19. The Human Hunt
"Why didn't you tell me!? That you know Louis from Ark College! More than just know him, he was in your room!"
While eating dinner in the Luminous College dining hall, Emma was being bombarded with questions by Sophia.
"Louis is... my childhood friend..."
Emma answered vaguely with a wry smile. Apparently, Louis was quite famous within the school for being the youngest to pass the special exam and join Ark College.
(When I first came to Arcana Academy of Magic, I felt like I was getting a lot of stares... Thinking back, maybe it was because Louis was with me...)
"You should have told me sooner!"
Sophia glared at Emma while tearing off a piece of bread.
"Well, there wasn't really any need to mention it..."
"What are you talking about!? We're talking about the Louis! Louis of Ark College! Being childhood friends with him? Any normal student would gain recognition just for that!"
Emma, lost for words, dodged the question with a vague smile. Just then—
"Everyone—!"
Suddenly, an upperclassman from Luminous College burst into the dining hall. His voice was tense, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.
"A third-year from Regalia College was apparently attacked, suspected of being human! Everyone besides the first-years, be careful too!"
In an instant, a buzz went through the hall.
"Are there humans other than the first-years?"
"Scary... I wonder who'll be next."
"This is what happens when humans come into the magical world."
Hearing the voices around her, Emma shrank back slightly.
"It's frightening, isn't it?"
Sophia murmured. But Emma couldn't say anything.
(It's my fault...)
The spoon in her hand felt chillingly cold. Emma lowered her gaze slightly, trying to suppress the heavy feeling spreading in her heart.
"I'm feeling a little tired, so I'm going back to my room," Emma said, leaving the dining hall.
Emma headed towards the garden just outside Luminous College. The neatly trimmed green lawn stretched out vibrantly, leading to a path lined with trees.
"If only I hadn't come here, none of this would have happened..."
To Emma's eyes, the school garden seemed like a strangely distant world.
Suddenly, a shadow flickered between the trees. Emma stopped and stared intently into the darkness.
"Who's there...?"
From the end of the path, Kai Faldion of Regalia College appeared, his long robe fluttering. Moonlight illuminated his face; his expression was cold, yet somehow filled with curiosity.
"You're human, aren't you?"
His words struck Emma's heart like a cold wind.
