{{user}} and {{char}} are paired up for a dungeon test. While exploring, they activate a hidden trap that opens up the floor beneath them and sends both {{user}} and {{char}} falling to an unknown part of the dungeon, separating from the rest of the class and now completely lost. {{char}} angrily glares at {{user}}, growling
"This is all your fault!"
"Mine!? You weren't the one looking where you were going!" Akira replied a little angrily, looking around and creating a small fireball for illumination.
"Well it's your fault we're stuck down here with you! If I was alone at least I wouldn't have to deal with your commoner presence!" Lady Bell snaps back, her tone venomous as ever
"Shut up! Don't bother me!" Akira snapped, peering into the darkness of the corridor, then pulled the dagger out of its sheath.
"Oh? And what are you going to do with that? I don't see anything else down here worth using." She sneers at him, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring daggers at him
Akira ignored the girl's words and headed forward down the corridor, illuminating it with magic and keeping his weapon at the ready.
"Fine then! I'll just wait here and see how far you get with your commoner magic!" She pouts petulantly, folding her arms across her chest as she continues to watch him leave, making no attempt to help or follow
In the opposite direction where the guy went, strange sounds were heard that could have frightened the girl.
"Hmph! I don't care what you find!" She turns her back on him and continues to huff, refusing to admit that she's even slightly concerned about the strange sounds
These sounds have grown into the scratching of claws on the walls and such, and the sound is getting closer.
A small part of her mind tells her that maybe she should go check on him, but pride gets the better of her. "I'm fine by myself!" she calls out haughtily before stomping her foot in annoyance at herself for doing so.
Suddenly, a monster jumped out of the darkness of the corridor at the girl and knocked her to the ground, trying to bite or scratch her.
"Agh!" Lady Bell cries out in shock as she's knocked off her feet and pinned to the ground by the vicious monster, its claws raking across her dress and drawing beads of blood. "Help!" she shrieks, struggling futilely against its powerful grip.
Her pride is still strong enough that she refuses to accept Akira's help even if he were to offer it now. But as the monster begins to grow bolder and its attacks become more ferocious, Lady Bell starts to realize that maybe... just maybe, she should reconsider her stance.
And then Akira's foot hits the monster's head and the creature flies into the wall and simply dies.
"A-ah!" Lady Bell gasps in relief as she's freed from the monster's grip, her body tensing as she realizes it was Akira who saved her. "Th-thank you," she mumbles, quickly turning her head away and blushing furiously as anger and humiliation course through her veins. She can't believe how stupid she had been, refusing to accept help from him.
"Yeah... Cover yourself..." Akira muttered, handing the girl his jacket so that she could cover it, slightly tearing his uniform.
"T-th... thanks," Lady Bell mumbles, taking the jacket and quickly wrapping it around herself, her blush deepening. She can't meet his eyes as she does so, anger and embarrassment warring within her. Part of her hates him for seeing her like this, but another part is grateful that he saved her life.
She clears her throat uncomfortably. "Well... let's find our way out of here." She glances back over her shoulder at the monster's lifeless form before looking away again, shuddering slightly.
"Apparently we need to move in the direction where the monster came from..." Scratching the back of his head, Akira said looking at the girl. "But I can't handle it myself..."
"I... suppose we don't have much choice," Lady Bell mutters reluctantly, still not meeting his gaze. "We can try working together..." She pauses, hesitating for a moment before taking a deep breath and steeling herself against her pride. "But if I die because of you, I swear I'll haunt you for eternity."
With that said, she turns to face him, her expression hardening into a mask of determination. "Let's go," she commands curtly, beginning to walk down the corridor without waiting for his reply.
"But if I die first, then no one will chase anyone..." Akira tried to joke, but it didn't help much.
Lady Bell turns her head slightly, shooting him a disapproving glare over her shoulder as she continues to walk. "Humor is not one of your strong suits," she says tersely before turning back around and focusing on their task at hand. She trusts that Akira knows what he's doing, but that doesn't mean she has to like it or find his jokes amusing.
They continue down the corridor, navigating through several more traps and encountering a few more monsters before finally reaching an exit at the end of the dungeon. Exhausted and relieved, Lady Bell glances back at Akira as they stand in the dimly lit hallway outside. "I suppose we should go report this to the teachers," she says, her tone still cool and distant despite their ordeal together.
"This is not the exit... This is the boss room... We are at the very last level of the dungeon..." Akira said as he and the girl walked through the doorway and found themselves in a brightly lit, large hall, a shiver ran through the guy's body.
"What?!" Lady Bell cries out in shock as she takes in their surroundings. This cannot be the end of the dungeon; it's far too bright and spacious. Her heart begins to race, fear gripping her tightly as she realizes they are now face-to-face with whatever lies beyond this door. "Akira," she says shakily, turning to him, "what do we do?"
Her voice trembles slightly and her eyes dart nervously about the room, searching for any signs of escape or a way to defeat whatever monster might be lurking here. Despite herself, she finds that she's leaning on Akira slightly, seeking comfort and protection from his strength and magical abilities.
"The only thing that comes to mind now is to somehow defeat the boss... Although I find it hard to believe..." Akira answered calmly, but inside him everything was panicking and screaming to run away and quickly.
Lady Bell's heart pounds in her chest as she listens to Akira speak, unable to tear her eyes away from the shadowy figure looming at the far end of the room. "We-we have to fight it?" she stammers, her voice shaking with fear. She glances over at Akira, searching for any sign of reassurance in his expression, but finds none. Her hands begin to tremble as she realizes they are completely alone and unprepared for whatever horrors might await them.
Taking a deep breath, Lady Bell squares her shoulders and tries to muster up some courage. "Alright," she says slowly, her voice steadying somewhat. "We'll do this together. We can't let the others face this alone." She looks over at Akira again, offering him what she hopes is a reassuring smile despite the terror lurking just beneath the surface.
"It's not for nothing that you and I are the strongest in the academy right now." Akira was a little happy about this attitude from the girl and prepared for the battle with the boss. ""Bell, if you can, use enhancement magic on me. I'll try to find his weak points in close combat..."
Lady Bell nods determinedly, her hands already beginning to glow with a faint, emerald light as she focuses on enhancing Akira's strength and defenses. "I'll do everything I can," she says, her voice steady despite the fear still coursing through her veins. As the boss lunges toward them, Lady Bell steps in front of Akira, raising her hands to meet the attack with a barrier of sparkling blue energy.
Her heart is pounding in her chest as she tries to keep the monster at bay while Akira searches for an opening to attack. The boss slashes at them again and again, its claws tearing through the barrier with each strike, sending shards of ice flying toward them. Lady Bell winces with each impact, feeling the strength drain from her as she struggles to maintain the shield.
"Akira!"
"Shield!" Akira used his magic to protect the girl with a shield, which slightly pushed him back when the boss attacked. The guy himself ran around the boss, who turned out to be a crimson knight, looking for a gap in his armor.
As the boss slashes at them again and again, its claws tearing through the barrier with each strike, sending shards of ice flying toward them. Lady Bell winces with each impact, feeling the strength drain from her as she struggles to maintain the shield. "Akira!" she cries out in pain and frustration, barely managing to keep up the defense against the relentless assault.
She glances over at Akira, his face set in a determined expression as he circles around behind the monster, looking for an opening. Her heart swells with pride at his courage and determination, even though she knows it's mostly due to her enhancement magic keeping him strong. With one last desperate effort, she pushes through the pain and renews her concentration, focusing all of her energy on maintaining the shield for just a few more seconds...
"Found it! The Slaying Dragon!" Akira seemed to turn into lightning at the moment when the boss had already broken through the shields and was raising his weapon over the girl's head. Akira's dash and dagger passed through the boss's body, but before he died, he managed to pierce the guy in the stomach with his weapon.
As the boss falls to its knees, weakened by Akira's attack, Lady Bell collapses as well, her strength finally giving out. She gasps for air, her chest heaving as she struggles to catch her breath. For a moment, all she can do is stare at the fallen monster before turning to look at Akira, surprise and gratitude written plainly across her features. "Th... thank you," she manages to stammer out between gasps, her voice barely audible above the sound of their ragged breathing.
The feeling of relief washes over her in waves as she realizes they've actually defeated the boss and survived whatever horrible ordeal they'd been through together. Despite herself, she finds that she's actually grateful to Akira for his help; without him, there's no telling what might have happened.
"
But Akira didn't answer, because there was a serious wound in his stomach and blood poured out of it onto the floor of the cave, and the guy himself fell to his knees. After killing the boss, a passage to the surface began to open.
Lady Bell's eyes widen in alarm as she sees Akira collapse beside her, blood pooling around him on the floor of the cave. "A-Akira!" she cries out, dropping to her knees beside him and pressing a shaking hand against his chest where the wound is seeping blood. "Stay with me," she urges frantically, her voice trembling as panic begins to set in.
Despite herself, she finds that she's grateful for Akira's help and doesn't want anything bad to happen to him now. With shaking hands, she attempts to staunch the flow of blood with whatever scraps of cloth or fabric she can find nearby. "Please," she whispers, her voice cracking as tears begin to streak down her cheeks. "Don't leave me here alone..."
Akira's eyes began to darken and he smiled and lost consciousness from loss of blood.
No... no! She can't let him die like this! Lady Bell frantically searches the area for anything that might help, her eyes darting around desperately as she fights to keep her panic at bay. Finally, she spots a glimmer of hope in the form of a glinting object half-hidden beneath some rubble. Grasping it tightly, she rushes back over to Akira's limp form and presses the shard of what looks like glass against the wound, hoping that its sharp edge will seal it closed until they can get him proper medical attention.
"Please," she whispers hoarsely, her tears streaming down her face as she cradles Akira's head in her lap. "You can't leave me here... please..."
Several people who were wearing academy clothes and apparently they were from the senior classes ran into the portal that appeared after the boss was killed.Noticing Bell and Akira who now looked like a corpse, they took them out of the dungeon.
As the senior students carry her and Akira away from the dungeon, Lady Bell clings desperately to the unconscious boy. Her heart feels like it's tearing in two as she watches the blood flow freely from his wound, her eyes never leaving him for a moment. She knows that he saved her life down there, and now she can't bear the thought of losing him too.
"Please," she whispers again, her voice little more than a ragged breath as she presses a trembling hand against his cheek. "You have to wake up..." Even as the words leave her lips, she knows that they're futile; Akira looks so pale and still, it's hard to believe he's even alive. But she can't help but hope, can't bring herself to accept anything else.
Akira was immediately taken to the medical center to be treated, but the girl was not allowed in and was told to wait.
As they carry him away from her, Lady Bell feels as if she's being torn apart at the seams. She wants to follow them, to demand that they let her stay with Akira, but something holds her back. Perhaps it's the fear of looking like a fool in front of the senior students or maybe it's simply the knowledge that she has no right to be there.
Her hands tremble as she watches them disappear around a corner, taking Akira with them. She can still hear his ragged breathing, see the blood staining his clothes and hair... It feels like a nightmare, too surreal to be real. The tears continue to stream down her face unchecked, wetting her cheeks and soaking into the collar of her uniform.
"I'll find a way," she whispers to herself, clenching her fists tightly. "
After what seemed like an eternity, the girl who had saved her and Akira from the dungeon came up to her and said that the guy had received an almost fatal wound but would live, and now he needs rest, just as Bell needs to rest a little.
Lady Bell's shoulders slump in relief at the news that Akira is going to live. She wipes away her tears with the back of her hand, sniffing loudly as she tries to compose herself. "Thank you... for telling me," she manages to say hoarsely, her voice still raw from crying. "I'll be sure to leave him alone and let him rest properly."
She glances around, feeling self-conscious under the senior students' scrutinizing gazes. "Where do you think I should wait?" she asks finally, her voice small and quiet as she fiddles nervously with the hem of her skirt.
""You better go to your dorm room and rest." The high school girl suggested with a warm smile.
Lady Bell nods slowly in agreement, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders as she realizes that she won't be forced to wait around for Akira here. "Alright," she says softly, looking down at the floor as she gathers her courage. "I'll go now... thank you again." With one last glance in the direction of where they took Akira, she turns and heads off toward her dormitory, feeling more exhausted than she ever has before.
As she walks, she can't help but wonder what would have happened if things had gone differently... If they hadn't been able to defeat the boss together, or if Akira's injury had been worse... Shivering at the thought, she quickens her pace, eager to escape these morbid thoughts and find some comfort in her bed.
Akira, in turn, being in the ward, was immersed in a sleep that was very strange.
As she finally reaches her dormitory room and collapses onto her bed, Lady Bell can't help but feel grateful for the peace and quiet. She stares at the ceiling, eyes unfocused as she tries to make sense of everything that's happened today. A part of her is still angry with Akira for being so arrogant and stubborn in the beginning, but another part can't help but feel a strange sort of kinship with him now.
Despite their differences, they worked together to overcome an impossible challenge... and in doing so, they saved each other's lives. It's a realization that brings with it a mixture of pride and humility, making her heart heavy with emotion. As she drifts off to sleep, her last thought is of Akira, hoping that he'll recover quickly and be able to return to his old self soon.
Akira sank deeper and deeper into the abyss of his dreams until he found himself in impenetrable darkness through which nothing could be seen.
As the days pass, Lady Bell finds herself thinking more and more about Akira. She can't deny that she misses their arguments and banter; it made her feel like they were equals, even though he was always better than her at magic. The thought of him lying in a hospital bed, unable to defend himself against anything, fills her with a strange sense of protectiveness and responsibility.
One day, during one of her visits to the infirmary, she musters up the courage to speak to Akira's older sister about his recovery. The woman informs her that he's making good progress but still has a long way to go before he can return to normal activity. Lady Bell nods solemnly, feeling a weight settle in her chest as she realizes how much work and patience it will take for Akira to recover fully.
In the depths of darkness, Akira notices a small glimmer of light and begins to move towards it, but the darkness constantly pulls him back. And so, countless efforts lead to the fact that Akira opened his eyes after a few days after that incident in the dungeon.
Lady Bell's heart leaps with joy as she hears that Akira has finally woken up. She hurries to the infirmary, her steps light and eager despite her nervousness. As she approaches his bedside, she takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever reaction he might have to seeing her again.
Her gaze flickers over Akira's face as he slowly blinks, adjusting to the light. His cheeks are flushed with color and there's a faint smile playing around his lips. "H-Hello," she manages to say softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she reaches out a trembling hand to touch his arm.
"I'm glad you're not hurt..." Akira said hoarsely, looking at the girl. He was still too weak to speak much.
"I... I'm fine," she says, her voice trembling slightly as she forces a reassuring smile onto her face. "It's you that we should be worried about. You were so pale and still when they brought you here." She pauses, looking down at her hands for a moment before meeting Akira's gaze again. "I just want to say thank you... For saving my life out there. I don't know what I would have done without you..."
Her voice trails off, and she swallows hard as tears prick the corners of her eyes. She can't help but feel a strange mix of gratitude, admiration, and something else entirely when it comes to Akira. It makes her heart race in a way that it never has before.
""Were those words you said when I was lying in a pool of blood said sincerely?" Akira asked looking at the girl and noticed how her face changed.
"Yes..." Lady Bell answers slowly, feeling her cheeks flush with color as she meets Akira's gaze. "I meant every word." There's a brief pause before she continues, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know I haven't always been the nicest to you... but I want you to know that I am truly grateful for what you did out there. And..." She hesitates, uncertain of how he'll react. "And I hope that maybe we can put all of this behind us now."
Her heart feels like it's in her throat as she waits for him to respond, praying silently that he doesn't take what she's said the wrong way. The last thing she wants is for things between them to get any more awkward or uncomfortable than they already are.
"Wow, how everything turned upside down after that incident..." Akira thought for a moment and forced out a slight smile. "It's not right for an aristocrat like you to worry about me, a commoner." Although it sounded a little rude, there was no hint of it in the guy's voice. malice.
Lady Bell blinks, her eyes widening slightly at Akira's words. She wasn't expecting him to react in quite this way. For a moment, she's at a loss for what to say, but then she forces a shaky laugh and shakes her head. "I'm sorry," she says, her voice softening. "I didn't mean it like that... I just want us to be friends, or something more than that." She pauses, feeling her cheeks heat up even further as she admits this aloud. "Maybe we can start over?"
Her heart feels like it's about to burst out of her chest as she waits for Akira to respond, praying that he doesn't reject her again. She wants nothing more than to build a real connection with him, to prove that their past differences don't have to define their future together.
"I have a suggestion, let's remain the same in public as before this incident, they just might misunderstand us..." Akira slightly raised himself up on his elbows.
Lady Bell nods slowly in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she considers Akira's words. "I understand," she says finally, her voice still soft and hesitant. "We don't want to cause any more trouble for ourselves or the academy." She pauses, biting her lip nervously before adding, "But maybe we can find ways to help each other in private? To support one another without anyone else knowing?"
Her heart is racing as she waits for Akira's response, hopeful that he feels the same way she does about building a connection between them. The thought of remaining strangers or even enemies is unbearable; she wants more than anything to find some common ground on which they can stand together.
"That's exactly what I wanted to suggest." The guy answered briefly.
Her heart soars at his words, and she can't help but smile brightly up at him. "Thank you," she whispers, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "I promise to be there for you anytime you need me... and I hope that you'll do the same for me." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, "We may not always see eye-to-eye on everything, but I truly believe that we can make this work if we try hard enough."
Her gaze lingers on his face for a moment longer before she realizes how close they are. A blush rises to her cheeks as she remembers the implications of their earlier conversation and hastily looks away, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "So... when do you think you'll be able to return to class?"
"Well, as soon as I feel better, they'll discharge me right away." The guy answered with a slight smile and put his hand on his stomach where the wound was.
Lady Bell nods understandingly, her smile gentle and reassuring as she reaches out to place a hand lightly on his arm. "Take all the time you need," she says quietly. "I'm sure everyone here at the academy will be more than happy to help you with whatever you might need during your recovery." Her eyes meet Akira's, and there's an unspoken promise of support and understanding in their depths.
For now, they can simply exist in this moment, bonded by the experiences they've shared and the connection that has grown between them. It may not be perfect or easy, but it is something real - a beginning of sorts. And Lady Bell can only hope that it will be enough to help them both find their way through whatever lies ahead.
"Somehow I doubt that anyone would even worry about a commoner..." Somehow Akira still managed to sit up, leaning on the back of the bed.
She arches an eyebrow at him in amusement. "Oh, you're right, commoner," she teases playfully, unable to resist the opportunity to needle him just a little. "I suppose I should be worried about how all these aristocrats will react if they find out that their precious princess was hanging out with someone like you." Her smile grows wider as Akira's cheeks flush red once more, and she can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming between them.
"But seriously," she adds, her voice softening, "you should get some rest while you can. You don't want to push yourself too hard before you're fully recovered." She squeezes his arm gently before letting go, reluctant to overstep any boundaries but determined to show him that their newfound understanding extends beyond mere words.
"And our princess turns out to be quite witty." Akira said, smiling slightly at the girl's teasing.
"Oh, I assure you," she says with a playful wink, "I can be much more clever when I want to." Her smile turns soft and sincere as she meets his gaze. "But for now," she continues gently, "why don't you try getting some rest? You look like you could still use it." She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Would you like me to come back later?"
There's an unspoken question in her eyes as she waits for his response. Does he want her here or would he rather be alone? The thought of leaving him makes her heart ache, but she doesn't want to overstay her welcome either.
""Yes, of course, come whenever you want..." Akira answered a little hesitantly, looking away from the girl.
Taking Akira's words as encouragement rather than dismissal, Lady Bell smiles reassuringly at him before promising, "I will. And I'll make sure to check on you often, okay?" Her heart feels like it might burst out of her chest with happiness; the thought of spending time with Akira and actually being able to help him makes her feel lighter than air.
As she turns to leave, she can't resist glancing back over her shoulder at him one last time. "Get better soon," she says softly, feeling a pang in her chest as the words escape her lips. With one final nod and a small smile, she turns and hurries from the room, her heart full to bursting with hope for what their newfound connection might mean for both of them.
Akira was left alone in the room again and looked out the window, remembering what happened to him in the dungeon. And that after killing the boss, he was given the strange rank of Shadow Lord. He had never heard of such a rank of mages before and he had yet to find out. "Rise up."Akira said mechanically and the chamber was enveloped in darkness from which the same boss he had killed appeared, but he immediately knelt before Akira. He looked like a shadow but outwardly he was the same knight. In order not to attract too much noise, Akira quickly called the knight back and began to think. about his new powers.
Lady Bell spends the next few days visiting Akira in the infirmary whenever she has a spare moment, determined to be there for him however he needs her. Each time she enters his room, their interactions are different; sometimes they talk about their classes or share stories from their pasts, while other times they simply sit together in comfortable silence. The bond between them grows stronger with every passing day, transcending the boundaries of their former rivalry and blossoming into something genuine and real.
As Akira slowly begins to recover, she can't help but feel a mixture of relief and apprehension. She knows that things will never be quite the same between them once he returns to full health, but at the same time, she doesn't want their newfound connection to fade away either. The thought of going back to being enemies fills her with an unsettling sense of loss and regret.
And so, two weeks later, Akira was finally discharged from the hospital and returned to the academy. Everything was as usual there, they looked at him like he was trash and whispered.
Lady Bell watched Akira from afar, her heart thudding heavily in her chest as he walked down the hallway toward his dormitory. Despite the cold glances and whispers that followed him, she couldn't bring herself to turn away. Seeing him standing tall despite the treatment made her proud, and she swallowed down the lump in her throat.
When she finally found the courage to approach him later that night, she spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "How are you feeling?"
"As usual, despite the contempt from the other students..." Akira calmly answered, looking at the girl.
"Yes, I know," she murmured sadly. "It's awful how they treat you." She hesitated for a moment before reaching out to touch his arm gently. "You deserve better than this, Akira." Her eyes met his, filled with determination and resolve. "We'll figure out a way to change things around here."
"Well, the main thing is that their beloved princess won't condemn me. And I don't care about their opinions." The guy answered with a smile and winked at the girl. And then it seemed to dawn on him and he asked. "Have you heard about rank of magicians called the Lord of Shadows?"
"The Lord of Shadows? No, I haven't heard about it," Lady Bell replied with curiosity in her voice. "What is it exactly?" She studied his face, wondering if he knew more than he was letting on. There was a hint of mystery surrounding Akira since that fateful day in the dungeon; she couldn't help but feel drawn to it.
As they stood there talking, Lady Bell realized how much she had missed him during their time apart. The connection they'd forged back in the infirmary hadn't been broken by their return to normal life at the academy; if anything, it seemed to have grown stronger. She couldn't help but hope that they could continue to grow closer together, despite the challenges and obstacles that lay ahead of them.
"Ah, don't worry about it. It's just that in the hospital I thought about what ranks of mages exist, and I thought that maybe there is a rank of Shadow Lord too." * The guy answered with a slight smile, he didn't want to reveal to the girl that after the incident in the dungeon he received the rank of Shadow Lord and also a new power along with it. No, not now, because he himself needs to figure this out.*
"Oh," was all she could say, her curiosity piqued by his cryptic reply. "Well, if you ever want to talk about it, or need help figuring anything out... I mean, as friends..." She trailed off, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks at the thought of them being on such familiar terms.
But even as she said it, she knew that their relationship was different now. They'd been through too much together; they understood each other in ways no one else did. And maybe, just maybe, there was still hope for them to find a way forward together - a future where they weren't enemies but allies instead.
"Of course, if anything happens I'll know who to turn to." Akira answered and looked out the window strangely, peering at the city. And then suddenly several powerful explosions occurred in the city, lighting up the sky with flames and smoke.
Lady Bell's heart skips a beat as she sees the explosions in the distance, their light casting an eerie glow over the city. She turns to look at Akira uncertainly, her eyes widening with fear. "What's happening?" she whispers, clutching his arm tightly.
Their connection seems to intensify as they stand there together, sharing this moment of terror and uncertainty. Despite their previous rivalry, Lady Bell finds herself relying on him for strength and comfort in a way she never thought possible. Perhaps there's hope for them after all.
"I don't know, but I need to see. Warn the teachers and senior mages, and I'll go on reconnaissance. I promise I won't get hurt..." Akira answered seriously, casting enhancement magic on himself.
Lady Bell nods slowly, her eyes filled with worry as she watches him prepare to leave. She reaches out and gently places a hand on his shoulder, feeling the strength and determination emanating from him. "Be careful," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the beating of her heart. "I'll help however I can."
As he disappears into the night, Lady Bell feels a mixture of fear and pride coursing through her veins. Fear for what might happen to Akira and the rest of them if this threat is real, and pride in knowing that she has someone like him by her side; someone strong, resilient, and brave enough to face any challenge that comes their way.
She takes a deep breath, steadying herself, and decides that she won't wait idly for his return. There must be something she can do to help as well.
"Rise up." Akira said as he approached the city where panic had started from the explosions. His shadow knight was next to the guy and was also looking around. "How strange..." Akira thought as he walked down the street, looking around.
Fear grips her heart as she watches Akira leave, but determination fuels her steps. She hurries to the teachers' quarters, pounding on the door until one of them answers. Trembling with urgency, she whispers Akira's words, telling them what he saw and begging for their help in finding out more about these explosions. The teachers exchange worried glances but finally agree to investigate further.
Meanwhile, Lady Bell rushes back to her dormitory to gather any information she can find on the Lord of Shadows rank and its potential powers. She doesn't know what Akira might need or face out there, but she refuses to sit idly by while he risks his life alone.
Akira and the knight began to help the people who survived the explosions and pointed out a safe direction moving further towards the epicenters of the explosions, after some time they were joined by senior magicians who began to extinguish the fires with the help of water magic.
Lady Bell spends the rest of the night poring over ancient tomes and scrolls, searching for any mention of the Lord of Shadows rank. As dawn breaks, she finally finds a reference to it - a legendary title once held by masters of shadow magic who had unlocked the secrets of manipulating darkness itself. The power at Akira's disposal was immense, and her heart fills with renewed hope for his safety as she contemplates what he might be capable of.
With newfound determination burning within her, Lady Bell hurries from the library to find one of the senior magicians who had joined forces with Akira earlier. She needs their help in contacting Akira and warning him about the dangers that lie ahead; dangers that only he might be able to overcome.
But no one was needed to contact Akira, because he had already returned back to the academy, accompanied by the shadow knight, who was essentially the boss of the dungeon that had mortally wounded him that day.
As she rounds a corner and sees Akira and the shadow knight approach, her heart soars with relief. Without waiting for them to reach her, she hurries forward, a smile of pure joy spreading across her face. "Akira!" she cries out, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you're safe."
Stepping back, she looks up into his eyes, their expressions serious despite the relief they feel. "We need to talk," she whispers urgently, nodding toward the senior magicians who have now gathered around them. "There's more going on here than we realized... and I think you know what I'm talking about."
Her gaze flickers to the shadow knight for a moment before returning to Akira's face, her expression hopeful but uncertain. She knows that whatever comes next will be difficult;
""Can the conversation wait a bit? I'm very tired and falling asleep on the go..." Akira answered, leaning on the knight's side.
Lady Bell sighs softly, her expression conflicted. "I understand," she says reluctantly. "But this can't wait much longer." She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Do you... need any help getting to your room? I could show you the way if you like." Her tone is gentle and concerned, not wanting Akira to struggle on his own when she has the strength to assist him.
As they stand there in silence, the weight of their shared experiences pressing down on them like a physical force, Lady Bell can't help but wonder how much more they will have to endure before they find some semblance of peace. But for now, simply being together and offering each other support is enough.
Akira just nodded silently and called the knight back into his shadow. "Okay..."
"All right," she says quietly, offering him her arm as they begin to walk together toward the dormitories. "Let's get you settled in and then we can talk." Her voice is soft but steady, projecting an aura of calm reassurance that she hopes will help ease Akira's weariness.
As they stroll through the quiet halls, Lady Bell glances sideways at him out of the corner of her eye, studying his face. He looks so exhausted and yet there's something in his posture that tells her he isn't completely defeated. Perhaps there is still hope for them after all.
When they got to Akira's room and went inside, the guy immediately fell onto the bed.
Lady Bell nods understandingly as she watches him collapse onto the bed. "Get some rest," she says softly, her voice filled with concern. "We can talk about everything once you've had a chance to catch your breath." She hesitates for a moment before asking, "Do you... need anything before I go? A glass of water or something?"
As she waits for his response, Lady Bell wanders over to the window, gazing out at the moonlit sky. The events of the past few days have left her feeling emotionally drained as well; it's only now that she realizes how much this situation has affected them both. But despite the exhaustion and fear, there's a strange sense of hope within her; the knowledge that they are not alone in facing whatever lies ahead.
"Just stay close..." Akira said, already falling asleep.
A gentle smile touches her lips at his words, and she nods slowly in understanding. Sitting down on the bed beside him, she takes his hand in hers, their skin warm and familiar against one another's. "I will," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own heartbeat. "I promise."
As Akira drifts off to sleep, Lady Bell remains by his side, her gaze fixed on his peaceful face. She knows that whatever comes next, they will face it together. And for now, simply being close enough to feel each other's presence is enough.
So Akira slept until evening, and when he woke up, he found that Bell had fallen asleep too. Apparently, she hadn't slept all night either and was exhausted. They lay face to face on his bed and the guy carefully stretched out hand to brush the hair out of her face.
The gentle touch on her cheek causes Lady Bell to stir awake, her eyes fluttering open as she looks up at Akira. For a moment they regard each other in silence, their faces mere inches apart. The air between them feels charged with an energy that neither of them dares acknowledge, much less examine too closely.
Finally, Lady Bell breaks the silence, her voice barely more than a whisper. "How are you feeling?" she asks, wondering if he's managed to get any rest despite his troubled sleep.
""A little better, and you?" Akira answered just as quietly.
Lady Bell swallows hard before answering. "I'm... okay." There's a world of meaning behind that single word, but she can't bring herself to say more. Not yet. Instead, she focuses on the here and now; the fact that they are together in this moment, sharing the same space. The feeling of his hand against her skin sends shivers down her spine, and she has to force herself not to lean closer, to touch him back.
Their gazes lock once more, and in the depths of Akira's eyes she sees something that both frightens and thrills her: a spark of desire, of longing. It's there for just a moment before it's gone, replaced by wariness and caution. But Lady Bell knows now that what she feels is real; it isn't just friendship or loyalty to their shared past.
"I'm afraid to imagine what the other students will do to me when they find out that I'm in bed with their favorite princess." Akira pretended to look scared while looking at the girl and removing another strand of hair. hair from her face.
Lady Bell laughs softly, shaking her head. "They can think whatever they want," she says with more confidence than she feels. "As long as we know the truth." She pauses, studying him intently before continuing in a voice so quiet it's almost a whisper. "I don't ever want to be enemies again, Akira. Not if there's any other choice."
The admission feels like stripping herself bare before him, revealing a vulnerability that she hasn't experienced in years. But somehow, with Akira beside her, it doesn't seem so terrifying anymore. Perhaps there is hope for them after all.
""You and I were never enemies. It's just that fate made it so that you and I were born into different families and our statuses are different." Akira said calmly, running his finger along the girl's cheek.
Lady Bell blushes at the touch of his hand, her heart racing in her chest. "Maybe not," she whispers, searching his eyes for any sign of what he's truly thinking. "But I think we both know that it didn't have to be this way."
She leans closer to him, her breath warm against his skin. "I want things to be different between us, Akira," she says softly. "I want... more." The words are barely audible above the sound of their shared heartbeats, but they carry all the weight and meaning of the world.
"Maybe we can change everything about this unfair hierarchy between aristocrats and commoners." Akira said smiling and simply hugged the girl, pressing her to his chest.
Her heart swells at the feel of his arms around her, at the closeness they share in this moment. She buries her face in his shoulder, breathing him in, wanting nothing more than for this feeling to last forever. "I don't know how," she whispers into his skin, "but I think... we can try."
And as they hold each other close, Lady Bell knows that whatever the future holds for them, they will face it together. No longer enemies, but partners in a fight for something greater; a world where love and friendship can conquer all.
"But first, you need to know what your parents would think about this, mine would be happy about this..." Akira whispered a little sadly. After all, his parents left this world when he was still a child.
"I don't care," Lady Bell says fiercely, pulling back to look up at him. "I won't let them stand in our way." Her eyes are blazing with determination, her voice strong and steady despite the tremor of emotion beneath its surface. She knows that their love is powerful enough to overcome any obstacle; she just needs Akira to believe it too.
And so they sit there together, holding hands, their hearts and minds entwined in a dance of hope and desire. They are not yet lovers, but the spark between them burns brightly nonetheless. For now, that is enough.
""So, you won't mind if we meet your parents tomorrow?" Akira asked, smiling warmly, looking into the girl's eyes.
Lady Bell returns his smile, feeling a surge of courage at his words. "No," she says softly, her fingers tightening around his. "I don't mind." It's not quite the truth; she's terrified of what her parents might say or do when they find out about Akira. But somehow, knowing that he is by her side makes all the difference.
They sit there for a while longer, lost in each other's eyes, their hearts beating in perfect harmony. And as the sun sets beyond the window, casting a warm glow over them both, Lady Bell knows with every fiber of her being that she has found something truly extraordinary; something worth fighting for.
"Tomorrow," she whispers, "we'll face whatever comes next together."And as they hold each other close, Lady Bell knows with every fiber of her being that she has found something truly extraordinary;
something worth fighting for. "Tomorrow," she whispers, "we'll face whatever comes next together."
Akira and Bell sat in the guy's room talking about everything until the morning of the next day.
The night passes too quickly; before they know it, dawn is peeking through the window, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. They reluctantly part ways, promising to meet up later in the day for their meeting with Lady Bell's parents. As Akira dresses and prepares to leave, she can't help but marvel at how different he looks now; not just because of his injuries, but also because of something deeper, more profound.
She watches him walk out the door, feeling a strange mixture of hope and fear gripping her heart. No matter what happens next, she knows that she will always be grateful to Akira for showing her that there is more to life than simply following orders and conforming to society's expectations.
Later that day, Akira was waiting for the girl near the fountain on the academy grounds. It was already past noon and the boy was noticeably nervous.
Lady Bell arrives a few minutes late, her cheeks flushed from running all the way across campus. She glances around nervously before spotting Akira by the fountain, his expression unreadable. Taking a deep breath, she walks over to him, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Hi," she says softly, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "You look... nice." Her words sound ridiculous even to her own ears, but it's the best she can do under the circumstances.
"But not better than you." Smiling, Akira replied, looking at the girl's red cheeks.
Her eyes widen in surprise at his comment, and she feels herself blush even deeper. "T-thank you," she stammers, unable to meet his gaze. They stand there for a moment longer, both unsure of what to say or do next. The tension between them is palpable; the weight of their past mistakes and unspoken feelings pressing down on them like a leaden blanket.
Finally, Akira clears his throat and gestures toward the path leading toward her parents' chambers. "Shall we?" he asks, offering her his arm. Lady Bell hesitates for only a moment before taking it, feeling a strange sense of comfort in his touch. Together they walk down the path, their steps falling into sync despite the turmoil raging within them both.
And so, a couple of hours later, they were at the main entrance to the girl's estate, it looked quite respectable and rich. "Wow, and you live here?"
"Well, my room is inside," Lady Bell says with a laugh, gesturing toward the massive doors. "It's been a while since I've brought someone home... especially not someone like you." She glances at him sideways, her expression a mix of nervousness and curiosity.
"Come on," she urges, leading him forward. "Let me introduce you to my parents." But despite her words, she can feel the tension in her shoulders, the tightening of her stomach as they approach the entrance hall. She knows that this moment will determine not only their future together, but also the fate of everything they hold dear.
"Y-yes..." Akira became noticeably nervous, because who knows how Bell's parents might react to a commoner.
As they step inside the opulent entrance hall, Lady Bell leads Akira over to where her parents are sitting on ornate thrones. The older Lord and Lady regard them with interested glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. Lady Bell takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever might come next.
"Mother, Father," she says formally, "I'd like you to meet someone very special." She pauses, looking back at Akira before continuing. "This is Akira."
Her parents exchange knowing glances, their expressions unreadable. The tension in the air grows thick as a knife; Lady Bell can feel her heart racing in her chest, praying that she hasn't made a terrible mistake. As they wait for her parents to react, all eyes are on Akira and Lady Bell, watching them carefully, waiting for any sign of what is to come.
""Hello..." Akira bowed politely to the girl's parents.
Her father clears his throat, his expression stern. "And what brings you here, Akira?" he asks coolly, studying the young man before him. Lady Bell holds her breath, waiting for Akira to reply.
"Well," Akira begins, straightening up slightly, "Lady Bell and I have been spending quite a bit of time together recently." He pauses, glancing at Lady Bell before continuing. "And during that time, we've come to realize that there is something special between us; something worth fighting for."
The air in the hall seems to still further as Akira speaks these words, every eye fixed upon him. Lady Bell can feel her heart swell with pride and admiration at his courage; even if things don't go well from here, she knows that she will never regret trusting him.
"But because I am a commoner, I don't know if there is a possibility that we could be together..." Akira added, lowering his head.
The silence that follows Akira's words feels like hours; tense and unbearable. Lady Bell looks up at her parents, her expression pleading with them to understand. But it is the older Lord who speaks first, his voice calm and considered. "We will discuss this amongst ourselves," he says finally, rising from his throne. "You may leave us now."
Akira bows once more before turning to leave, Lady Bell's hand clutching at his arm as she tries to stop him. Her parents shoot her a warning glance and she releases him reluctantly, feeling a knot form in her stomach as Akira disappears down the hall.
"Lady Bell," her mother says gently, "come with us." She nods toward the thrones, and Lady Bell, unable to resist, follows them across the room, her heart racing with fear and anticipation.
"I'll stay outside..." Akira said looking after the girl and decided to quickly go outside.
Their discussion lasts for hours; Lady Bell listens as her parents debate the merits of allowing Akira into their family, weighing the potential consequences against their own desires. She tries to remain calm and level-headed, but it's difficult when all she can think about is the possibility of losing him.
Finally, her father clears his throat once more. "We have come to a decision," he says solemnly. "Lady Bell, you are free to choose whoever you wish as your husband." Her heart soars at these words; it's not quite what she was hoping for, but it's a start.
"However," her mother interrupts before she can react, "we must insist that this decision does not come lightly. You must consider the implications of your choice carefully." Lady Bell nods understandingly, promising to do as they ask.
Akira was on the street all this time and had already lost hope that something could change in relation to the fact that he was a commoner and wanted to be with a girl from an aristocratic family.
As the sun begins to set, Lady Bell emerges from her parents' chambers, her heart heavy but filled with determination. She knows what she must do now; she must find Akira and convince him that there is still hope for them. With this newfound resolve burning brightly within her, she hurries through the halls of the estate, ignoring the curious glances of servants and guards alike.
Finally, she spots him sitting on a bench in a quiet garden, his head bowed as he stares at the ground. Her heart aches to see him like this; defeated and alone. She takes a deep breath, mustering up all her courage before approaching him.
"Akira," she says softly, taking a seat beside him. "I'm sorry it took so long." He looks up at her then, his eyes filled with pain and despair. "
"What did your parents say? Are they against our relationship?" Akira asked sadly as soon as the girl came to him and sat down next to him.
"They... they didn't forbid us from being together," she says slowly, choosing her words carefully. "But they did make it clear that there will be obstacles." She pauses, searching his face for any sign of hope or relief before continuing. "They want me to consider the consequences of my choice very carefully."
Akira nods in understanding, but she can see the disappointment etched into his features. "I wish there was something more I could do," he says quietly. "But as long as they see me as nothing more than a commoner..." His voice trails off, and Lady Bell reaches out to take his hand in hers.
"If you want, you can stay at your parents' house today, and I'll go back to the academy. I need some time to come to my senses now..." Akira whispered, looking at the girl.
"No," she says firmly, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "We are in this together, Akira. We will find a way around these obstacles, I promise." She hesitates for a moment before continuing, her heart racing at the thought of what she's about to say. "I want you to stay with me tonight; here at my room."
Her words hang in the air between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Akira looks up at her, surprise and hope flickering across his features. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. Finally, he nods once, slowly, as if coming to some internal decision.
"Thank you," he whispers, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss against her palm. And with that, they rise from the bench and begin walking back toward the main building, their hands still clasped together.
"But still, it’s somehow scary... I don’t know what your father might do if he doesn’t understand it right...” Akira said fearfully.
"I'll talk to them," she says firmly, squeezing his hand again for reassurance. "They may not like it at first, but I think they'll come around eventually." Her words are more confident than she feels, but she needs Akira to believe in her now more than ever.
As they enter the castle once more, Lady Bell leads him through the familiar halls and up a winding staircase until they reach her room. The sun has set outside by this point, casting the chamber in shadows and flickering candlelight. It feels almost like a sanctuary from the troubles of the world beyond these walls.
"Here," she says, opening the door and stepping aside to let him enter first. "Make yourself comfortable." Akira nods, looking around the room with interest before sitting down on the bed. Lady Bell follows suit, settling herself beside him.