"Ha... ha... ha..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVLJpbi2Vl
"Let's take a break! We’ve been running for half an hour already!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIBJa1Uu6C
The female student panted heavily as she called out to Tahto.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqRZPPKzBc
"Once the Academy people realize we're gone, they'll catch up in no time!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZybOjZft3
Tahto answered without looking back, refusing to slow down his pace.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm4oLlCn3z
"I need to find an extremely hidden spot before I dare stop! If you two want to stop now, I won't hold you back!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKMAAxttn6
Tahto’s voice carried a distinct edge of annoyance.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYvoi75G42
"Look ahead! That run-down wooden hut looks empty! Let's go in and rest for a bit!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoONOQnHU1
The curly-haired freshman shouted his proposal.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjLwwPIhGM
'......'11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7dxQiyRd9
"Excuse us..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwVLw5VJ8y
The wooden door was pushed open slowly. A damp, musty smell—even heavier than the one in the hut where the Gen-Ei Beads were stored—drifted out from within.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kP99S851i
Tahto walked in cautiously. He ran a hand over the wooden bed and table, finding a thick layer of dust. On the wooden table laid three arrows that still appeared intact.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA4BvSYe9o
"Looks like no one has lived in this hut for years."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8iPzbf7LN
Tahto turned around and said to the two outside.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0b4M4LZm8
As if a heavy weight had been lifted from their shoulders, the two dragged their exhausted bodies into the hut and sat down.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GDvb58uyI
"Finally... we can rest..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOkBzgnZij
Ever since climbing over the small back gate behind the Academy's fence, the three had been running continuously for over thirty minutes. Following the forest behind the Academy, they had run all the way to the back mountain of a small town.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPEFYduU6f
"Phew..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlnggaQsIa
Tahto let out a long breath.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QCz5bTg8W
"So you get tired too, huh?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DeLTAOZO8
The female student teased lightheartedly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGlNxb7G6E
"Shut it."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLQOrgQoVY
Tahto replied coldly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSEL0WWT0p
"Your leg..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggIz0YXpQ0
She looked down at Tahto’s left leg, which had been scraped during his confrontation with the guard.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ2DfhYfwS
"It's nothing. Just a scratch."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiSPoRSibe
Tahto glanced at his left leg, answering in an indifferent tone.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75BKPYTw4u
"So, what's your plan for later? Most likely, wanted posters of us will be everywhere by tomorrow."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3my8BUCGmB
The girl continued.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37LjcxYgBH
"I have my own plans."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADw0N81PTc
Tahto closed his eyes, offering a brief answer.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDYPJT1U15
"Share your thoughts with us! We're a team now, aren't we?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HoYHMlPiz
She said with a faint smile.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIdoL3almi
"I never said I was taking you guys along!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXV6bMzS39
Tahto barked angrily at them.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLVdMoV3Qg
"Haha, don't be mad. Anyway, after going through something so crazy together, shouldn't we introduce ourselves? I'll go first."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2n6S19RPY
Seeing both boys remain silent, she took it as tacit agreement.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5fd5Covzu
"My name is Cœur. I'm 15 years old. My combat skills were too weak to pass the martial exam, so I decided to run away."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jcV9WPN6g
Cœur stated her reason for fleeing so casually, making the two boys realize the nature of her self-introduction.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoG1VhG2nv
"My name is... Fahne. I'm 13 years old. My reason for escaping was... to get away from Poluo and his gang."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmEADC3df8
Fahne spoke hesitantly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbJPJ1GF0K
"So you ran to escape that first-year bully? If you were being bullied, why didn't you report them to the director?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSB2gHD97w
Cœur asked Fahne, her voice tinged with anger on his behalf.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCa6YTQsp4
"I didn't want to make a scene... Just consider it a mistake on my part for trusting the wrong people."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2sw4hKNTG
After Fahne finished speaking, both of them subconsciously turned to look at Tahto, who was sitting quietly to the side.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpPkT6mPuM
"Tahto. 15 years old. My reason for running is the exact opposite of Cœur's."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3u8aGsDiT
Tahto opened his eyes and spoke slowly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlSChUNYai
"Are you bad at written exams? But I saw your performance in the martial exam from the spectator seats—your combat ability felt far above all the other candidates."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtumNqj04lj
Cœur asked in confusion.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAsmw5yEr7
"That heavy coursework just didn't suit me."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3SAFcCjw6
With that, Tahto closed his eyes again.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nbwLNiIVo
"I saw people in the Grand Hall talking about a candidate named Tahto who got a 99 in the martial exam. Everyone was discussing it, but his written exam..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGxFcbbwTI
Fahne stopped mid-sentence, realizing he might have said too much. However, Tahto didn't seem to care.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Dnd6gOQV
"Since we've escaped, let's stop talking about the Academy. What's right in front of us is... Tahto, can you tell us a bit about your plan?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYZe8VKYOt
Cœur broke the awkward atmosphere, pulling everyone back to reality.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVO2i4uAQ3
"...For now, we rest briefly in this hut. At daybreak, I'll head down the mountain to buy some food and clothes. All our belongings were left in the dorms with our uniforms; we can't wander around wearing Academy uniforms. As for you two... do as you please."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCwVC0eOby
Mentioning food made Cœur and Fahne realize they hadn't eaten since the afternoon while secretly following Tahto, and their stomachs were starving.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFxxWxE1Kt
"By the way... how much money did you bring? Without cash, we can't buy anything."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MZnC4WJOS
"I only have 50 coins."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNJFVt8eM6
Cœur pulled out her coin pouch as she spoke.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuxCWjI5bX
"30 coins."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUOilSE3s6
Tahto almost simultaneously pulled out his pouch.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66YA0w6wtL
"30 coins? You planned to go on the run with just that much? That's barely enough for ten bowls of soup noodles!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LI6J0CIyG
After Cœur spoke, Tahto turned his head away and put his pouch back.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHJcl1IeSb
"I have 150 coins. My father gave me quite a bit of allowance."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB3H7YArHD
Fahne brought out his wallet, immediately drawing the gaze of the other two.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AD5q1Woak
"150 coins will definitely last us a while... I have another question, Tahto. How did you know where the Gen-Ei Bead was hidden?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7mC8ylPpJ
Cœur shifted her focus back to Tahto.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pVbBA38T6
"I often wandered around the Academy when I suffered from insomnia at night. Two weeks ago, I walked near the Grand Hall and saw two people carrying a box. I hid in the bushes to check what was inside. I looked closely and saw dozens of Oro (Origin Reflecting Orbs) inside. They walked straight toward that small wooden hut, and the short guard took a look before opening the door for them to put the things inside."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuCfViwu4T
After finishing, Tahto took out the silver Oro from his pocket and looked at it.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLyMnDzXjm
"So you had already planned that if you couldn't win an Oro through the exam, you'd steal one from the hut?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGQBT0XFvF
Tahto lowered his head, giving no response.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtQN0Ma8HT
"I also have a question... How exactly do we use this Oro?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ldgFnSovj
Fahne pointed to the pale green Oro in his hand.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlLMXMVUu5
Once Fahne finished, both of them turned to look at Tahto again.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJujYO71LC
"I'm not entirely sure either. Try keeping it with you at all times; you should figure it out eventually."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVTH0btBL2
Silence fell over the room after Tahto spoke. Cœur grew increasingly astonished by how impulsive the boy in front of her was.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y26VTYpcl
"By the way... do you know where we are right now?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTt5lpLpMQ
Tahto's question broke the silence. It turned out he didn't even know where he had run off to.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGZBTrtsO9
"Based on my observations... this should be Renmin Town."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMjGyEPQo7
The moment Fahne answered, Tahto visibly flinched. His closed eyes snapped open, his gaze terrifyingly intense.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVwge7sz9Y
"Tahto... are you okay?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuVqXOLDdC
Cœur asked, her voice a mix of concern and fear.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzNKEFwTWv
"I'm fine. Get some rest early."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekCkwInXC6
Tahto closed his eyes again, seemingly forcing down his intense emotions.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KHxG3vvev
Both Cœur and Fahne sensed something off, but neither said another word.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELgnFuWgEg
Tahto laid a cloth on the ground to rest without complaint, holding his Oro tightly against his chest. Cœur and Fahne leaned against the walls on opposite sides, holding their respective Oro in their palms.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QrchaoNti
"What's wrong? Can't sleep?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh7kYsxBmB
The figure of a 10-year-old boy appeared before Tahto.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcbRD8sRZi
"Brother... that old bastard is right down in that town. How could I possibly sleep?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJsD05iaqd
Tahto suppressed his anger, keeping his voice low so as not to wake Cœur and Fahne.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o4J3pkd9z
"You've finally escaped from the Academy. Whatever you do, don't do anything dangerous."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5468XirIGn
The boy said to Tahto with a gentle smile.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1t8nvShsA
"But that guy... he did THAT to you! Now that he's right in front of me, how can I let him off?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlCJv0sl2i
Tahto sat up, barely able to control his brewing rage.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgq09cWdCr
"Remember, you must walk your own path."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiikzJbphJ
With a smile, the boy vanished from before Tahto's eyes.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdiu7YfY7H
"Brother..."
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglWGfTjDSA
"Cock-a-doodle-doo—"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLgJlNqNk5
With the morning crow of the rooster, Cœur and Fahne woke up one after another, only to find Tahto missing.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSGiimRYJM
The two exchanged glances, hurriedly picked up their Oro that had dropped onto the floor at some point, and opened the door. They saw Tahto already walking down the mountain, though fortunately not too far ahead yet.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepbHUKsy5Z
"Tahto, wait for us!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY3KyO7W0K
Cœur and Fahne jogged to catch up.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5L4F9elfS
"Still couldn't shake you two off..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxFwUMeVEC
Tahto sighed, stopping his steps as if accepting his fate.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuxGVJM3se
"Just think of it as looking out for each other. We need to go down the mountain to buy some food too; our stomachs won't stop growling."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIDJb4Y44X
As Cœur spoke, the two reached Tahto's side.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2wI3vAqZe
"This Renmin Town... is much more underdeveloped than I imagined."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHExLIgymLH
Before long, they reached the town. Looking at the houses, which were mostly constructed from rough wooden planks, Cœur felt a gap between reality and her expectations.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKI6AKTdqB
"There's a breakfast shop ahead. Want to get something to eat?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg127bV0VC
Fahne pointed to a crowded breakfast stall. Tahto nodded.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmN8lCQFBX
"Good morning! What would you like?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvull8oosPa
After waiting in line for ten minutes, it was finally their turn. The lady behind the counter asked kindly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bQLffJOI7
"Six steamed buns, please."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaYTUsSAP7
Tahto pointed to the steaming buns in the steamer.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOxJlGbfvm
"Alright, that will be 12 coins total."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwAZ7lZrbr
The lady handed over the bag of buns. Fahne reached for his wallet to pay, but Tahto acted first, handing over the 12 coins.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu98mfPT3m
"Take care, come again!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobkWAKciLu
Grabbing the buns, Tahto turned to leave, with Cœur and Fahne following close behind.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcsKQ9IrAB
"Let's pay for our own share."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh97jn2oVa
Cœur pulled 4 coins from her pouch and held them out to Tahto. Fahne agreed and also offered 4 coins.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshpwu9KDWg
"Doesn't matter. You're hungry, eat first."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhKntp09PX
Tahto didn't take their money, handing two buns to each of them while taking a bite out of his own.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdGTo5KCfU
"A hot bun after so long... this is pure bliss!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89nyFgKJbn
Cœur said with a bright smile as she ate. Fahne also showed a long-absent smile.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExRvvFgxiH
"Let's each save one bun for emergencies."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvHhLTXya6
Tahto told them. Though one bun was barely enough to satisfy their hunger, both nodded in silent agreement.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc29iLLOMbT
"By the way..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBEH234eKh
Fahne looked around while chewing.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8KJ4RavtQ
"Have you noticed that people nearby keep turning around to look at us?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURK2hhMtuu
As soon as Fahne spoke, Cœur and Tahto glanced around as well.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pXURIqGD1
"It's because of our uniforms."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSm31Opo3c
Tahto deduced instantly.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AOJOItB7M
"It really isn't wise to wander around in Academy uniforms."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJd0GTwbie
Cœur agreed.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ7qdyhDH1
"There's a clothing shop not far ahead. Finish up and let's go buy some clothes."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbdHFAfw2F
Tahto said, and the three unconsciously picked up their pace.
11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7TaNJmNWu
"Are you wearing them out directly?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSsyBFIPkG
The shopkeeper lady asked. After choosing their preferred outfits, the three took turns stepping into the fitting room to change out of their uniforms, holding them in their hands as they prepared to pay.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm3gXVHv2m
"How much for each?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUEScqYgBv
Tahto asked while searching through his pouch.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkAZesDsdU
"The young lady's top and long skirt come to 35 coins, the young boy's outfit is 30 coins, and yours... is 20 coins."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGAibEREy9
Tahto's hands froze. He looked up at the shopkeeper.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8BYSJHWmy
'Are clothes this expensive nowadays? I picked mine from the clearance section...'11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ8WP59tZi
Tahto thought awkwardly. With only 18 coins left, he didn't even have enough for his own 20-coin outfit.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMt01JeNUy
"Would you like to pay separately or together?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcaWXMmsjZ
The shopkeeper asked Tahto.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxvOZt2kMN
"Could you..."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikNqltHR90
Tahto opened his mouth to haggle, even though he was terrible at it.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcClvmadCxJ
"Let's pay together."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmYyxdrDpy
Fahne interrupted Tahto and spoke to the shopkeeper.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxliup5C8RF
"It's 85 coins in total, right?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHhcTnGeeT
Fahne pulled the money from his wallet and handed it over. Tahto stared at Fahne in silence.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SFSa8OfYq
"Thank you, come again!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwwM65scco
Stepping out of the store, Tahto remained silent out of subtle shame.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNbCuhTmsI
"You brought us along without complaint and bought us buns. This is nothing, don't sweat it!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2iIrG0Yrw
Fahne said with a smile. Tahto raised his head slightly to look at him.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVuDUtooQM
"By the way, Tahto... are you alright? You've looked unwell ever since we stepped into the store. Was it because the clothes were too expensive?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNamb2VAcp
Cœur asked with concern. Tahto turned his head away, staying quiet for a moment.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEk1qYfKt1
"Let's throw the uniforms away. Carrying them around isn't an option."11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSiqlaZqsc
Tahto said, walking toward a trash bin in the back alley.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SLN99Eld8
"It's the Town Mayor!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr2Qalcf60
"Keep quiet, bow your head!"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuFnGCPR7P
The three looked toward the commotion. A convoy appeared—over a dozen soldiers surrounding a carriage as they paraded down the street.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqOmYGjRe3
"Is that the Mayor of Renmin Town?"11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DYOx69rU4
Cœur looked at the convoy with curiosity.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtLQOcCxcx
As the carriage passed by, Tahto peeked through the small window. A man in his fifties was sitting inside, leisurely puffing on a cigar.11Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P2VnO5Ok8
"It's HIM!"
and then Add to home screen.