THE BOOK OF SPELLS

Fuji never thought the Mission Alley would turn out like this.

At first, it had been exciting, dangerous, yes, but exciting. Yet the deeper they went into the mountains, the more his excitement soured.

His classmates, instead of working together, only looked after themselves. They pushed ahead, ignored one another, even used others as bait just to survive.

Watching them, Fuji clenched his fists. Is this what a "team" means to them?

He prayed silently, whispering to the heavens, Please... give me someone I can trust. A friend. Just one loyal friend who won't abandon me.

But the only answer he received was far darker.

In the shadows, a figure appeared, tall, cloaked, his presence heavy as death itself. A scythe gleamed in his pale hand.

A Grim Reaper.

Fuji froze. His breath caught in his throat. He had been caught.

The Reaper stepped closer, and instead of swinging his blade, he leaned down, smiling faintly. His voice was soft, calm, almost teasing.

"My name is Louis. What's yours, honey?"

Fuji's eyes widened, his face instantly heating up. "H-honey?!" he blurted, voice cracking.

The Reaper chuckled, low and amused. "Your name is honey?"

"H-huh?! N-no!" Fuji stammered, waving his hands wildly. "My name is Fuji! Fuji Masato!" He forced himself to take a deep breath, trying desperately to calm his racing heart.

Louis smiled warmly at him, as if death itself had suddenly turned sweet.

Fuji's thoughts spun out of control. A grim reaper... as a friend? Oh, good lord above, what did I pray for?! WHY?!