Moonlight falls over the grass blades as the gentle breeze grazes them. The log at the center —Once a tall tree, now reduced to a training dummy— shows signs of constant use, its surface filled with stains of sweat and blood.
He unwraps his hands, sitting on a nearby bench as he breathes jaggedly. The chirping of crickets, once preceded by laborious grunts and curses, is now the only sound heard.
Someone taps his shoulder.
Someone that isn't really there.
[It's enough, Hinozu.]
A tap. Another.
[You swore.]
A chill runs down his spine. His head hurts. His eyelids feel heavier.
[Don't force yourself.]
[Is that all you can do for me?]
[Step by step. Slowly.]
[Will you do that for me?]
[I... Don't know.]
A weight sets upon his shoulders.
[You know nothing.]
[It's alright. You can learn.]
[If you did...]
Silence.
With a deep breath, Hinozu stands up.
He returns to training.
Wrap.
Breathe.
Stare.
At the log.
At the stains.
And train.
Again.
And again.
Over.
And over.
[But still...]
[I'm doing it.]
Hinozu: [That's what counts.]
1 hour.
Hinozu heads inside, taking the stairs to his room.
Standing under the showerhead, he lets the warm water flow on his skin shortly before turning it cold.
His body stiffens at the sensation, breaths deeper as his skin tightens.
[Come on.]
[This is nothing.]
After cleansing, he turns off the shower. Droplets fall from his body as he grabs the towel.
His gaze falls on his clothes. Putting them on, he leaves the bathroom.
Ayumu sits on his desk, writing something. The boy glances over his shoulder, waving at Hinozu.
Ayumu: [Hi there! Done training?]
[Yeah. I'm tired...]
[Well done!]
[Thanks!]
He focuses on writing again. Hinozu lies down on his bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Ayumu: [Did Kanna tell you?]
The pen strikes through paper.
Hinozu: [Hm?]
Ayumu: [She's going to forgive what we owe her!]
Hinozu: [Did we owe her anything?]
He chuckles.
Ayumu: [Don't you remember? The restaurant from yesterday.]
Hinozu: [Ah... Right. I was so focused on the emptiness of my wallet that I forgot.]
Ayumu laughs, tapping his pen on the desk.
Ayumu: [Right?]
Hinozu: [You've got no right to agree with me. At least I spend mine on things that are worth it.]
Ayumu: [I'd argue I spend it wisely.]
Hinozu raises a brow.
Hinozu: [Really?]
Ayumu: [Yes. Absolutely. I'd go as far as to—]
A loud knock startles them. Hinozu sighs, walking over to the door to open it.
Hinozu: [What is it?]
Kanna smiles.
Kanna: [Dinner's ready.]
Hinozu: [You almost broke our door down for... This?]
Ayumu: [Have some respect for it.]
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Kanna: [I couldn't care less.]
She says, the same smile still plastered on her face.
Hinozu and Kanna descend the stairs.
Hinozu: [Aren't you coming, Ayumu?]
Ayumu: [Do I have to?]
He chuckles.
Kanna: [Do you dare?]
Ayumu speeds to the stairs.
[No, miss.]
Kanna: [Because you slowed us down... You'll bring everything to the table.]
Ayumu: [W-wait, I can explain...]
Hinozu: [They haven't drafted you for war, you know.]
He smirks as Ayumu bolts down the stairs, heading towards the kitchen.
Kanna and Hinozu sit down at the table, a tear almost forming in Ayumu's eye as he sets the table.
Hinozu: [I feel pity for you.]
Ayumu: [Don't be so exaggerated! It's no big deal!]
Kanna: [Is that why you're almost about to cry?]
With a deep sigh, he finally sits down, reaching for some bread.
Ayumu: [This bread is amazing! Compliments to the chef!]
Kanna: [You made it yourself.]
Ayumu sticks out his tongue.
Kanna: [Disgusting.]
Hinozu: [Concerning.]
Kanna serves herself some chicken and salad, while Hinozu grabs half the steak.
Ayumu: [Hey! You're cheating! Isn't half a steak too much?]
Hinozu smiles, returning it back.
Hinozu: [Oh... Right. Sorry. I shouldn't have.]
Kanna: [Have it.]
[But...]
[You can have it.]
[Thanks.]
He takes a bite, chewing slowly.
Not really enjoyable.
Kanna: [Plus, you have to eat according to your training.]
Hinozu nods.
Ayumu: [Jenneah sent a letter this evening.]
Kanna: [Oh? What did she say?]
She reaches for a piece of bread.
Ayumu: [She's coming back tomorrow morning.]
Kanna: [Was it really that important?]
Ayumu: [Of course. Remember that she's supposed to teach us, too. The IEM needs to make sure she's appropriate for the job.]
He takes a bite of his green, salty salad.
Kanna: [Speaking of which, have you both done your work?]
Silence.
Ayumu: [Not at all!]
Hinozu: [M-me neither...]
They both stand up, running to the library.
Ayumu: [How could... No, I could definitely forget. How could you forget?!]
They arrive, panting heavily.
Hinozu: [It just didn't cross my mind...]
Searching through the books, Ayumu retrieves a few along with some papers. Hinozu grabs two pens, sitting down as he fidgets with one.
Hinozu: [Let's see... What was it?]
Ayumu: [An essay on Ruddii. Three thousand words minimum.]
Hinozu: [Oh, great. Just great... I'm going to read through these books. We'll come up with something then.]
Ayumu pats Hinozu's shoulder.
Ayumu: [Wait, wait wait! Read some fragments aloud so I write them down!]
Hinozu: [Right! So, uh...]
He scans through the pages. Once he finds the topic, he begins reading.
[Ruddii is the substance of the... universe that holds it together, and uh, it's what a select few people can control to use it... Shaping the environment and transforming things. It can only be used to... transform matter and substances, nothing more. That's all I can understand here...]
Ayumu: [...Is that it?]
He asks, desperate.
Ayumu: [How am I supposed to write a 3000 word essay with that?!]
Hinozu: [Wait, let me find something...]
The loud flipping of pages fills the library.
Hinozu: [People... Here! It's related.]
[So... From the few who can use it, eight lineages have been able to control Ruddii for ages. These are the—]
Ayumu: [The?]
Hinozu: [Be patient, I was just about to say it!]
[The Ottaviano Family, who are known for their concerning grip on—]
Ayumu: [Just say their names, I don't think I can remember all that!]
Hinozu: [Yeah, better.]
[So, the Ottaviano family, the Zhudáng family, the...]
Hinozu: [...Yeah, We're skipping this. I'm not memorizing random surnames.]
Ayumu sighs deeply, sinking into his chair.
Ayumu: [Right... Okay so, uh... 3000 words... What do we write it about?]
Hinozu: [No idea...]
He taps his pen.
[Oh, right!]
Hinozu: [What?]
Ayumu: [Let's write about what we think its limits are!]
Hinozu: [You're a genius!]
Ayumu chuckles, writing down with his pen effervescently.
The two continue writing, inspired by Ayumu's idea.
3:52 AM.
Ayumu: [1976, 1977... 1978. 1978 words.]
Hinozu: [Same. 1932.]
Disheveled hair. Deep bags under the eyes. The library in complete darkness, except for a tiny lamp.
[We're doomed.]
[It was nice knowing you, Ayumu.]
——
Ayumu's eyes flutter open as sunlight illuminates the library. He wakes Hinozu up, shaking his shoulder.
Hinozu: [Good morning.]
Ayumu: [It's our last.]
Hinozu yawns, standing up. Soon, they both walk through the corridor to the entrance. They spot Kanna leaving the kitchen.
Hinozu: [Good morning.]
Ayumu: [Have you eaten breakfast already? Without us?]
She sighs, an irritated expression on her face.
Kanna: [It's 2 PM.]
Blink.
Blink.
Ayumu: [Huh?]
Hinozu: [Has she...?]
Kanna: [Office.]
They walk back to the corridor, knocking at the office's door.
[Come in.]
They step inside, bright smiles on their faces.
Hinozu: [Welcome back, Master!]
Ayumu: [We're so glad to have you back, Mrs. Alabaster!]
Jenneah sighs. The old woman hasn't aged a day.
Jenneah: [What have you done now?]
Hinozu chuckles awkwardly.
[Nothing at all! We were just greeting you!]
Ayumu nods.
Ayumu: [We're so glad to have you back, Mrs. Alabaster!]
Jenneah stands up, smiling knowingly.
Jenneah: [I know you haven't done your work.]
Ayumu: [We're so glad to... Eh?]
The old woman raises a brow.
Jenneah: [So, how many words, if any?]
Hinozu: [Around 2000.]
Jenneah: [I'll let it slide. Just once.]
Ayumu laughs with joy.
Ayumu: [We're so glad to have you back, Jenneah!]
Hinozu: [Yeah.]
He smiles.
Jenneah: [Come on, bring me your papers.]
Hinozu: [Right away.]
The boys leave the office, retrieving their essays from the library. As they walk through the corridor, Kanna enters the office.
They both hand the papers to Jenneah, who starts reading them immediately.
Ayumu: [Why'd you come?]
Kanna: [Me? I just wanted to see your grades.]
Hinozu: [We don't need your pity...]
They wait patiently. After a while, Jenneah hands the essays to each.
Hinozu: [I can feel Ayumu's soul leaving again.]
Kanna: [Not that I care.]
Ayumu: [Well, I actually got a 52. Not bad, eh?]
He beams. Jenneah watches with amusement.
Kanna: [You seem proud of that...]
Hinozu: [Concerning.]
Kanna looks over Hinozu's essay. Jenneah sighs, shifting uncomfortably.
Kanna: [Hinozu...]
Jenneah: [We need to have a little chat, Hinozu.]
His body stiffens.
[Oh, okay.]
Ayumu and Kanna leave the office, closing the door softly. The old woman approaches Hinozu.
Jenneah: [Is something bothering you?]
[No... Nothing.]
[You can tell me, Hinozu. I'm supposed to help.]
[I'm fine.]
Jenneah retreats back to her chair.
[Your grades are dropping, and I'm concerned. It's okay, I get that you don't always want to study... But be careful.]
Tap.
A distorted voice.
[What's made you this way?]
Jenneah: [I know you're focused on your training, Hinozu... But you have to understand. Studying is also important if you want to be an Exterminator. We aren't blessed or anything, we aren't kings or super wealthy. All we can do is study to give ourselves a better life.]
[I know.]
[I know you know, that's why I'm concerned.]
You wouldn't understand.
Tap.
[You're supposed to do more.]
[You're doing more.]
[You're supposed to be more.]
[You're being more.]
[Hinozu.]
[Don't make me feel bad for taking care of you.]
[You make me feel proud for taking care of you.]
[Hinozu.]
[Hinozu.]
[Hinozu!]
Gasp.
Hinozu: [Y-yeah?]
Jenneah: [You seem distracted these days. Why don't you... Take some rest from training?]
Tap.
[It's not like it does any good for you.]
It does.
I just need to...
Continue.
Hinozu: [I'll try.]
The old woman nods.
Jenneah: [Your well-being always comes first. Alright?]
[...Alright.]
Hinozu leaves the office, clicking his tongue in irritation.
[I need to be an Exterminator. I don't have time for anything else.]
He takes out the wraps from his pocket.
[I'll rest.]
[But only once I'm ready.]
