Class 3-C consisted of fifteen students.

  They walked together beneath a wide sky, boots crunching against dirt and stone as Fiester Academy slowly disappeared behind rolling hills.

  At the front was Rena Kisaragi, hands clasped behind her back, walking at an unhurried pace as if this were nothing more than a pleasant excursion. Two other instructors followed behind the group, chatting quietly and occasionally pointing out scenery.

  “This really is far,” muttered Hoshino Rei, a sharp-eyed girl with short auburn hair.

  “Stop complaining,” said Takumi Vale, adjusting the straps of his pack. “At least the weather’s good.”

  Kaoru walked near the middle of the group, listening more than speaking. Around her were familiar faces—classmates she had trained, sparred, and studied with for years.

  She knew all of them.

  Kaoru

  Hoshino Rei

  Takumi Vale

  Lina Morwen, soft-spoken, always reading

  Daisuke Rho, loud and energetic

  Mirei Solas, calm and observant

  Jun Arclight, sarcastic, quick-witted

  Nara Felin, quiet, animal-like movements

  Kaito Riven, broad-shouldered and dependable

  Sora Myles, cheerful and restless

  Eina Frost, silver-haired and blunt

  Riku Han, nervous but earnest

  Yumi Calder, teasing and sharp-tongued

  Shin Orvell, serious, eyes always forward

  Mako Len, small, fast, and constantly humming

  Fifteen.

  Three days of walking.

  Day One

  The road wound gently through low hills and scattered trees. Birds flew overhead, and the air smelled of grass and earth.

  “This doesn’t feel like training,” Sora said, stretching her arms. “Feels like a field trip.”

  “That’s because it is,” Jun replied. “Did you miss the part where they said ‘camping for everyone to enjoy’?”

  Rena glanced back. “Less talking, more walking.”

  “Yes, sensei,” several voices replied in unison.

  Kaoru walked beside Mirei for a while.

  “You’re quiet,” Mirei said softly.

  “Just thinking,” Kaoru replied.

  “About the camp?”

  “…About what comes after.”

  Mirei smiled faintly. “Grasslands don’t hide much. You’ll see everything coming.”

  Kaoru didn’t answer.

  By afternoon, they crossed a shallow river. Shoes were removed, laughter filled the air, and Daisuke nearly slipped and fell face-first into the water.

  “Daisuke!” Yumi laughed. “Careful!”

  “I’m fine!” he shouted, soaking wet.

  They set up temporary shelters that night near a forest edge. Teachers distributed food, joked casually, and even joined in conversation.

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  “This is nothing like the rumors,” Riku whispered to Kaoru as they ate.

  Kaoru simply nodded.

  Day Two

  The terrain changed.

  The hills flattened, the sky seemed wider, and the wind grew stronger.

  “This place feels empty,” Lina murmured, clutching her book close.

  “That’s the charm,” Kaito said. “Nothing hiding behind trees.”

  They passed abandoned stone markers half-buried in the ground.

  “Old trade route,” Rena explained. “Long forgotten.”

  Jun squinted at the horizon. “Why do I feel like we’re being watched?”

  “You always feel like that,” Eina replied flatly.

  Still, Kaoru felt it too.

  A sense of openness that offered no comfort.

  That night, they camped beneath stars brighter than any seen near the academy. Mako pointed out constellations while Shin listened quietly.

  “It’s beautiful,” Sora whispered.

  Kaoru looked up.

  Too beautiful.

  Day Three

  By the third day, fatigue had settled in.

  Footsteps were slower. Packs felt heavier.

  “Almost there,” Rena said casually. “Just a few more hours.”

  The grasslands revealed themselves gradually—waves of tall grass stretching endlessly, bending under the wind like a living sea.

  “…Woah,” Daisuke breathed.

  They arrived just before sunset.

  “This is it?” Takumi asked.

  Rena smiled. “This is it.”

  That night was loud.

  A fire burned brightly. Students laughed, shared stories, and cooked together. Someone produced a deck of cards. Someone else sang.

  “Kaoru!” Sora called. “Come sit!”

  Kaoru hesitated, then joined them.

  For a while, she let herself relax.

  Yumi teased Jun.

  Daisuke challenged Kaito to an arm-wrestling match.

  Lina read aloud from a travel book.

  Even Rena watched with an amused expression.

  “This really does feel normal,” Riku said, smiling.

  Kaoru watched the flames dance.

  Too normal.

  Eventually, exhaustion claimed them.

  One by one, students retreated to tents or bedrolls.

  “Good night,” Mirei whispered.

  Kaoru lay down, eyes open, listening to the wind moving through grass.

  Footsteps.

  Soft.

  Careful.

  She almost rose—but then sleep took her.

  The fires died down.

  The wind whispered.

  And quietly—

  The teachers left.

  No announcement.

  No warning.

  By morning, Class 3-C would be alone.