed her hand from his face.

She pointed towards Lloyd, then towards herself, then clasped her hands together.

You, me, together.

As her smile widened, she pointed to the place and made a gesture like cheering.

The place, fun.

She clasped her hands, showed a frown, and a rejecting sign, then a playful expression, and nodded in agreement.

Together, annoyance, no, joy, yes.

Then she looked at Lloyd with a reproachful smile and with finger gestures like speech, showing an "X" with her hands, shook her head firmly in refusal.

Sad words, no.

Having done that, she panted slightly and stared at Lloyd.

"…I'm sorry."

The shopkeeper didn't understand most of her gestures, but Lloyd understood perfectly.

In other words: Wandering around here with you is enjoyable; it's fun because we're together; I didn't feel bored; don't say those sad words again.

Obviously, Lloyd would apologize.

Selena shook her head from side to side.

It's alright.

"We don't have exactly what you're looking for, esteemed customer… but that doesn't mean there's no alternative."

The shop owner smiled at the two youngsters. It's nice to be young.

"An alternative?"

"Yes, esteemed customer. How about taking a look around the shop? Who knows, you might find what you're looking for."

Usually, the merchant would ask customers their purpose to assist, but these two, somehow, were a pleasant pair, and he didn't want to intrude.

Since they were curious about the place, it was best to give them some space to be alone.

"Have a nice time~"

With such cryptic words, he left them alone, entering another room in the shop.

Question marks appeared on the two's heads.

They didn't understand the shopkeeper's rapid change in personality, but they looked around anyway.

At this moment, one of Lloyd's traits was triggered: his obsession with peculiar items as an ancient language specialist.

"Oh! Look at this, Selena! It's written here that it can temporarily confine scattered thoughts within the mind; this is amazing!"

Lloyd, by nature, was reserved and calm, but there were times he showed great enthusiasm, his curiosity towards Egos with strange uses being one such thing.

"This too! Oh, and this!"

He enthusiastically pointed here and there, doing something he usually wouldn't dare do.

He was holding her hand.

Selena, who was amazed for a while by Lloyd's unusual change in personality, closed her eyes gently, a soft smile adorning her face.

"…I like this spontaneous side of you better."

Had she been able to speak, she might have said those words.

No, it's better she couldn't because she couldn't bear the embarrassment of saying them in the moment.

Even knowing him for three years, there were still many aspects they hadn't shown each other.

But this wasn't necessarily bad; closeness is done step by step.

Before, simply wandering around together was unimaginable, but look at them now. They were close to each other, hands touching.

This was slow progress for some and considerable progress for both of them.

In the small shop among numerous others, there was a young man and woman looking around.

One was enthusiastic, pointing happily at the displayed items while holding the young woman's hand.

The young woman let herself go with the flow, not removing his warm hand in the winter chill; instead, she was smiling happily too.

The sun was still at the beginning of its rise; some were still dreaming, and some felt sleepy.

But for others, their hearts were filled with energy as they interacted and laughed together.

Even if Lloyd and Selena's conversation was one-sided, it wasn't devoid of the vitality of human communication.

That vitality was the feeling of being with someone they valued.