LUNCH BREAK
The cafeteria buzzed with the chaotic energy of lunchtime. Trays clattered against tables, students laughed and shouted across the room, and conversations overlapped into an endless sea of noise.
Yet amid the chaos, a small pocket of quiet had formed around Cassandra and Hesper.
Cassandra rested her chin on her palm, studying the white sliver -haired girl across from her with open curiosity.
"You know," Cassandra began, lowering her voice, "you missed Professor's lecture this morning."
Hesper took a slow bite of her sandwich but said nothing.
"She told us the story of the Red Moon," Cassandra continued. "The one that was supposedly created by the astronomer"
For the first time, Hesper looked up.
Cassandra leaned back slightly.
"The more I think about it, the more terrifying it sounds. I know what Tier Two users are capable of, but I've never heard anything like that before. Lady Lisanna never mentioned it."
Hesper gaze drifted toward the cafeteria windows.
"I keep wondering what that man felt. Imagine watching your own Surge Vessel shatter while the power drove you into madness."
Hesper swallowed her bite before speaking.
"The Red Moon?"
A faint shrug followed.
"Yeah, I'm familiar with it. That's a pretty popular story back in Fulton."
Her cool eyes swept over Cassandra with unsettling precision.
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"I can tell you haven't unlocked your Dio yet."
The statement hung between them.
Cassandra didn't seem offended.
"Not yet," she admitted. "But I plan to soon. I've already mastered all the primary elements. I can fuse them into entirely new elements, and I've mastered elemental weapon manifestation, and other techniques, magic drawings ."
A determined smile crossed her face.
"Unlocking my Dio is the only thing left."
Hesper's lips curved into a small smirk.
Elemental mastery clearly failed to impress her.
"Once you unlocked your Dio," she said, "you'll finally be a rival worth having."
She took another bite of her sandwich.
"Until then, we can be friends."
Her smirk widened.
"Having a human ally might actually prove useful."
Cassandra lets out a huge smile.
_________
LUNCH BREAK JUNIOR BUILDING.
The cafeteria was as lively as ever.
Students filled every corner of the room, carrying trays piled high with food. Groups of friends occupied tables, laughing loudly as they shared stories about classes, training sessions, and the latest rumors spreading throughout the academy. The constant clatter of trays, chairs scraping against the floor, and overlapping conversations blended into a familiar lunchtime symphony.
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Zira carefully balanced her tray as she searched for an empty seat.
Most of the tables were already occupied.
Then she spotted Aristo sitting alone near one of the windows.
He was quietly eating his lunch, a bowl of seasoned rice with grilled fish and vegetables, completely isolated from the noise around him.
Zira paused.
"Is he really that shy?
He doesn't seem to have any friends."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"I don't mind being his first friend."
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Gathering her courage, she walked toward his table.
When she reached him, she adjusted her glasses nervously and extended her hand.
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"Hi. I'm Zira. I recently moved to Daria, and we happen to be classmates."
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Aristo looked up and accepted her handshake with a calm smile.
"I'm Aristo, Nice to meet you."
His voice was surprisingly warm.
"So... would it be okay if I sat here?" Zira asked.
"I don't mind."
Zira took the seat across from him and placed her tray down.
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For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but Zira felt compelled to break it.
Taking a small bite of her sandwich, she glanced at Aristo.
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"Sorry if I'm bothering you, but I've been wanting to ask you something."
Aristo turned slightly toward her.
"I don't mind. Go ahead."
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Zira hesitated.
"He doesn't sound shy at all,in fact, he seemed surprisingly confident."
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"I heard that you're shy around girls," she began carefully. "And that you don't really like being around them."
She pointed toward the cloth covering his eyes.
"I was told that's why you keep your eyes covered. To avoid eye contact."
Her cheeks turned slightly pink.
"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just curious, that's all."
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Aristo stared at her for several seconds.
"Who's spreading this rumo—"
Before finishing the sentence, realization appeared on his face.
He let out a long sigh.
"I already know who filled your head with all of that."
His fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Was his name Phobos?"
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Zira immediately looked away.
"Maybe."
Aristo shook his head.
"Don't listen to a word that idiot says."
He pointed toward the cloth covering his eyes.
"My eyes have been covered like this ever since I was born."
Zira blinked.
"Really?"
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Aristo nodded.
"I made a promise to my mother that I would never remove this covering without her permission."
He paused.
"Or Lady Lisanna's permission, besides i only take it off once or twice a year."
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Zira stared at him in surprise.
"So no, they're not covered because I'm scared of girls."
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Think of them the same way you think of your glasses."
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Zira's eyes widened.
"Wait."
She leaned forward.
"How did you know I wear glasses?"
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"Because I can see them" Aristo answered casually.
"But that's impossible," Zira said immediately.
"I know you make use of detection, and I'm aware of how detection works, but objects this small barely emit any energy at all. Most people wouldn't be able to detect them."
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"So how did you?"
Aristo simply smiled.
"Let's just say my detection is a little better than most."
Zira continued staring at him.
For a moment, she wasn't sure whether he was joking or serious.
"Oh, and by the way," Aristo added, "Phobos is my brother."
The moment he said it, he made a face that suggested he desperately wished they weren't related.
Zira couldn't help but laugh, in her mind.
Then the memory of everything she had just said came rushing back.
The color drained from her face.
A second later, it returned twice as strong.
"I-I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine."Aristo waved a hand dismissively.
His reassuring tone eased her embarrassment.
"Really. Don't worry about it."
Zira nodded awkwardly.
Still blushing, she picked up her tray.
"I'll... see you later."
Aristo watched her walk away before releasing another exhausted sigh.
"That idiot..."
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Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Phobos remained slumped over his desk, still lost in a deep slumber, completely unaware that his lunch break and his credibility were passing him by.
________
THE GREAT LIBRARY OF DARIA
The Great Library stood in absolute silence.
Towering shelves stretched endlessly in every direction, their ancient wooden frames packed with countless books gathered over centuries. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows high above, casting colorful patterns across the floor.
At a secluded table deep within the library, Maria sat alone.
Several books lay open before her, their pages filled with diagrams, notes, and forgotten histories. Yet her eyes weren't on the text.
Slowly, she reached for the locket around her neck.
Her fingers tightened around it.
"Hirosuke..."
The name escaped her lips as little more than a whisper.
"Where are you?"
“Lady Maria.”
The voice pulled her out of her thoughts and back into the real world.
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She lifted her head and saw Barnabas approaching,the head of the library. He carried a small stack of books beneath one arm, his expression calm yet laced with gentle concern.
Maria offered him a tired smile.
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“Good afternoon, Barnabas.”
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He stopped beside her table and glanced at the growing pile of books scattered across it.
“You’ve been coming to this library for nearly twenty years now,” he said softly. “I don’t mind helping you find whatever it is you’re searching for.”
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Maria let out a faint breath, almost amused.
“Has it really been that long? I’ve lost track.”
Barnabas set the books down carefully, then reached out and touched her cheek with quiet familiarity,like someone who had long stopped pretending he wasn’t worried.
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“You shouldn’t burden yourself like this anymore, child.”
His eyes lingered on hers.
“You’re growing weaker every day. What about your children? Most times, you stay here for months without ever seeing them.”
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His tone remained respectful, but firm.
“I’m sure they are fine,” Maria replied, though her voice lacked certainty.
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“I’m sure they are as well,” Barnabas echoed gently. “But children need more than food and shelter. And don’t you think Lisanna has been carrying too much of this on her own?”
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Maria lowered her gaze.
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“…You’re right, Barnabas. I’ll take my leave.”
He nodded and slid the books toward her.
“Take these with you. They might help with your search. I’ve gone through what you’ve been studying, and I think I understand what you’re looking for… but I’m not sure you’ll be satisfied with what you find.”
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Maria looked down at the titles.
Specialized research texts.
One detailed the nature and formation of magical gems.
Another chronicled the history of Diochromes across the ages.
The third explored the countless theories surrounding their mysterious origins.
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“You can continue your research at home,” Barnabas added gently. “That way, you can still spend time with your children while you search for answers.”
A faint, knowing smile crossed his face.
“Besides… I don’t think it’s right for them to become more used to Lisanna than their own mother.”
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That finally drew a soft laugh from Maria.
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“You’re right.”
She closed the book in front of her and rose from her chair, carefully gathering the others into her arms.
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“Thank you, Barnabas.”
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“Someone has to remind you that you still have a family,” he said quietly.
Maria smiled—warmer this time, more present than she had been in a long while.
Then, before he could react, she leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
Barnabas froze completely.
His eyes widened behind his spectacles.
“W-What was that for?” he stammered.
Maria chuckled softly.
“For always caring.”
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With that, she turned and walked toward the exit, the books held close to her chest.
For the first time in days, she felt light enough to leave.
As she disappeared between the towering shelves, Barnabas remained still, gently touching the spot on his cheek with a bewildered expression.
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“…Children,” he muttered under his breath.
_______________
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The insistent growling of Phobos's stomach accomplished something the break bell never could,it woke him from sleep.
He lifted his head and looked around. The classroom was completely empty.
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"What's going on? Where's everybody?"
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With a loud yawn, he pushed himself to his feet and walked outside.
The cafeteria was packed with students. The noise was deafening, and his favorite dish had already sold out.
"I'm sorry, honey, i couldn't save the last slice for you." The food seller apologised
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"It's totally fine. I wasn't really that hungry."
He turned and walked away.
"I figured they'd be sold out already."
Too tired to care, he drifted outside in search of fresh air and a quiet corner where he could sleep away the rest of the break. His favorite spot, the library, was already crowded with students.
As he headed toward his second favorite hiding place, he heard voices coming from that direction.
"Looks like people figured out my second perfect spot too."
He turned to leave.
Then laughter reached his ears.
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"Hi, I'm Zira."
"What a lame name for someone as ugly as you."
The mocking voice was high-pitched voice .
Phobos frowned and glanced over.
Near one of the stone benches, four boys from another class had formed a tight circle. In the center sat Zira, clutching her lunch tray.
Her sandwich lay scattered across the ground.
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One of the boys slowly tilted her second milk carton over her head, deliberately emptying it onto her hair while the others jeered.
"Go back to Fulton, you monster!"
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Another boy snatched the glasses from her face and crushed them beneath his shoe with a slow, grinding twist.
Zira didn't move, she didn't fight back.
She simply sat there trembling, her unfocused eyes fixed on nothing as humiliation rooted her in place.
Phobos stopped.
For a moment, he simply watched, then he sighed.
"Hey," he called lazily. "You guys look like you're having fun, and I really don't want to interrupt that."
The boys turned toward him.
"Oh?" Their leader smirked. He had messy sandy-blond hair and sharp green eyes filled with arrogance.
"If it isn't the blind boy's brother."
A few of the others chuckled.
"What's wrong?" the leader continued. "You want to end up like your brother too? Blind?"
The air shifted.
Phobos's shoulders straightened.
The air around Phobos seemed to vibrate with a dangerous pressure.
"Insulting me is one thing," he said quietly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "But insulting my brother?"
The temperature in the courtyard rose several degrees.
"That is a mistake you won't live down."
The bullies laughed.
Then Phobos vanished.
A sonic boom cracked through the courtyard.
The first boy never even saw the attack. One moment he was smirking, the next a fist slammed into his stomach with enough force to lift him off the ground. The shockwave shattered nearby windows as he crashed across the courtyard and embedded himself into a stone wall.
Silence.
The remaining boys stared in horror.
"What the hell—"
A torrent of fire erupted from another student, the fire was directed at Phobos.
A blazing river of flames rushed toward Phobos, hot enough to melt stone around them.
Zira watched.
But Phobos simply raised one finger.
Instead of resisting the flames, he seized control of them, covering the whole flame using air, compressing the flame, the heat condensed further and further until the fire changed color from orange to blue, The compressed flame became unstable.
Crack.
A bolt of lightning exploded from the center of the flame.
The students froze.
Fire had become lightning.
" His already a master in elemental manipulation" one of the bully said as he shield his eyes
The sound of the lightning instantly as it left Phobos finger.
The second and third boys were struck simultaneously.
Electricity surged through their bodies.
Their muscles locked.
Their eyes rolled back.
Both collapsed instantly, smoke rising from their uniforms.
Zira's jaw dropped, " isn't he the same sleeping guy?, the level of his confidence is really high and his mastery over elemental manipulation is great"
The leader growled and slammed his hands together.
Four identical copies burst from his body.
"Get him!"
The clones rushed forward from every direction.
Phobos smiled.
The world around him suddenly slowed.
To everyone watching, he became a blur of afterimages.
One clone threw a punch, phobos tilted his head.
The fist missed by a hair.
He countered with an elbow that shattered the clone into sparks.
Another attacked from behind.
Without looking, Phobos spun and launched a kick.
The clone exploded apart.
A third lunged with a dagger of condensed fire.
Phobos caught the blade with his bare hand.
The flames died instantly.
" Your clones are able to make use of your birth elements that's impressive, that means you've almost completely mastered eno cloning"
Then he crushed the weapon and drove a knee into the clone's chest.
The construct disintegrated.
The final clone attempted to flee.
" Hey where are you running too that's your opponent running away, you're just a cheap copy of me" the bully shouted at his clone.
A spear of lightning appeared in Phobos's hand.
He threw it.
The weapon crossed the courtyard in an instant and pierced the clone before exploding into a web of electricity.
The last copy vanished.
The leader staggered backward.
His confidence was gone, fear had replaced it.
" That's all you've got, what a shame" Phobos walked towards him as he pleaded, he held his shit his hand formed a fist and then he vanished.
The two boys who were knocked out by the lightning woke up
" That was a clone"
What kind of monster was the original?
The bullies didn't stay long enough to find out.
Panic seized them.
They scrambled to their feet and fled the courtyard without looking back.
Zira remained frozen.
Her heart pounded violently in her chest.
She had been protected by someone who wasn't even there.
A single clone had stood against them.
Zira used a low-level heat magic to dry her clothes.
After a few minutes the break was over, Zira returned to the classroom, after taking a shower.
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As soon as she reached her seat, she found Phobos asleep , his head resting on the desk as if nothing had happened.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
Lowering her head slightly, she whispered,
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"Thank you."
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Phobos didn't say anything.
He remained motionless, his eyes closed.
Zira simply smiled.
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A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she took her seat beside him, her heart feeling lighter than it had all day.
Unbeknownst to her, Phobos had heard every word.
But he chose not to respond.
ns216.73.217.22da2
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