This is an only-image chapter!

  Each image tells the progression of the story within that time, without needing words to explain the life of the characters!

  Smoking in secret.

  “Heh, fucking awesome. Still can’t believe Guts actually survived that. Damn, wish I had that big-ass sword...”

  Getting knowledge.

  “Ok… I finally found a translated book of miracles. Hmmm… I don’t understand much… I think I’ll need to ask Professor Romina for help…”

  Translating.

  “She promised to help me translate the book, but she fell asleep. Again. She told me she has nightmares. I wonder how can I help her...”

  Under the rain.

  “Don’t think this means I owe you anything, Jax.”

  “Haha, I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. Hey, you did well in the last practice. You looked pretty.”

  “I know.”

  “Heh, not even a thank you?”

  “No. Now let’s go…”

  "Alright, alright."

  Bernt & Romina

  “How’s your sister?”

  “Eh… you know. Still in rehab. She had a bad relapse last week, almost kicked the bucket.”

  “I’m sorry, Bernt… I wish I could help somehow…”

  “There’s no miracle of yours that could fix that blockhead.”

  “…”

  “…Wanna come down to my apartment? You can stay the night.”

  “Bernt… no. We’re not together anymore.”

  “Worth a try every now and then.”

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  Shopping at the mall.

  “What do you think, Gloria?”

  “I think it’s a lovely accessory that would look beautiful on you!”

  “I don’t know… don’t you think it’s a bit childish?”

  “Lady Miria, you’re still young. Besides, I believe there’s no age limit for wanting to feel pretty.”

  “…Alright…”

  Watching the perimeters

  “Chappi Do you see anything dangerous?”

  “No, Choppi. Oh! I see a… a squirrel!”

  “Dear Gods…”

  “There are more.”

  “No…”

  “What do you see?”

  “Nothing. Only darkness. I think I’m blind.”

  “Heavens… Smiley didn’t prepare us enough for this job.”

  "Brother, I think...I think your binoculars are closed."

  "Oh..."

  Sebastian's Room

  "Hehehe....I got all the volumes now...perfect."

  Privileges

  I don’t think I mind that much being the only noble at the academy…

  Tea-time!

  “Nyufufufu~ Ah, what a delight!” The yellow creature’s grin widened as he lifted his teacup with exaggerated care. “I never imagined I’d be sharing tea with such a… theatrical colleague in his house!.”

  Across from him, the marionette answered with a courteous tilt of the head, porcelain smile perfectly in place. “Oh, my dear yellow squid, you flatter me. But let’s admit it—nothing beats a fine cup of tea while pretending to be more docile than we really are.”

  Koro-Sensei chuckled, tentacles twitching as they rearranged pastries with impossible speed. “Exactly! I smile to soothe my students, while deep down I’m the monster they must overcome.” His gaze lingered on that frozen grin. “And you? Is your smile just a fa?ade, or has it stuck to you by now?”

  “Mmm… a bit of both.” Smiley’s fingers traced the rim of his cup, precise, deliberate. “The smile is a mask, but it’s also… freedom. If it breaks—if I let slip what I’m really thinking—people remember I can be terrifying.” He paused, eyes glinting. “And you, radiant tentacle of the sun, know full well that children learn faster when fear is dressed up as kindness.”

  “How true!” his yellow friend replied cheerfully. “Although, allow me to correct you—I prefer to call it… respect. A pinch of terror is necessary, yes, but always wrapped in gentleness.”

  Smiley let out a soft, amused sound. “Oh, respect… I call it control. Checkmate disguised as a hug.” He set his cup down with a faint clink. “But don’t worry. I don’t hand out surprise assassination exams. I only… make sure the bombs don’t go off in the schoolyard.” A polite smile. “A minor detail.”

  Archery.

  "Gerard will be getting married soon. He’ll be staying in Larion for a few months. I need to prepare. I want him to see me in the Annual Elemental Tournament."

  Movie!

  "You know, Fer, after the movie we could go to my house! What about a sleepover?"

  "...Sure."

  Work time.

  “Remember to always put on your best face!”

  “…Mom. This is my best face.”

  Vans’ Office

  “Let’s see…”

  The Seal

  “According to Smiley, this will keep me from causing trouble…”

  Sigh.

  “At least he erased the other scars from my body.”

  Her eye watches.

  "Soon you’ll be mine… All of you, completely mine…"

  ?