Work Text
Prologue
[Player has been recognized by █████]
Recognized by...?
[█████ shall grant one wish]
My wish?
[What will it be?]
"..."
Of course there's only one answer.
"...I want everything i wanted and imagined to turn true"
[Processing wish...]
[ERROR ERROR]
As i thought, nothing ever goes my way.
Systems are shit anyways.
[DUE TO PLAYERS CURRENT CONDITION WISH CAN—]
Before i could read all of the text i feel something pull me up, i feel pressure throughout my whole body.
It's like my soul is being pulled up by a strong force.
And then it stopped.
Well, everything stopped.
Nothing was moving, not the dust, not the people running, nothing.
I was floating atop my body with time frozen around me.
"What is happening?"
[That wish]
"Huh!?"
Normally I'd only see a screen infront of me but.
"I hear it." Its like a mix of multiple voices layered with something computer like.
[Is that truly your wish?]
Was it truly my wish?
"...yeah, although there are some more details but i guess it's the gist of it."
[...then i shall grant it]
"Wait! Really!? But how? Im like not living."
[Worry not]
"... you're right, there's no use for me to worry."
Then everything turned dark.
[You shall get what you want]
[Good luck]
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I suddenly woke up while harshly gasping for air, gripping my throat.For a few seconds that's all that happened, my body not registering the air I'm taking.When i calmed down for a bit i was taking deep breaths, eyes stricken with tears as i stare at the wall in front of me.
What?
How am i here?
I thought i died?
Everything looks just like how i was youngMy old bedroom, my collection of books, the messy closet, trash on the floor.Did i regress? Like those fantasy books
ive
been reading?I fall down back on my bed once i calm down my breathing.
[That wish]
[You shall get what you want]
My wish...*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*
Shit.
Forgot about school.I really dont want to go.I reluctantly stand up from my bed, take my towel and go in the bathroom.I stare at the mirror, my face looks younger but my face fat still there.As I remove pieces of clothing i gag from the sweat from gasping, my pajamas clinging to my skin.I really hate this body, whats the point of going back.Well i guess when i awaken i can lose weight easierWhen will that be again?I check the date on my phone that i brought for music.A
week before i awaken.Let's just get to school.-------------------------And so here i am, at a table listening - well, not really haha - to my P.E teacher.I was at the back of the classroom, packed with 40+ other students.I was with a close friend on one side and another friend on the other side.Hi s name was Cal, right?As i look at the guy on my left."So, Enne, 1v1?"We always did just play with our phones."Not right now, Sir Relly is teaching right now" still contemplating if I should listen or not."Really? You're not even listening to him, look at you just reading comics on your phone again"Ah."...open your data and hotspot then"I gave up, i mean i did want to play.Not like im gonna remember what he's teaching anyway."There we go! Mage or Fighter?"There's this moba game we always duo in, i even let him play my account to rank it up."Mage." The only role im good at besides support."Loser pays ₱5"...Forgot he does this."Yeah, no. Im broke.""Aw come on~"I stare at him while he keeps on trying to convince me."Just one round, okay?"I gave in, again, because non of this is gonna matter after this subject, what with whats gonna happen a little later."Nice!"Then we played. Of course i lost most of the rounds, thank god i won the first round.More money for me then."Ahahaha! Another round for me!"Of course he'd win this round."You cheated dude, that was such a bad match up for me. Cant believe you peeked at my phone during the hero choosing"As he denies it, the lesson ends and we didn't even notice that P.E. ended just awhile ago."Well, anyways its break time are you gonna buy anything?"As I've said im broke...and hungry, but."No, ill just stay here"I cant miss this event."Good, cus i was gonna show you something."As he says that he shows me his phone screen, there was an article showing that the first S rank and first hunter of our country going to japan to help with raiding a dungeon.
He was strong, sadly he's gonna pass away in that dungeon.
"Look at him, he's as cool as ever! If i ever awaken i hope im an S rank immediately!"I stare at him, while he admires the picture of the hunter."As if."I tease him for it, ever since ive known him he's been wanting to become one."Why not!? I have the looks, the skill, the dream, and body!"He says, bragging about himself, again."Uh-huh sure.""Of course im go-"He got cut off when someone suddenly bursts through our doors.One of our classmates, an athlete."Everyone get out of the building! A dungeon opened in the garden!"
This is it.
"The garden? Isn't it on this floor?""Yeah, Cal, didn't you wanna be a hunter? Let's check it out"I know what i have to do, everything is for the future."Check it out?! Are you crazy, we're not awakened! We'll die if we go there!""I guess you're right...""Now come on let's go down!"He grabs my wrist and pulls on me."Hold on, lets take our bags"I'll do this as slowly as possible."Hurry up Enne!""Be patient, im packing my things."I grab some eandom paper on the floor and slowly stuff them in my bag."What are you doing!? Let's go!"No more papers...i guess enough time has passed."Okay let's go""Finally!"He runs for the door while dragging me with him, by now we're the only ones in the room."Shit!"Before he gets to open the door, he hears it.
Monsters
"Shit! Is it a dungeon break!? Already!?"He silently cuss under his breath."My bad, i took too long"I apologize genuinely, in the other timeline i was one of the people who ran out the door immediately leaving him in the room by himself.But, i needed to do this, so i can get what i want."No. No, it isnt your fault, this was the quickest ive ever heard of a dungeon break happening."It was, for now no one knows why this happened.But it wasn't a dungeon break, it was something else entirely.*Clang* *Clang*Our eyes widen as we hear metal against metal just outside the door.
Fuck! I cant stop shaking.
Cal pulls me down so we wont be seen through the tiny glass window on the door."For now lets hide. We cant afford to be seen."I just nod at him, my voice not getting out as my throat feels like it's being stabbed from fear.I
dont
wanna die. I dont wanna die. I dont wanna die.Cal probably saw how silent and shaky i was because he suddenly cupped my face with both hands like that idiot sandwich photo."Calm down, we are not gonna die."I stare at him with shaky and wide eyes.I stare at him for a sec and slowly furrow my eyebrows."Why the fuck would you slap my face?!"He removed his hands immediately."Oh my god, im sorry, im so sorry."I just turn my head and ignore him."Enne, im so sorry huhu. I didn't mean to make it hurt."He whines at me shaking my body by the shoulders.As he continue, while my head was turned away i slowly smile and let out a tiny laugh."Wait, you were just pretending!"I flick his forehead so fast it stunned him."I wasnt pretending, it did hurt. But there's more things we should worry about that this."He hold his forehead and stare at me with softened eyes."...I promise I'll get out of here.""Don't worry, I'll make sure you do."I turn my head and look at my phone, good thing he hasnt turned of his hotspot.I look at the live news about our school, and although i couldn't hear it because of the muted audio I knew how unaware they were of us being in here.The only people who probably notice were our friends, but mine weren't really loud people and his friends are use to them suddenly disappearing.As i stare at my phone i zone out.I hear the movements of the door handle, it was a good thing that it was broken and hard to open.They're here. I
dont
wanna die.I wrap my hands on my legs clutching my phone."I hope the hunters get here quickly."A moment pass of the monsters not being able to open the door."I dont think we need to wait for them."Cal suddenly exclaims beside me and i turn to him."What do you me-"Cal looks wide at his body glowing a bright golden red hue.
Ah...how could I forget.
Our country's 3rd S ranker, Cal the firefly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Cal The FireflyHe was one of the top hunters in our country and even one of the top S-rankers.He would go to dungeons that opened near schools or places frequented by young people, and
today was the day he awakened."I awakened...""...no shit."He was so excited that he didn't even notice my comment."I'm a hunter! I can get us out of here!" he said to himself, looking excited and relieved.I was happy for him; he would go on to save many young kids. I was happy because he achievedhis dream, and I was even happier because now I'm not going to die."Okay, but what did you get? Will it be helpful for us to get out of here safely?"He looked at me and then glanced somewhere else, probably at his system screen. Outsidepeople can't see other people's system screen but their own."It says here 'Fire's Might'. It probably has something to do with controlling fire."Again, no shit."Try summoning a small fire then, to see if you actually awakened."He nodded at me and closed his eyes. He must've done it right because after a few seconds a small flame appeared on top of his hand.
'I really did awaken!"He shouted so loudly that we heard the rushing of more monsters outside the door; now they seemed angry."Asshole, why did you do that! Now they know we're here!"We saw an axe pierce through the door and it swung open. We saw many monsters rush inside the room, holding weapons and wands.Why are there so many? Did he deal with all of these by himself back then? How am I going to live?I froze there on the floor, my eyes wide, tears about to fall.I'm still not over my trauma of dying back then.I felt a stinging feeling on my torso, memories flooding my head.Me running away from all the falling debris of the building but eventually, I was pierced by a steel beam, right through my whole body.I unconsciously held my body.And then, I felt someone pull me."Stop spacing out! You were about to get hit!"Just split seconds after he pulled me away, an axe smashed right where I was before.We ran to the back of the classroom since the entrance was being blocked by Orc monsters—warrior orcs, mage orcs, and archer orcs."Stay here, I'll try to deal with them. I'm not confident that I won't hurt you; I don't know how to use my skills yet! I might hit you, or it might not even work or—"I pulled us down because I saw an archer shoot an arrow towards us. The arrow lodged in the wall behind us; it was so sharp that it went into the wall cleanly."Ahhh!"
"Shut it for a sec! For someone who wanted to become a hunter, you're surprisingly a coward," I shouted at him and he glared at me.Before he could say something, a warrior orc rushed towards us and swung his club at me. I moved to the edge quickly; it was a good thing that I naturally had quick reflexes.Thank God for all those rhythm games I played."Cal, a little help, please! Try shooting him with your fire!""O-okay!"He reached out his hand and flames shot out from it, hitting the orc warrior and burning it to a crisp.So this is the force of an S-ranker. One hit and it's dead.I felt the heat from the fire and stepped back away from it, toward the opposite side from where Cal was."Nice! Now do that to the rest of the monsters!"He didn't hear me and just stared at his hand, amazed at the flame that came out."Stop staring and kill them, you dimwit!""Dimwit?!"I was about to retort, but I saw another orc warrior rush towards him, the one holding an axe."Shoot to your left!""What.."He looked to his left, and before he could shoot his fire, I threw a bag that was left by a student at the orc.The orc stumbled, and Cal hit him with his fire."Yeah! That was amazing, Enne!" he said, looking at me with shining eyes."You stop spacing out; be amazed later. We need to get out of here if we want to live. Now stand up and—""Be careful!"Cal suddenly shouted and ran towards me, his hand reaching for me as I saw a fire from the mage orc go towards me.Shit.Before I got hit, Cal shielded me, causing himself to get hit instead, his cheek and right arm getting burned.What? He never had a cheek burn before then... I caused this."Cal! Your body! I'm—"Before I could continue, he stretched his arm out to the remaining orcs and fired a big ball of flame."Die."After he said that, he shot, and the orcs disintegrated into dust, leaving nothing, not even the wooden chairs.He fell to the ground, probably from using too much mana for the first time."Are you okay?!"I grabbed his body and slowly set him down.I didn't mean for him to get hurt! All I wanted was to stay behind and get close to him so I could have a friend who could keep me safe.This wasn't part of my plan.I don't even know why I did it; this was such a stupid plan. I should've just dragged him outside since I knew monsters were going to come. I should've—"Hey, it's fine. I was just exhausted."He sat upright and stared at me with a calm expression.I stared at him for a couple of seconds and punched him in the side which wasn't affected by the fire."Yeah, right."He winced from the punch and held his side in pain."A part of your cheek is burnt; you were ugly and now you look even worse.""Hey! I'm considered good-looking; you have unbelievable standards," he retorted,
flaunting his face."It looks annoying, not good looking," I made a gagging face, pretending to puke.He sighed and stood up."It's fine. If it weren't for this other skill I have, 'Fire resistance,' I would've been like
them," he pointed to where the orcs were and then helped me stand up.As I stood up, hunters rushed into the room, weapons at the ready."What... where are the enemies?" the hunters looked dazed, wondering where the enemies were."He awakened and burnt them," I pointed to Cal."Yeah, I awakened and burnt them.""I just said that.""No.""What do you me—"Before I could finish what I was saying, the hunters interrupted me."You awakened and burnt them!?"Me and Cal looked at the hunter and back at each other. We both smirked and simultaneously said,"We just said that."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 3
Right now, me and Cal are being guided by the hunters to the schools exit.
As we walk across the hallways we see the damage and destruction the monsters did to the school.
Walls were torn down and there are bodies scattered around, dead and alive.
I see a young body on the ground laying there unmoving, they were dead.
Ah, i remember her as one of the kids who would greet me.
I turn my head away from the scene.
I couldn't stomach how easy it is for us to die, how she lost her future just because of a dungeon.
"Hey Enne! They're calling for us"
Cal taps me on the shoulder as a way of comfort and points to some hunters.
I nod at him and pull out my phone. I mindlessly scroll not really seeing what's on my screen, my head is just filled with grim thoughts.
I bumped into Cal's back as I space out too much.
"You must be the newly awakened"
I see a tall man, in his hunters clothes.
He's the leader of a local guild. I remember that sigil, the Simon's Guild.
"I'm the Leader of the Simon's Guild, Julius Simon."
He reaches out his hand for Cal to shake.
Cal shakes his hand so hard from excitement.
"Yeah I just awakened! I can't believe I'm shaking a guild leader's hand!"
I hit him on the head playfully, and scold him.
"Pull yourself together, you're embarrassing yourself."
I went back to my phone scrolling and it helped me relax from the situation. My heartbeat has calmed and now I can focus on what I'm seeing.
"Ahaha It's fine I'm glad people can get excited just shaking my hand."
Julius reassures us and I just nod. After all that he speaks to Cal.
"I'm aware you awakened, can we talk about the details of what happened somewhere else?"
Julius asks Cal and me.
Cal agrees and Julius guides us to a car.
"Let's talk in my guild so it's more appropriate."
After a few minutes we arrived at a 5 storey building with a lavish exterior.
I look up at the building and admire the design.
It looks cool, I wish I could design something that aesthetically as well. I might have to sketch some more back at home.
I zone out thinking of different designs, looking at the different aspects of the building in front of me. The glass walls, the plant boxes, the balconies.
I snap out of my thoughts when I see the two men going inside the building.
I speed walk to them, still lagging behind. At least it gives me more time to myself.
Everything has been overwhelming today, the monsters and me almost dying.
I didn't want it to happen all over again.
But at least something changed from the past.
I was never brought into questioning back then because I ran straight out the door after hearing the announcement of a dungeon.
I didn't look back, once I got out of the building I said goodbye to some of my friends and just went back home.
But now here I am. I'm not bed rotting at home after a traumatic incident, now I'm going inside a guild building.
And i experienced one of my friends awakening.
I still feel guilty having him get hurt trying to save me but I couldn't help feeling selfish and be glad that it was him that got hit and not me.
I'm an asshole.
I was never afraid of death. I didn't care if i died young or old, I was okay as long as my death wasn't torturing.
But now that I've experienced actual death, I think i appreciate my life just a tiny bit.
"Please, sit down and relax while I get some paperwork."
I snap out of my thoughts and see that we're in front of some office.
A different guy was guiding us now, I didn't even notice.
"Hey Cal where's Julius?" I whisper to him.
"You were spacing out again weren't you?"
"Yeah, I was. Now answer my question."
"He got called for something and told us to wait for him in his office, and asked someone to guide us."
I sat down on the couch and relaxed my body. Cal sits next to me and he looks really nervous and excited at the same time.
"Dude relax, your hand has been shaking ever since the car ride, are you, like, okay?"
I ask Cal awkwardly since I was never good at comforting people.
"Yeah I'm fine, I'm a hunter now so, yeah."
I look at him with a brow raised in question.
"No, you're not. I know when you get nervous, and now you are. Why?"
Cal looks at me and his smile falters, his tense body relaxing immediately.
"It's just, even though I was confident back then in school, I was really afraid. What if I never awakened? What if I burned you? What if I was one of the people who died today? What if—"
I stopped him from rambling on by sighing.
"Stop. None of that happened, okay? The only thing that happened was that you awakened and saved both of us. Now stop that, you know I'm not good at comfort. Just help me with this round."
I show him my phone that's playing a puzzle game.
I know this might be a horrible way of comforting someone but this is the only way I know how, to distract them.
Cal stares at me and rolls his eyes.
"I knew you were bad, But I didn't know it was this bad."
"I been knew, now help me with round."
We huddle close together to get closer to the phone and try to solve it.
I look back at him and I feel my own nervousness calm down.
I guess you weren't the only one needing to be comforted.
After a few minutes of us going through levels, the door opens and Julius walks in with someone else.
"My apologies for making you wait, I was called for something important."
Me and Cal pause from our argument on who's right and wrong.
"No it's all good."
I gave Julius a thumbs up and assured him that it was okay.
"Oh right, I think better introductions are in order. Again, I'm Julius Simon, and this person is from the Hunter's Association."
Julius presents the guy beside him.
"Hello, My name is Ronald Hames."
Hames shakes our hand and introduces himself.
"My name's Cal Ridge and she's Enne Lancast."
I gave a small wave and a small bow with my head.
"Why don't we sit down and start what we're here for."
Julius starts and we all sit down.
"To be frank, Our guild wants to recruit you Cal."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 4
"Recruit me? Why?"
"As you have mentioned, you awakened a powerful skill. We of the Simon's Guild need someone with a skill like yours"
Julius explains more. They're not lacking in hunters but it's always better to have someone strong, especially since Cal will turn out to be one of the strongest.
I can understand why they would recruit him, but it still hurts being disregarded.
I didn't awaken so why would they even bring me here.
"Well, that's the reason why I personally want to recruit you."
Julius waits for Cal to answer. Cal contemplates a bit while holding his chin.
Before he could answer I raise my hand slowly.
"Before that I have a question."
The three men look at me, it seem they've forgotten I was here.
"Ah, what is it you would like to ask, Miss...?"
"Enne. So what's with him?"
I point to Hames .
"My apologies, I was aware that he would bring sir Cal here. That's also what I wanted to discuss."
Hames explained.
So he was here to register Cal.
"As you know hunter's need to register themselves at the association. Although it's not common for someone to personally come for registry, we are aware that sir Cal have awakened something powerful. "
I think deeply about it, they're aware that Cal could become one of the top. Cal is someone with huge potential, and right now they want to monopolize him.
The person in question, Cal, as strong as he is, doesn't get it.
"Me? Powerful? Wow, I just thought It was strong but not that strong."
"We of the association want to sponsor you, in return we request you to be available to help when the association asks "
I nudge Cal from under the coffee table with my feet. I give him a look.
Think about it first.
Cal looks at me for moment and slightly nods.
"I'll have to think about your offers first. All of this is too sudden, I was just a normal student awhile ago. "
"Don't worry, we will wait for your decision."
Hames takes a quick look at me, and i swear it narrowed.
I guess he didn't like me bothering with the conversation.
It's been like this, even before I awakened some hunters discriminate between us normal people. And when i did awaken when they found out my skill, i was just hated even more.
I dont like that look, i never did. My heart is thumping, my nape feels hot and there's sweat forming at my back. I cant look at anything but my phone. I don't like people hating me, I hate it.
Especially when they try to hide it, i freeze up and just go quiet.
Im hating this place by the second.
I want to leave.
I grab my phone and just stare, i don't even do anything. My head is hung low with my hair covering the sides.
I don't want to show them my face.
I was never emotional, but it doesn't mean my face never expresses anything.
Cal stands up and prepares to leave.
"Well i guess that's it for now, we'll think about your offer and get back to you. Come on, Enne."
And with that, I stand up and leave through the door.
I wait outside for Cal as it seems like they had some last words to say.
When he got out i noticed that he seems a little spaced out.
He walks towards me and tells me what they said.
"They said that the offer was for me only."
"I mean obviously, im just a normal person."
That made Cal think more. As he was quiet i go behind him and push him towards the exit.
"Don't think about it now, you're not in the right headspace. Do it once you've calmed down."
"Stop pushing or we'll both trip."
"Shut it and walk then."
I start walking ahead of him and he catches up.
Once outside we just stand there.
I look at Cal with an empty look.
"By the way, how are gonna get home?"
"I have no idea."
We stare at each other, when someone rushes out from the Simon's Guild building.
"Sir Cal! Wait a minute!"
We were surprised by the girl suddenly shouting for him.
When she reaches us she breathes heavily and pants from running.
We stare at the girl and wait for her to catch a breath.
"Um who...?"
Cal voices our question and the girl stands straight and fixes her hair and clothes.
"I was tasked to bring both of you home by the guild master. He apologizes for not being able to do it himself. And as an apology he told me to buy you guys something to eat. He was aware you haven't been able to because of... certain situations"
Sweet. I didn't even noticed my stomach aching from hunger.
When Cal heard this his face brightens.
"Thank you, we are kind of hungry! Is there any good places both of us can eat?"
"And somewhere where both of us can talk."
I requested.
The girl thinks for a moment and after a second she excitedly speaks.
"I know of a cafe near here that fits both requirements."
She walks us towards a car and opens the door for us.
"Though it's a bit of a journey from here. So please sit comfortably while I take you there."
Cal let's me go inside first, I sit at the end and Cal sits at the other side.
Once the car starts I scroll through my phone. The lady starts a conversation and Cal engages.
I stopped scrolling and listen to them.
"Sir Cal, congratulations on awakening today. I heard you were able to subjugate a lot of beasts with one attack."
"Oh it was nothing, I heard orcs were weak to fire. I just got lucky with what skill I got."
"Nonsense! Even if they were, being able to one shot them is amazing in and of itself!"
"Hahaha, thank you but not before I burnt my face. I was a little too late in killing them."
I grip my phone and my gaze on the screen hardens a bit.
Not again, my heart is aching from the anxiety. It's hammering.
"Im sorry that happened. But you were still amazing, if not for what you did the school would have more casualties before the guild got there."
"Well I had help from my friend here, without her I would've died way before I could've killed the monsters."
My thoughts stop as the attention shifts to me.
"Oh? I wasn't aware of that. Did miss Enne awaken aswell."
Cal stays quiet, waiting for me to answer for myself. He doesn't know if he can tell her.
So i told the lady myself.
"I didn't."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 5
"Wow! If I were you I would've been a burden during the fight."
The lady says, that calmed me, knowing that she wasn't judging me.
Cal relaxed, he was so tense wondering if there's gonna be a problem.
"Well, we're here! 'Serene Café'!"
The girl announces, parking at a designated parking spot for cafe customers.
When I got out of the car i was so surprised. It was a bigger building than i thought.
It was one of those fancy cafe's with 3 floors.
There were some posters outside advertising its menu and by the looks of they're all delicious.
Just looking at them made me more hungry, I couldn't wait to eat.
I turn my head to Cal and see him stupefied, probably thinking the same thing as me.
"Come on Cal, I'm starving."
I again pushed him on his back, leading him to the entrance following the girl.
"I've already reserved a room in advance for you two, eat all you want and when you're done come back outside so I can escort you guys home."
Reserved? That quick? But she was driving the whole time.
Oh. I get it now.
So much for eating and talking by ourselves.
"Cant wait to taste the food!"
Cal just exclaims, not noticing the hidden truth.
I just tap him at the back giving up from his obliviousness.
The lady talks to the waiter and once they are done they lead us to the second floor. We stopped in front of a room with two big doors.
Just as I thought.
As we were about to enter I turned the lady.
"You're from the association aren't you?"
Once i said that she looked surprised but quickly composed herself and didn't say anything. She quickly left once we entered the room.
"I wonder what foo—"
Cal stops himself upon seeing the multiple people already in the room.
I slowly stand beside him and sigh.
"I knew it."
I silently mutter under my breath.
Cal looks back to ask the lady, probably hasn't noticed that she left.
"She left Cal."
"Are we sure we're in the right room though?"
"I'm sure." I lazily say to him.
Damn, i just wanted to eat.
"Well look who decided to show up!"
One of the people in the room stands up and comes close to us.
"Come, have a seat. You must be starving!"
He guides Cal to the seat at the end of the table, and I was left to fend for myself.
I just stood there while Cal looks so confused on what's happening.
Thankfully another person guides me to a chair, at the very end where no one would notice me.
As I sat down i once again just opened my phone and scrolled. Looking at my different social media accounts.
"Um, I think we're not in the right room?"
Cal starts the conversation after a brief silence.
I should probably at least listen, there's nothing new online anyways, except for the school incident.
"Ahaha! You're not, you're not."
The buff dude on my side exclaims, honestly I can't even see past him with how big he is.
"Then... what's going on?"
Cal questions while looking around.
"Haven't you been told? The association arranged a meeting so that we of representatives of our guilds could meet with you."
I knew it, that girl wasn't from the Simon's guild. If she was then Julius would've at least informed u of this meeting.
That Hames guy doesn't even bother to give a slight heads up. They even pretended It was an apology gift.
"Meeting? No one ever told us this." Cal informs them and the representatives just look awkwardly at each other.
"Well there's no use worrying about it now. I think we should start talking about why we are here."
A girl assures Cal and starts on why they were here.
"We are various people from different guilds, Im, Julia, a representative of the Vipers tongue Guild." For someone from that guild she looks very...kid like.
One by one they introduce themselves.
"Finn, I represent the Black Wings Guild." The guy who guided Cal said. With a calming smile on his face.
"Kram is my name! From the great Vikings Guild!" The muscly guy right next to me says. Pounding his chest all proud and all.
"Name's Sion, from the Sky Guild." The tired looking guys say. He looks like he'd rather be at home than here.
And the last one introduces herself.
"I'm Sophia, from the Asteria Guild." The lady who showed me my seat.
The Asteria Guild, one of the top guilds in our country. From what I can remember, they contribute to the national militia as well.
After all the introductions they started with what they were here for.
They began to give Cal each guilds offer, with the Asteria guild offering the highest with a $100,000 salary, a house in a secure area, free high grade equipment, and more.
So that's the power of a top guild. I wouldn't know since i never joined one.
Each guild had promising offers with pros and cons but for me it's between the Sky guild or Asteria.
Both have amazing reputations with amazing things to give but at the end of the day it's not up to me.
Either way, from what i can remember Cal joined the Asteria Guild, he's most likely going to join them this time as well.
I tune out what they were all saying as I message Cal on my phone. I'm too lazy to speak right now.
'Cal'
'Im starving, i thought we were here to eat'
A ding could be heard coming from Cal.
Oh.
The conversation stops and Cal looks at his phone. He reads it for a second and looks at me.
"You could've just said it you know, Enne."
The representatives all look at me, some were surprised and some just blankly stared at me.
"I thought it'd be rude." I just tell him in a deadpan tone.
"Whoa! You were here, i didn't notice at all!" One of the representatives says.
Well yeah, this muscle dude was covering me all up. I really don't get how it's possible for a human to be like that.
"Anyways, we went here to eat." I remind him. I glance around at the room.
I made sure to disturb them at the right moment when it was dying down a bit.
"Why are you sitting all the way there?" Without even me noticing Cal grabs his chair and lifts it all the way right next to me. I stare at him in disbelief. I know he lacks awareness but does he just not care.
I was trying to hide myself as much as possible, when he sits down i sink myself into the chair more to hide myself a bit which was unsuccessful.
"I am starving. Im sorry but can we eat first?" Cal asks the representatives.
"Well we were about to finish, since I've said everything I could Im leaving first." The guy from Black Wings stands up and says his goodbyes.
"Since he left I'm leaving too, just contact us when you've made up your mind!" The petit girl from Vipers tongue stands up and leaves as well.
One by one the other representatives leave as well. Once the door closed from the last person leaving me and Cal in the room.
I let out a big sigh just from tiredness and hunger.
"Now where's the menu."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 6
After we've ordered our food we sat down opposite sides of the table to face each other while waiting for the food.
I decided it would be best to talk about everything that happened.
"So Cal, what do you think?" I ask him vaguely, honest to god even i don't know where to start, ill just let him lead the conversation first and see where it goes from there.
"About what?" And that ladies and gentlemen, is how absentminded this dude sometimes is.
I don't get how this is the same Cal i remember from the past—future? I don't know, my previous life i guess. From what I can remember Cal the Firefly was the type to lead and think ahead, being a leader of his own team and whatnot. I guess because he hasn't had much experience yet, or most probably because we're still teenagers.
I sigh and try to think of how to go about this.
"About all the offers and stuff, what do you think about it all? Have you chosen one already?" I start with that, even if I already know which one he's going to pick i still want to hear his thoughts.
"Well, i haven't really thought about it much, you made it clear that I should give it some time, so I'm giving it some time."
That surprised me, I didn't think he'd take my words to heart or even consider it. Sure we might be friends, but still.
"Just think hard okay? It's your future, and even if you have some doubts or questions
I'm here to help." I assure him, i might be being a little selfish here but if i involve myself more with him, my future at least won't suck.
He goes quite for a bit, thinking to himself. While he does that i just look around in the room, admiring the decor.
"You know Enne, you've been a bit weird today. I just cant put my finger on why..."
I freeze mentally and slowly glance at him, while he looks at me innocently.
"Why do you say so?" I question him, was i too out of character? Or does he notice I have ulterior motives?
I hide the distress on my face and just mentally stress out.
"Nothing much, it's just that the Enne i know doesn't really go out of her way to help people. It's nice to see you be more active."
Oh right, i have been ooc today. For all my life I've always been cynical, even before i died. Now that i think about it dying probably made me change a bit.
Now I feel a bit guilty, thinking of him as a means for a secure future.
I just stare at him and then continue to look around the room again.
"Im just curious, there's nothing much to it." I admit to him, i don't have a proper explanation to give him.
"Well since you offered to help, what did you think about the offers, It's a good thing you were there with me every meeting, i know how perceptive or over-the-top thinker you are. So what do you think?"
I don't know whether to take that as an insult or a compliment.
"Do i even have the right to do that? I might influence your decisions, it's your future we're talking about." I cooly tell him, sure I'm selfish and using him for my gain, but im not that selfish. I know my limit, and he is still my friend at the end.
"Im asking you because i want your opinion, i know you know im not that perceptive about stuff like this. And im only ever serious about things like this with a few people, you included."
He's right, i didn't even notice how the speech pattern of his change, less optimistic and more serious, he know he's dumb but atleast he has the courage to admit that and ask for help.
So this really is the Cal of my previous life, he might not be the exact same but the attitude is there.
I unconsciously smile a little while looking at him and he probably notice because even he was surprised.
"Holy cow your smiling aren't you? It's been a while since I've seen you smile genuinely." He smiles bright and teases me about my own grin.
"Quit it, Im just thankful you think of me that way, do you like me or something? Sorry to say but Im not interested." I tease him back while thanking him genuinely.
He was stunned from the joke but composes himself quickly.
"Ew, yuck, no! I would never." He fake gags at me and that annoyed me a bit.
"What the fuck do you mean by that huh?!" I was about reach my hand towards him to give him a good ol' punch, but we heard a knock on the door.
"The food has arrive, Sir and Maam."
They enter inside the room after saying that, we didn't even have the time to properly seat ourselves, so now we just look like rabid kids fighting each other. We are, but this is still embarrassing.
Without missing a beat they continue on with their service as if they're used to seeing things like this.
As they put the plates of food down in front of us we calm down from our childish bickering and look at the meals.
We stare at each of the plates and awe at the presentation, each plate had amazing food arrangements and color pallette that it almost feels regretful eating it.
I look at Cal and comment on his amazement.
“You’re drooling, stop spoiling the food dumbass.” As I wipe my own drool.
“Like you could talk.” He retorts back.
“I knew we ordered a lot but- DAMN! I’m just glad we aren’t paying this out of our own pockets.” Just looking at the plates of food in front of us is overwhelming, I thought that for a fancy café the portions would be small but I guess not.
“Let's just eat!” Cal picks up his spoon and fork and starts with the pasta in front of him, he quickly starts putting big portions of food in his mouth at an impressive pace.
“At least savor it.” I slowly pick up my own pair of utensils and start swirling the pasta in front of me.
“I am savoring it, and it's so delicious!” As he says that pasta sauce splatters all over almost landing on me, which made me a little bit disgusted but I let it go.
If it’s as delicious as he says it is, then that’s warranted, I guess.
As the bundle of pasta came close to my mouth, I squinted my eyes and took a bite.
“…”
As if all reason left me, I shove the rest of the pasta in my mouth. Picking up more and more.
This might not be the best in the world but this is the best I have had in both lives.
“It really is delicious! Hey can I taste yours?” I excitedly tell Cal still having a bit of pasta in my mouth not caring about manners at this point.
“Here try it, let me taste yours As well” Cal swirls a bit of pasta on his fork and brings it closer to me.
I swallowed it whole while doing the same for him. Making us look like couples feeding each other but we don’t care, if it's for food then nothing else matters.
Indirect kiss from the fork? I don't care, I won’t even think about it.
Do I like him? No, I don’t, I just don’t really care about stuff like this, and neither does he.
“This is so good, how about the other meals?” Cal suggested trying out the other orders.
And with that we ate to our hearts – and stomachs – content.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 7
After we’d finished eating our fill, we just sat there and rested.“Damn food coma, don’t do this to me now.” I want a bath; I can’t afford to pass out now.“I know its comfy but don’t fall asleep on me now Enne!” Cal weakly pulls on my arm, his grip as loose as a 90-year-old. Nobody escapes the food coma.While he tugs on my arm, I space out just thinking of what to do now.I still have a week left for my own awakening, meaning I must do that.I’d rather not to be honest, but if I have Cal with me probably nothing bad will happen right? I hope nothing goes wrong though.…And that voice. Right before I died.*snore*I turn my head around and I see Cal, right there sitting on the floor, half his body on my arm sleeping.I sigh and weakly push him off, surprisingly still not waking him.Today must’ve been tiring for you, huh?…“But it was for me as well, so wake up!” I kick him lightly, waking him up. “Stop sleeping on the floor we need to leave.”“Ah just let me sleep a bit more” He protest, arms flailing about. I keep pestering him to wake up but to no avail he just keeps swatting away.Suddenly a small fireball forms and almost hits me. I duck just in time and the fireball hits -the wall instead.Now I was also on the floor on my fours, I angrily stared at Cal and seriously kick him and slap his cheek.“Okay Mr. Awakener, wake up or I’m gonna kill you after doing that.”At last, he wakes up and because of my threat he jolts awake.“What do you mean kill me? I didn’t do anything!”“You just shot out a fireball almost hitting me asshole, fuck you mean not doing anything?”I point to the scorched wall and glare at him also grabbing him by the collar with one hand. He looks at the wall and stares at it sleepily.“Oh Opps. My bad.” He says that and just yawns.I just silently sigh and let go of him.“We should get going, it’s getting dark, and that lady is probably waiting for us outside this whole time.” As I say that I pull him up by the back collar like a cat.“I didn’t even notice it getting this dark. All that food is just making me more tired as well, on top of what happened today.”I stare at him silently and internally look at him with slight awe, despite everything he’s still as stupid as genuine and stupid as before. I don’t remember much about how we lost contact with each other; we were quite close back then too.As I pick up my things, the backpack I always bring with me on any occasion, my body suddenly felt unnaturally tired.
My movements became sluggish and I almost tripped if it wasn’t for Cal catching me.“Woah there, are you okay?” With his arms supporting me I just feel my body get heavy and my eyesight lose focus.It’s like my eyes won’t function, it was quickly looking at anything and everywhere without even registering what it is.And as if it was all my imagination the tiredness and blurred vision disappeared in an instant.“I…don’t know what happened, probably from this morning.” I stood up on my own after absentmindedly telling him that.“This morning?”…“Nothing, I meant afternoon.” Of all the time he can be perceptive.“Right, your insomnia probably.”
Yeah, he’s right. I always had problems sleeping, my head couldn’t stop functioning. Not only is my imagination not stopping but it’s as if my own brain refuses to calm down.“Probably. Anyways let’s go.”
Even so, I don’t go all lethargic like that suddenly, my eyes have always been like that, ever since I was a kid basically.As we get out of the café room I pick up and pack a few leftovers we had and stuff them in my backpack. I grab a drink I barely had and as I did that, I grab the device I’ve been eyeing ever since.A recorder.They weren’t just going to leave that easily. Thankfully it’s just a recorder and doesn’t transmit live to the other side and smaller. They probably thought two high school kids wouldn’t notice.Before I leave, I scan the room a bit more, thankfully even if my eyes aren’t 20 / 20 they’ve always been able to pick up the smallest details. A good thing to have as an artist.Fortunately, they were a bit lax in hiding them. There was a total of 3 devices hidden, two audio recorders and one video recorder.I pocket them in my school skirt and leave the café room.“What took you so long? I ordered us both a drink to-go, let’s wait for a bit.” Cal asks me and I contemplated in telling him or not. In the end I just didn’t, I don’t know if it’d do any harm or good.“I was just looking for something I thought I left.”
“Anyways, I think that’s our order.” As he goes up to the counter and I eye any of the employees I see nearby.Since none of the actual guild representative here I’m guessing the workers here work for the awakeners, they would’ve probably handed the recorder to the association.As Cal walks closer to me, drinks in hand, I look at my phone, staring at the time and seeing if I have any missed calls from them.None. Not surprising.“Here, I didn’t know what to get so I got us both a two drinks, some milk tea and lemonade- your favorite.” He hands me a plastic bag with a handle, like the one that holds two drinks.“Thanks, what’s you get? Non coffee I’m guessing?” He always bragged about not drinking coffee.“Right on!” He taps on my back as he gives me a thumbs up.“Let’s get going, we’ve been here long enough.” I walked towards the exit slowly, waiting for him to follow.
As he follows up, he suddenly starts a topic, that in my humble opinion is a bit stupidly commonsense.“Do you think we will have classes tomorrow?”