0-segment[L-the-L]

Auspicious star, such dazzling light.

It drowns even the chime of bells.

I enter the classroom. Once again, Shinji Hackee, in the seat next to me, has a full house. By that, I mean two girls.

"'I'm telling you, you don't have any talent. Give up before you look like a retard.' So you know what he said to that?" Obviously, Mr. Rambunctious got into another debacle.

"What? What? What did he say?"

"We're dying to know! Tell us!"

"This wuss gets all boo-hoo, and he says, 'I'll keep practicing until I get better. I can at least get better than you, who skips practice.' Sorry, I have to laugh! Anybody knows that you can't practice your way into being a genius! If he wants to practice something, he should practice not sounding like a tool! The guy's not a total maggot, but he's still trash that needs to find a garbage can. Ahaha, that moron. People aren't created equal. Even people who are born above average can never reach the same heights as the naturally gifted!"

"You must be sooo talented if you don't need to practice, Hackee! I feel bad for that kid." I honestly feel bad for this guy here to be surrounded by such nymphos...

"Trash can't help being trash. It should learn to stop dreaming about being something better." Obviously, Shinji's on a role here.

The bell rings. In response, the gaggle of girls shuffle off to their own seats. While we wait for the teacher to arrive, I get caught up on what Shinji said for some reason. Whether or not Shinji has innate talent, I think it's pretty clear that I'm a nobody. A nobody with no goals. I mean, when I try to even think about the future, I get overwhelmed. As long as I keep plodding along, some day I'll reach my totally average future. Yay. That's what happens to everyone, right? Are there actually people who break the pattern? How? I have no idea. For me, today is just another ordinary day—

"Good morning, everyone!" Suddenly, my heart accelerates, each beat painfully strong. It's as if my body's on high alert; my eyes are getting fuzzy again. I know it's not a reaction to Mrs. Merrill. No— "Well, kids, this is a little out of the blue, but today I want to introduce you to a new friend."

"..." It's him. That blonde boy is the one who's causing my body's fight or flight instincts to prickle.

"Go on, Andy. Introduce yourself," edges the teacher.

The boy faces the teacher, "...For what purpose?" Whoa, he sounds like a lady. Also, what's up with his orange attire?

"Huh? Well, Andy... You'll be attending school with these people, so I'm sure they'd like to know who you are."

"...Ah, I see. These good people do not know my name yet." He steps forward, and then in a louder voice, says, "Everyone, my name is Andy Reginald Dinh. In time, it will be a name known to all the world, but for now it is the name of your classmate. I'm pleased to meet you all. I hope we enjoy our time together."

"..." The classroom is silent. There aren't even any jabs at his eccentric manner of speaking, or any coos over how pretty he is. He is quite pretty. Instead, the entire classroom is enthralled by his regal bearing. Entranced, even.

Shinji's words come to mind... This is what it means to be on a different level. None of us plebes could ever hope to reach the level that this new kid lives on. It's not overextending to call his very existence transfixing. Like deer in headlights, we're immobilized by a presence far brighter than our own. His natural place is above us, looking down as our king. How did someone like him end up here...? It must be a mistake.

"Ahhh... Um... Anyway, everyone, please make Andy feel welcome. Then, Andy, if you would please take a seat... It looks like the third seat in the second row from the right is open. Will that be OK?"

"...Andy...? Ah, you're addressing me. I see no reason to not allow you to call me Andy, as it didn't feel awkward to hear it from you." He turns back to Mrs. Merrill. "If you have the chance, I'd very much like for a delightful woman like you to visit my country."

Ashe recoiled in shock, "Wh-wha? J-J-J-Jeez, don't joke with your teacher! To your seat, Andy! I won't smack you since, well, it was kind of flattering of you to say that."

"Of course. I appreciate your diplomacy, Mrs. Merrill." Then, the boy gave the kind of easy smile that only kids can. That simple smile washes away the tension in the room, and people even begin to smile themselves. I think he's not so much a king as a prince. He may be above us, but he also has natural charisma that draws us up to his level. However... It seems that there is at least one person in class whose mileage varies.

"...I don't like him. Flirting with the teacher already? That arrogant little twerp." Shinji's clearly not happy.

Our teacher speaks once more, "If you have any questions, ask anyone in the class or myself. Er, I mean, come to me first. There's no need to be shy."

"Yes, I understand. I'm pleased that I will be attending such a good school." Hmm? Am I just imagining things? Just for a second, I thought he shifted his attention toward ME. Not toward anyone else, not even Shinji, who's still bad-mouthing Andy, but to me alone... Yeah right. There's no way a practically otherworldly person like him would notice bland me.

The school day ended with nothing else of interest occurring. But that Andy... I can't shake the uneasiness he awoke in my heart. It feels like cogs somewhere have become misaligned. No, I'm just excited because for once, something happened. Well, besides what happened yesterday. I should report yesterday's findings to the Editor in Chief.

A girl beside me in the classroom seems like she wants to speak to me. "It seems like more and more people are staying home. Could that slasher rumor be true...?" If it is, then I might be sent to investigate. That's not going to be fun.

"Hey!" The tan uniformed friend of mine interrupts our conversation. "The Editor in Chief of the Journalism Club was calling a general meeting. You'd better go." You still haven't told me your secrets, but whatever. I'll go.

I leave the classroom and bump into a girl standing outside of class 2-B. Sorry. "I kinda have a headache. It's like static in my head. Maybe there's a cold going around." I guess we're both sorry. Well apology accepted.

I hear a familiar voice as I walk down the hallway. It's coming from around the corner. "...and there you have it. To summarize, about thirty percent of the participants have overcome the computer's brainwashing. These individuals now remember who they are. They're all class A magi. One girl in particular made quick work of the brainwashing. You might say she's a natural, and therefore more adept than magi who have been more sheltered. Unlike those domesticated sheep, she's a wild mouflon. Stronger, rarer, wilder. She couldn't even bear to put on the school uniform the other sheep mindlessly wear. As novel as that girl's wildness is, wild things end up in cages. Still, keep your distance and your guard up." The voice coming from in front of the second floor's Supply Room is none other than that of a teacher … Beck. He was speaking politely, almost reverently.

—However. "This Lou Tousaka. The Dinhs in Asia have voiced some concerns regarding her. She is the daughter of a noble family, which makes her unruly behavior even more unbecoming." The voice that chimes in to join Beck's is none other than the transfer student, Andy's. Unlike in class, his voice held a childlike temerity. It seemed like Beck's words bothered him.

"...I simply just... She is a failure, like the other dropouts, and so... She's below your concern—" Beck gets interrupted.

"There's nothing in the world that doesn't concern me, teacher. More importantly, I wonder what a domesticated being like me can learn from her wild bravery."

"There is nothing, because you are already perfect." Wait, a real Mary Sue? "Anything you lack is something the world itself lacks."

"It was a joke. It's been a while since I've been scolded. I think I enjoy it coming from you. In any case, I'll heed your warning about her. So, are there any other important happenings?"

"It's worth noting the assassin sent by those alchemists. I have yet to confirm anything, but no doubt they're lurking about."

"...Ah. I don't believe I've ever seen how an alchemist fights. Their charms, or their symbols, rather, are quite unusual. We have the opportunity now. Aren't you curious, teacher?"

"Wait until I have checked about this assassin first. Those are the only ones to watch out for. However, there are others with excellent abilities. A handful of others have passed the prelims besides Lou Tousaka."

"Huh. I don't see the rush. I think there's much to be learned from observing this school. I'd like to take my time and enjoy for instance, the beauty of things like the garden. They seem to employ quite the skilled gardener. You should see the garden, too, Mr. Beck. No—Brother." ...What a twist!

"I will respectfully decline... That ends my report."

"I see. Too bad."

"Then, if you need anything else..."

"It'll be best if we have as little contact with each other as we can. It is unusual for a teacher and a student to meet like this."

"I understand. Be careful."

"Yes. You, too, Brother." Following those words, they both disappear, perfectly in sync with each other. I didn't understand what they were saying, but I get the feeling that I shouldn't have been listening.

"Did you hear? There was a murder here the day before yesterday." The voice of a student council member brings me back from my musings. "There's been a number of murders in the area recently. Scary..." Sorry, I can't talk much right now. I have my mind on other things.

Maybe this person knows who Andy is... "Andy … Dinh? Of the Eastern American plutocracy? Andy Reginald Dinh would be the distinguished son of the Dinh plutocratic family. He's young, but soon he'll rule the world. So what is that Eastern American plutocrat doing here?" Interesting, now I have the same questions too...

"Oh! Our club's ace." Do you see that I'm talking with someone? "Did you find out anything yesterday?" Here are my findings. "...Mmhm, mmhm. What? 'Little Red Rooftop' vanished before your eyes? If she disappeared, there isn't anything we can do about that." ...Nothing we can do?

What's with the Editor in Chief's reaction? It's not right. I thought she'd say something like "Hey, don't scare me like that!" Actually, the problematic part is how nonchalant she is that a person disappeared.

"Your next story will be... 'Mystery of the Courtyard Chapel'!" The Editor in Chief keeps talking like nothing happened. She's already onto the next thing. Should I … say something? "Hey, did you know there's a chapel on campus, even though this isn't a mission school? It seems the chapel has been here longer than the school. This is just a rumor, but they say that it's haunted and magic rites are performed there. I'm sending you to investigate." You're being ... too weird. "The entrance to the courtyard is on the end of the right side of the first floor hallway." Er, thanks. Just give me a sec and I'll go straight there.

I go up to the third floor first and find someone acting very secretive towards himself. "? You scared me the bejeezus outta me! What do you want? Actually, I'm glad you're here." You are? "The Editor in Chief asked me to investigate the Seven Wonders, but check this out…"

One of the Monica Academy's Seven Wonders is a female ghost who wanders the hallway! The ghost of a foreign girl wanders the third floor. If you respond, she'll suck out your soul!

"Now that you know the details, go investigate it for me." Why should I do that? "Huh? You think I should just walk around the third floor and do it on my own? No way… I really can't handle paranormal stuff. If anyone can take on the case of the wandering ghost on the third floor, it's you. Good luck!" ...Whatever.

Once school is over, all traces of humanity disappear. The silence left behind is terrifying. Alone in the midst of this unnerving scene, I suddenly sense a strange presence nearby. It feels like there is someone standing right behind me, staring at the back of my head. It has to be my imagination. I hear no footsteps, no sounds of breathing. I am alone here. And yet, the feeling that I am not alone persists. It must be a hallucination of some kind. What should I do? If it's my imagination playing tricks on me, then nothing should be there if I turn around and look. So, what should I do…?

Turn around.

I turn around and ... of course, no one is there—Is what I want to say… However, standing there is what appears to be a young girl. The young girl's appearance is definitely at odds with the surrounding campus. With its mass of purple and a hooped skirt, her dress is right out of the Modern Era. Combined with her porcelain-like skin, she looks just like a child's doll come to life… It's kind of a relief. But the point is, she doesn't seem like she's really alive.

The girl doesn't move a muscle.

Just like a doll. /Just like a corpse.

Just like a painting. /Just like a wraith.

Her eyes, so full of sadness, stare fixedly in my direction.

Suddenly, her figure begins to melt away. As she slowly fades into nothingness, the last things to disappear are her eyes. With that, the strange presence I felt fades away. There's nothing to indicate a girl was ever here… She must be the source of all of the "wandering girl" stories floating around school.

I'll go back to the scaredy cat from before and tell him of this event. "Huh? Wait a second, don't saddle me with this! I'm no good with occult stuff, either!" Well, that was fun. I wonder if there are other things I can do today.

There are probably some other students that want me to write their stories for them. What about you? I walk to another classmate looking out of one of the windows. "So I was looking at the Garden and caught the eye of a stranger—and then they vanished! Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I've had a splitting headache ever since. What's up with that?" Maybe that's one of the Seven Wonders. You know, the Monica Academy's splitting headaches... That doesn't really work, does it?

I haven't visited the courtyard in a while, I should get to that. Outside, I see a rather ghastly man. He puts an eye on me and walks up to me. "Hello, young pupil. I shall follow your progress with great interest. Good luck." Is this guy the dean or something? I think I should back off here. All right, let's do that.

At the first floor, I overhear a conversation going on between a few boys. "I was at the arcade the other day and I saw Mrs. Merrill there again. I think she lives there..."

"I saw her there, too. She won so many stuffed animals it was like she was mustering an army." And I can see this going nowhere, so I'll—Wait, is that Shinji?

He's past the group of boys and he seems to be staring at one of the freshmen classrooms. "That's strange, even for here... Oh, it's you again. I don't have time to play like you obviously do. Go play 'reporter' or whatever it is friendless little geeks like you do instead of having a life." I guess that's all I'll get out of him for today... I thought he wanted to talk about something.

I pass by a student that's standing outside of the Nurse's Office. "Are you going to the garden?" Yeah, I— "Keep your guard up, it's almost too quiet there... Lately, I've been getting these crushing headaches at school. It's starting to freak me out." Didn't someone else say the same thing? Maybe there is a disease going around.

I enter the garden and find some classmates … lying dead on the ground. I see a man dressed in black standing over the corpses. I don't know why, but my feet are making their way towards him. As I pass by each corpse, their body suddenly decomposes into thin air.

The man stands like a black stain, tainting the joyfully multicolored flowerbeds around him. It's the new teacher, Beck. But … the man standing in front of me isn't acting like a teacher by any stretch of the imagination. The sick malignancy of overbearing aggression fills the air. And then scattered around him are ... dead bodies … of students? Wait, I … thought ... already...

"Why did you come in here? I'm certain I locked that door. I suppose I'll test you out." His thin lips hardly moved. But in the next instant—

I'm bowled over, as if struck by an invisible force. Chaotic thoughts bury my brain like endless grains of sand. What happened? Can I move my limbs? Seriously, what was that? Beck hasn't moved. No one else is nearby.

Who? Why? How—? My thoughts whirl. My heart races. "I see what you are now... It isn't you, I suppose." His voice was a quiet hiss, but I could hear everything he said. This man with cold, inscrutable eyes raises his palm toward me...

…

…

…

—When I come to, I'm collapsed in the garden. The garden is silent. There's not even a trace of Beck or of the corpses that had been there. I'm uninjured, though my body aches from laying on the hard ground. The cold sweat that had covered me is gone, too... Only the piercing pain in my head remains. Maybe it was just a bad dream. I gulp air and attempt to stand.

The ground seems to move under my feet... I'm delusional. Of course the ground isn't moving... I'll give my report to the Editor in Chief tomorrow and just go home for today...

A day will pass if you leave campus.

Leave. This is just too weird for me to stay for.

A/N: The board is set.