Year 526 A.B.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwkdWM7RII 維尼
Under the harsh, white lights of the final exam room's ceiling, Rai stands alone in the middle of a ring similar to the one he trained in at home. On his far left and right are many examiners there for evaluations of the duel. They chat idly until the door opposite of Rai's end of the room swings open.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36DaS9KdQk 維尼
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Bly walks to the middle of the ring wearing a bandage on his cheek and a wrap on his wrist. The red and purple bruised skin not covered by his bandages make him look as if he's been in a fight already and it’s obvious that every step he takes is painful. The look on his face is one that Rai has not seen before, but the redness in eyes is all too familiar. Rai can't hold eye contact.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvFnSQwBtH 維尼
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“The match will begin soon and will be decided when we see it fit to end it, when one of you forces a stalemate, or is unable to fight any longer. You may now assume pre-duel stances.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡra3KMOuDCh 維尼
An examiner announces.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZdszBl8CC 維尼
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Rai and Bly point their palms at each others’ chests. Rai opens his mouth to speak but no words are spoken except for the reassurance to himself that he’s doing the right thing. Bly lowers his arm and walks to his end of the ring; Rai does the same.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV5OJlVI7T 維尼
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“Begin!”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6FAheecOf 維尼
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Bly points his hand at Rai in the shape of a gun. Quick thin rays fire from his fingertip.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3msBPk2Z6g 維尼
Rai charges forward, dodging them with agile movements on the balls of his feet. Bly uses his second hand to fire additional rays that ricochet off of each other. Rai is grazed, but closes the distance between them and assumes a boxer's stance. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMTMXjQuQo 維尼
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The sound of fists whizzing against the dead-silent air echo throughout the room as they continue what looks like a never ending exchange of blocks, evasions, and strikes that can't seem to connect on either end.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUCBqSzHzn 維尼
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“I never expected Rai to be a boxer,”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf0TCYwOZf 維尼
Bly thinks.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCVTNqOKLY 維尼
“But he's choreographed, obviously a beginner.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK9J6MthvE 維尼
“Jab. Jab. Straight. Hook.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WQX2EJgAd 維尼
“Uppercut. Jab. Jab. Straight.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfjeymfyF4 維尼
Between the combinations Bly begins to gain the upperhand, landing more and more grazing blows to Rai's body.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh0OnmVwiY 維尼
“Hook. Jab. Jab. And next he'll throw a-”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ15ashjsyG 維尼
Bly's snake-like fighting style is caught off-guard as Rai raises his leg, and a blindingly fast feint and spin into a roundhouse kick flies towards Bly's neck. He blocks it with a barrier just in time, but the force makes him slide and stumble across the ring. Bly flips back onto his feet, his left hand stabilizing himself against the ground and his right instantly summoning his whip and flinging it at Rai who blocks it overhead with his forearm. Rai stomps and drags his leading foot across the floor, planting himself in a defensive, wider stance.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oe5nny0z8 維尼
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“That’s not the same fighting style as before,”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg0Dqwot4a 維尼
Bly observes on the upper layer of his consciousness. But beneath that, those are the least of his worries. He begins to frown and the whip flies at Rai so fast that it looks like it's coming at Rai in two directions at once. His exposed skin is lacerated. “But why hasn't he put up a barrier yet?” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8aaP5nAd7 維尼
In his frustration, blades cover Bly’s whip and it hits even harder than before. Rai's clothing and skin underneath is shredded. “And why hasn't he used a single projection?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68dz03ORRk 維尼
Rai grabs the bladed whip, wrapping it around his arm and letting the blades dig into it. Bly uses his free hand to fire bullet-like projectiles towards Rai's leg. He winces in pain but does not falter. Suddenly, Bly is pulled with incredible force by Rai's wrapped arm; before he can let go, he's already within striking distance. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡDijRwPCFob 維尼
“I know that he can do it, so why?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡaekFUR2d1g 維尼
Bly inner turmoil shows as he extends his fist to take advantage of the force created by him being pulled, but Rai shifts to the left with the movements of yet another fighting style’s finesse. Bly can feel his weight being used against him, but it's too late. Rai grabs his arm and slams him to the ground with so much power that he is unable to breathe.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZSQmr6NwQ 維尼
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“The match has been decided! You may now visit the infirmary or return to your quarters to await your results.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkfMOiiWQY 維尼
An examiner calls out to them.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCcF6b5ax2 維尼
“Like yesterday, the other option is the dining hall, which will be open until 9 pm.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkhxci0eVy 維尼
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Rai sighs with relief that the match is over and reaches down to help Bly to his feet. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp107i8ADK 維尼
“Now that it’s over, we can go back to-“8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvyfyKUZSG 維尼
A look of hatred completely disarms him. Bly slaps his bloodied hand out of the way and leaves the room on his own accord. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVaf3nK0SZ 維尼
Rai watches his back as the door swings open just as hard as his hand was rejected.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡejoRKkebgg 維尼
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After a long visit to the infirmary, a bandaged, aching, confused and conflicted Rai makes his way through the hallways back to his room. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡtirXYKGPlR 維尼
It's oddly quiet. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHGACQBut7 維尼
Ominously quiet.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ahT4YKxOo 維尼
Deathly quiet. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdTsfNQw6K 維尼
He can still hear the dull echo of his blood dripping against the floor of the empty exam room from the time that he stood there waiting for Bly to return.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJc0yytIyJ 維尼
Rai sits on the edge of his bed. He tries to pick up a book to read but accidentally uses his injured hand and drops it. As he reaches for it with his other hand, his door knob jiggles and turns. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CIWYf46g6 維尼
“The results came in that fast?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWhgSxYsfz 維尼
The bittersweet anticipation and uncertainty that he feels is instantly replaced by a sinking feeling in his stomach. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQktYqRyd1 維尼
In the doorway, Bly is there accompanied by two larger figures. For some reason, they don’t share the same look that Bly has in his eyes that Rai can only assume is hellish. One of them plants his hand on the ground and the hallway becomes bathed in an odd purple light.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS3Y41pGNp 維尼
“The barrier’s erected, sir. Contact from the outside is cut off.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlarRzQ9Sz 維尼
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Rai leaves his book on the ground and stands to face them.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sPws4NsSA 維尼
“Hey-”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB9C1aOMmN 維尼
He's cut off by a projectile literally missing his head by a hair and denting the wall behind him.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn7unr6qHa 維尼
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“Bly, what's the meaning of this?” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAbmwhYQhd 維尼
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Bly scoffs.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ1Ycidoj5 維尼
“‘The meaning of this?’ I'm here to kill you, Rai.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYncTBW83C 維尼
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Rai's heart sinks even deeper into his stomach.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa6AxoxWkx 維尼
He takes a step backwards.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcTFO6s4Fs 維尼
“But aren't we friends?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5IPH0Hkmg 維尼
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Bly explodes into a short burst of laughter that ends as abruptly as it began.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZZhGG9xea 維尼
“‘Friends’? Do you even know who I am?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2UDAHKgNA 維尼
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Rai opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off again.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡD17E8CHIcL 維尼
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“Of course you don't. My name is Bly Marigold Jr., heir to the high-noble family that lived in the shadow of yours for years. When your people committed your taboo, we rose from that position…” The hatred in his eyes burns even brighter coloring the once mysterious emerald with devilish envy.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM3LlEnZ38 維尼
“...Or so we thought. Now, we live, being compared to you, knowing that the only reason that we ever crawled out of that hell is because of your foolish mistake. I wanted to join Xing's squad for the sole purpose of proving myself, proving that I, a Marigold could outshine a Lilac and a ‘gifted’ Ahstralan...”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZfGpoCA4D 維尼
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Rai tries to speak. Bly's whip flies at a murderous speed towards Rai's heart with the intent to rip it from his chest. He deploys a barrier, deflecting it.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwynAfalCSn 維尼
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“Shut hell up, Lilac! I can't believe that I felt sorry for you! Somehow, I thought that we could be different, but no…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPhNsT5VqS 維尼
He flashes a smile at Rai full of madness.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAq1d6zaSv 維尼
“You're just like the rest of the Lilacs: manipulative, pretentious swines. I was the one being played for a fool, you were the one looking down on me and you had everything under control the entire time.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yDgS1MSfN 維尼
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His expression returns to the one he wore before.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yGCplh6qu 維尼
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“But you'll die here, no one will hear you scream, and no one will care because there will be one less parasite on this earth. Things will never change. Any last words, Lilac?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B9UlR7GXL 維尼
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There are too many. He wants to tell him that he’s misunderstanding, but the weight of his soul traps his words in his throat. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRJGHgewM4 維尼
“I want to tell you that you’re wrong. That I started to see you as a friend, maybe a kindred spirit. That I didn’t fight as hard as I could because I started to understand your situation. I wanted you to win, but I also have my own goals. I didn’t think this through and I understood nothing. I don’t have the right...”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡARLFz3zVwx 維尼
Rai finally speaks the only feeble words that he can muster.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbDMtBRUPw 維尼
“I’m sorry, Bly.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbfkeQAAVE 維尼
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Bly’s eyes redden with rage. He clenches his teeth so hard that his head begins to pound.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cQxf0lf0C 維尼
“‘Sorry?’ You think I want to hear that? I can’t believe this. I can’t tell if you’re just pathetic or a bigger leech than I thought.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmvCKkyzU1 維尼
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Rai doesn’t respond, only looking at the floor with his fists balled, bringing pain to his earlier injuries. Bly shakes his head.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdhdxJxBue 維尼
“My father was right after all. Kill him.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqbEaRZPY8 維尼
Bly’s guards look at him reluctantly.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡBboQjmx6go 維尼
“Master Bly, are you su-”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1uYUs60j1 維尼
“Just do it!”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfDIsPUfjT 維尼
Bly and his devoted yet, hesitant servants step forward, but everyone stops and turns when a loud crunch is heard from the hallway on the edge of the doorway.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡk82OzdCfJt 維尼
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“Damn. My bad, keep going. I love a good telenovela. Next you'll say that you're going to leave the village, right?” The voice says with a mouthful, still crunching.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyvxJ621YA 維尼
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Bly turns back to Rai, attempting to ignore them.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCOEe4SUtK 維尼
“Leave and you won't get hurt. This doesn't concern you.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfRdmIon0H 維尼
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An incredibly large silhouette like that of a standing bear with unkempt hair almost completely blocks the light from the hallway. Bly quickly turns around in shock. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡywxx94Z0Xt 維尼
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“Well, I kind of heard my name, so I think it might.” The man says nonchalantly.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXyzdDfN6b 維尼
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Bly turns to his guards who have assumed positions back at his sides prepared to defend him. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpECRi9JqF 維尼
“What are you two doing?” He yells. “Didn't you deploy a barrier?” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNrhPIKj7U 維尼
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The man crunches on another object from the bag in his hand. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rcmMtQXo4 維尼
“Oh, that was a barrier? I didn’t even notice.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10WBs4voeC 維尼
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Bly looks furious.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcvV4Eo0db 維尼
“Who are you to mock me?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUgMNMleF0 維尼
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“Didn't you catch what I said earlier? Your buddies did right away. The name's Xing Ken. I'm the man who’s squad you're trying to join, remember?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVyzvyNL0Z 維尼
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Bly tries to play off his surprise with a threat.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VzEqh9yuO 維尼
“Even so, I demand that you leave or else.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eavSitwBf 維尼
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Xing laughs and stuffs his bag in his pocket.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGAyXLfpLL 維尼
“Listen…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiaLGlUO0d 維尼
He steps closer to Bly, consuming him even deeper in his shadow.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm0NEmjiDv 維尼
“How about this: you all leave and if you have a problem with it, I'll start a coup d'état right now starting with you. I can't stand little noble brats with their heads in their asses. You lost and now you want to kill him? Well, guess what? There were three spots left on my squad. You would have had plenty of chances to ‘prove yourself’. But I don't need someone like you getting my people killed because of your vendetta. Grow up and try again. You passed the exam, but you're not joining my squad.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡskOeru60CJ 維尼
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Bly’s guards quickly step forward, blocking Xing’s path to Bly. In the wake of the silhouetted giant, they stand without fear, their hands shining a bright purple as they build energy for an attack.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQYsYRhXcS 維尼
“Any matters concerning Master Bly will have to start with us, including your coup.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kzN5RDgrO 維尼
Bly tries to speak up and Rai looks on, both of them fading into the background.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFISQ8EpOn 維尼
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“That’s valiant of you two. If your ‘master’ had half the heart you did, we wouldn’t even be here right now though,” Xing proclaims with confidence, not even bothering to brace himself.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ8myJVDph 維尼
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“Whether he is right or wrong, we owe our lives to him. And so, we will throw them away if it means that he can carry on.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VFgpPZEJm 維尼
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The moment they lunge at Xing, Bly calls out to them.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsKqAzF2cN 維尼
“Enough!”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEEvq17vix 維尼
Their attack immediately halts, their heads turning in surprise just like Rai’s looking at his back.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡW02OOHeNUS 維尼
“Let’s… just go.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAEXr4WIQA 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKe61Kbr86 維尼
With his emotions still in a torrent, Bly circles around Xing, waving for his guards to follow him. They all exit the room and Bly glances at Rai one last time.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31AkNx6SB9 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWy44XACHj 維尼
Xing turns on the lights, dispelling the dark mood from the room. Contrasting the obviously rippled physique under his uniform is his face with an almost unfitting mix of suave feminine and masucline facial features. He has no blemishes to be found except for a horizontal scar across the bridge of his nose and yet his tanned skin and wild, brown hair make it apparent that he spends a lot of time outside. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡToEnUC7dqB 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX67PljLEai
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLVXnrV5Bz 維尼
“Well, that was fun. I guess it goes without saying that you passed the exam too, kid. Mr.Einzloss did a good job as always.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDTrQODmFM 維尼
He pulls the bag out of his pocket. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzHaWf3llX 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnVOTzdm3F
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBsTT3sviO 維尼
Rai finally raises his head.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH9x5iZLe0 維尼
“Wait, you knew I was coming? How?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡld6kaI6m9P 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipUkRilqyi
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqghHofJY5 維尼
“Mr.Einzloss paged me. The first time I'd heard from him in years, and the first time I’d heard of anyone using a pager since the Old World. But you see, even though I've been watching you since the start of the exam, including during that little stunt Vi pulled, I'm a ‘show don't tell’ type of guy so I wanted to see what you were made of before showing up.” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqg0ndfiUH 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztzHymSozK
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GhihLLHQk 維尼
Rai feels a bit more comfortable, sighing and sitting on his bed.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡndnwGWGqzb 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs7olL6z9A
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GgbPvPJNT 維尼
“Don't get comfortable yet, you're not off the hook. Firstly, yeah that Marigold brat was wrong. But in all honesty, I said some of what I said just to get them out of here. You were the one who pushed him over the edge.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv7rqYjgD5 維尼
Xing says poking Rai's chest.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp1zJZx9NF 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSBxh4THqz 維尼
“But I was just-”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPuW5U2aun 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzbVhD9VCu 維尼
Xing interjects.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjJwLpsPcQ 維尼
“Just what? Confused? Trying to help him? Trying not to hurt him? Either way your feats and actions yesterday didn't match up at all with what you did today. It was like you were toying with him. Imagine this: he's been training his whole life, going through hell just like you, and at his lowest point he gets swatted by someone who never even gave it everything they had.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zVZcbIZt1 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfFqzCQI03
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡu78pnVzReF 維尼
Rai thinks about the match, looking at his bandaged arm and down at his feet.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCicJ5tpEq 維尼
Xing continues.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf7lAg6qq7 維尼
“Yeah. Take this how you will, but there are times when you should never B.S. someone trying their hardest.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5wYqFKGwu 維尼
Xing shoves the bag in his hand in front of Rai's face, making him look up.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSLBm4TZ31 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2FqrMnX0w
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4ghabtiqc 維尼
“But still, you show promise, kid. You're on the team. Take a rice cake and come with me.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5qefLj3lW 維尼
The thought of progress and a valuable lecture allows Rai to put the situation somewhat behind him. He hesitantly reaches into the bag and takes one of the rice cakes, following Xing into the hallway. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSKkixE0Hs 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQb8Ps9EDP
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡenzfJluUs3 維尼
“So, I get how you knew I was coming, but how did you know who I was when you saw me?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBLnvtpr8w 維尼
Rai asks.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPDRnYzyv1 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAjTUegQLZ
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX7cqRaH2l 維尼
“For one, Mr.Einzloss told me about your eye color…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXI2S1F99A 維尼
Xing glances at Rai's face.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡAokSTGnsYP 維尼
“But you've also got your mother's face and your father's eyes when he was a little younger. I'd recognize that combo from a mile away. Handsome, maybe not as much as I am, but getting there.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2mON3UIYG 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLUen7DofN
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHWAqe9iwU 維尼
Rai doesn't know whether to feel insulted or complimented.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLiJSNi0f4 維尼
They walk for a little while in silence, riding elevators, crossing indoor bridges with views of the outside, and turning through various corridors.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fTkMjpJCr 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡydQkH2ONYE 維尼
“Hey, Kid?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJAFh8Fqgw 維尼
Xing calls.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEplfJMvMJ 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5GFrbWuYd 維尼
“Yes?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt8SahXcpC 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQDBELI9uO 維尼
“That fighting style you used earlier. What was it?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFwLg8HfX9 維尼
Xing asks sincerely.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vAfcyGK4I 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84O33JJJnG
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI4xYEO3Ou 維尼
Rai wears a fond expression on his face.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v6kgBB8Kr 維尼
“It's called Unorthodoxy, a style thought of by Kahnyne’s son. Exorcists usually stick to a particular gimmick or fighting style due to the burden that being too versatile or wasteful can have on concentration and capacity. But he believed that in his case, it would be most effective to learn many fighting styles and many types of projections to constantly have the opponent wondering what to expect.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqSdLykZdq 維尼
Rai explains.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMzZ3b5otZ 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ941AaMS8Ob
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡORLleID9JB 維尼
“So, a jack of all trades, but a master of none. That's interesting for sure…” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYp2qAuErH 維尼
A melancholic smile covers Xing's face.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5FvCqLKFz 維尼
“But the real music to my ears is the fact you mentioned Mr.Einzloss’ son, which means that he told you everything himself and that he’s truly getting better.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0lPfV3x0y 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrq261dpgh
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXPMRvzDil 維尼
More casual silence falls between them as Rai seems to be in deep thought.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0HoUccccC 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlbtZvMw4e
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXIcUOBlAM 維尼
“What was Kahnyne like before?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyAU8EAE08 維尼
Rai finally asks.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡZulxV5slxb 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVPyuQTfoi
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXYILM4Q2x 維尼
“Thanks to you, the man you trained with is the answer you're looking for. I'd love to have a good duel with him just to see where I'm at now.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxsivaTWVd 維尼
Xing eats another rice cake.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYdUDgLQke 維尼
“But maybe that's just the teacher’s pet in me talking.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIH1LO6HQF 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCMKBwS4Lo 維尼
“It took me a year and half just to lay a hand on one of his projections.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7b3hfLL3M 維尼
Rai says, sounding oddly fond of his defeats.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsAyQk1GvZ 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ0eW3MagB 維尼
Xing laughs.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOxqtCa5AR 維尼
“Damn. Yeah, that sounds like him alright.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPy3LwDPo7 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJE8qNpkng 維尼
Xing stops in front of a large door with intricate designs engraved into it. He points to a large plaque on the right of it above the door's trim that reads: “Director Lucian”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUVYa1gwlo 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfkQff2Rps
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡanonzA4XsF 維尼
“Anyways, enough ass-kissing and flowery talk for today. This is the Director’s office. He wants to see you.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjdsMDiifA 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwonBsGysu9
8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHOYsXeGQo 維尼
Rai looks slightly concerned. He brushes off his clothes and checks his bandages.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YIXMiSVfZ 維尼
“The Director? As in of the entire organization?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd03Uk7ouI 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzwd0Hvdkc 維尼
“Yeah, but don't worry, relax. He's a pretty cool guy. Once again, a little less handsome than I am, but decent nonetheless. Besides, he just wants to check up on you because I reported the incidents during the exam.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZsM5mkxP 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡgApZYilnRZ 維尼
The door to the office opens and two women exit, walking down the hallway. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq2XHPrAb7 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRa43yjCII 維尼
Xing bends down and whispers to Rai.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UBXEMWgls 維尼
“Man. Look at the looks on those two. Your type?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHyatsSBuT 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2iPF4DKzj 維尼
Rai, who had been reading the information on the director’s plaque, turns to see what Xing is talking about.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3DR1YWHyZ 維尼
“Hmm. I wouldn't know, honestly.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnZPxv6asC 維尼
He says after some thought.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzEZ0BdMKG 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2vQtcytaj 維尼
Xing stands.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AMr3YfQtz 維尼
“Pfft. You don't know what you're missing, kid. One day you'll-”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdxVdIsjRx 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHqYg92rRF 維尼
Xing stops talking when the women begin to giggle and bits of their conversation become audible.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡiikXtwNYmO 維尼
“...Director…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡipQhJH729J 維尼
“...beautiful…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfSXrPzL46 維尼
“...I can't believe he's almost 60!...”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gl25JSUad 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sLWUSRLC5 維尼
Xing's face goes stale and he slowly crunches on a rice cake.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsPnq0gEfV 維尼
“On second thought, they weren't all that. I'll be at your room in the morning. Tomorrow you meet the rest of the squad. See ya then,” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡudfbe4WciL 維尼
He says walking off in the direction they came from.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt3KrEZNlz 維尼
Rai waves awkwardly and enters the office, closing the door behind him. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0z58rw5ug 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEYgWChbUr 維尼
The space before him is lavish, overlooking a majority of the complex through a large window and full of many drawers labelled with what must be files. The director who had been standing between his desk and the window turns to greet Rai. Immediately, Rai notices the Director's face. It's incredibly smooth, flawless even, giving him the appearance of something otherworldly when viewed from afar. The only thing that would prompt one to push his age to 60 is its general structure that could still easily be mistaken for a younger one. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwRcslPPIH 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsQuQxHlKM 維尼
“Ah, you must be Rai. Please, take a seat,”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlZmQpXHP0 維尼
He says, walking over to shake his hand, then pointing to one of the wood and sage green seats facing his desk. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9XrVvD58p 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuX3ShxYMv 維尼
“Would you like anything to drink? Coffee, tea, anything else?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQI4PPpElQ 維尼
He asks generously. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5VEC3UtoO 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEtuxyDIiT 維尼
“Milk or water is fine.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd28gFX6AC 維尼
Rai can taste the bitterness on his tongue thinking about the last time he had coffee.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVlrRgdc08 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqqyBaeob8 維尼
“A nobleman choosing milk over coffee or tea? I think I like you already. In truth, not many actually enjoy coffee or tea until so much is added to them that they're unrecognizable.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nUrUgS008 維尼
He hands Rai a cup of milk and sits at his desk with a cup of water. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDaeNlDvt0 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgCDWKv6YL 維尼
“So, I heard from Xing that you encountered some issues and discrimination during the exam. You're in a tough spot being both a Gifted Ahstralan and a Lilac. Now that you're with him though, I doubt that anyone will give you any trouble…” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNAIyWZFTl 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSubuSdTJ5y 維尼
Rai thinks about the way Bly and his guards retreated without Xing lifting a finger.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Ly5nlcrw 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2y1sH3hCZ 維尼
“Xing Ken, the Mountain, is a testament to the reality that is the Weight of the Soul. In fact, he's the reason why final exams are carried out the way they are now. I’d hate to make an enemy of him.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡt93EZR022u 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5M3XtK1pn 維尼
The Director takes a sip of water. Rai has already finished his milk. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd6fEf0Ywc 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0FAIy3KKA 維尼
“But I digress. The reason I wanted to see you was because you deserve to know about how your family got into the position they're in now. I figure now would be a fitting time to tell you considering what you went through during the exam and what I’m assuming the Marigold heir brought up.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kuedOqLMM 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡducVFqSkzl 維尼
Rai's grip on his cup tightens, slightly crumpling it. He begins to listen intently.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4rEwRQA7a 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKAoMkYbfO 維尼
“First, a question. If you could, in theory, completely bring someone back from the afterlife in physical form, could you think of a benefit of being able to do so?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjbXvnWbGr 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8TFvkq4Vj 維尼
Rai, normally reserved, finds himself immersed in the scenario.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QCVgDzUuU 維尼
“You could bring back someone you love. Someone who was taken away too soon.” 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7INTKp9Gq 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWsciIk6fj 維尼
“A fair benefit…”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkTPwlOlBI 維尼
The director stands again, with his cup of water in hand, facing the window. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2VtRurNwZ 維尼
“But consider this con. There lived people in the Old World: demons of greed, murders, those who lived for war and bloodshed, spearheads of genocide. And there are surely unhappy people who would want nothing but to bring the world to ruin by bringing them back. Who knows how powerful their desires would make them in the New World.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFaY5VKFbS 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm9W7ey5LR 維尼
He sits the cup on his desk and faces Rai.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡkamApIeq6E 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡKelSS3k7TU 維尼
“Your parents were researchers on a team participating in the Tier 5 Project: an attempt to find a way to bring souls back from the afterlife and place them in new, compatible vessels. In other words, Forced Reincarnation. However, their site was raided and the leader of the project was never found. The two of them would have been executed like many of the other researchers, but in exchange for their lives, they gave up much of their fortune and their places in society as high-nobles.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeSzFc0BPa 維尼
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8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUguZbflrd 維尼
Rai looks to be in deep thought, looking into his empty cup. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYjiSju1Li 維尼
“Why would they do such a thing knowing the consequences?”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxrrGvXlXN 維尼
He asks somewhat rhetorically.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmFTYzBULj 維尼
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“It's complicated, Rai. There are many things in the world that people want. Undisputable fame, wealth, love, health, some even believe that this New World of ours has already entered a crash course and that it may be better if it could just be reset. In the end, I guess many are just unhappy and unsatisfied.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl48RDYVqK 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZKKlYjLYR
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The director opens one of the drawers on his desk and walks over to Rai.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRRAGYKgAv 維尼
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“But enough of that. I figured that would throw a rain cloud over this meeting so I wanted to give this to you personally. Congratulations on your exam.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O914QrbHU 維尼
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Now sitting on Rai's lap is a large card containing much of his personal info. The words “Field Exorcist Trainee” clearly stand out to him above the many digital buttons below it.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnU62Sja7t 維尼
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“Thank you, Director.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zPNysz7ep 維尼
Rai says, still marveling at the changing holographic displays on the card.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1mzo5GkLD 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EHYFaD7dt
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The Director walks back to his desk talking a seat again.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGLXCf3hhk 維尼
“The pleasure is all mine, Rai. I'm expecting great things from you. You're dismissed, but come by again any time.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDFo9ZA633 維尼
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Rai bows and eagerly leaves the room. He finds himself almost jogging with how fast he's walking. And even though his face doesn't show it, he's beaming on the inside. Back at his room, he finally opens his suitcase, grabbing an envelope, pen, and piece of paper. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRZDhkn68n 維尼
He begins to write:8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xGgwnCsGS 維尼
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6d3Kkb1rJ
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“Hey, Kahnyne, how are you? It's Rai. I guess you would know that before you open it though, right? I just finished my exams and I'm officially an exorcist! It feels like this has been a lot longer than two days with everything going on. 8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL7jjpMeUk 維尼
The food is great, and it's surprising how many different kinds of people there are. For example, I met Xing! He’s… interesting, but I can tell your lectures touched him too, so I know he's a good person… He also may have saved my life today, so I see what you meant about being treated differently. I haven't been flawless but I'm doing great!”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B9ISzxCho 維尼
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Rai pauses to reflect, realizing what he just wrote and looking at the dented, splintered wood from his wall. What is “great” about this? He finds himself scratching out and writing the same lines over and over again.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNU7mpzzIz 維尼
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“Kahnyne, I thought about scraping this, but I felt bad because that would feel like lying to you; I apologize. The truth is, I thought I almost made a friend. Have you ever felt similar to someone in all the wrong ways, but was too scared, hurt or maybe even too naive to make them right? I’m starting to see that maybe it would be best if I just stuck to the reason that I’m here while blocking out anything else. I succeeded in my first step, but I’m just not used to all this. Write back soon. I feel like I need to hear your thoughts.”8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkI73Rhyd0 維尼
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Rai signs the letter and falls asleep without even picking up a book.8964 copyright protection177ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CwuVgFlep 維尼
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