But…" I let a small, cold smile curve my lips, "don't complain later that I didn't hold back."
A flash of anger crossed Fiona's face, and Leon bristled at my words. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he replied, eyes gleaming.
For a split second, the tension in the air spiked. Leon's aura flared—an uncontrolled wisp of fiery orange energy licking off his shoulders. Fiona's own aura, a stony brown, rose in response as she glared at me. I realized my provocation had been a bit too effective; Leon's temper was flaring.
Before anything else could happen, a gentle voice interrupted, "Leon, Fiona… please, calm yourselves." Neria stepped into our little standoff, her hands clasped in front of her chest anxiously. She looked at Leon, then me. "We're all classmates now. There's no need for fights on the very first day." She then gave Fiona a mildly chiding look. "And Fiona, maybe we should give Asmo a chance? We haven't even tried to get to know him yet."
Fiona blinked, seeming taken aback by Neria's soft reproach. "I– I'm just looking out for us, Neria," she mumbled, the edge in her voice softening slightly.
Neria offered a kind smile to all of us. "I know. You're a good friend. But truly, I sense no ill-will from Asmo." She looked at me then, her gaze open and sincere. "Congratulations again on ranking first. I hope we can all learn from each other here."
For a moment, I didn't know what to say. Her warmth and genuine nature were... disarming. After being faced with suspicion and hostility, simple kindness was the last thing I expected. I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression. I gave her a short stare and a nod, "Try your best to catch up, if you can that is." I grinned.
Neria and Leon were shocked by my reply, while Neria did sense the small gratitude I had for her not joining their stupid banter, it still wasn't what she had expected. Damien cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. "We should join the tour before we miss too much." He glanced at me, eyes calculating. "Coming, Asmo?"
I was a bit surprised by the offer. Inviting me after getting humiliated like that? Maybe Damien just wanted to keep an eye on me. Either way, this could be a small step toward not being completely isolated. And it would be easier to orchestrate things if I wasn't an outright pariah among them.
"Sure," I said with a casual shrug.
And so, our odd little group moved out together to catch up with the rest of Class 1-A. Leon kept a deliberate two-step distance from me, talking quietly with Fiona who still cast wary glances my way. Damien walked beside Neria and Selene, with me a pace behind. As we traversed the halls on the academy tour—listening to the guide explain where the alchemy labs and sparring arenas were—I found myself in a strange position. I was amidst the very people I needed to watch over, yet apart from them at the same time.
Selene fell back slightly and ended up walking next to me as the group navigated a staircase. She spoke softly, without looking directly at me. "You know, you could have handled that more… peacefully, not that I'm complaining though, I think it was interesting to watch."
I turned my head toward her, cautious. "And why do you think so?"
"Leon's… declaration." Selene's lips curved just faintly, something like amusement in her eyes. "Many would have either cowered or lashed out in your place. You remained ice-calm. Either you truly have nothing to hide, or you're very good at hiding it."
A test within a statement. I gave a noncommittal hum. "Believe what you will."
She tilted her head, studying my profile. "I will. Time reveals all secrets, Asmo Ravenheart." The way she said my name felt almost like a promise—or a threat. Yet her tone was polite. Truly a Nightshade, ever dancing on the edge of intrigue.
She's not wrong. Eventually, something might give me away, whether it's the system or an inconsistency in my abilities. I'd have to stay sharp.
Finally, the tour concluded at the vast Training Grounds behind the main academy building. It was an impressive expanse: several dueling rings, archery ranges, obstacle courses, and even a small coliseum for larger combat classes. Students murmured in excitement; even I felt a spark of eagerness. This is where the real growth would happen for many. And perhaps where I'd be doing most of my "aura farming" from the shadows.
The tour guide, an enthusiastic second-year student, dismissed us for lunch and free time until afternoon classes. As people dispersed, Leon and the others gathered together, likely to grab lunch at the dining hall again. I paused, considering whether to join them or let them be. Neria solved the dilemma by turning and inviting me with a bright smile, "Asmo, would you like to eat with us?"
Leon looked like he was about to protest, but held his tongue when Neria shot him a glance. Fiona looked none too pleased, but Damien nodded in support of Neria's olive branch. Selene just watched quietly, as was her habit.
I hesitated only a second. "...Alright."
Thus I found myself walking with the five of them back toward the dining hall. The sun was high now, the day warming. Leon and Fiona led the way, discussing something about combat techniques—they seemed to be of similar mind and got along well. Damien walked slightly behind them, interjecting with pragmatic points. I ended up alongside Neria, with Selene on her other side.
Neria chatted amiably, asking me simple questions about how I found the academy so far and if I liked the dorms. She was making an effort to include me, and I responded with short straightforward answers, or simple nods. Conversing normally was… strangely nice, if I'm honest, even though I maintained my guarded demeanor.
Selene occasionally chimed in with a dry quip or an observation about a passing faculty member, displaying a wry wit. In different circumstances, I might have enjoyed getting to know them under sincere pretenses. But I kept reminding myself: My role isn't to make friends. It's to ensure these people become the best versions of themselves, by any means necessary.
As we neared the dining hall for lunch, a sudden commotion drew our attention. A group of students had gathered in a semi-circle on one side of the courtyard path. We heard angry voices and the unmistakable crackle of uncontrolled magic. I saw a young male student—probably a first-year like us—cowering on the ground as another boy loomed over him, arcane light sparking around his fists.
"Please, I-I didn't mean to—" the cowering boy pleaded.