Oh my god—what happened in there?" Arianna stood from where she'd been sitting beneath a tree, her eyes wide as she rushed toward them.
Kobe didn't stop walking. "They'll explain everything later. For now, please just open the portal."
Arianna blinked, then nodded. "Oh—yeah, sure."
With a wave of her hand, she opened a shimmering portal. Everyone stepped through, emerging at the gates of the academy. As they walked toward the entrance, a voice echoed faintly in Rin's mind.
"Wow… this world really changed that much? Holy shit."
Rin froze, looking around with wary eyes. Then the woman in black—short hair, white eyes, the one from the dungeon—appeared before him.
"Relax," she said with a small smile. "I just want to see the world."
Rin immediately attacked.
Everyone stopped and turned to stare.
Kobe narrowed his eyes. "Rin, are you okay?"
"Of course not!" Rin snapped. "Why didn't any of you attack the black-haired woman standing right in front of you?!"
Arianna blinked. "Black-haired woman…?"
Kaela sighed. "Just ignore him. He's been like this since the dungeon."
Rin pointed furiously. "She's literally right there, sitting on that rock!"
Taro frowned. "Rin, there's nobody there."
The woman in black chuckled softly. "They can't see me. Only you can. I told you—our souls are connected. I can hear your thoughts… share your feelings."
"Sharing thoughts?" Rin thought.
"Yes. Nothing will be hidden from me," she replied calmly.
Taro groaned. "Let's just go. He can keep talking to himself."
Kaela nodded. "Yeah. That's what I was going to do anyway."
Rin looked at Taro but said nothing. He didn't know whether to feel angry or betrayed. Then, without a word, Kobe stepped beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Rin… I don't want to say I don't believe you. But I also don't want to lie to myself. How about you rest in the academy hospital for a couple of days? Classes are canceled anyway. And if you need anything, I'm here."
Arianna added gently, "Don't worry about the black-haired girl. Let's rest for now, okay?"
Rin gave a faint, tired smile. "Thank you… both of you."
They made their way to the academy hospital.
---
The doctor began treating everyone. "Kaela, your arm will heal in a few days. Taro, your injuries are minor—nothing serious."
He turned to Rin. "But you… you'll need at least a week of rest. Some of those injuries were pretty severe."
Rin lay on his side, facing the wall. Bandages wrapped around his shoulder and midsection, faint bruises marking his arms and neck. His breaths were shallow, like each one carried too much weight.
"You really are tired, aren't you?" came Ella's voice again.
"What do you want?" Rin thought, frustrated.
"Why are you angry? Just calm down."
Rin spoke out loud. "How am I supposed to calm down?!"
Taro and Kaela looked over.
"Hey Rin… are you sure you're okay?" Kaela asked, hesitant.
Rin ignored her.
Taro added, "She's checking on you. At least say something…"
Still no response.
Kaela looked away. "Maybe he's asleep…"
"I'm so pathetic," she thought to herself. "I lost control because of what happened in the dungeon. I didn't want to punch Rin. I want to apologize. Maybe tomorrow… Yes, definitely tomorrow."
Ella's voice echoed one last time. "Anyway… I'll let you sleep. See you tomorrow, handsome."
---
The next day arrived. The trio sat at a table, quietly eating breakfast. The door opened.
It was the Headmaster, flanked by Kobe.
Kaela and Taro stood. "Hello, Headmaster. It's nice to see you."
Rin didn't move. He remained seated, silent. His posture was stiff, a slight wince crossing his face when he reached for his drink.
Kaela whispered to him, "Hey Rin… can't you at least stand up?"
Rin didn't respond.
The Headmaster raised a hand. "It's fine. Please, sit. I came to ask what happened in the dungeon."
Taro glanced at Kaela and nodded for her to begin.
Kaela explained the events. Taro followed up with his part.
Rin remained silent.
The Headmaster stroked his beard. "Hmm… So, three demons appeared, looking for Rin. And you two defeated his subordinates. Is that correct?"
Kaela nodded. "Yes, Headmaster."
He turned to Rin. "Rin… do you know why they were after you?"
Rin said nothing.
"Are you sure?" the Headmaster pressed. "Even the smallest hint?"
Still no reply.
The Headmaster eventually nodded. "Very well. If you say so."
He turned to leave when Rin suddenly asked, "Do you know anything about a black flower that grows deep in the dungeons?"
The Headmaster paused. "A black flower? I've never heard of such a thing."
Kaela scoffed, then hesitated. Her eyes flicked toward Rin, briefly uncertain, but she shook her head. "There was nothing. Don't waste the Headmaster's time, Rin."
Rin glanced at her, then looked away again.
The Headmaster simply said, "Rest well, all of you. I hope to see you in better shape soon."
As the door closed behind him, Ella's voice chimed in again.
"Even the Headmaster doesn't know about me… how interesting."
Rin narrowed his eyes. "Why did you stop time when we were leaving the dungeon?"
"Because I knew you'd freak out. I didn't want your friends thinking you were some kind of psychopath."
"Can I at least know your name?"
She smiled. "I'm Ella. Nice to meet you, Rin."
...
To be continued...