Twisted Wonderland 2

Group Boring

"All right, as we've already established, you are to split into three groups for your fieldwork." Trein looks to the three groups. "Do you all remember your groups?"

Azul nods. "Yes, group A."

"Team star..." Idia holds his arm.

"Group one." Malleus says.

Rollo tilts his head. "The inconsistent nomenclature is most distressing."

Trein sighs. "They spent a whole meeting arguing about which group should be considered most important, and none of them were willing to compromise."

You laugh, shaking your head. "Typical boys."

"Ah, I see." Rollo glances to you. "But what will Y/N be doing?"

"Y/N and Grim are to accompany me. I'm not worried about those two, but the others..." Trein shakes his head. "All right, gentlemen, I know we've been through this multiple times, but I'm going over it again. There is not to be any, and I mean ANY trouble in town involving the use of magic."

"There won't be, rest assured." Azul reassures. "We're the last people who would ever resort to violence-ah, I mean, minor disputes, on a field trip abroad."

Idia rolls his eyes. "Oh yeah. Mild-mannered, good-hearted, sensible. That's us."

Malleus smiles. "Do we look like the kind of miscreants who would act rudely to strangers?"

Trein doesn't seem too assured. "Those smiles only increase my anxiety. I know this is one of the most peaceful cities in the Shaftlands... But I still worry about letting young students travel unaccompanied. There's no telling what could happen to them. Or more to the point, what could happen to the townspeople. We'll be making the rounds and meeting up as necessary. Inform me immediately if you have any issues. My cell phone number is listed at the bottom of your itinerary. I expect all of you to add it to your contacts."

Ruggie waves him off. "Yeah, sure. I'll do it later."

Trein narrows his eyes. "No, you'll do it now."

Rolli chuckles. "You're quite strict, Professor. I have to meet with the other visiting schools, so I'm afraid I won't be able to keep you company the whole time. But I'll head into town once I've got things sorted out. I'd be happy to guide you where I can."

Trein nods. "That's reassuring. All right, gentlemen. Be careful out there."

The boys nod, all talking amongst their own groups.

Rollo turns to you. "I shall see you later, Y/N."

You nod, smiling cheerfully. "See you around and good luck with the other schools."

Rollo smiles, bowing his head before he departs.

"Group one! Assemble!" Sebek shouts.

Jamil cringes. "You don't have to shout at the top of your lungs. We can hear you just fine."

"We must not keep Malleus waiting!" Sebek counters.

"So Group one is myself, Sebek, Rosehearts, and Viper." Malleus says. "I hope we'll have an enjoyable time."

Riddle smiles. "So do I, Malleus."

Jamil glances to Sebek. "l was worried when Sebek started arguing and insisting that he join Malleus's group, but honestly, I'm glad he has a proper guard."

Sebek grins. "Of course. Malleus's safety shall always be my first priority!"

"For my part," Malleus starts. "I'm interested in broadening my horizons by learning more of the city's history. I did some reading prior to our departure, but that's no substitute for experiencing a place firsthand. What of the rest of you?"