Crimson X Violet – Howling Eclipse 3


Elsword's POV

"*groan* What time is it now?"

-Okay

It's still quite early alright – Although the sun is already set, I still felt so lazy and wanting to go back sleep again... I guess a shower would be nice now.


Third Person's POV

(Now, let's see... the bathroom should be somewhere around here right—)

As Elsword opens the door—

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Elsword : hmm?

Aisha : !

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Elsword, still half-awake and all, is walking in on Aisha – Who in turns, wearing nothing but her panties and her long sleeved shirt that's half buttoned up...

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Elsword : ? *Still half-dazed and rubbing his eyes to make sure*

Aisha : k-k-k-k! *Blushing as red as blood*

Elsword : ...Kick? *Not quite getting it*

Aisha : KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

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Aisha's resounding scream is actually loud enough to wake the whole neighborhood around and even those who are separated by miles away... if not actually even wakes the dead...


Meanwhile – In the Kitchen...


Valken : *sigh* I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later… Still, I did not expect it to be earlier than I originally thought...

Ara : Wow, I wonder if the dead would even wakes up from their grave now. That's quite a lung she got there.

Valken : Don't play dumb with me, Ara.

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Valken draw himself closer to Ara, putting his head on her neck and smelling it. Seemingly didn't mind, Ara dropped whatever she does. A smirk came to her face.

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Ara : *Smirk* What? I don't know anything, you see~

Valken : This morning, I knew that you got up rather earlier than me, but it's not like I don't see you, waking up Aisha and told her to use the shower first before Elsword got up. You even reminded the embarassing things that might happen if she didn't do so immediately. But the catch is – You set them up, aren't you?

Ara : My, my~ I didn't know anything, Valken~ Aren't I nothing but an Innocent girl to the core, hmm~? *Whispering on his ears and puting her arms behind his neck seductively*

Valken : ...I completely fail to see on how your actions and words able to be in the same frequencies... Such a bad girl you are, Ara. Though—

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Inching himself closer to her ears—

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Valken : —I don't dislike it at all, Ara.

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-Very purposely

Speaking in such tone that easily make Ara taken aback – With Ouroboros reacting in him as well as the fact that Ara's hair is now white followed by the blood scarlet color of her eyes, the sign that Eun also reacting over the sensation—

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Valken : *Biting her neck tenderly*

Ara : *Can't control the ecstatic feeling shown with a smile on her face*

Valken : *Being sarcasstic while putting up a gentle expression* Oh my, it is not my intention to make such a fine and refined lady went so hot on me all of the sudden. My humblest apology, Lady Ara Haan~

Ara : *Smiling seductively with words dripping full of venom* Okay, screw that. I can see that sarcasm clearly. *Back to normal* Say, aren't those two are very quiet now?

Valken :*Back to normal as well* Oh right, now that you mention it—

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Right on cue, sounds of things broken and crushed can be heard all the way to them from the upper floor.

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Elsword : GAH! Aisha! Stop it! UGYAAAAAAAAH! WAIT! I already apologized! Stop throwing those dangerous things at me!

Aisha : Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP! YOU SAW IT, DIDN'T YOU!?

Elsword : Listen! It was all really a coincidence—

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-CLANK! The sound of something made of metal can be heard either hitting another metal or stabbing through it.

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Elsword : ...Holy Sh*t. My head might have been split in half if I didn't dodge in time...

Aisha : *Creepy voice* Any last words, Elsword~?

Elsword : Wa-Wait, Aisha! I really didn't see anything! It's flat and it's not like it's leaving much for the imagination so—

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-Uh-oh

Elsword immediately stopped his words right the instant – As he remembered one of the most fatal thing to do among other things.


Rule #1 of talking with Aisha : Never Brings up a topic about her flat chest. It is a very sensitive topic for her.


Elsword : ... ... ... ... ...Aisha, I can explain—

Aisha : GRRRRRRR! ELSWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRDDDDD!

.

-And there it goes

Among the sounds within the chaotic morning, the abstract of the situation is pretty much can be concluded to have these key words in it : 'Coincidence'. Pain. Tsundere. Chaos. Wrong Words to be said on the moment. More Pain. Flying objects accross the rooms. Tsundere. Mercilessly uncontrollable rage that keeps the sounds of destruction and pain goes on and...

Did Tsundere already being mentioned here?

-And

For the sake of safety, let's not get started by showing what elsword had to got through – A little sneak peak was showing the poor red-head, dodging right and left and wherever that can save his life from flying swords, javelins, hammers, morning stars, chains, and even more objects that can't be mentioned due to the pretty much violent scene...

In all honesty, what kind of house that actually got all of those dangerous things scattered like in every side of the house anyway?

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Valken : ...I wonder where all of those things came from in this place, actually. It somehow gave the feelings that they are there just merely to be involved in this moment... Anyway, Ara?

Ara : Hmm?

Valken : ... ... ...Would you lend me a hand on cleaning up this whole... Chaos?

Ara : It can't really be helped then. Just how in the world did you even got yourself working here in the first place anyway?

Valken : Technically speaking, you are freeloading here with me, you know. As for the reasons... It's a long story.

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The morning within the Sieghart's residence is slowly becoming even more lively than ever before anyone really recognized it

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In the classroom...


Third Person's POV

"..."

"No. Raven. Do NOT ask. Don't ask ANYTHING AT ALL... Okay?"

"..."

"And for the record—STOP STARING AT ME AS IF I AM AN ALIEN!"

"I don't think I've said anything yet, here. Though—"

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Glancing a little at Aisha with her sulking face, Raven can obviously see what had happened.

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"—I take it that it has to be something about being a pervert, maybe?"

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STAB

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"Perhaps something like walking into the bathroom while she was in?"

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STAB. STAB.

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"And not to mention... In a very bad timing?"

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By now, Elsword can already feel countless swords mentally stabbed through him, as if adding salt to the pain.

And speaking about adding salt to the pain...

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Aisha : YOU PERVERT!

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-SMACK!

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Elsword : ...WHY ME!?

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Swinging her bag very hard on his face, Elsword crashed to another students along with some chairs. Good thing that Raven knew already and moved away. As for Aisha, she huffed and walking out of the class. Rena immediately ran to catch her up, while Eve followed from behind – Of course, with Chung as her 'Attendant'.

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Raven : *whistle* That's quite a girl you got *smirk*

Elsword : Shut up. Well, not like it can be helped, I better say sorry to her later.

Raven : Right, right. For now, let's have lunch like usual. We better catch up with those three. How about you, Valken?

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Valken got up from his seat and smiled politely.

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Valken : Sure, I don't mind. However, there are just some things I need to take care of first. I'll meet you guys at the usual spot if possible.

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With that, he's out of the class. Sure enough, Raven could take the answer as it is. But...

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Raven : ...

Now that I think about it again, I don't know why – But there is something amiss about that guy... must be my imagination, perhaps?

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With that in mind, He helped Elsword to got up, and meet up with the others.

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Elsword : Say... Where's Ara? I am sure she was here a moment ago...


Chung's POV


"Is it to your liking? Milady?"

Here I am. Currently feeding Eve as if she is the Queen while being all so formal like any loyal butler would... With Everyone else, giggling all the way seeing Eve sitting so haughtily right in front of me while me, kneeling right in front of her, forcing out the sweetest smile I could muster while feeding her.

(I seriously want to die by now...)

-Clap Clap!

Okay, that brought me out of my trance.

"Chung~~~ What's the matter~~~? Got bored on feeding me already, hmm~~~?"

"Well, actually—"

"No, no, no. I see that you're still seducing girls whenever and wherever you go, and you do realize that I have to make sure... about everything..."

"..."

-Okay

To think that the gap of the mood between the first and the second words would be so different... That's quite a terrifying mood-swing alright.

(And she used to be such a sweet, very shy, yet cute girl who seems to be so helpless... Oh Dear El, what kind of madness have you gave to make Eve like this?)

#1 Rule with Eve : NEVER make her jealous. It never ends well.

(Yandere sure is scary...)

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"Uwaah~ How sweet! Chung is so dedicated, isn't he?" (Rena)

"You two are so bold that I think I'm starting to get jealous of it, How sweet!" (Aisha)

" 'The Empress and Her Knight'... This is so going to be on Facebook alright! Hahahaha~!" (Elsword)

"*Mutters*...He seems about to die beneath that 'smile' of his, though..." (Raven)

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That's pretty much what everyone here said. On a side note, I wish I had my gun by now... I suddenly had a craving to blow a hole on Elsword's head. Quite literally.

(But then again, since it's already coming down to this...)

I am already stressed enough to even agree to do this, so It would be better to just play the part and goes along in it, no?

-Chu

"...!"

-Sure enough

If a 'Servant' is what would please Eve the most right now...

"W-W-Wha...! Chung!? W-What the...!"

Stuttering and completely incapable of making clear judgement and reacting like that – Eve.

How cute. Right after all of those act of complete haughtiness and being so dominating a while ago?

(Well~ Time to twist the game around~)

With that, I'm getting closer to her. Her usual expressionless face is now full of redness all over.

"W-Wait! Chung! Everyone is still here... This is too sudden...!"

"Oh come on, Eve. Aren't I just being your 'Loyal Slave', like you want me to, hmm~?"

" Yeah, but—NOT LIKE THIS...!"

Ignoring her plea, I put my hand on her chin, raising her eyes to meet up with mine.

"A-Ah..."

-I don't care anymore

Whether it is Eve who is completely weak and vulnerable with her red face all over right now, or the fact that this rooftop is so silent as I don't hear any voice from either Rena, Aisha, Raven, and most spectacularly, Elsword—

It's safe to say that everyone is speechless, no? Doesn't really stop my smirking face at all, though.

(...I must be look like a devil by now, aren't I? Oh well, this couldn't be so bad—)

-Plllllll. Plllllll.

(A call? At times like this?)

-Sigh

I guess this has to wait then.

"...Eh?" (Eve)

"Hahaha~ Gosh Eve, you should check your face on a mirror! It's priceless! And what's wrong with you guys? Can't really see through my joke, hmm~?"

"Well, that's just... you know. Well... damn... I don't know what to say..." (Elsword)

"...Wow. Deep inside there, Chung is quite the beast, huh..." (Aisha)

"Hmm~? That what makes you wonder~? Oh! Speaking of which, have you and Elsword kissed yet?" (Rena)

-Nice one, Rena

Sure enough, right after the saying, their face are as red as blood. One moment, their eyes met. And in another, they looked away. Adolescent sure is something to enjoy, huh? For some reasons, I just can never get tired with everyone here.

(But just now, that call...)

Eventhough just a quick glance, I can see that there is a new message on my phone right after the call... And the name on it.

('Meet me at the lake behind the Gym, alone.'...)

"Where are you going? Class is about to start, you know."

"Haha, worry not. I just want to take a little stroll around the place. You can say like, getting used to the view. I'm still pretty much new, after all."

Putting up my act as usual, I said casually as I walked away.

-But as expected

Raven's glare... He is a sharp one indeed.


Back to class...


Third Person's POV

Aisha : Elrios to Eve! Hello~!

Eve : *Burying her face on her hand while blushing* Uwaaaaahhhh~~~

Aisha : ...Okay, Eve is officially lost now.

Rena : Hahaha~! Not like it can really be helped. Chung sure did quite a heart-shaker there!

Raven : ...An intense one, indeed...

Eve : *Still blushing furiously* Uwaaaaahhhh~~~

Raven : Well, looking on the bright side, it's not everyday that you can really see Eve making this kind of expression. A lovestruck one on top of that.

Elsword : Yeah... I think I need Chung to teach me that... Who knows? It might be coming handy—I mean, seeing a lovestruck Aisha wouldn't be so bad either. I take it that it will be so cute—

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-Jiiiiiiiii. Only by now did Elsword realize that the 3 has been gazing him.

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Raven : *smirk* Daydreaming about something, Elsword?

Elsword : Wha—No! It's not like I'm thinking of Aisha making a lovestruck expression that makes her looks so cute or vulnerable or anything! Really! I didn't—

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Naturally, He immediately stopped speaking the moment he realized it.

-But more than that

Already getting up from her seat, Aisha, with dark smile, crackled her fists right in front of Elsword.

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Aisha : *Smiling darkly complete with blush across the face* Elsword~~~ Any last words~~~?

Elsword : *Smiling weakly while sweating all over* Weeeeeeelllll, a guy's instinct. *Smiling as best as he could* Mercy please?

Raven : *facepalms* Oh boy. We're going to need a medic here!

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Turns out that for the rest of the day the class itself is free from any act of studying... Right after confirming damage that has taken place, and one red-headed victim who fell unconscious, currently being taken to the school's medical room.

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Raven : ...Makes me wonder if this school is actually... normal at all, if anything else.

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The funny thing in fiction is that, the moment one of the characters is actually thinking if the whole thing is normal or not, it can be expected that – most of the time – it will be anything but normal itself.

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And now...

Let's rewind back the time a little...

Back to after Chung left...


-Lake behind the Gym


Chung's POV

"This should be the place, right?"

-Lake behind the gym

It is one of the most beautiful spot you can find in this place, Elrios University. The water is clear. The scenery itself is beautiful. Just by a single glance, it easily give an ease of mind. Trully a wonderful view of nature itself.

Rumor has it that whoever confessed at this lake will be blessed with fortune for the rest of the life and thus, being the reason why this place is a famous spot for love confession.

(But then again... Why this place?)

The message I got itself... well, it is because of the very name written in it that its just strange. Shrugging off the thought, I walked closer to the lake—

-Sure enough

Ebony hair and Ivory white skin... With her back facing at me, although I can't tell what kind of expression she made by now—

"It's me, Ara."

Yep. That's the name written on the message. Not even turning around at all, she began to spoke.

"Hey, Chung... Do you know what this place is? It is said that this place is a famous spot for Love Confession, no?"

She turned around, looking at me from the distance. A smile carved on her face. The reflection of light from the lake right behind her, added with her innocent yet cute smile and this whole scene – It seems so perfect that I found no words to trully describe it.

(But... What's with this feeling?)

"So, Chung—I take it that you know what I am going to say, right~?"

-Okay

I can't help but being amused with this. Time to drop my usual act of politeness and enjoy this.

"Whoa there, girl. I don't mind spending time with a girl as beautiful as you, but I thought You are Valken's?"

"Oh my~ I never heard of anything about us being an official couple, no?"

"Technically, yes. But then again, if you think of the possibility of not being official..."

She just smiled. An innocent, cute smile that would easily captive any guys. Beautiful and at the same time, refreshing. But—

"It's perfect, isn't it? The scenery is beautiful. Even the gym itself is unused at this hour. Nobody is here except us. Such a perfect moment, right?"

"Very perfect indeed. Though, I wonder which is more attract my attention most by now. It is either the lake itself, or it is because of you that this scene worth my attention."

"Oh my, we sure are composed even in this atmosphere, aren't we?"

"Well then... Ara? Your words?"

Her eyes staring straight into mine. As if sucking me in. As if telling me to get closer.

"... ... ...Can you come closer?"

"...I don't dislike girls who knows how to do it sexy. So, what is it, Ara?"

By now. There is barely a meter between us. I take it that the point is clear already, but just let me play innocent in this. Getting closer to me, whispering on my ears, she—

"So, Chung. Will you be my—"

Well, supposedly, there is only way this conversation can go now. I can't really see her face, but right now, seeing the beautiful sight of the lake. Her gesture, and—

(-!)

I was careless.

(This is...!)

"—victim~?"


Third Person's POV

Chung : ...! I was careless—This is...!

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In what seemed to be a blink of an eye, an explosion occured followed by a silence until the dust is away, leaving two figures ina reasonable distance from one to another.

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Chung : *smirk* You finally show your real color, woman.

Ara : *smile* The same goes for you... Prince Seiker.

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As they chatted casually, both sides paid attention particularly over two things: A gun on Chung's hand, and the yellow-blackish aura from Ara's hand, which is now forming an orb of energy floating above it.

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Chung : ...So you do know me. *sigh* Well, being hunted down by beautiful ladies is already a routinities of mine anyway, so it's not like it matters—But Valken will surely be sad if he sees his girl like this, don't you think?

Ara : Worry not. He already saw me in my darkest hour. That didn't stop him from liking me, though! I'm so happy! You know?

Chung : Weeeeeeeeeelllll, it's Valken we're talking here. It's like telling a magnet of disaster to stay out of disaster itself. Though, If I got to say, I can see why he takes a liking to you. It is also to be mentioned that normally, Valken is not the type to care much for a person – That's why the moment he brought you here, I am surprised.

Ara : Hmm, speaking about 'normally'—I wonder just how many times have the idea being used? A background of being an ordinary student inside an ordinary school as well. Funny and Ironic at the same time. Mostly when all of those 'normalities' are there to hide all the abnormalities behind it.

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-Shh, tap! Out of nowhere, Ara caught the flying spear of hers.

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Ara : *Readying her stance* But casting all of that aside, it would be rude to hit a vulnerable lady for a guardian, right? With this, we can really get some warming up for real now.

Chung : *Drawing out another gun* I won't ask about how you get your spear.

Ara : I attached strings to it, in case you're wondering. Well then. Shall we begin?

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-Right on cue

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Ara : High Speed!

Chung : ...! She's fast!

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Less than a second, Ara already got herself behind Chung. And—

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Ara : Energy Wave! *smirk* I got you now~

Chung : Tch!

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However, right on the last moment...

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Ara : What the...! He still have times to see that coming on him...!?

Chung : Phew, that's a close call...My turn. Dual Buster!

Ara : *clench her teeth very hard* In that case...

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Readying her spear, she spun in in front of her as if being a makeshift shield.

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Chung : *smirk* Hoo, aren't you pretty good yourself?

Ara : *giggles* You're not bad yourself, Seiker. You may act sophisticated and all polite outside but...this kind of change in pace is enjoyable for you, isn't it? I can see that you're enjoying this~

Chung : *sigh* Mostly since normally, 'Those who have it' should not show it publicly. But the again, if it is simply between those people... *smirk* Ara. This will surely drags on for a while. I hope I am not inconveniencing you in anyway possible.

Ara : *giggles* I have a lot of time to kill, so worry not. I was meant to ask some questions out of you, but...Let's just keep this going on for a while, shall we? *Poiting her spear at him*

Chung : *sigh* And I finally say goodbye to my perfect attendance... Oh well *Readying his guns* Shall we continue?

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Unknown to everyone, something is actually took place when none of them realize it.

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Changing the perspective...

Seeing how things unfold from a certain white haired guy...


(?) : In one glance, you can't really tell yet what it was all about. But in another...All things that makes no sense suddenly makes sense when they are pieced together, aren't they?

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Sitting right in front of the desk with 'Headmaster' written on it, is no other than Valken. However, with his legs crossed and his hands behind him, it is easy to tell that by the moment, he had dropped his mask of formality. And of course, there might be a reason for that.

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(?) : *sipping his tea* A school is the place where education takes place as the very reasonings and purpose to educate students. Of course, this goes for their inherent talents as well. Explaining why there are various kind of clubs, mean to facilitate the cause. Don't you think that it's agreeable? *sipping his tea again.

Valken :...hah!

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-Bam! With no further notice, Valken's feet are both now on top of the desk. This doesn't make the masked Headmaster flinched even a little at all though. As the matter of fact, he didn't seem to mind it all as he sipped his tea.

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Valken : You trully never change at all, Old Man! I wonder what you're really scheming on this time, you Geezer. It's so obvious and clear as a day, you can't really fool me—You know that well.

(?) : ...It's Headmaster Glave to you, if I might add.

Valken : ... ...Okay, my patience run thin now. So straight to the point, tell me what this place is all about, would you?

Glave : As I said before, a school is a place where various individuals are being educated, and the same thing goes for their talents as it is part of the purpose. Though—

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It might be not visible thanks to the mask, but a wild hunch told Valken that behind it, he somehow can see Glave smirking, he swore. The fact that the light on his eyes changed even just for a brief moment are more than enough details that Valken hardly miss.

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Glave : The convenient part itself is the fact that people tend to think the word 'school' and 'education' pratically means sitting inside the class for practically more than 6 hours, paying attentions to what the teachers said, getting good grades on math, biology, history and such – Which is the reason why none of them really ask, and just thought that's the way things are. As for me? The misunderstanding of them is simply one thing that I enjoyed most, given that means I practically don't have to explain anything... since they didn't ask.

Valken : Oh dear El... So this school runs by a Headmaster like this...That's more than enough references for me to know that things will not be so normal around here. *smirk* Not like I'm against it, though.

Glave : While we are on the topic now, do you know about the lore of Elrios itself?

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Despite the monotone voice of his, Valken can tell that Glave is now being serious.

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Valken : ...I'm all ears.

Glave : It is said that back then, a very long time ago that nobody knows how long, Celestial Beings abandoned this world. In the process, life abandoned this world. It wasn't easy to find any sign of live within the huge land itself.

Valken : ...And that's when the gem we call 'El' came down to this world, restoring it and become a place where all creatures can live.

Glave : Exactly. The land became a blessed place, and just as people and animals began to appear, a breath of life seemed to emanate from the gem. The gem would shine and glisten on its own and spread living energy all around. The gem was admired and people started to call it 'El'. And soon the continent was named 'Elrios' after the admirable El.

Valken : Well I know that. But the point is, what does this have to do with anything we're talking about?

Glave : ...Back then, when the darkness fell to invade Elrios... Some certain group of 'Protectors' arise.

Valken : ...! So this is where it's going...!

Glave : It is said that the gem itself gives lives. But what's more than that, is the fact that there are certain types of people who can resonates with it. Harnessing great power beyond the limit of normal people.

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He turned around toward the window behind him. Both arm behind his back.

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Glave : By now, people thought that it was all nothing but a myth...Until the fact that 'People like you' came.

Valken : ...

Glave : It is said that our doings now is because of the doings of people before us. And of course, eventhough it is not visible to society nowadays, people who can resonates with El itself are indeed, exist.

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By this point, a laughter broke out.

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Valken : HAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! OOOH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Goddamn it, I know you're up for something, Old Man! *Calm himself down* So I take it that you have been gathering people like that, no?

Glave : ...I even bother to ask Elesis to get yourself enrolled here. And I see that you brought a girlfriend yourself. Luckily enough, she is also one.

Valken : ...Look here Old Geezer. It's not like Ara Haan is my girlfriend or anything, okay?

Glave : But it would have been better if she is, no?

Valken : *scratches his head* Well...Yeah... It's not like It would be that bad... *Ahem* Anyway, back to the topic please?

Glave : ...Lately in the century... The power of El is declining.

Valken : ...!

Glave : And that's why—

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Now he turned around, gazing straight at Valken through his mask...

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Glave : Just like how the Harmony Festival is formed, various events are also held in this school. Most particualrly, the duel system here – The Duel Masters.

Valken : So in short... you're expecting us to fight with one and another, is that it?

Glave : I've been researching about the declining power of El itself, and among the various things I can conclude, the resonance that is made when those who possess the affinity to resonate with the El clashed against one another has proven to be capable to give the El powers to maintain the balance. In short, the resonances created by the clashes are actually keeping it in check. Oh? Speaking of which—

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It's a silence for a while – Until Glave himself continued.

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Glave : In about two weeks, as a form of celebrating the coming of transfer students who are usually transfering to the school at this kind of time, an event will be held.

Valken : *tilt his head* What kind of event, exactly?

Glave : Simply put. It will be a competition between classes. It is formed pretty much like a sport festival...but of course, with a few 'adjustments'.

Valken : *smirk* You are obviously up for something now... aren't you?

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Through the mask, Glave's eyes can be seen glowing.

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Glave : Kukukuku... You best prepare yourself, Valken Vermillion. I can assure you that, this 'ordinary' and 'normal' school life wouldn't be so boring at all. And lastly, Welcome to the Elrios University... and especially for you – Welcome to the hidden side...

Valken : *smirk* I'll be looking forward to it.

Okay, so there is indeed something that goes on in this school... But... these 'ordinary' and 'normal' school life... this isn't half bad, right? I see that this is getting interesting, indeed. Well then... I'll be looking forward what tommorow have in store for me...