Cote: Parallel World

A1-chapter 2: The Eastern village

2.1

On a certain winter day, wind is starting to strengthen its blow, the sun hide itself behind thick layers of cloud.

Early morning on that destined day, students of the Maltris Institution of Magic are getting the glimpse of as to how thing would not go accordingly to their will.

Particularly, they have to show up earlier than usual, that is to be expected.

In the corner of the waiting room, two male class D students are having their friendly chat.

"R....r...r, it's freezing!"

Ike said, his teeth clapped together repeatedly.

"Hey."

Yamauchi replied in a listless manner.

"Why do we, even, ...r...r, have to come this early? We are sitting in a room, and it doesn't feel any better."

Ike again tried to initiate a conversation, only to realize after that his partner is dazing off.

"I'm, extremely sleepy... You don't see it, but I have a blanket hidden below this jacket."

The first time in the day Yamauchi spoke out a proper sentence, but Ike let it slide, as they are sympathetic with each other situation at the moment.

"Yeah, you're right. We are supposed to be in bed."

After several minutes of silence, Yamauchi decided to get up and start his morning, as if he hadn't done it when he had to get out of his bed.

"Yawn... Enough sleeping. Ike, you got what we need for the task?"

"Yeah, all is here."

Ike handed out the bag, presumably packed with items they need for the upcoming quest.

"I'm still shaking so badly, r...r..., not entirely sure if it's the freezing weather or something else."

"If we're talking about that', then yeah, I'm also so damn nervous."

They are both shaking in place, indifferent from all other students around, except for some certain odd ones.

"I guess... it's only natural. After all, this is the first time we are doing something this big. I feel like what we have been doing is nothing compared to this."

Both nod silently, indefinitely yet firmly.

"By the way, is Sudou here yet?"

Asked Yamauchi, who started his morning though late, but had been here earlier than anyone.

"He is outside. He had been here before I did."

"Why wouldn't he go inside?"

"If you ask me, he has been rather quiet since recently."

Not to mention these three, Ike, Yamauchi, Sudou are close friends. One changes because of circumstances.

"I guess it must be rough, preparing for the main quest."

"Frankly, that may be true. Sudou wasn't once like this."

"Man, how long are we going to wait?"

"Yeah, I wouldn't have come so early knowing this."

The door opened and a figure came in. She didn't close the door right away, letting some gust of wind blew in.

"Don't be so impatient, I told you to be on time, not exactly punctual. Ike, Yamauchi, if you have the stamina to complain, then stand up, we're going now."