𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒲ℴ𝓃𝒹ℯ𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹： 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓌 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝓇ℴ𝓏ℯ𝓃 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉

𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔： 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 11

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"Sanctis apostolis Omnibus sanctis"

**
Noble Bell College

"GROUP 1! ASSEMBLE!!!" Sebek bellowed, his voice ringing through the streets like a war horn as Group A and Group Star split off to explore separate sections of Fleur City. Somewhere, a flock of birds scattered in alarm.

"You don't have to shout at the top of your lungs. We can hear you just fine," Jamil muttered under his breath, rubbing his temple with a sigh.

"We must not keep Malleus waiting!" Sebek barked back, undeterred and possibly louder.

"So Group 1 is myself, Sebek, Rosehearts, and Viper." Malleus's deep voice cut through the tension like velvet steel, the subtle disappointment in his eyes barely masked. "I hope we'll have an enjoyable time,"

His smile was polite... though his gaze strayed once again toward the direction Group Star had gone—with her, and him.

Vanitas.

That insufferable, smug, walking flirt of a man.

"So do I, Malleus," Riddle nodded with a small smile. Though composed, a flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes. He'd hoped Y/n would be in his group as well, but at least she was with people he could trust—Isfrid and Noé.

"I was worried when Sebek started arguing and insisting that he join Malleus's group along with
Y/n..." Jamil admitted, arms crossed. "But honestly, I'm glad he has a proper guard," he said in relief, also disappointed that Y/n wasn't in their group.

"Heh, of course," Sebek puffed up. "Malleus's safety shall always be my first priority!"

"For my part, I'm interested in broadening my horizons by learning more of the city's history," Malleus said, his voice even but his eyes subtly trailing to Y/n in the nearby group. "I did some reading prior to our departure, but that's no substitute for experiencing a place firsthand. What of the rest of you?" he asked.

"I certainly have no objections!" Sebek beamed.

"I think that's a wonderful approach." Riddle said. "I was also hoping to learn more about the city,"

"Agreed," Jamil added. "I'd like to see the sights and get the real Fleur City experience,"

"Ah, so you're all interested in learning more history." Trein nodded approvingly as he led Vanitas, Noé, Y/n, Isfrid, and Grim toward Group 1. The moment Y/n came into view, subtle shifts passed through several members of the group—Malleus's posture straightened, Riddle's smile softened, and even Jamil's usual caution relaxed.

"I applaud your mindset," Trein said, genuinely pleased.

"Geez Louise," Grim grumbled with narrowed eyes. "I thought this was Group 1, not Group BORING,"

"You could learn a thing or two from them," Noé commented, arms crossed but smiling.

"Mhmm," Y/n let out a soft puff of amusement.

"I agree," Isfrid added, his cold stare cutting toward Grim like an icicle.

Vanitas gave a soft chuckle. "Personally, I find her even cuter when she says nothing. But if she's enjoying the scenery, I'll tolerate the history lecture," he added with a teasing wink aimed at Y/n.