Class 3-C consisted of fifteen students.

  They walked together beneath a wide, unbroken sky, boots crunching rhythmically against dirt and stone as Fiester Academy slowly receded behind rolling hills. The tall spires of the academy vanished first, then the outer walls, then finally the banners—until only memory marked where it had been.

  At the front walked Rena Kisaragi.

  Her hands were clasped behind her back, her pace unhurried, posture relaxed—as if this were no more than a pleasant countryside stroll. Two other instructors followed behind the students, chatting quietly, occasionally gesturing toward landmarks or commenting on the scenery.

  It was too calm.

  “This really is far,” muttered Hoshino Rei, sharp eyes scanning the horizon as she wiped sweat from her brow. Her short auburn hair fluttered in the breeze.

  “Stop complaining,” Takumi Vale replied, adjusting the straps of his pack with a grunt. “At least the weather’s good. Could’ve been rain.”

  “Or worse,” Jun Arclight added dryly. “Mud.”

  Kaoru walked near the middle of the group, her stride steady, her breathing controlled. She listened more than she spoke.

  Around her were faces she knew intimately—classmates she had trained beside, argued with, sparred against, shared meals and late-night study sessions with. Fifteen students who trusted one another, whether they admitted it or not.

  She counted them unconsciously.

  Kaoru

  Hoshino Rei

  Takumi Vale

  Lina Morwen — quiet, book always in hand

  Daisuke Rho — loud, energetic, impossible to miss

  Mirei Solas — calm, observant, eyes always thinking

  Jun Arclight — sarcastic, fast-talking

  Nara Felin — silent, animal-like in movement

  Kaito Riven — broad-shouldered, reliable

  Sora Myles — cheerful, restless

  Eina Frost — silver-haired, blunt

  Riku Han — nervous, earnest

  Yumi Calder — teasing, sharp-tongued

  Shin Orvell — serious, always alert

  Mako Len — small, fast, constantly humming

  Fifteen.

  Three days of walking.

  Day One

  The road wound gently through low hills dotted with scattered trees. Birds wheeled overhead, and the air smelled fresh—grass, earth, and distant water.

  “This doesn’t feel like training,” Sora said, stretching her arms dramatically. “Feels like a field trip.”

  “That’s because it is,” Jun replied. “Did you miss the part where they said ‘camping for everyone to enjoy’?”

  Rena glanced back just enough to make her presence felt.

  “Less talking. More walking.”

  “Yes, sensei,” several voices answered at once, laughter threading through the response.

  Kaoru walked beside Mirei for a time.

  “You’re quiet,” Mirei observed gently.

  “Just thinking,” Kaoru replied.

  “About the camp?”

  “…About what comes after.”

  Mirei smiled faintly. “Grasslands don’t hide much. You’ll see everything coming.”

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  Kaoru didn’t answer.

  By afternoon, they reached a shallow river. Shoes came off, trousers rolled up. Laughter echoed as cold water numbed feet.

  “DAISUKE—!” Yumi laughed as he slipped, arms flailing, nearly face-planting into the stream.

  “I’M FINE!” Daisuke shouted, already soaked.

  They made camp near the forest edge that night. Teachers distributed food, shared light jokes, even sat among the students as they ate.

  “This is nothing like the rumors,” Riku whispered to Kaoru, glancing around nervously.

  Kaoru nodded—but said nothing.

  Day Two

  The land flattened.

  The sky grew wider.

  The wind sharpened.

  “This place feels empty,” Lina murmured, hugging her book closer.

  “That’s the charm,” Kaito said. “Nothing hiding behind trees.”

  They passed half-buried stone markers—old, weathered, nearly reclaimed by the land.

  “Old trade route,” Rena explained. “Long forgotten.”

  Jun squinted into the distance. “Why do I feel like we’re being watched?”

  “You always feel like that,” Eina replied without looking at him.

  Kaoru felt it too.

  Not eyes.

  Exposure.

  That night, stars burned brighter than any seen near the academy. Mako pointed out constellations, voice soft with excitement, while Shin listened in silence.

  “It’s beautiful,” Sora whispered.

  Kaoru stared upward.

  Too beautiful.

  Day Three

  Fatigue settled in.

  Footsteps slowed. Packs felt heavier. Conversation thinned.

  “Almost there,” Rena said casually. “Just a few more hours.”

  The grasslands revealed themselves slowly—tall waves of grass bending endlessly beneath the wind, a living sea stretching to the horizon.

  “…Woah,” Daisuke breathed.

  They arrived just before sunset.

  “This is it?” Takumi asked.

  Rena smiled. “This is it.”

  That night was loud.

  A fire crackled brightly. Students laughed, cooked together, told stories. Someone produced a deck of cards. Someone else sang terribly.

  “Kaoru!” Sora called. “Come sit!”

  She hesitated—then joined them.

  Yumi teased Jun.

  Daisuke challenged Kaito to arm wrestling.

  Lina read aloud from a travel book.

  Even Rena watched from a distance, amused.

  “This really does feel normal,” Riku said softly.

  Kaoru watched the flames dance.

  Too normal.

  One by one, exhaustion claimed them.

  “Good night,” Mirei whispered.

  Kaoru lay down, eyes open, listening to the wind move through grass.

  Footsteps.

  Soft.

  Careful.

  She almost rose—

  Sleep claimed her.

  The fire burned low.

  The wind whispered.

  And quietly—

  The teachers left.

  No announcement.

  No warning.

  By morning, Class 3-C would be alone.