I have to admit that I am a little bit nervous when I returned to ASAC to submit the result of our mission back in Woodshire. Many things have happened back then. Starting from what we found inside the Order's outpost, the sudden teleportation, how to solve this curse issue, and how Highmont's spec ops almost getting their hands of this Order's tome. All I hope that this chain of events won't further worsen my situation.
Actually, our team is actually appreciated by Sir Palladion for our result. Even better, we are considered as the aces, the best that ASAC has to offer. Nonetheless, the curse that I still have is still being a good topic to be mentioned, given how the solution has been pointed out by the tome, the research on the curse finally has a new lead.
That day, when we first returned to ASAC, it is a pleasant one for a while.
"I heard that the three of you fought with Highmont's spec ops and won, right? How was it? Tell us!"
"I guess it is very satisfying to shut those cocky mouths of theirs!"
Many compliments are pointed at us. It seemed like that most students here at least have heard the cockiness of those Highmont's and will be paying all their money to watch them suffer or at least eat their own dirts. Guess that make us some sort of hero.
Anyway, it is better to be admired as a hero than a 'reckless rookie'. It has a nicer ring to it. As if a weight has been lifted from my shoulder, although the curse still remains and having an eye-patch is now becoming an iconic for me. I decided to take it off then, only when around the school's precinct.
Looks like now that I have regained the spirits, it is a good time to rekindle the old flames with my new partner since Farris's position has been replaced, Dranch Welbane. I return to my dorm room, to find that he is already there reading a book, being studious as always.
"....Hey there," I greet him awkwardly.
"Oh, it is you. Welcome back." He only takes a quick glance at the door and return to the book on his hand as quickly as they left. History of Red-eyed Tribe, Their First Appearance and Extinction. That's the title of the book.
"Are you having a liking to history?" Trying to be as friendly as possible, to repent for my cold reactions toward him before.
"Not really. Why do you care?" Not the answer that I was expecting for. To the point, it is then.
"Ah, no. It's just like.. Okay, I'm sorry for being a jerk and cold-hearted towards you in the first place... Those days were hard, you know. Losing a partner and.. I was very confused back then," I apologize.
"How about now? Still confused?"
That question has just reminded me of what my own purpose in the first place. Finding the truth about Farris' crime. I totally forget about that. "To be honest, yes it is. Many questions are yet to be answered."
"So what do you want from me in the first place? You want me to help you?" he asks rather sarcastically.
"If you don't mind."
"I do mind." He slams the book on the table. "Do you think that being a successful spec ops could make you being the greatest guy so everyone will be willing to help you to achieve your goals no matter what you did in the past?" he stands up and turns to me. Fire can clearly seen on his eyes. "Not everyone can be used as your pawn, no matter how powerful or famous you are. My advice? No use catching up with the past. You only going to hurt yourself and anyone else."
".....What do you mean?"
"If I helped you, you would only focus on yourself to chase your former partner's shadow. And you're going to distant yourself again from your friends just to fulfill that foolish objective of yours. Am I right?"
