Year 526 A.B.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡklJLdOXY3Q 維尼
After a long drive, passing a variety of districts, fields and far-stretching roads, the cab comes to the end of its journey from the secluded Lilac Manor.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4SOJ9hAdN 維尼
“We’ve arrived at your stop, sir.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbRLI2i3Ws 維尼
The cab driver announces, looking at Rai through the rear-view mirror.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj2NFCyy40 維尼
Rai wakes up from the last of many small cat naps along the way, finally refreshed from the stress of the previous night. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT10j07Gg9 維尼
“I’m sorry, what happened?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KGGeE5y60 維尼
“Your stop. We've arrived at the Registration Center.” The driver repeats.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv1FoxIINP 維尼
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Rai notices a plain, grey building beyond, and slightly obstructed by, a small set of stairs outside of the cab’s tinted window.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIFNautGxc 維尼
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“Thank you,” Rai says, getting ready to open the door. “Wait, how should I pay you?” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv7tKLyzex 維尼
He begins to erratically pat his pockets in search of his nonexistent wallet.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3XClNxUW1 維尼
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“Well, normally people use money...” The driver pauses with a smirk as if he’s waiting for a reaction to his joke.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRZ641UTbK 維尼
Rai obliviously blinks, waiting for him to continue.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nGPTAslVq 維尼
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“And also: your parents paid me in advance, so you’re good to go.” He concludes, looking slightly disappointed.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oMp5ns9JK 維尼
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“O-oh, ok, thanks again.” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEE58rBnRu 維尼
Rai opens the door of the cab.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF2RJ9di83 維尼
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The driver nods his head with a tip of his cap.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPeZGlNalD 維尼
“Good luck out there.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTQYsDYUn2 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBBtlEPmGP 維尼
The cab drives off and in the wake of its exhaust, Rai stands with his suitcases. His view of the building is no longer obstructed. Stretching north, east and west of the unassuming registration building is an incredibly large complex of many other buildings that are large, small, tower-like, and unusual in their designs.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bpBiaELE6 維尼
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Memories of the manor’s lonely and seemingly never-ending hallways play back to him as he takes in the sight before him. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkXAoTf4dr 維尼
“I guess the manor wasn’t that large after all.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mTiQpssFe 維尼
Rai recollects, beginning to walk towards the building. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ1D9G9Lxv 維尼
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Once inside, Rai looks around the sparsely populated room for his destination.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc77ZnAdJB 維尼
From left to right he reads the signs above the room’s counters: Telephones. Academy Transfers. This is Air Freshener NOT Coffee. Exam Registration. Coffee.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf2zSHinvL 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCXQzoJx5h 維尼
At the registration counter Rai spots a man leaning back in his chair, reading an electronic newspaper and gagging after taking a sip from a cup next to him.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbQPhSV2XD 維尼
He makes his way over to the counter, awkwardly sharing passing glances with the room’s few inhabitants.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSBeLNVk1C 維尼
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“Excuse me, I’m here to register for the Exorcist Examination.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmPWPZ4cX0 維尼
Rai asks, sounding even more polite than usual.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiKb3cNuWl 維尼
His voice might as well be a whisper.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJChAVuwsh 維尼
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“Aren’t we all? So early in the morning too.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwbb1zQr94 維尼
The man lazily groans while still leaning back in his chair and swiping to another page.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI0Vz7QsL8 維尼
“What’s your name?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkwyibYk7s 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡlebLG6vsf4 維尼
“Rai.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkIO0eiKpy 維尼
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdxGH40i20
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The man picks up the cup again, taking another dreaded sip of the beverage that is most likely not meant for human consumption.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvo2MDbDlS 維尼
“Uh-huh, Rai what?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡygcPiMB0d8 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqDtAMoEFg 維尼
Rai responds somewhat hesitantly.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcrkCaAgXo 維尼
“Rai Lilac.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j1q2Blogf 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9EdHFEQQA 維尼
The man quickly lowers his device and falls out of his chair. His cup flies through the air behind the counter, spilling most of its contents on the ground while the rest evaporates and leaves behind the strong scent of cinnamon. Rai looks over the counter with genuine concern. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfb6ZMbfO3 維尼
“Sorry, are you alright?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99mi60nHPf 維尼
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The man stands as quickly as he fell as if nothing happened. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGrC6oGMJ6 維尼
“Hey, uh, ‘Rai’?” He rips a wad of paper towels from a nearby roll and lays them on the floor. “Are those contacts?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLpGKlXPNe 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4FBQcydzF 維尼
“What are contacts?” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH46d9INNH 維尼
Rai replies, looking confused on many counts.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡneMkCTg734 維尼
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The man stops for a moment.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpph2cj3W6 維尼
“I’ll be back soon; make yourself at home. Just don’t drink the coffee. It sucks.” He says before disappearing into a room behind the counter.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyQSY0e4Hd 維尼
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Not knowing exactly what to do, Rai stands with his suitcases next to him, awkwardly fidgeting and looking around the room. After a few minutes, he glances at the warning sign and decides to make his way to the real coffee counter.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡN26XkQB5ju 維尼
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On the coffee counter lies a somewhat large machine with many buttons and compartments. Rai takes a cup and begins opening them and pressing buttons at random to no avail. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡiklmcAzMvj 維尼
Out of the corner of his eye, a hand accompanied by a young voice gently takes the cup from his hand.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKx9MpnJUb 維尼
“Excuse me, let me help you with that.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzxG4NuOcv 維尼
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Rai looks to his side and sees a boy around his height and age with deep, emerald green eyes and blonde hair placing his cup in a compartment in front of the machine, pressing a small button above it, and handing him back the cup, now filled with coffee. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuZ1z6XHDg 維尼
“Oh, um, thank you.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡfliTdoSwKn 維尼
Rai takes a sip from the cup, remembering all the times he had seen his mother and father drink it. Immediately his upper lip curls and he begins to cough. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWoccwFplB 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmbZKIZ9xT 維尼
The boy laughs at the dramatic scene.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡTawi12RQTt 維尼
“It tastes a little better if you use cream and sugar, but I guess it wasn’t worth the trouble either way, huh?” He extends his hand for a handshake.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡARDR7sPIyM 維尼
“My name is Bly; not B-Y-E but B-L-Y.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlUq82AWE0 維尼
He says with a smile.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFN3PrATJC 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JGyx1iJ5W 維尼
Rai freezes like a deer in headlights. Despite the fact that he’d practiced for situations like with Kahnyne over the years, he can’t help but turn into a puppeteered mess. After all, this is the first person he has met outside of his family and Kahnyne that he has interacted with in years.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡIplq4tPuE4 維尼
Even so, taking a step outside of his comfort zone, but still feeling a bit hesitant, Rai returns his gesture and grasps for the best response that he can muster without coming off as aloof.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGYghGlJ65 維尼
“That sounds kind of like my name; I’m Rai. Are you here for the exams?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNJuq2xZFc 維尼
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfluwWAMwb
8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dcr2P624n 維尼
“Yep, I was a bit surprised to see someone my age, especially since it’s so early in the morning, so I had to come over. Are you taking them as well?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYF4mTCokR 維尼
Bly’s gaze seems to pierce through Rai who for some reason can’t help, but keep talking.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡpioJhBMu1I 維尼
Before Rai can answer, the man at the registration counter returns and calls out for him. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP5rH29TCw 維尼
“Rai, to registration. Rai, to registration.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7yW7WwocJ 維尼
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The two of them turn their heads.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wGsTf66Ha 維尼
“There’s my answer then. You must have been waiting a while, so I won’t hold you any longer. I’ll see you soon, Rai.” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7pkKrfyWo 維尼
Bly laughs and waves him off.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiaUN8VguR 維尼
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“Mmhmm, see you soon.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIFaQ3tqqS 維尼
Rai waves as he walks away.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡElTiBOSfs6 維尼
After a fair distance from Bly, he sighs in both relief that his encounter went well and social exhaustion. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrChHXjfi0V 維尼
At the counter, the man looks at Bly in the distance, then back at Rai.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJCUhgcCFC 維尼
“Hey, what do you think about just skipping the exams?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvzMvRyYwL 維尼
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Rai looks slightly off-put by this question.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cG4TT2W4D 維尼
“Why would I do that?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNSbluvZx7 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkjUlf6vO8 維尼
The man smiles with the thought of this being beyond his pay-grade beneath it. “You’re right, Rai. You couldn’t be more right. Fill this out in the waiting room. The first round of exam orientations will begin soon. Good luck.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jEmRtI69n 維尼
He places a sheet of paper and pen on the counter.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EISGSA5dc 維尼
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“Thank you.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡePq496APV4 維尼
Rai nods his head and proceeds through the gate that opens up next to the counter.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KrZ5mOBrq 維尼
Unsurprisingly, he is the only one currently present in the room. In his company are rows of chairs facing the front of the room where an empty podium is. Rai takes a seat in the room’s far edge, beginning to fill out his sheet.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3AAji5yEb 維尼
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After filling out all of his personal details, he turns the sheet over, revealing a long list of names under the header, “Desired Division/Squad.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mAy3mNq3d 維尼
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Rai focuses, reading through the tightly packed names and finally finds Xing’s near the bottom. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3Hzr4FSJY 維尼
Soon after, Bly enters the room, scans for Rai and stands in front of the seat next to him.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA4fgbY0D7 維尼
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“Do you mind if I sit here?” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRzcNPM3Ek 維尼
Bly asks with the same sincerity from earlier.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqa5g2KpxH 維尼
As much as Rai’s heart wants to say “no” to save himself from another awkward situation, for some reason he can’t decline the smile and gaze from the eyes piercing through him.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A3dSPw1F5 維尼
“No, not at all.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡipTF6pzlFB 維尼
Rai somewhat erratically moves his suitcases to the right of him, making space. “That was fast, did the guy leave the counter for you too?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡibYWni3iU7 維尼
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“No, but he was cleaning up air freshener on the floor,” Bly says while shaking his head.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OSDksRIiM 維尼
“So, whose division are you planning on joining if this all goes well?” He continues.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wjoNZWomg 維尼
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“Xing’s squad, hopefully,”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZDaxQWsB6 維尼
Rai replies shortly, not knowing what else to add to his answer.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qbt3G54Th 維尼
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“Ah, same here! Looks like we’ll be competing then.” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm5JgFZEsE 維尼
Before their conversation can continue, more examinees and a middle-aged woman carrying a microphone to the podium enter the room. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWZT6dTGL7 維尼
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8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEtTjpAG7I 維尼
“Alright, examinees, let’s begin. Because this group is relatively small, I won’t bother with this microphone.” She places the mic between a crease in the podium.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmq4CRNqBU 維尼
“I will be your main examiner over the course of this exam. You can call me Examiner Vi.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQexJBizMW 維尼
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A projector powers on and displays an informational slide on the large white wall behind her.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbKhUUIPnz 維尼
“The exam will be spread throughout two days with the bulk of it taking place today. Please take a moment to memorize or write down the numbers next to your names, as these correspond to the rooms that you will be staying in for now and possibly during your time as an exorcist. But first!”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrhy0LvmY5 維尼
She claps, calling for a shift in the presentation’s mood.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡQacHxLFiad 維尼
“As customary for our diligent early risers, we have prepared breakfast. Please proceed through the door on my left. I will be staying behind momentarily to answer any other questions.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc6v7NdkPN 維尼
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In the middle of a crowd of examinees, Rai and Bly enter the dining area. Right beyond the doors stand lines of servers with large tins of a variety of foods on the tables in front of them. Bly taps Rai, who is mesmerized by all the food despite the fact that he ate on the way there, momentarily taking him out of his trance. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8HefGsHFy 維尼
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“Hey, I'm not super fond of meat, so I'm going to check out the oats on the far right. I'll find you once I'm done.” He says.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FBoj6LRQe 維尼
Rai rapidly nods his head and begins scanning the room for a place to start.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lIuAa4dWb 維尼
After moments of indecisiveness, Rai decides to start at the very front of the line, thinking that he'll just stop when his plate is full.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡudclL3diCZ 維尼
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The first server looks at him with surprise.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mfRlY1Iym 維尼
The third with fear.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡG20khyt0cQ 維尼
The sixth avoids him altogether.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQQy88Ar2V 維尼
By the time Rai reaches his goal, the hit to his morale almost steals his appetite and sends him back into his bubble. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFJYL0tFhE 維尼
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He finds a table with only one side occupied and sits on the empty side of it. Nevertheless, the other examinees whisper amongst themselves and abandon their spots, leaving him behind. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZENZYXsav 維尼
“That’s fine. I’m not really here to make friends or anything. I kind of expected this,”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnsbmDdmU6 維尼
Rai thinks to himself. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1bHpWjyCd 維尼
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He begins eating his food ignoring his lost appetite, but it’s not long before another stab is made at him.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZWJsenDGX 維尼
“You must be the Lilac kid taking the exam.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh7hsPRqEC 維尼
A less than friendly voice says standing next to Rai's table.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdKLl9Ht2V 維尼
Rai looks up and sees a group of examinees looking down at him. He ignores them and continues eating. The looks on their faces are just like those of the servers, but worse: pure, childish hatred. He’d rather just wait for them to get bored and leave him alone.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FktX0DCMl 維尼
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“Ignoring us, huh? You're the last type of person to be taking the high ground” He leans in closer to Rai. “You must think you're special, but just know that there is no place for you here.” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0xg3wI5fy 維尼
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Rai doesn’t show it, but it cuts deep. Not because of what they said, but because he feels like everything except the last thing they said couldn’t be further from the truth.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6KlZzCoxb 維尼
“Special? Someone like me who can’t even use a coffee machine by myself? Was I always this pathetic, Kahnyne?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UQGUO22mz 維尼
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They all begin to laugh and sneer until they turn around to walk away. Bly stands in their way, glaring and furious. Yet, his expression changes into a sinister smile so wide that the window into his soul, those deep, emerald eyes, almost close shut.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZjOK6J8lR 維尼
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“Disgusting.” He approaches their crowd, sending them into a panicked sweat. “I never want to see your faces anywhere near us again. And you call yourselves nobles? You're peasants,” he whispers. The coldness in Bly's voice sends them quickly walking to another end of the dining area.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfDVoQ1ZlE 維尼
“Oh, by the way! You are the ones who have no place here!” He says while cupping a hand around his mouth to make sure everyone hears him. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWob1yTHh4 維尼
Bly takes his seat next to Rai.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd1WQfuWDo 維尼
“What a difficult bunch. Are you alright?”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmYvVqooma 維尼
Bly asks.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM1xjalPyX 維尼
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“I'm fine. I had heard already that I might be treated differently.” Rai takes a moment to think, digging up an old memory with Kahnyne as encouragement to truly show his gratitude.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxK74Mce5Y 維尼
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“If someone helps you when they seemingly have no reason to, either be very wary or very thankful.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡJILQ3mPOad 維尼
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“But, um, thank you, Bly,” Rai says sincerely with a slight bow in his seat. 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HBYv0Wd14 維尼
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“Ah, no need to thank me! You’ll embarrass me like that. Instead, why don't you just tell me more about yourself? Starting with why you want to join Xing's squad.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhCcqR9piD 維尼
Bly gestures, pointing towards Rai.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyRkTE1GOj 維尼
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Suddenly, Rai feels like he can talk so much that he doesn't know where to start, but first answers the question at hand.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRgEHW5iKK 維尼
“There's someone I care about back at home. I want to join Xing's squad because I heard that if I want to reach the goal I'm imagining, that's where I should start. How about you?” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y0FLklOxz 維尼
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“Hmm. Someone you care about, huh? You could say that it's kind of the same for me. I guess I want to prove myself.” 8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw0I5lZvxL 維尼
Bly looks up thoughtfully at the ceiling, revealing a small crack in the confident smile he‘s worn so far. “But the more I exist, the more I really don't really know about all this anymore, Rai. What I’m seeking is confirmation.”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9RhCstAUV 維尼
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They take a couple bites of food in silence for a moment before breaking the silence with small talk that carries on until Examiner Vi steps into the middle of the dining area.8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOnjhb55G4 維尼
“Alright, I hope you all had your fill. Drop off any luggage you have at your designated rooms and fill in any information missing from your registration sheets. The exams will begin in 15 minutes!”8964 copyright protection190ＰＥＮＡＮＡELyxEZekTc 維尼
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