Erica and Airenne ran down the stone pavement, their footsteps echoing through the academy grounds. The trees flanking the path blurred as they sped along, the air whipping past them. Suddenly, Airenne skidded to a stop, her white sneakers kicking up a small cloud of dust. Erica nearly collided with her, breathing hard from the sprint.
"Dang it... I forgot," Airenne said, slapping her forehead in frustration.
Erica bent over, hands on her knees, catching her breath. "Forgot what?"
Airenne straightened up, her blue hair slightly tousled from the run. "Alright, listen up. The academy doesn't have a formal uniform—you can dress however you want. But we do have a way to identify students that everyone must follow. It's a badge. It's removable, and all you have to do is pin it to your clothes. We need to get you yours right now. You have to wear one before they'll let you into the party, and the place is probably filled up by now."
Before Erica could respond, Airenne grabbed her arm again and took off running, pulling her along. This time, Erica didn't resist—she ran willingly, matching Airenne's pace as they headed back toward the teachers' quarters. The wind rushed against their faces, and Erica felt a strange mix of annoyance and energy from the chase.
They arrived at the teachers' quarters, the tree-fenced compound looking busier than before. A long line of students snaked out from the office building, with parents milling around nearby, chatting or helping with bags. The air was filled with the low hum of conversations and the occasional laugh. Erica and Airenne joined the back of the line, but just then, a boy approached from the side. He spotted them and broke into a sprint, turning it into an impromptu race to the end of the queue.
Erica and Airenne picked up speed, their legs pumping harder. They were ahead, about to claim their spot, when the boy suddenly stopped. He joined his hands together, taking a focused stance, his eyes narrowing in concentration. No one else could see it, but he had summoned his panel—the ethereal interface visible only to him.
"Crap, run faster!" Airenne yelled, her voice urgent as she recognized what was happening.
The boy spoke clearly, his words cutting through the air. "Element Concept - Velthra."
Lightning flashed across his body in a brilliant display, crackling with raw energy. He smiled at them, a confident grin, and in the next instant, his form was enveloped in a surge of electricity. The crackle drew glances from others in line and nearby parents, who turned to look. When they saw it was just a group of students being playful, they shook their heads and turned away, dismissing it as kids' antics. Only the student he appeared right next to jumped back, worried the lingering sparks might set his clothes on fire.
Erica stared in amazement, her eyes wide. "What the hell was that?"
Airenne crossed her arms, upset and fuming. "A bully... he had to win a race against girls by using his Bloodline powers."
Erica, still breathing heavily, felt a thrill despite herself. The display of power was incredible—raw and effortless. ("So, can I actually do something like that one day? Ugh, Erica, focus. You're not learning these Bloodlines. If they have this kind of power, they have bigger problems... like that bear woman. Stick to the plan: stay low, and hopefully you'll be back home soon.")
Airenne glanced at her. "And he's from *my* Bloodline..."
Erica interrupted, shaking her head. "I don't care anymore." They joined the line behind the boy, both still catching their breath as the queue moved forward slowly.
As they waited, the line inched along, students chatting excitedly about the party. Finally, it was their turn. The teacher at the desk, an older woman with glasses perched on her nose, handed Erica a small badge without much ceremony.
The badge was shaped like a tree, crafted from pure gold that gleamed under the light. It had four main branches, each sprouting smaller ones, symbolizing growth or perhaps the four Bloodline families. A simple pin on the back allowed it to be attached to clothing. Erica turned it over in her hand, feeling its weight—solid and real, a mark of belonging in this world she didn't want.
She took it and stepped aside. Airenne followed without taking a badge, surprising the girl behind her, who wasn't ready and fumbled her words as she moved up.
As they walked away slowly toward the hostel, Erica pinned the badge to her jacket and glanced at Airenne. "Why didn't you take one? Is it because you're a senior or something?"
Airenne shook her head. "No, everyone here is a new set, including me. I just already have mine because my elder sister attended the academy before. She told me all about it."
Erica nodded, then asked, "Why isn't anyone else taking a tour like us?"
Airenne shrugged. "Because everyone knows the famous history of the academy already. Most come from families who've been here for generations."
They continued walking in comfortable silence for a bit, the path leading them back through the tree-lined pavement. At one point, Erica noticed Airenne carrying her white box a little awkwardly. She reached out. "Here, let me carry that for you."
Airenne refused with a smile, shifting the box to her other arm. "No, I don't want to burden you. My job is to make you comfortable—Principal Morganne's orders, remember?"
Erica sighed, looking at Airenne more closely. The girl's kindness felt genuine, but it raised questions. Why go out of her way for a human? Erica let it go for now, but the thought lingered.
They reached the student hostel, the building now alive with energy. Students rushed in and out, some already dressed for the party in elegant gowns and sharp suits, others screaming in frustration as they unpacked overflowing luggage. Laughter mixed with arguments over room assignments, the air thick with the scent of perfumes and fresh laundry. Erica and Airenne navigated the chaos, heading up the stairs to their room.
Once inside, Airenne set the box on her bed and opened it carefully. Inside was a beautiful gown—flowing fabric in a deep blue that matched her hair, folded neatly with care. But on top lay a small piece of paper. Airenne picked it up and read it silently, her excited expression fading into something colder, more resigned.
Erica noticed the change and leaned over to peek. The note read: *Airenne, you are to wear this gown to the party. Don't talk to anyone at the party and maintain a serious facial expression throughout. Remember... don't fail me like usual.*
Airenne crumpled the paper and tossed it aside, turning back to Erica with a forced smile, pretending nothing was wrong.
"The party starts tonight," Airenne said, her voice brighter than her eyes. "What are you wearing?"
Erica glanced at her current outfit—the baggy trousers, unbuttoned jacket, and black t-shirt—and pinned her badge to the jacket's lapel. "This. It's comfortable."
Airenne shook her head. "If you don't want to stand out and get all the awkward attention, you should at least wear a simple gown. It'll help you blend in with everyone else."
Erica grumbled but agreed, rummaging through her own box. She pulled out shirts, pants, and other casual clothes, but no gown suitable for a party. "Perfect, Morganne... just perfect," she muttered. "Airenne, I don't have anything for the party. Guess I'll stand out after all."
Airenne's smile turned genuine this time. She walked to her wardrobe and flung it open, revealing row after row of elegant gowns in various colors and styles—silks, velvets, and laces hanging neatly. "Pick one! I have plenty."
Erica stepped back, shaking her head firmly. "No, I'm not wearing any of your clothes."
But Airenne just kept smiling, her pink eyes scanning the wardrobe thoughtfully. She was already pulling out a gown that she thought would match Erica's black hair and eyes perfectly, determined to make her roommate fit in for the night.