4-25: Special Exam Start! (1/4)

4-25: Special Exam Start! (1/4)

Alright, everyone, I want you all to talk about your dreams.

She was always one for spontaneity.

Of course, there werent many people who would be able to talk about their dreams so openly after being suddenly asked, but in the face of that evil smile that declared she wasnt going to take no for an answer, no one was brave enough to refuse.

Come on, you can speak in turn.

In a corner away from the roads were several boys and girls seated together around a bonfire. Refusing the woman seemed scarier than talking about their dreams, and they didnt want to put on an unseemly display, so they puffed up their chest and spoke about their dreams.

I want to become a swordsman stronger than anyone! Then Ill cut down all the bad guys!

The blonde boy(Jake) raised his sword with one hand and declared. A round of applause erupted and voices that teased and encouraged resounded, drawing a smile from the young boy.

I want to become someone amazing, then Ill build a home for kids like us.

Good luck. Ill help too. The others said as they cheered, and the girl that wore glasses(Lili) smiled despite blushing red.

Ill make magic formulas simpler. When theyre too complicated, no one can use them. No ones willing to take on this job, so its up to me to make everyones life easier, a girl said.

Despite acting mature, this beast-eared girl, Selene, was actually the youngest of the lot.

Cheeky brat, some remarked, but there was a warmth in their voice.

Im going to become an adventurer! Ill enter dungeons and unveil their mysteries! A brown-haired boy said.

But youre such a scaredy cat, someone said.

Yet the brown-haired boy(Law) confidently said, I can do it!

Hey, isnt there anyone here aiming to become a member of the Knight Order of Rimoa? ,,,Were technically candidates, you know?

The red-haired boy(Katta) said in astonishment while sending glances at the woman whod ordered them to talk about their dreams.

No one said it out loud, but everyone felt like saying, what a simple guy.

Oh, I dont really mind. Its just an excuse anyway, so you should all choose the path you want. Ah, but if you want to commit evil, then you better be prepared to face me. Thats fine too, though, she said with a smile. That was clearly a threat, so everyone shook their heads in fear, while saying they would never do such a thing.

Youre up next, Shin(). Whats your dream?

Huh?

The black-haired boy had been doing his best all this time to understand everyones dreams, but then the woman suddenly asked him that and waited for his answer.

It took him awhile before he could fully comprehend what the woman had said, then he opened his mouth slowly.

My, dream, is

What was my dream again, Isis?

The sun beyond the horizon was just about to rise. The sight before him had changed so suddenly that Shinichi could only wryly smile.

Daybreak, huh. The choice of dream is as terrible as usual.

He had been sleeping on a branch connected to a large tree, and upon waking up, he seriously pondered where to file a complaint regarding the selection of his dreams.

What about the other places?

The defense unit and the security department will take care of the rest. If its just some idiots from somewhere attacking, then there shouldnt be any problems.

That was Shinichis judgment after having observed and analyzed everything they had to offer.

He hadnt merely been hacking and snooping around just for show.

They have been protecting the peace of the city for the past 8 years.

Thats why he found the school that possessed unique rights and unique personnel complicated.

But in the end, neither the facilities nor organizations were originally meant for a battle.

This time around they probably have a plan. So Im giving you permission to use your fourth tail should you deem it necessary.

!?

Whether the enemys actions in the academy was their main objective or merely a distraction or even if they werent planning on attacking it at all, leaving it too defenseless was simply too poor of a plan.

He had just learned of the value of the schools name yesterday.

If the school were to be destroyed, the shock to society couldnt be calculated.

Youko knew that too, but she was more concerned about the taboo.

A-Are you sure? I was sure you hated it

Its not a question of whether I hate it or love it. But well After you use it, it will probably be troublesome, especially for you(). Shinichi said meaningfully with a wry smile.

Youko bowed her head.

T-Thank you for your concern. Ill be, careful.

In a rare display, Youkos eyes swam as she muddied her words.

Shinichi understood what she was getting at too, so he didnt say anymore and just patted her head.

Dont take on everything on your own. As long as its not in front of others, I dont mind. Good luck!

Yes! Im sure you dont need this, but May the fortunes of war be with you, Master!

Youko muttered as though praying, then she leaped off his shoulder and ran off into the forest.

She ran so fast she truly was like the wind as she headed for the academy.

Well, at a place like this, beating her in a race is probably impossible.

Despite the natural road and all the plants and trees, none of them could even hinder her a little.

But that was only natural, after all, shes been living in a place like this for over 300 years before they met.

Even if this forest wasnt familiar to her, it was still no different from being her domain.

In just a few seconds, Shinichi lost sight of her even with his mana-reinforced eyes.