Hitori spent the rest of the month trying to handle himself, get over Kamiya's death (it was like getting over a breakup), and read novels. He binged over five novels in a month.
Eya never paid a visit to him, Kakashi came twice a week to give him meds and other supplies, Atama did not show up, and neither did Reon. Hitori thought she went back to her house.
It was the first of April 2053. Hitori got out of bed after sleeping for seven hours. He got ready for school. He put on his usual outfit– a blue shirt over black jeans. No jacket today, it was already hot outside.
Hitori inhaled the spring air after he took his breakfast and locked the door. He glanced around and noticed for the first time how silent and peaceful his house was for the past month.
No attacks, no threats, nothing. Perhaps Onogi and Tengoku were grieving too. Hitori logged in a few times to do nothing but just sit in a corner of the area, hidden from every player, not looking for trouble, but passing time.
The school would reopen on the fourth of April, but Hitori had to come three days before the school starts.
The first years were arriving today at nine. They would take their breakfasts, then the volunteers from each year will guide them to their dorms. The second day was to tour them around the campus, and the third day was for them to explore the school accompanied by their volunteer.
"Is not this punishment light for half-murdering someone?" Hitori wondered. "It did come out strange. Good for me though." He shrugged.
Hitori took the wagon down the city to reach the academy. It was still eight thirty so he decided to visit the library. He met Senso-sensei and Mono on the way to the cafeteria.
They greeted. Hitori apologized to Senso for his behavior. Senso apologized, too. He asked, "Where did you learn to use a gun though?"
Hitori looked at Mono. He smiled, signaling that he knows it. "From playing the game, of course," he said.
Hitori scoffed. "I learned? I fired three bullets aimed at his leg. And how many did I get? Nada. Every single bullet went into the stairs."
"You should keep that gun safe," Senso advised.
"It is safe," Hitori replied. Then they went their own ways. Hitori went to the cafeteria where he found around a hundred students spread across the hall and Atama standing at the front.
The volunteers were sitting on the side against the wall. Hitori took a seat at the end and joined them.
Atama started his speech. "As you can see, we have new generation mages. I hope our teachers will be able to nurture you into great wizards."
They clapped. Hitori saw the faces of the students. They were smiling, they were excited to start the year, and they were nervous, too.
"Take a look to your sides, first-year students. They are your seniors and will be your volunteers for the next three days."
The seniors waved at the students and the first years bowed. Hitori thought he should wave too, but when he raised his hand, he found a pair of angry, yet mischievous, eyes staring at me.
He lowered his hand and stared back at that guy. Is he a spy? Why is glaring at me? Hitori thought.
He angled his brows. No matter what Hitori did, the guy with grey eyes kept staring at him. The person blocking Hitori's view moved and Hitori got a glance at that guy.
He was wearing a grin, a grin that remembered Hitori of someone– of Tamashi– but the grin was not as sinister as Tamashi's grin.
Atama clapped twice. "Get done with your breakfast and gather in the courtyard for the distribution of groups."
The volunteers left the hall and went to the courtyard. The first years had twenty minutes to finish their remaining breakfast. A few teachers and Atama joined the volunteers in the courtyard.
"The mages we have today are excited and nervous. It is your job as the volunteers to help them get used to this new environment. Keep your calm and give them a tour of our academy. Let them feel they belong here."
"Yes, sir!" they shouted and bowed.
Hitori glanced around. Everyone looks like a pro, he thought, am I the only one who is here for punishment? They look like they are doing this from the bottom of their hearts, not forcefully.
Hitori was the only volunteer who was volunteering because of punishment and not because he wanted to, unlike other volunteers.
"Good luck!" Atama and the other teachers left the courtyard.
Hitori was searching for a place to sit, avoid the sun, and energize himself with serenity when he felt a hand over his shoulder.
"I knew I would find you here—!'
He pushed the hand away and reached for his wand, but stopped when he saw a familiar face behind him. Mono had already stepped away and raised his hands.
"S-Sorry did not mean to start you," he said. He was scared shit.
Hitori sighed. "What are you doing here?" he asked, letting go of his wand.
Mono said, "The same as you are doing here."
"What, are you in due to a punishment?"
"What? No. This is my first time. Last year a good volunteer inspired me to try this out. He was amazing."
"Good for you." Hitori was relaxed now. He let his hands loose and his shoulders fall. "Let us find a seat till they come."
Hitori turned to a place at the corner with enough shade to keep them cold. Mono followed him. "Are you in detention?"
"Hm. For almost killing someone." Then he looked at him. "Tell anyone, and you will be the—"
"Whoa! No, no, I would not."
Hitori and Mono took a seat. Mono noticed Hitori was on the edge. Of course, he was after what he went through.
"I was not invited to Kamiya's funeral so I visited his sister instead. She told me what happened after I told her who I am."
"And she believed you? No way."
"No. She did not, at frst, but she did after she cast some magic on me. I do not know, maybe to verify my identity or something." He giggled. "But… to think Onogi would go this far… why do not you ask for help? The Ministry or…"
"Shut up, Mono. If someone will stop him, it will be us."
"Us… am I included?"
Hitori glanced at him. He was smiling like a child, a sweet smile. "I do not want to involve you in this life-threatening shit. YOu have a life, stay with your parents and, what is your goal?"
"Huh? I, I want to discover every monster—"
"Then achieve your goal. Stay away from this. Seriously, once you get involved, you can not get out unless you kill or the person kills you."
His smile faded and he muttered, "You talk about killing as if it is playing a game. So casual. Without any fear."
"Fear? Oh, I am scared. I do fear," Hitori nodded.
Their attention was diverted when they heard the chairs slide on the wood as the students finished their breakfast and went to the sink. Then the door to the courtyard opened, and the first group of students entered the courtyard.
"Let us go," Hitori said and left the corner.
Mono stayed behind and watched Hitori leave. "Perhaps you are right. Our friendship should stay limited to the game."
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