Chapter 5-14: We're All Wearing Masks
Sometime later, everyone arrives at the Noble Bell College Lecture Hall for the Ball that is taking place. Lecture Hall is full of students from many different schools and they're all having a good time. The ball is also well decorated for the occasion. Soon, the Night Raven Students walk into the party as well, and all of them are wearing different masks.
Sebek, Deuce, & Epel cheer, "Now THIS is a ball!"
"Oho. The hall looks just as beautiful as when we first saw it," Malleus says.
"I agree. It's so pretty," Sereia says.
Rook also agrees, "How invigorating it all feels. Why, I'd say the space is more dignified than ever!"
"Everyone's wearin' the same kinda fancy duds we are. I still look the coolest, of course!" Grim says.
"I think you all look great in your masks," Briar says.
Malleus then turns to Briar, "I noticed this yesterday, but you look quite different in a mask as well, Briar. It really suits you."
Briar blushes and says, "Thank you.
But Azul says, "I'd prefer to make my face known to our fellow arcane academy peers, but we must follow the dress code."
"I think your mask looks really nice, Azul," Sereia says.
"Thank you," Azul says, "Yours as well."
"This mask rules. It's like my life preserver in this loud sea of people," Idia says
"I can't imagine just wearing a mask over your eyes would affect things that much…" Jamil says.
Then Malleus says, "Seeing everyone here wearing masks… It reminds me of how people danced in their masks at Topsy-Turvy Fest yesterday."
"Oh yes, the idea there was that the masks concealed your true identity. That festival feels like so long ago now…" Azul says.
"I cannot blame you for feeling that way. We had a very long night," Malleus says.
Idia groans, "Ugh. I already put in overtime. If only we didn't have to do this offline meetup ball with a bunch of partiers…" and suddenly feels someone bumping into him.
Noble Bell College Student apologizes, "Oh, pardon me. I didn't mean to bump into you."
Idia yelps, "EEP!" and tries to calm down, "Uhhh, s'cool…"
Soon, an Arcane Academy Student says, "Hello there! Lovely evening, isn't it?"
"I know we haven't officially met, but we should celebrate making it through that awful ordeal together!" Another Arcane Academy Student replies.
Soon the students begin talking and chatting with one another.
"This place is swarming with sparkly, cheerful normies!" Idia says.
"All these people are still smiling, thanks to our group," Silver says.
"This is going to be a lovely ball," Riddle says, "Just seeing all this merriment makes everything we went through worthwhile."
"Yeah, for sure, "Ruggie agrees with a smile, "And as long as there's food, you won't hear any complaints from me."
"Since we're all wearing masks, you can't tell who anyone is. So I say we just eat and dance the night away," Jamil says.
Suddenly, they hear the sound of a bell.
Confused, Grim asks, "Hm? What's with that bell?"
"I believe so, but it doesn't sound like the Bell of Solace.
Just then, the Vice President of Noble Bell College announces, "Allow me to thank you all for coming. The Noble Bell College student council president and organizer of the first Promising Young Mages' Social would like to say a few words."
And with that Rollo steps forward and announces, "Good evening to you all. First, I offer my deepest apologies for the recent, unexpected incident and the distress it caused you all.
However, we rallied and fought off the impending-disaster together… And in doing so, I believe the bonds between all of us promising young mages have become stronger than ever before."
"Listen to how calmly he spouts that drivel... He's the very definition of brazen!" Sebek says, and he's still not too happy with Rollo and his actions.
"I still find his mental fortitude impressive," Azul says, "He must be racked with anger and guilt, yet he hides it so well. You'd never guess just by looking at him."
"He's definitely got guts and nerves of steel, I'll give him that. It's actually kinda scary," Idia says.
"I have to agree, especially hearing how Rollo managed to get the Lecture Hall fixed and decorated for the ball all on his own," Briar says.
Idia nods in agreement.
Then Rollo announces, "Now, I'd like to acknowledge the ones who tackled this unprecedented disaster head-on… The students of Night Raven College."
The Night Raven Students are surprised to hear Rollo mentioning them. Then the spotlight shines on all the Night Raven College Students.
Then Rollo says, "Let's give them all a big round of applause."
And with that, all the students applauded and cheered.
Noble Bell College Student says, "So those are the guys who saved Fleur City!"
An Arcane Academy Student adds, "Wow, how striking are they? Okay, now I know who they are. I'll have to dance with them later!"
Thanks for saving us, Night Raven College guys!" A Royal Sword Academy Student student says..
Stunned, Idia says, "Dude, he's singling us out! What's even the point of these masks then?! Is this his idea of revenge?!"
"You're the only one who views positive attention that way," Riddle says.
"It's embarrassing, but people would expect something like this from the student council president who saved the school," Jamil says.
"This throws off my plans a bit, but that's all right. It saves me some work," Azul says.
"Huh?" Tanzanite and Jasper reply, confused.
"What're you talkin' about?" Grim asks.
Then Azul calls out, "Excuse me, President Flamme!"
"Yes, Housewarden Ashengrotto?" Rollo questions.
"Thank you for your kind remarks," Azul says. And then asks, "Might we also be permitted to share a few words before the party resumes?"
"What?" Rollo says, confused, "I'm afraid that won't be possible; we simply don't have the time."
But Aide says, "Oh, there you go again. Heheheh, such a stickler for punctuality."
"Come on, these guys worked alongside you to save the day. This would be a great chance to affirm our newfound friendship," The Vice President adds.
"Thank you kindly!" Azul says.
Azul then takes the stage and says, "In that case—Malleus, would you care to step up on stage? You can stand where Rollo is. Now is the time for what you arranged. Remember, it's important to maintain a tight grip once you've hooked them. Make this count."
"Of course. You needn't remind me," Malleus says, and walks over to where Rollo is.
