[Can I... W-what?]

  Light filters through the tall windows, reflecting on the chandelier above.

  Hinozu sinks to the soft carpet, clutching his chest tightly.

  Raising his head, he asks again.

  [Heal me. Please.]

  [I know you can do it.]

  [Hinozu, I...]

  She whispers.

  Ayumu stays still, reaching out to Hinozu before guiding his hands to his pocket.

  A small smile forms on Hinozu's face.

  [You said you had magic, right?]

  [Hinozu...]

  [If you heal me, I can do it. I can become stronger.]

  [Hinozu.]

  [I don't want to stay like this.]

  [Please, I... I'm begging you. He—]

  [Hinozu!]

  She shouts, stepping back.

  [I can't.]

  The boy's eyes widen. He stands up, brushing his hands frantically on his pants.

  [What do you mean?]

  Kanna bites her lip.

  [I can't.]

  [I can't do it.]

  [But you—]

  [It's too dangerous, Hinozu.]

  Ayumu places a hand on Hinozu's shoulder.

  [Still... I don't... I don't ca—]

  [Though... There's something. I... May not be capable, but I know someone who can help you.]

  [W-who?]

  He jerks his head towards her.

  [It's... The only person I can think of.]

  [An Honorary.]

  Hinozu's eyes widen.

  [An...]

  [Come with me to training today, Hinozu.]

  [I'm sure we can make this work.]

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  ——

  Kanna knocks on the office door.

  [What is it?]

  [It's important.]

  Hinozu stands next to Ayumu. A few steps behind.

  His expression unchanged.

  [Come in.]

  With a soft click, Kanna opens the door, and they step inside.

  The office is in complete darkness. Dust lingers on every object, and the smell of decay is evident.

  Jenneah sits behind her desk, chair reclined all the way.

  Kanna: [I wanted to ask you for a favor.]

  [...Go ahead.]

  [I want to take Hinozu and Ayumu to training with me today.]

  [They know?]

  [They do. I told them.]

  A sigh.

  [Okay. Wait for me outside.]

  Kanna raises a brow.

  [Alright.]

  The three make their way outside, standing near the car.

  Ayumu tugs on his shirt, sweating as the Sun radiates above.

  After a while, Jenneah comes out.

  Silently, she approaches, getting inside the car.

  They do the same, sitting behind.

  The leather burns.

  Tall, gray-scale buildings melt into golden fields as far as the eye can see.

  Though not a single one of them sways.

  [Why did you want to go with her to training?]

  Silence. Kanna looks over to Ayumu with a hesitant gaze.

  He nods.

  [Nothing in particular.]

  She replies.

  [...I see.]

  The car veers towards an ornate gate, stopping shortly as the gate opens.

  Coursing through the vineyard, they reach the palace.

  Ayumu shifts in his seat, glancing at Hinozu.

  His gaze is fixed downwards, unblinking.

  [Is it here?]

  He asks. Kanna nods.

  [Yeah. Let's go.]

  As Jenneah stops the car, they get out, walking towards the door.

  Kanna: [Wait outside. He probably won't want strangers inside his home.]

  Ayumu: [Alright.]

  Three knocks. Then, she opens the door, closing it after she enters.

  Waiting, Ayumu taps his foot on the grass blades.

  [I'm sorry, Hinozu.]

  [...For what?]

  [It was my fault. I was the one who suggested running up that hill.]

  [That's not true.]

  [Listen, I—]

  [It was mine.]

  [I remember you changed your mind. It was me who agreed to do it anyway.]

  [Still...]

  Ayumu's mind wanders, searching for something to say.

  Nothing. Because...

  It's true.

  I can't deny that.

  [Still, I feel bad.]

  [Every time I go training, I can't help but feel guilty.]

  Hinozu chuckles.

  [Why? Because you miss training with me?]

  Because you feel pity?

  Because I'm...

  Worse?

  [Not at all- I mean, of course. It's just, this could've been different.]

  [But don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine.]

  [I hope so.]

  I really do.

  Ayumu smiles.

  Though something claws at his insides.

  What am I doing?

  A sudden click makes both flinch.

  Kanna steps outside, taking a step to the side.

  A tall man steps forward, scrutinizing the boys. Then, as he looks at Ayumu, a warm smile appears on his face.

  [So these are your friends? Nice to meet you.]

  The man outstretches his hand towards Ayumu. He takes it.

  [It's a pleasure.]

  [May I know your name?]

  [Ayumu Alabaster.]

  The man nods, satisfied. His hand lingers for a short while before letting go.

  Ayumu glances towards Hinozu. He realizes.

  His mouth is hung open, eyes revealing shock.

  He seems...

  Fascinated.

  His eyes sparkle. His face lights up.

  His lips quiver, mouth opening and closing several times, before he speaks.

  [Nice to meet you, Mr. Herrig. I've always wanted to meet you. I-I've been following your teachings for a lot of time, and I—]

  [So? Who needs my help?]

  The man asks. Kanna points at Hinozu.

  [Him. Could you, Herrig?]

  She says nervously.

  Herrig runs a hand through his suit.

  [A-as you can see, Mr. Herrig, I'm injured, I've always wanted to join the IEM but with these I can't, and I've always wanted to follow your steps, and—]

  [I won't.]

  Ayumu's heart skips a beat.

  He tears his gaze from Hinozu, staring at the ground.

  I don't want to see his face.

  [W-why... Sir?]

  Hinozu asks.

  The man smirks, already heading inside his palace.

  [Don't miss tomorrow's training, Kanna.]

  [Wait, Herrig. Why won't you...?]

  The question hangs in the air.

  Herrig clicks his tongue.

  [Let's just say... The kid doesn't have much potential.]

  [He's a nobody.]