She entered inside the tent and her head was just so confused. She had walked in without thinking about what she was going to talk to Milli about. Seeing the inside of the tent, her own brain stopped working.
Oh my. I just entered without any prep. How am I going to meet a person who is injured and sick.
She felt sympathy and empathy toward Milli immediately — seeing her hands in bandages, and the mark. She squinted her eyes and saw a small mark on her neck. But the sound of Liliana's small cough brought her back to the present, reminding her that she had been staring at Milli too long.
She felt embarrassed. She smiled at Milli and asked, "Hello Milli, how are you feeling?"
And inside — oh crap Himari, who even says hello to a sick person like that. Why did I do that.
But Milli smiled back. "I'm all good, Miss Himari. How are you?"
"I am all good," she replied — completely forgetting that Milli was asking about her bandaged hands. As she noticed Milli glancing awkwardly at her own reply, she caught a glimpse of Milli staring at her hands.
"Oh — I mean, I'm okay now," Himari added quickly.
"Oh, that's good," Milli said. "Please sit down." She gestured, seeing Himari still standing.
Himari didn't sit immediately. Her brain was still running.
If Liliana leaves us alone for a few minutes then it's possible I can ask Milli how she got injured. But knowing my luck that idea is not going to work. Better to just ask directly.
She sat down on the chair near Milli and asked, "So Milli — how did you get injured? I mean, you were with your teammates and even senior soldiers were supervising. What happened?"
Milli's expression shifted slightly. "Oh Himari, actually I — it's not quite a good experience."
Himari felt immediately that she hadn't done the right thing asking. But she needed to know. She needed to confirm — is it true? Is it the cult? No. They were all in Cyprus. They can't be here. It's been so many years.
"Smilingly," she said softly, "no Milli, I don't mean to bring back bad memories. I'm just worried for you and others. That's all. Someone attacked you?"
Milli shook her head slightly. "No — it was maybe not an attack because it's just that—"
Himari put her hand over Milli's nervous hand. "It's okay if you're not comfortable. It's okay. Don't force yourself."
"I know, it's just—" Milli started. "Suddenly someone grabbed me."
Liliana, who was standing behind, spoke up. "We were watching Leo train. He was the one lined up to show his skills. She was standing a little behind and she saw one of them in the snow — someone who looked injured, hiding, trying to stay behind the bush. She just went toward that side."
Himari's whole focus stayed on Milli. "Where were you standing exactly, Milli?"
"Where? Oh — it was near that hollow long tree. The one with the few red leaves. The trunk is hollow. I just went near it because it was my turn and I tried to pick up and then someone pushed me inside — behind that tree, under the bushes. I don't know. I just screamed and then I woke up here, bandaged."
"Oh," Himari said quietly. "So you didn't — I mean, you didn't see who that person was?"
Milli shook her head. "No. There was no one. Someone just grabbed me from behind."
That was enough. Himari could feel the shake in Milli's hands, the coldness in them. She patted her hands gently.
"You are safe Milli. You don't need to be afraid. And it's okay — you don't have to explain. You don't have to feel pressured."
Milli smiled back.
Then Liliana said she should rest — a clear sign for Himari to leave.
Himari stood up. "Milli — if you need anything, any help, or want to share anything, feel free to call me. Take care of yourself."
And then — very quietly, very carefully — she tried to see Milli's neck one last time.
Nothing. No seal. Not a single mark.
She exhaled slowly inside.
Thank goodness.
"Yes — of course, it's a pleasure to meet you Himari," Milli said.
"Same for you. You were a kind girl. I hope you recover soon." She gave Milli's hand one last gentle squeeze. "Take care, okay?"
Milli nodded.
Himari left the tent.
She came out and felt a wave of relief wash over her so strongly she almost stopped walking.
Thank god. She didn't get — wait.
Why did Niel and everyone say she got attacked by — oh. No one said it was the cult. Not once. Not clearly. Oh crap. I assumed. I just assumed the whole time. They tried to explain but I was too stupid to listen properly.
Oh I am so embarrassed.
She broke out of her thoughts as she spotted Reian sitting and just reading a book ..clearly waiting near their tents. The tents of Kiro, Reian and hers were still bound up. Only the chairs remained, and the small fire was bouncing on the left side. Reian was sitting on one of the chairs.
She came up to him. "Are you done?"
"Well, yes," he said.
She sat down on her chair. "So where is Kiro?"
"Oh — Sir Haru called him."
She just nodded.
Reian asked, "Where were you?"
"Oh, I was just at Milli's tent."
"Why?"
"Oh just, you know — checking her recovery. Just met up to see how she was."
"Well okay. ," he said simply.
She was about to ask — so Reian, actually— and then stopped herself.
No. I can't ask. It's awkward. He already told me why. Why would I ask again about the Milli incident? Ahh why am I being so restless. Why can't I just accept what happened. It's just — too fishy. Why the heck—
Nope. Himari stop thinking.
She got up and pulled her water bottle from her bag and took a few sips — completely forgetting Reian had already asked her something and was waiting.
"Yes — what is it?" he asked she stop in mid sip, suddenly noticing him looking at her.
"Nah, nothing," she said before he could repeat himself. "I just got confused. It wasn't worthy to talk about. Just stupid questions."
He said, "Well, you should still ask."
"No, its stupid question ignore it " she said.
But then she saw Kiro coming.
He was looking so serious that for a second she thought — oh. Does he already know something? The way he was walking — heavy footsteps, that particular set to his shoulders — he came toward them and Reian was already standing up, bags on the ground and tent packed up.
Kiro came. Reian raised his brows — what happened?
"Nothing much," Kiro said. Then to Himari — "They are calling. Come with me."
Reian stopped her before she moved after nodding. "Wait — first tell me. Why only her? I mean, why did they call her?"
Kiro said, "Well, I don't know yet. They just told me — come, bring Himari with you."
Himari said, "Well it's okay, let's go."
She just followed Kiro without thinking twice. Then Reian said, "Well I'm also coming."
Kiro said, "No. You should wait here with our bags. And also sir only called me as the leader, and Himari. Someone has to stay and also you should accompany the others — talk to Tyler's group."
Reian still didn't look convinced. "Well okay," he said finally. "Still came fast though — it's weird sitting here alone."
Kiro said, "You should accompany and talk to the others. Tyler is there as well."
And on the other hand Himari had already walked out without looking back.
Kiro was still trying to convince Reian.
She realized she had walked ahead and stopped — turning to wait. No footsteps coming. She saw he was still standing near the chairs, talking to Reian. She called out.
"Hey, team leader."
Kiro looked behind. Just nodded — wait, coming — and walked out after.
He came fast. She asked, "Why were you standing with Reian?"
"Nothing. Let's go."
She nodded, forgetting her question as they arrived outside Haru's tent. Kiro called out, "Sir, may I come in?"
Permission granted. She walked in first — he gave her space to go ahead — and she saw them.
Niel and Haru both sitting. Sir Vane standing. All the senior soldiers who were juniors of the General. The second line General Haru. Sir Vane.
She greeted them. Kiro greeted them as well. Both stood straight.
Because it wasn't only the officers. From every academy, the student leader of their group was present. Leo. Tyler. All standing.
The change in the glance — seeing only Himari as extra, the one who wasn't a leader — hit her for the first time. She felt confused and nervous. She slowed her step without realizing and let Kiro walk first, falling in behind him.
Then Niel .
He had been sitting with one leg over the other — the particular attitude of the most senior person in any room, which he was. Every junior officer in that tent straightened their backs when he look up towords any of them. Sir Vane straightened as well.
Himari was very clearly avoiding eye contact. Only she knew why.
She stood to the side.
Then Haru said, "Well — so everyone is here—"
But then another voice came asking for permission at the entrance.
Liliana.
Himari thought — oh, she was also called.
Sir Vane granted permission. Liliana walked in looking confused, saw all the seniors standing in front, and quickly walked to Leo's side as his team leader and stood there.
Haru said, "As everyone is now complete — so. You are here gathered for a specific reason. Stand straight and listen carefully."
Then Niel, still sitting, said, "Well — we have many things to say. First — are all your bags packed?"
Everyone said yes sir.
"Well then. First thing is — you all are going home. No one is staying here."
Every face in the room went blank.
Wait. What?
Huh?
He added, "Second — Tyler and Liliana. Your skills were impressive. We got to know that you both were well trained and your background — you were trained from the same academy before changing your academies . Is that right?"
They both nodded. "Yes sir."
Leo was not the only one surprised. Everyone was.
"Step aside," Niel said to them both.
Then — "Kiro. you are trained as well. You showed your skill today." And Leo too was called to step aside with Tyler and Liliana.
Then he called one more person.
A boy.
Himari had not once caught a glimpse of this person — not at training, not at sparring, not even once during the camp. He had the same look as her. Pale skin. Crimson eyes. But he was wearing glasses.
Niel called him forward.
"Meet him. He is Judi Ryen. He is one of the strongest magic holders in black magic — the strongest kind. He is one of our students and the youngest among those who have joined us on a mission and become a reason for success — because of his intelligence. He has never once in his life used his magic. He joined as you all did during the camp and he showed incredible skill. He is the same age as yours."
Everyone looked at him.
Haru finished the introduction. Niel stood up, pushing the chair aside. Every officer in the room straightened immediately as he rose.
He looked at the remaining group leaders standing to the left — and Himari among them, standing, still unsure of her place in the room.
"You all are going to the military academy. Back. Sir Vane is going to decide who stays and who goes back to their academy. You all need improvement. You need skill work. You are not yet well trained." He paused. "Any questions or complaints — ask right now."
One girl raised her voice. "Sir, why did you separate them?" — asking about Liliana and the others standing to the side.
Niel looked at her.
"That is not your concern. Ask about anything else. And also — do not open your mouth unless it is necessary. If you have a stupid question or query it is better to stay quiet."
He was not rude exactly. He was simply someone who did not consider explaining himself a requirement.
No one said anything after that.
Sir Vane said flatly, "No questions?"
Silence.
"Well then. Those who are not yet done packing — go. Finish. Those who are done — rest."
She thought — why the heck did they call us just to tell us they chose them and send us away without any explanation—
"Himari Tsukihara."
She stopped.
Sir Vane's voice.
"Stop right there."
She stopped.
Everyone who was leaving turned to look. Their faces — frustration, confusion, and something sharper that she didn't have a name for but recognized immediately. They filed out without another word.
Then Niel said, "Why we stopped her — she is also one like you. A trained girl. A professional from Arclight." He looked at her. "Come forward. You all—" he gestured to the group that had been set aside — "Himari joins you. You are now a group of six. And Judi is your group leader. Soon you will know how, why, and what is happening. For now all you need to know is that there are six of you. Judi is your leader. You follow his orders. Whatever he says — you do. Without question. Understood?"
He looked at all six of them.
"Sir Vane and Sir Haru will explain everything. Whatever questions you have later— clear . But let me tell you one thing first."
He looked at them steadily.
"You are all going to work under me from now. I do not want any ridiculous stupid questions. Whatever your doubt — clear it . We will meet all six of you at that camp. Understood?" as you all also going back where you all once arriving got it until then just shut your mouth and follow orders " then sir vane said wait outside only Judi and Himari stay
She still didn't understand why they had stopped her.
There must be a reason. But couldn't they have explained it without making me stand here while everyone watched? Ahh my brain is hurting. I just hope no one blames me when we go outside.
She was still standing to the side, confused, when Niel spoke again.
"Judi." He looked at the boy with the glasses. "Meet her. She is the girl. You can check whether she is worth staying or not yourself."
Judi just nodded.
And then he came forward.
Himari didn't fully register what was happening until it already had — because there was no warning. No stance taken, no signal given, no moment where the air shifted and told her something was coming.
He just moved.
His hand closed around her wrist and in the same motion wrenched it behind her back — sharp, precise, the kind of grip that knew exactly where the joint would resist and applied pressure there without hesitation. The angle was wrong. The pain was immediate.
Her body responded before her brain did.
Elbow. Back. Hard.
The impact landed solid into his stomach and she felt the hit register — but he didn't flinch. Not even slightly. Like the elbow had gone into something that simply absorbed it and moved on.
Then his hand found the back of her neck.
She went down to her knees.
Not because she chose to. Because the grip left her no other direction to go. Her knees hit the cold floor of the tent and the cold shot through the fabric immediately and she thought — get up — and she did. Fast. Too fast maybe. She launched herself upward and forward and went at him the only way her body knew how when thinking had already been removed from the equation.
Pure movement. Pure reflex.
The room had gone completely silent. She didn't hear it. She didn't hear anything except the sound of her own breathing and the shift of weight between them as they moved.
He was stronger than he looked. That was the first real thought that cut through — not a strategy, not an assessment, just the plain fact of it landing in her body as she tried to find an opening and found him already closing each one before she reached it. Pale, slight, glasses slightly askew now — and none of it meant anything because his technique was precise in a way that made size irrelevant.
She took a hit to the face during the struggle. She felt the sharp bloom of it across her cheekbone and tasted copper at the corner of her lip and kept moving.
Her elbows found him twice. She felt both land.
And then — an opening.
She took it.
Her hand found his neck and her weight came down and he went to the ground and she was on top and for exactly one second she thought —
Done.
Her chest was heaving. The corner of her lip was bleeding, a thin line of red that she could feel but not stop. Both of them were on the cold floor and her hand was at his throat and he was looking up at her and he looked — tired. Just slightly. Not defeated, not frightened, just — mildly tired in the way someone looks when they have been running and have chosen to pause.
"Judi."
Niel's voice. Flat and certain.
"It's enough."
Judi didn't move.
He was still looking at her. Those crimson eyes behind the slightly askew glasses, steady, reading something in her face that she didn't know she was showing.
"It's enough," Niel said again.
And then — before she had taken even one full breath of relief — the floor came up to meet her.
She didn't process how. Just the sudden reversal of weight, the loss of the grip she thought she had, and then she was face down on the cold floor of the tent with Judi's weight across her back and his hand at the back of her neck — the same point he had gone for at the very beginning — pressing just enough to make the position clear without causing damage.
She couldn't move.
She tried. Immediately, instinctively, she tested every direction — pushing against the floor, shifting her weight, trying to find the angle — and found nothing. He had closed every option the same way he had closed every opening during the fight. Without drama. Without effort that showed.
"Not too bad," Judi said. His voice was unhurried. "But I can't just accept a person who thinks they've overcome someone and then drops their guard."
She felt the anger arrive so fast it almost had its own heat.
"What do you mean let my guard down?" Her voice came out flat despite the floor pressing against her cheek. "It's just that the human brain takes time. You attacked me without any warning. You are a senior. An officer in the military. Why would I have taken you as an enemy in the first place? Of course I couldn't beat you immediately. I needed time. And no one told me I needed to fight you."
She was still trying to free herself as she said it. Still testing the grip. Still refusing to go still.
"It's frustrating," she said, quieter now — not to him, not to anyone, just the words coming out because they had nowhere else to go. "It's so frustrating."
The grip didn't loosen.
Judi leaned down. His voice came low near her ear — quiet enough that only she could hear, chosen carefully, landing exactly where he intended.
"Miss. Cut the act. Remember — you don't need to be here. You shouldn't be here. This is not a place for you. Go back home, girl, before I beat you and make you regret coming into this line."
A pause. Then quieter still.
"And try your best to hide that seal. It's proof you're not on our side."
Another pause. More deliberate.
"Or maybe — you're the one who hurt that girl."
The words went in and stayed there.
She headbutted him.
It wasn't a decision. It was the only part of her that was free and she used it — the back of her skull connecting with his face with everything she had and the sound of it was sharp and immediate and then he made a sound she hadn't heard from him once during the entire fight.
His grip loosened.
She hit the same spot again. Harder. Full force. The second impact caught his nose and she felt the crack of it register through the back of her head and his hand released and she moved —
Pulled herself free, turned, and both of them were on the cold floor of the tent now. Her on her side, pushing herself up. Him sitting back, one hand going to his nose where the blood was already coming — not a flood, just that immediate steady red that meant she had hit something real.
Both of them breathing hard.
Both of them on the ground.
Her cape had come half off in the struggle. Her white hair was loose at the edges where the hood had been pulled back. The corner of her lip was still bleeding. Her bandaged hands had held — barely — but held.
She looked at him across the cold floor between them.
He looked back at her.
His nose was bleeding. His glasses were still on — barely, tilted at an angle that would have been almost funny if her whole body wasn't aching. He didn't look angry. He didn't look impressed either. He just looked at her the way someone looks at a problem they are still in the process of calculating.
The room was completely silent.
Nobody had moved.
Then Sir Vane spoke.
" you all why are you still standing here didn't you understand go outside We'll talk about this later." He said looking at those four looking shockingly what is this happening "and you two its over know stand up "sit vain said looking at her and Judi
Judi didn't look away from her.
He stood up.
Cleaned his nose. Straightened his uniform. Tilted his glasses back into position with one finger.
Professional. Unhurried. Like nothing of significance had just occurred.
Then he looked at her — still on the ground, hair scattered, cape sideways, lip bleeding, bandages coming loose — and said it simply, like a footnote.
"Hey girl. Go wait outside."
She stood up.
In the back of the room Niel and Haru were both looking at Judi with their eyes doing something that didn't need words — the particular look of two people who have mentally noted something and filed it somewhere permanent. Neither of them said anything.
She walked out.
Outside the cold hit her immediately.
She was looking down as she walked — not hiding, just processing, her brain trying to catch up with everything her body had just been through.
Maybe it was a test. I didn't perform well enough. I need to work harder on my skills. I failed. He might send me back to the academy. I should have done better. I should have used my legs more — blocking his hits that way would have been better. Next time I'm going to beat him equally.
She almost walked into them.
All four.
Standing there. Right outside. Waiting.
Kiro. Leo. Tyler. Liliana. — all of them just there, as if standing outside in the cold waiting for her was the obvious and only thing to do.
She looked up.
Kiro already had the handkerchief out. He pressed it gently to the corner of her bleeding lip before she had even fully registered what was happening. He ask are you ok"
She stepped back slightly. "Oh — I'm okay, I've got it—" putting her own hand over the handkerchief, taking it from him.
Tyler looked at the tent flap she had just walked through. His voice was flat with disbelief. "Wow. He is a freaking rude psycho. Thinks himself a saint because of his looks."
Liliana crossed her arms. "Why did he do that to you without any warning? No preparation, no explanation — just went at you like that." She shook her head. "What a jerk."
Himari stood there with the handkerchief pressed to her lip.
Scattered hair. Cape still sideways. Bandages coming loose at the edges. Lip still bleeding slowly.
And these five people — who she had not asked, who had not been told to wait, who had simply been standing there — surrounding her like it was the natural thing to do.
She looked at all of them.
She didn't cry.
She held it. Pressed the handkerchief a little harder to her lip. Took one breath that was slightly unsteady and then steadied itself.
"I'm okay and he is our senior maybe it was test or something like that," she said again.
This time it came out certain.
Tyler was already turning, heading back toward his team. "Go bandage yourself up properly and rest when you can," he called back.
Leo said nothing to her. Not one word. Just turned to Liliana — "Let's go to our team. We have to bid the others goodbye." — and walked. Liliana followed, glancing back at Himari once before she went.
That left Kiro.
"Let's go," he said.
Simple. No question about the sparring. No comment about Judi. No asking what he said to her in mid . Just — let's go. Already walking. Expecting her to follow.
She followed.
Walking behind him, the cold settling back around her, the handkerchief still pressed to her lip.
Her brain was already elsewhere.
I should have used my legs more. Blocking his hits that way — that would have been better. Next time I'm going to face him equally. He really is good at fighting. Whatever bad thing I want to say about him — I can't deny that.
She walked.
Kiro walked in front.
Neither of them said anything.