Mai’s heart pounded in his chest, his breathing sporadic. The hairs on his arms stood on end, his skin slick with sweat. Droplets dripped from his forehead, hitting against the hard surface beneath him. His entire body trembled.

  The cold that had once gripped him was gone—replaced by a searing heat that burned from the inside out. His limbs felt heavy, unresponsive, like they weren’t his to control. He tried to move, but nothing happened. His mind screamed at his body to move, to do something, but it was like he was trapped in a nightmare.

  Finally, his body obeyed. Mai shot upright, his breath still shaky as his eyes darted around the room. Rows of desks. Students chatting. The hum of an ordinary classroom. The chatter felt distant, muted, as though the world was normal for everyone but him. His pulse still hammered in his ears, but the scene in front of him was nothing like the cold nightmare he had just escaped. A few kids tossed paper balls at each other, their laughter echoing off the walls. The world moved on, completely unaware of the storm still raging inside him.

  Then, a hand touched his shoulder. Mai jolted, his body reacting before his mind could catch up. He jumped up, spinning around, ready for—what—he wasn’t sure. But the moment his eyes landed on the person standing in front of him, all the tension melted away—Iruminai. His best friend stood there, looking at him with a familiar, yet worried, expression.

  Mai exhaled, the tension in his body slowly unwinding. The fear still clung to him, but seeing Iruminai grounded him, pulling him away from the lingering haze of his nightmare. “You alright?” Iruminai asked, his voice low enough that no one else would hear.

  His eyes flicked over Mai, taking in the dark hair—slick with sweat, his mismatched eyes darting around the room, the fox ears standing at attention, and the way his tail had instinctively wrapped around the leg of his desk, as if trying to anchor himself to reality.

  Mai swallowed, nodding quickly—even if he wasn’t entirely sure it was true. “Y-Yeah, I’m good.” His voice came out weak, betraying his attempt to hide his true feelings.

  Iruminai raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “You sure about that?” he asked, his tone light, but laced with concern.

  Mai forced a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck, “Yeah, just tired.”

  Iruminai gave him a flat look. “Being tired doesn’t usually come along with a panic attack,” he said bluntly. His tone wasn’t harsh, just matter-of-fact, like he wasn’t going to let Mai brush this off so easily.

  Mai glanced down, suddenly finding the scratches on his desk far more interesting. With a quiet sigh, he sat back down, his fingers idly tracing the worn-out marks. The grooves were shallow but many, etched into the wood by years of restless students. He let his fingertip follow them like paths that went nowhere. “I’m fine,” he muttered, but even he wasn’t convinced.

  Iruminai stepped up beside him, settling onto the desk next to him. His fingers drummed lightly against the wood, a steady, absentminded rhythm. Taller than most their age, his build carried the lean strength of someone used to pushing himself. Dark blue hair fell into his eyes as he leaned forward, his sharp blue gaze fixed on Mai, assessing him with quiet intensity, as if deciding whether to push the conversation further. But before he could even say anything, Mai spoke.

  Mai exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples before finally speaking. “It was that dream again,” he muttered, his voice quieter than before. Iruminai’s fingers paused their tapping. He didn’t need Mai to explain—he already knew. Mai nodded, his gaze still fixed on the desk. He swallowed hard, “I know it was years ago... but I just can’t stop reliving that night.”

  Iruminai was quiet for a moment before he let out a slow breath. He didn’t try to push it away, he didn’t tell Mai to forget about it. Instead, he just wanted to distract him. With a light nudge of his elbow, he offered a small grin. “Wanna get outta here? Get some fresh air?” It was simple, casual—like it wasn’t a big deal. But Mai knew it was Iruminai’s way of saying You’re not alone. And right now, that was enough.

  Mai nodded, a barely visible smile forming on his face. Iruminai waved toward one of their classmates, a silent signal they had done a hundred times before. The other boy glanced at the classroom door, then back at them, giving a quick thumbs-up before turning away like nothing had happened.

  Taking that as their cue, Mai stood up as Iruminai strolled over to one of the far windows, sliding it open with practiced ease. He peeked outside, glancing both ways before pulling himself up onto the ledge. With one fluid motion, he leaped out, Mai following shortly behind. The two landed smoothly on the soft grass below, a cool breeze hitting their faces as they straightened up.

  The duo once again looked both ways before continuing on, slipping out through the school’s gate. Above them, a massive metal sign read “Windy Peaks Institute,” its bold lettering slightly worn from years of exposure to the elements. As they stepped beyond the gate, the structured order of the school ground faded behind them, replaced by the lively sprawling streets of the city.

  The distant hum of voices and the occasional clang of metal against stone. The streets stretched ahead of them, paved with worn cobblestone, smoothed by centuries of footsteps. Buildings rose on either side of them, their stone walls weathered, but strong. Despite their age, no two buildings looked alike—some had brightly painted wooden shutters, others were adorned with creeping ivy. Stained glass windows cast splashes of color onto the streets. The towering structures, built to last, now adorned with electric signs flickering alongside the warm glow of aged lanterns.

  Mai and Iruminai walked at an easy pace, their footsteps echoing slightly against the uneven ground. Mai’s lean build and measured stride gave him an air of quiet sharpness. Dark hair fell loosely across his forehead, still a little untamed. His fox ears twitched faintly at the buzz of the street, his tail shifting behind him in a calm, unconscious rhythm.

  Stalls lined the streets, merchants shouting their deals as people wandered past. Some wore traditional robes and tunics, others in sleek jackets, layered shirts, and finely stitched pants of softer fabrics. Children darted between the crowd, clutching sticks of roasted fruit, their laughter cutting through the murmur of the street. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meat, fresh bread, and something sweet that Mai couldn’t quite place. Small courtyards broke up the winding streets, filled with patches of flowers and benches where groups of people gathered, their laughter mixing with the city’s gentle buzz.

  Above them, banners and cloth awnings swayed gently in the midday breeze, adding more splashes of color to the city. Some were embroidered with family crests, while others displayed the symbols of guilds and businesses, marking territory in the bustling marketplace.

  “Where to?” Iruminai asked, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he glanced around.

  Mai exhaled, finally able to relax. “Anywhere but school.” He tilted his head up, taking in the cityscape. Phasbar was always so busy, always alive. The bustling city always reminding him of home—Arcury.

  The two stop at one of the stalls, grabbing a couple drinks before paying and continuing on their way. The cool liquid was refreshing against the day’s heat as they weaved through the crowd. Eventually, they took a turn down an alleyway, using it as a shortcut out of the bustling marketplace. “So, we’re graduating next year. Any plans for once we’re out of school, Mr. Top of the Class?” Iruminai asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

  Mai hesitated for a second before rubbing the back of his neck, a little sheepish. “I’ve given it some thought, and I think I’m gonna apply to Edgewater Academy.”

  Iruminai nearly choked. He sputtered before outright spitting out his drink, coughing between gasps of laughter. “Edgewater?! The Edgewater Academy?!” He wiped his mouth, staring at Mai like he’d lost his mind. “That’s the best school in all of Ispin! I know you’re smart and all, but you seriously think you can get in there?” His tone wasn’t mocking—just sheer disbelief.

  Mai took a sip of his drink, “I mean, yeah. I think I have a shot. I am the best of the best, after all,” he said, his tone dripping with confidence.

  Iruminai scoffed, “Yeah, you’re the best.. at our shithole of a school.”

  “Hey, a gem still shines, no matter how much dirt it’s buried under,” Mai said with a playful smirk, taking another sip of his drink.

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  Iruminai shook his head with a laugh, “Yeah, yeah. Don’t start acting like I’m a nobody when you get in.”

  Mai chuckled, tapping his fingers idly against his cup. His smirk fading as his gaze flicked downward for a moment, thoughts briefly pulling him elsewhere. He exhaled, shaking the thought off. “Oh, please. If you were actually pushing me to my limits, I wouldn’t need to look elsewhere,” he teased, a playful glint returning to his eyes.

  Iruminai scoffed, crossing his arms. “Hey! I’m plenty challenging for you!” he shot back, feigning offense with an exaggerated huff. “You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”

  As the two continued through the city streets, they entered a large courtyard, open and inviting. Scattered around were benches, a fountain trickling softly, and a statue standing at its center. It wasn’t massive or overly grand, but the craftsmanship was deliberate—life-sized, every detail carefully preserved. A man stood in an honored pose, a sword resting between his hands, its tip pointed toward the ground, his fingers clasped atop the pummel. His expression was firm yet calm, carved with the precision of someone meant to be remembered.

  As they walked past, Iruminai slowed to a stop. His gaze locked onto the statue, his easygoing demeanor slipping into something quieter, something heavier. Mai continued a few steps ahead before realizing his friend was no longer beside him. He turned back, watching as Iruminai stood there, unmoving.

  There was something unspoken in the way Iruminai looked at the figure—something distant yet deeply personal. He wasn’t just admiring it. He was remembering. Mai shifted his weight but didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. Instead, he simply waited, giving Iruminai the space to stand there a little longer.

  Iruminai nodded, as if settling something within himself, like he had just finished a quiet conversation with someone who wasn’t there. He turned toward Mai, his expression softer now, the weight in his eyes easing just a little. “I think I might just have to join you at Edgewater...” he said, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Wouldn’t want you getting lonely now.”

  Mai blinked, caught off guard by the statement. He looked at Iruminai for a moment before a small smile crept onto his face. Without a word, he turned back around and kept walking. “Sounds like you’re the one who’d be lonely,” he said sarcastically. “Plus, I doubt you could fix your shitty scores in time.”

  Iruminai scoffed before jogging ahead to catch up. “Oh please, I got it,” he shot back with a grin. “You won’t be Mr. Top of the Class for long.”

  The duo continued down the street, the sun dipping lower over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the cobblestone roads. As they walked past lively storefronts, the sounds of chatter and laughter filled the air, blending with the faint melody of a street musician playing nearby. The smell of fresh pastries wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the rich scent of roasting coffee from a stand on the corner.

  Mai let his gaze wander, taking in the city as the streets transitioned from the golden light of day to the soft glow of lanterns. The once-busy crowds had thinned, leaving behind clusters of people finishing their evening errands or enjoying a slow stroll. A group of kids darted past them, laughing as they weaved between stalls, while an old vendor lazily packed up his wares, humming a quiet tune.

  They cracked jokes along the way, their easy banter making the evening feel lighter. The conversation drifted between old memories, school, and exaggerated debates over past sparring matches. Eventually, the energy of their chatter faded, and they settled into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps filling the space between them.

  Then, without warning, Iruminai stopped, tapping Mai on the shoulder. He gave a quick nod to the side—a bookshop.

  Mai glanced at it, then back at Iruminai, before giving a simple nod. No words were needed. With that, they stepped inside.

  Immediately, the space opened up into something far grander than the modest storefront suggested. The bookstore stretched high, two stories tall, with towering shelves packed to the brim with books of every size and color. The scent of aged paper and fresh ink lingered in the air. Signs labeled the different sections, directing readers to history, philosophy, fiction, and everything in between. The shelves reached so high that wheeled ladders lined the aisles, waiting for customers to climb up in search of hidden treasures. Soft, golden lights hung from the chandeliers overhead, casting a warm glow across the space, while the quiet murmur of patrons flipping through pages and chatting in hushed voices filled the air.

  The store carried a gentle hum of life—lively yet cozy. Iruminai lingered near the front, walking toward a small section labeled “Comics,” while Mai wandered deeper inside.

  They had been here a million times, yet every visit still felt surreal. The sheer size of the place, endless rows of books stacked high, the warm glow of the lights—it never lost its magic. Iruminai wasn’t much of a reader, but Mai loved books, so they ended up here often. It was a routine, an unspoken agreement. Iruminai would browse aimlessly, flipping through comics or whatever caught his eye, while Mai disappeared into the endless shelves, drawn in like he belonged there.

  A specific comic caught Iruminai’s eye—Skeletown. His hands shot forward, grabbing it off the shelf as his eyes widened. “Oh shit, a new volume came out! It’s been on hiatus forever!” he yelled in a hushed voice, barely containing his excitement. A few nearby customers glanced his way, and he cleared his throat, lowering his voice. But the grin on his face stayed, flipping through the pages as if making sure it was real.

  “I’m definitely gonna have to pick this up... damn, Little is such a badass. He took down those bandits like it was nothing,” Iruminai said, closing the comic with a satisfied grin. He wanted to save the rest for later—no way he was spoiling the whole thing in one sitting.

  Mai walked over to him, a book in his hand. “I’m all good to check out.”

  Iruminai looked at the book Mai had in his hand, “What are you picking up this time?”

  Mai glanced down, “Oh, this? It’s a book about Lunis-infused Crystals—how they’re forged into weapons and armor.” He turned the book toward Iruminai, revealing the image of a sleek, bright blue crystalline blade gleaming on the front cover.

  Iruminai looked down at the book, his brow furrowing, “Lunis-infused Crystals? The hell are those?”

  Mai let out a sigh, facepalming. “Seriously, man, you gotta pay more attention in class,” he said, shaking his head. “They’re crystals infused with the same kind of energy that Lunars use.” His tone was dull, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

  Iruminai lit up with understanding, “Oh! So like magic rocks?”

  Mai stared at him, pure disappointment on his face. “Yes genius... magic rocks,” he deadpanned. “And you think you’re getting into Edgewater.”

  Iruminai once again feigned offense, gasping dramatically. “I don’t know one obscure topic, and suddenly my intelligence is under attack? How dare you.” Without missing a beat, he turned it back on Mai. “What about you? Why are you even getting a book about magical rocks? You planning on becoming some kind of legendary blacksmith now?”

  Mai smirked, flipping the book back over in his hands. “Nah, just curious. I heard they’ve been getting more common lately, so I wanted to learn more about how they’re made and used.” He shrugged before adding, “Figured it might come in handy someday.” His eyes flicked toward Iruminai’s hand, nodding toward the comic. “What about you? What’ve you got there?”

  Iruminai grinned, thrusting the comic forward. “Oh this? Just the newest volume of Skeletown!”

  Mai’s eyes lit up as he leaned in for a better look. “Oh shit! Really? It’s been years since the last volume. That’s sick!” A few customers shot them curious glances, the duo quickly calmed themselves, exchanging sheepish looks. Trying to keep their excitement in check, they made their way toward the checkout desk.

  A lady stood behind the desk, offering a quick smile to the two boys in front of her. “Hi! What can I help you guys with today?”

  “We’d like to check out these two books,” Mai said with a smile, placing his book on the counter. Iruminai followed suit, setting his comic beside it.

  “Sure thing! Do you guys have a membership with us?” the lady asked politely, entering the prices into the system.

  “Uh, yeah, but I don’t have my card on me today. Could you look up my name?” Mai asked sheepishly.

  Iruminai patted his pockets, his expression shifted as realization hit. “Uh... yeah, I don’t have mine either.”

  The lady giggled, waving a hand dismissively. “That’s fine, I can look you up in our system. Can I get a name for each of you?” she asked, tapping away at the screen in front of her.

  Mai let out a small sigh of relief. “Um, Mai Raizu.”

  “Iruminai Shalt,” Iruminai added, his voice just as soft.

  “Great! I see you guys right here! That’ll give you 20% off, making your final total for the two books, one and a half Ires.” She said cheerfully.

  Mai reached into his pocket, but before he could pull out his money, Iruminai stopped him with a casual tap on the arm. “I got this one,” he said.

  Pulling out a small leather pouch, Iruminai loosened the tension strings that held it shut. His fingers rummaged through the pouch for a moment before retrieving two ebony coins. With an easy motion, he placed one on the counter and pushed it toward the clerk. Then, with practiced precision, he cleanly broke off half of the other coin, setting it beside the first.

  “Great! You guys are all set to go! Have a great night!” the lady behind the counter beamed.

  “Thank you! You too!” The duo said in unison as they grabbed their books and headed toward the exit.

  Stepping out onto the street, they were met with the warm glow of lanterns casting an orange hue over the cobblestone. Shadows stretched long across the road, the soft flicker of light making the city feel calmer. “I didn’t realize how late it was getting,” Iruminai said, glancing around at the mostly empty road. He let out a small sigh before stretching his arms over his head. “We should call it a night. We actually have to stay in class tomorrow,” Iruminai added.

  Mai chuckled. “You say that, but you’re always the one who wants to leave.”

  Iruminai stifled a laugh before looking at Mai. “Well, I actually have a goal now. I got a lot of work to do if I wanna catch up to you.”

  Mai nodded. “If you’re serious about that, I’m not gonna go easy on you anymore. No more skipping class—no matter the excuse.”

  Iruminai smiled, determination flashing in his eyes. “Yeah, hold me to it. I’ll catch up in no time. I can see it now—two nobodies taking on the greatest minds and bodies in all of Ispin. They aren’t ready for us.”

  Mai grinned. “They aren’t. We’ll show them what we can do.” Then he stretched his arms over his head and smirked. “But if you actually wanna make it there, you’re gonna need sleep. We should head out.”

  Mai turned to leave, but Iruminai scoffed, quickly catching up. “Me? What about you? Are you saying that even sleep-deprived, you’re still better than me? Yeah, right!”

  With that, he broke into a jog, shoving past Mai playfully as the two disappeared down the lantern-lit street.