Chapter 66: Seas, Sands, and Seasons. (Part 3)
"Well, that would be all our speciality for three. Please take care, Sova."
La, hands me a huge transparent bag to me and I easily carry it with how light it is saying:
"Thank you so much!"
"Oh, and if you need to contact us or help just use the medallion we modified for you. Just click on the hidden button on the back of the shield shape."
"Okay, thank you once again."
Exiting through the back door where no one could see. I bow down to her and wave back saying:
"See you next time, La! May the spirit bless you!"
She bows down saying:
"Sova, I'm a mannequin, you don't need to say the spirit stuff. Just say thank you and goodbye will be enough. Please visit us again, I'll be ready next time."
"Sure!"
I turn around and walk the path La showed me when we're still inside. As I follow the alleyways and corners she told me in the note she gives. I found myself in the same place where I was when I arrive with Saya.
I look around trying to find where Saya is...
(She's rat-kin wearing a blood-red dress. Maybe if I search hard enough).
I look around with the food in my hands and soon I started calling:
"Saya! Where are you?"
Yet no one answered. I look around and soon I ask around the people there. Realizing most of them actually speak the common tongue than runician. I ask them if they have seen a rat-kin child wearing a red dress. But most of the people ignore me or ask me out for something else entirely.
"Uuh... Where could Saya be? Should I have asked her to come with me?"
Worry grips me as I wander around a little longer searching for her and settle down on a public chair across Rana's diner. I hold the food close to me as I see the sun shining bright above me. Thanks to the small roof above I was shielded from the burning light.
(That's right! I still have him).
I close my mouth and look at the corner of the chair whispering:
"Kokkan, are you there? Please answer me."
No answers, I whisper louder to my shadow saying:
"Please let me hear your voice, I'm pretty scared now..."
I waited as the warm breeze past by yet still no answer...
"Uhh...!"
(Where could they be!?)
I move my leg back and forth as I wait for them. The streets grow wilder and louder as time passes by. Before long I start to daydream and wonder if I should go to the school first since maybe Saya might be there but...
"She said she's going to be here."
(And where's Kokkan too? Don't tell me he's playing a prank on me. If so, I'll make sure he'll pay when we get back! Or maybe something happens to Saya and Kokkan went to help? If so shouldn't I help? But the problem again is where are they? Should I click it already? But, I think I should just wait...)
"Excuse me? Do you need some assistance?"
"Eep!"
A girl's voice speaking in runician enters my ears. When I look back at where it comes from, I could see a girl the same age as me wearing the detailed black uniform for all girl's school but she wears more clothing that covers her whole body where the only skin that shows is her fingers and face. Her long tied back black hair sways with the warm winds as she smiles waiting for an answer.
I hesitated for a while before nodding at her since I need all the help I could get. She looks around and sits beside me saying:
"Are you lost?"
I shake my head saying:
"No, I'm waiting for someone but she's not here."
"Ah! Well, why don't you follow me to the Guard posts? Maybe they can help you find her."
"Really!? Then please do!"
(If it's something like the guards maybe they could help. And it wouldn't cause too much trouble).
She gives me a cheerful smile saying:
"Then count on me! My name's Qiyue, nice to meet you!"
I place the food down and clasp my hand saying:
"I'm Suowa Anmao, pleased to meet you um... Miss Qiyue?"
Her velvet blue eyes shimmer and shine when I introduce my self. She hops back up and stands properly. Realizing how powerful her qi is, especially her posture which tells how she's powerful enough to take any attack head-on like the ox stance I use sometimes. I can't help but wonder who she is. She looks at me smiling happily asking:
"Aren't you the politest person I ever see? And you're a noble too, your master must be the kindest person. Follow me."
She extends her hand forward as she replies. She wears a thin fingerless glove with sharp steel knuckles which makes me hesitate for a while before I take her hand. When I grasp her hand, I could feel her shiver and stop before shivering again. She stares at me with confusion in her eyes as if she's filled with thoughts.
"Um... Hello?"
"Oh, sorry! Let's go now."
She pulls me forward as she guides me. I manage to take the food with me as I follow her wherever she leads me.
(Oh, I hope you're all safe...)
She looks back at me while we walk saying:
"Oh, you can call me Sis Qiyue rather than Miss okay?"
(Sis again? I wonder how many people do I have to call Sis now...)
I nod saying:
"Thank you once again... Sis Qiyue."
She pumps her fist with a victorious smile saying:
"Yesh!"
*************************************
Qiyue brings me inside a giant building filled with many knights wearing armour that's a mix of lamellar and plate armour but a bit more toned down and more uninformed than the one I wear. When I explain to Qiyue who I'm looking for, she explains it to one of the guards and one of the guards whose station at the tables write it down with vigour as he nods at each of her words. When the knight finish writing, she told me to look at the description once more.
[A rat-kin girl who still looks like a kid. With long brown hair that has a mix of black lines and has ruby red eyes. She wears a red dress along with some red basic hunter gear. She uses a dagger and she can also use magic].
I nod at Qiyue saying:
"Yes, this is right... Oh! And just in case, her name is Sarah. But if she doesn't trust you, try calling her Saya and bring my name up. Then maybe she'll think I'm the one who's looking for her."
Qiyue looks at me surprised and nods as she writes what I said and stops before she writes both my name and Saya asking,
"Say, how do you write your name? And hers too do you mind writing it yourself?"
"Oh, of course."
I take the pen from her and write both of Saya's name and mine between the sentence Qiyue has written. I'm lucky enough that I manage to see Saya write her name when we're studying. It's actually written as Shaye in runician while mine's Suowa.
(Her hand writing, compared to the knights and mine, it's so elegant while mine looks so thin and crooked like I'm writing with a pencil. Plus, her writing looks so cursive and very thick at the same time... I'm surprised Runician can be written like that. I wonder if this is a Noble Specialty.
Qiyue smiles as she looks at my handwriting and give her signature at the bottom left. With seriousness in the knight's atmosphere, he hands it to one of the knights who look like the leader among them all since he's the only one wearing a much fancier armour and actually showing his face. He takes the note and reads for a while until he looks at the signature. His eyes look like it's about to pop out as he looks at Qiyue shouting:
"M-My, lady! To think you'd be here! Don't worry, the Gangding will definitely find her!"
He shouts and sortied out a group of knights immediately.
"Alright, you maggots! Move out! And search for this individual! Go! Go! Go!"
More than 20 knights run out of the building with every 5 people being led by a group leader. I nudge at Qiyue's sleeve asking:
"Um, Sis Qiyue? What just happen? And what did you do to make them move like that? And most of all, with how you do so much, I really don't know how to pay you back."
(Maybe I shouldn't have asked her for help).
Qiyue merely smiles and pat my head saying:
"Don't worry about that. If you really want to pay me back, why don't you let me show you around the academy... Please!"
She claps her hand as she pleads. I tilt my head asking:
"But what will-"
"They'll find and bring her to me so it's fine no matter where we go. So come on! Let me show you around the turtle academy!"
She cuts my words off as she insists that I follow.
(Huh!? Well if that's so I guess that's fine. But maybe I should tell her that too...)
"Um, if you wouldn't mind, I'm also supposed to meet someone with her there."
"Meet someone huh? Say does that person also say that they'll show you around the academy?"
Surprised, I nod with a serious face replying:
"I see... Then which part of the academy do they go?"
I tilt my head answering:
"Which academy? I don't know..."
She backs away and pats on her uniform saying:
"Then do they wear the same uniform as me? If not what colour is that person's uniform?"
I remember back Sis Fei's green blazer and shake my head saying:
"It's not the same and she's wearing a green one."
"Green? Fuhahaha! Perfect! Then that's totally fine!"
She covers her mouth as she speaks before she holds my shoulder and continues saying:
"Don't worry, we'll only tour the all-girls school section. So no harm is done."
(All girl's school!? This is bad, really bad!)
"W-W-Wait! But wouldn't it be better if I meet her first and tell her about it?"
"It's fine~ I'll accompany you and explain to her, and it'll only be a while so please!"
She claps her hand and begs me once more which cause the other knights to look at me funny.
"Um, please stop doing that. Alright, alright. I'll let you guide me, so please stop doing that."
She pumps both her hand cheering:
"Yesh! Target captured! Now let's go immediately since there's no time to waste!"
She grabs me by my hand and pulls me out of the building as she runs with a normal person's speed, probably because she thinks I'm a normal Owlian with no qi...
(I wonder why they can't sense it? I mean I can still feel it coursing through me. And how that rabbit hunter found out immediately).
*************************************
Qiyue finally lets me go as we enter some kind of giant temple gate with Giant Runician writing. She runs ahead and spun around with grace. With a smile, she raises both her arms proclaiming:
"Welcome to the Turtle Academy's East Wing Road! Or the all girls school section."
Many people from students, hunters, priests, and normal citizens walking in and out of the gate always with something in their hands. Either it's toys, food weapons or anything. I could hear Instruments of music playing loudly, trumpets roar, the addicting shake of tambourines, the beats of drums and the weird electronic sounds burst across all around as I hum to its happy tune. I look around the thick crowds talking happily to each other and realize many of the students wearing the same uniform as Qiyue's whispering while they look at us.
"Come on, Suowa. Follow me! Let me show you to the first stand!"
She grabs my hand this time a bit harder than previously. She pulls me to a section where most of the crowds are now girls. She speeds up a little as I begin to worry. As we get close to a place where there are lines of the small but different gate where only one person can enter at a time. I could see female guards wearing some pretty cool-looking uniform guarding between each gate. Even when they cover their eyes with huge black glasses that looks like the letter V being widened, my hunch tells me that they can see everything better. And they all hold a black steel baton with gems implanted inside as they stand with their arms on their back. I look closer and realize the only one exiting and entering the gates are only females...
(Why do I feel a very bad feeling about this?)
Qiyue lets me go and now holds my shoulder as she pushes me to one of the gates. I dig my feet down with all my strength while not burring my feet down saying:
"W-Wait, Sis Qiyue. B-But what is that gate?"
Qiyue with unexpected strength, forcefully push me forward as I inch slowly toward the gate saying:
"Hmm? You never saw it before? It's the detection gate to prevent any guys from entering. Since this is an all-girls school, after all, all the best stuff for girls are inside."
When I realize some of the female guards and people are looking at us. I could see one of the guards speaks to the crystal on her shoulder.
"W-Wait! Please!"
I beg Qiyue but before I knew it, my whole view goes in a circle and I realize how I've been lifted off the ground.
(When did she lift me off the ground? And if she said only girls can get in, wouldn't something bad happen if a guy like me would to enter???)
Confused by what's happening, I try to land but Qiyue hastily grabs me by my waist and knees and carry me like a sack of grain.
"Uwaah! S-Sis Qiyue, what are you doing!?"
When I got a closer look, I realize she's making a very confused smile and runs towards the gate with me under her arm as I feel her shivering and stop like before.
"I'm sorry, Suowa but I just need to make sure! Out of the way!"
She dashes with speed faster than even the commandant and with a wide smile as if she's begging for something. She dashes ahead as the people that are about to enter the gate all back away shouting:
"Oooh!", "What the hell!?", "Eh!?", "Lord Qiyue!?"
"Uwaah!"
I scream as we pass the gate. I could tell that the guard that is staring at us with their batons ready look at us dumbfounded even with the huge black glasses on. When I look around, touching my face and then look at my own hands wondering what's suppose to happen.
(I-I didn't get disintegrated?)
Qiyue turns around once again and walk through another gate shouting:
"This machine is supposed to scan DNAs even with Owlians... Maybe there's something wrong, one more time!"
I hold her arms saying:
"Stop!"
Like last time, nothing happened. She turns around again this time I could see her eyes spiralling out of control and cold sweat dripping from her as her whole body shivers.
"O-O-One more time!"
"Enough! Please! The food will get ruined!"
I beg to Qiyue but she ignores me and passes one gate after another, again and again, carrying me on her shoulder as the female guard near us stare at us confused.
*grab*
Many of the visitors back away when a female guard who seems to be a leader approach us. She wears a long black coat and more armour on her limbs whereas the other doesn't. She grabs Qiyue on her other shoulder and finally stopped Qiyue from moving.
"Hey, slowly turn around and tell me what you're doing!"
Qiyue's face looks like someone who has lost all sense of meaning and her eyes still spiralling as she doesn't understand anything anymore. But she still turns slowly per the female guard leader's order. The guard's leader eyes seem to pop out of her black glasses when she saw Qiyue's face shouting:
"Wait... Y-Y-You're Q-Q-Qiyue!? Forgive me!"
The guard leader backs away and bows down. The female guard close to us approach asking:
"Captain, what's wrong? Who's she?"
(Oh, so she's a captain?)
The captain grabs the female guard by her nape saying:
"You don't need to know who she is! Just bow down with me!"
She pushes the female guard and forces her to bow down before continuing saying:
"If it's you then please use the gate as much as you wish, sorry for disturbing your precious and extraordinary activity!"
Qiyue who's being quiet all this time finally regain some light in her eyes. She walks away from the gate and finally places me down like a statue. She dusts away my shoulder and walks back to them, holding the shoulder of the shivering captain saying:
"No, aunt Rehua... This, this is my fault. So, please, both of you, stand up."
The captain an the guard who got pulled along stand straight. The captain rubs her hand together saying:
"My, to think you would still remember little old me, I'm overjoyed. You grown so tall and so beautiful since we last met. Even I'm surprised by your beauty. You might surpass your mother in her charms, my lady!"
Qiyue stares at the captain with sadden eyes before bowing down saying'
"Forgive me, Aunt Rehua! This is all my fault!"
"What!? P-Please, don't bow to me, My lady!"
The captain tries to pull her up but Qiyue resists her saying:
"I won't stand until I'm forgiven!"
"F-F-Fine, Fine, I'll forgive you so please stand straight, my lady!"
Qiyue stands back up and nods at her saying:
"I'll make sure I won't cause any trouble to you anymore."
"I-I-I see!"
She looks down saying:
"Now, if you'll excuse me."
"Yes, please take care, my lady! If you want I could escort you around!"
Qiyue shakes her head saying:
"No need. Now, please excuse me."
Qiyue walks move towards me and then bow down even lower shouting:
"Forgive me, Suowa! I deserve whatever you give me!"
"MY LADDYYYY!!! Don't bow down just to anyone. Especially, a servant! Please consider your family's honour! Do you want them to hate you more!?"
The captain jumps forth when she sees Qiyue bow to me. She tries to pull her up but Qiyue resists once again saying:
"Please don't stop me, Aunt! My trial will mean nothing in the end if I can't even do the right thing!"
I try to pull her up too, saying:
"I forgive you so please stand, Sis Qiyue."
"Suowa, please! I did such horrible things to you when you told me to stop. I was blinded by my own believes that I ignored your pleas. Won't you please punish me!?"
I could see all the girls that heard her reddened and whispering to each other saying:
"So Qiyue actually do that to girls huh?", "Qiyue never surprise me with her boldness.", "Aah~ I wish Qiyue would do the same thing to me.", " Hey, what happened here?", "Is that her new servant? She's so adorable!", "Oh, Qiyue has returned from her trial?", "Qiyue's so cool even when she bows down~!"
I try to pull her up again saying:
"Fine, if you can explain why you did that to me, I'll forgive you. So please stand!"
Qiyue slowly stand up, she closes her eyes saying:
"Very well... Aunt Rehua, I'll excuse my self then, see you!"
She looks around and realizes all the female students gathering, she grabs my hand and pulls me along into the school.
*************************************
A wide beautifully paved road sprawl around me, while the sun shines upon the huge blossoming turquoise flower tree. Turquoise petals fall across the way, falling and swaying pass the students wearing the black uniform to create some sort of natural painting. The beautiful scene presented before me while Qiyue still pulls my hand along the way take my breath away.
She takes me to one of the many seats on the edge of the road. She pushes me to sit down before sitting next to me. The warm wind blows once again, making Qiyue's long tied up black hair to move with where the wind breathes. It was silence between us while the music that plays when I enter and the girls that walk chatter bringing sound to this nature's painting.
"Suowa... So you really are a girl huh?"
(Wait what?)
Qiyue finally breaks the silence. She looks at me with a pathetic smile ying:
"Suowa, you see... I'm actually afraid of Guys."
She hugs herself as I see her shiver.
(Huh?)
"My body would react and shake or shiver every time I touch a guy thanks to past events. It's not magic but just my fear instinct kicking. So no matter how much a guy looks like a girl, I could easily tell by looking if not, holding them."
"Wait what?"
I can't help but asked the absurdity but Qiyue continues to explain saying:
"So when you grasp my hand, my body shivers and stops that it confuses my senses every time. And I begin to wonder if you are a girl or a guy. But seeing how you're in need of help, I still try my best to help you."
(She's afraid of guys but still tries to help them? I wonder if I can do the same if I was in her case...)
She raises her hand and one of the petals of the turquoise flower fell on her palm. She furrows her eyebrow and clenches it saying:
"So, that's why I really need to find out quick! Through that sensory gate! That thing can even detect guys even if they went through a gender change operation spell or something similar. After all, you can't change the chromosome you're born with."
(Chromosome? Gender change operation?!?!?! What?????? Now that I think about it again, why didn't it react to me? I am a guy, right? Right!?)
"Oh! Say, this is just curiosity but what would happen if you find out I'm a guy?"
Qiyue stops shivering from my question. Her lips curl to a wider smile... But her eyes, it looks cold and darker than any abyss. She opens her hands and let the crushed petal fall from her grasp. As the petal sway left and right, her eyes stare it down. Heavy and judgemental as I see the fire of hatred burns so incandescently.
"I'll bury you alive..."
*gulp*
So she proclaims with a silent killing intent before she continues saying:
"But since I'm the one who offers the help first. I guess I'm responsible, so I'll spare you at least."
*phew*
I breathe out relieved silently and the darkness in her eyes fade away as she gives me a smile filled with hope and worries saying:
"But you don't need to worry since you're not a guy right? So... Will you please forgive me?"
Her voice which was colder than ice becomes pitiable as I wonder if she's just having mood swings or she's good at acting. I nod saying:
"Okay... Just don't do that again next time okay?"
Qiyue pumps her hand shouting:
"Yesh!"
As I try to check if the food inside the bag is still okay, Qiyue grabs my hand and pulls me along again before I can check it saying:
"Since I cause so much trouble for you, please let me repay you back. Not only will I guide you around the school, but I'll even treat you to whatever you want to buy there, okay? I'll still take it as a yes even if you say no or stay quiet."
(Then what choice do I have!)
I nod saying:
"Very well... Thank you..."
She smiles brightly saying:
"You're welcome!"
*************************************
With Qiyue by my side, she brings me around starting from the school gates. Standing there are more females guards are stationed. Many students, hunters and visitors are entering and exiting with a smile ln their face and all of then are of course, females.
(This is the first time I'm surrounded by so many girls. I mean even back at May's friends visit, where I'm constantly surrounded, this just takes the cake. But...)
The buildings that I've only seen in my books and dreams is finally before me. As I become nervous and getting cold feet, Qiyue pats my shoulder saying:
"This may be my first time guiding someone but I promise you the best experience ever!"
(Wait, promise?)
She gestures me to follow along, and we pass the glass door, I was greeted by a large hallway with pillars lined up and grand statues everywhere. And in the middle area that has a large open space, it's filled with stalls, tents, temporary shops and droves of people buying and selling stuff from food, drinks, toys, games, utensils, magic tools and more.
Qiyue brought me to sightsee and telling me what the food is, where it came from and brings me to some of the games and teach me the tips and trick. I passed along 5 stalls but I already have a second bag of food and wearing a turtle mask on top of my headband. Along with Qiyue forcefully applying make-up to me as we won some prizes or the girls in the stall would give it to me for free as long as I apply it and let them take a picture, whatever that means.
Everyone seems to like Qiyue, I mean really, really like her. They greet her every time she passes on by, asking her who I am or can they come along. Even the stall owners would always give her the prizes before she plays and provides her with free food and chances. And thanks to that, she didn't even get to open her wallet once which cause her to pout a bit.
"Sorry, it seems I won't be able to finish my trial..."
"Don't worry, Sis Qiyue. This is pretty fun!"
I smile at her and try to cheer her up when she looks at her shoulder before me and softly saying:
"Really?"
I nod vigorously which cause the mask on my head to shake before saying:
"Yeah! There's so many new stuff I learn today, the foods, games, traditions... To be honest, I always wanted to know what's school is like. Since every time I wanted to attend one, they wouldn't let me. So I'm really happy right now since I can get to see one of my dreams-"
"Suowa!"
Qiyue hugs me tightly before I finish my sentence. She continues saying:
"Just tell me if you want to go to school! I'll procure your servant contract from your lord and free you so you can go to school! I'll pay your bills with my own money if I have to! You'll be like my sworn sister!"
"Um, Sis Qiyue, I think you're-"
She loosens a bit and faces me with tears in her eyes saying:
"Tell me how old are you, Suowa?"
"Huh? I-I'm 16."
"You're the same age as me? Then we can even be in the same class! Or maybe you can go to cram school first to learn the missing materials then we can have the same class during our second year..."
(What is she talking about?)
"No, wait, I think you don't have to-"
She finally lets me go and before I could finish my reply, she presses her finger on my lips saying:
"Atatataph! Shhh, once the Gangding finds your lord. Let me talk to her."
"Uuh..."
(Why is everyone I meet so assertive. But I can't deny she's really kind... Except to guys).
While she's busy thinking to herself, I look around and see a game that catches my eye. I could see girls sitting comfortably at a very puffy and soft chair. They're all stabbing at dolls that look like people with needles slowly or rapidly. Some would even control hundreds of needles and throw doll mid-air before jabbing the doll with so much needle it turns into something akin to those weird animals called porcupine. Their eyes seem to shine bright and their face filled with satisfied smiles. When I hear closely, I could hear them saying:
"Die! Die! Die!", "This is what you get for cheating on me!", "You'll pay... You'll pay with the pool of your blood", "Cancel date!? I'll cancel your life!", "How dare you look at another girl, you cheater!", "Wait, why is your doll the same as mine?"
I turn around and tug at Qiyue's sleeves. I point at the tent asking:
"Sis Qiyue, what game is that? Can I try it?"
Qiyue's face darkens when she looks at that place. She pushes me away from there until I can't see it anymore saying:
"Um, let's skip that one okay? What about anything else?"
"Oh.. Well..."
I try looking around when I see a girl the same age as us running toward us. When I think it's another friend of Qiyue, the other visitor make way as the girl raises her hands high and wave it at us shouting:
"Qiyue!"
Qiyue turns around to look and gasp replying:
"Coal!?"
Coal jumps and hugs Qiyue as she lands. She's a girl with brown tan skin and short wavy black hair that's highlighted by deep blue... The way she hugs her remind me of how May uses to hug me too...
(May, I hope you're okay and having fun at the school you said. Or did you manage to get in there? Well, if it's her, I'm sure she can do anything).
I notice how unlike Qiyue, she wears her uniform as to let her tan skin show. From how she folds her long sleeves up her elbow, not buttoning up her black blazers at all and how she lets two buttons of her inner clothes open similar to Sis Fei which shows she actually has untanned skin on her chest too.
(I wonder if getting tan is good?)
And something similar to Qiyue is her qi, it's as powerful if not, even more powerful than Qiyue. When she looks at me with her deep blue eyes and smiles at me asking:
"Qiyue, who's this walking doll?"
Qiyue push her away and holds my shoulder saying:
"Oh, let me introduce you. She's an Owlian like you Coal. Her name's Suowa Anmao."
"Oh, really~? Kin!"
Coal jumps and hugs me now. As I felt her warmth and her subtle skin rubbing against my cheeks while I try my best to stand and not let the food go.
"Suowa, this is Charlotte Katorega. Or you can shorten it and call her Coal like Owlians do all the time. It's fine right?"
Coal nods enthusiastically saying:
"Totally!"
I try to lean my head back replying:
"Um, nice to meet you, Coal."
"Oh, aren't you the cutest! Totes cute!"
Coal hugs me tighter when Qiyue separates us saying:
"Alright, why don't we find a place to rest then? You're fine with that right, Suowa?"
I look at all the stuff I'm carrying saying:
"Sure!"
"Oh! Oh! Oh! Why not come to my class? We prepared a fancy Salon for our class!"
Coal suggest me with energy in her voice. I tilt my head asking:
"Salon? Oh, you mean a barbershop!"
Coal holds her laughter replying:
"Pfff, no, no, no. A different kind of Salon. It's a place where girls like us talk and relax and enjoy sweets."
(Sweets!?)
"Did you say, sweets!?"
"It seems that caught your attention, shall we go?"
Cole invites me and I nod saying:
"Yea! Please lead the way."
I speak with joy and anticipation as I was wondering if I'll get to eat some new sweets. Qiyue shakes her head and holds my shoulder saying:
"Having sweets is fine and all. But please mind how much you eat. Or you'll get fat again, okay?"
A nerve appears from Coal's forehead saying:
"Please don't ever speak that word ever again. Now follow me."
We all follow Cole to her class as I feel like I'm forgetting something...
(Ah, I'm having so much fun right now I'll figure it out when the time comes. For now, sweets and festival!)
*************************************
Qiyue and Coal tell me about the academy more. About how this entire school is actually as big as a district if you add in the whole port. That's why it's each part of the school is divided into roads. And how the total students of all the co-ed, the all-girls, and all-boys combine is more than 4 million students, and ranging from kindergarten to college. Making the entire population of this district students and scholars. And it's still growing each month thanks to the contribution Moriz Chenghu. A student from the co-ed section made 3 years ago that caused this school to become the number one school in the entire Confederation and number 4 in the known world...
(Wow! Moriz did that? The guy who got drunk with Sis Yuwei when I first meet him is actually a pretty amazing person... Now that I think about it, I've been hearing his name a lot. Maybe I should ask more).
After going up a set of stairs until we reach the 4th floor. I was told each floor has more than around a thousand rooms and there's a total of 28 floors. With the most top being the All-girls school principal room. And there are even underground floors which are forbidden to normal students. I look at them whose walking ahead of me asking:
"Um, who's this Moriz? I mean he's amazing enough to bring this school to prominence. He must be an amazing person!"
Both of their faces darken from my question. Even the girls that are walking around us stop what their doing and look at me when I say that. Coal seems to ignore my question entirely while Qiyue holds my shoulder and grips it tightly. I look at Qiyue whose showing the same cold dead eyes she did before answering:
"Giving credits where credits are due. Yes, he's an... amazing person... Sure. But just as his accomplishments shines, so does his offenses runs deep, know this. He's the worst scum on the planet and enemy of all women. For the record, the reason there's a scanning gate at all is because of him. Which makes him the first man to ever set foot inside this "all-girls" school and actually study for half a year without anyone noticing! In fact, he was even called the Wangxuyin of the school! A guy being called that just makes my blood boil everytime O think about it!"
(What is Wangxuyin?)
Coal hold my shoulder explaining:
"I can tell from your face that you must be wondering what that is huh? It's actually a title given to the most distinguished student is this all girls school. It's like a prominent title with the same weight as a Super Star. And the name actually comes from the first person to receive it which is a girl with the same name."
"Oh~!"
(But now, I have even more question. And school have titles given to students too!?)
Qiyue folds her arms with seething rage as she continue explaining:
"It was only thanks to Big Sis, Senior Yuwei, (Spirits bless her) when she finally can't hold it in at how the previous all-girls school principal was actually taking part of it and finally told us all what's happening! I may still be in middle school back then, but his influence reaches to us and deeper until the kinder garden section. So remember this, if you see that man. Pummel his face in."
*bang*
Coal whose permeating with blood lust bumps her fist together to create that loud bang which causes a continuous ring in my ear while the windows around show a small crack. She looks at me with a smile saying:
"Pummel his face? You're too kind Qiyue. I say we rip his guts out and feed him to the fishies!"
*gulp*
Other girls gather around us sounding their opinions to me shouting:
"What!? I say, rip his face off and hang his corpse in the streets!", "I say we hang his naked female body back then in front of everyone while wearing a board saying I'm a pervert!", "Amateurs, I say we castrate him and present his manhood as a present to his female counterpart!"
(Girls are scary... I think I understand a little what Shanwei was saying when he calls his wife a demon).
All the female students chime in the conversation. Saying what they'll do to Moriz and how he does so many bad things. Turning the fun happy atmosphere the festival had in this hallway into a blood game on how to best torment Moriz.
(Moriz, what did you do to get the animosity of so many people. And Sis Yuwei has a part in this too? Wait, she calls Sis Yuwei Senior, so doesn't that mean Sis Yuwei met Moriz when she's in this all girls school? Wait, Sis was in the all girl's school? And doesn't that mean she met him when he was still in a drag!? And doesn't that make me the second guy to enter this all-girls school academy!?!?
What is happening to me!?!??)
When I see Qiyue extending her hand at me, I walk away pulling Qiyue and Coal by locking their arms with mine since my hands are full. When we got out of the cluster, I look at them saying:
"Um! Could you continue to show me where the classroom is! I want to see Sis Coal's Salon."
I try to lighten the mood with a smile when Coal without warning carry me like a piece of baggage in her arm with my face facing back and dash away.
"Eeeh!?"
(Am I that light!?)
I shout in surprise as we went pass countless people and classes that have many decorations at their door, ranging from creepy to the ones that are just weird. She runs while I see Qiyue trying to chase us with fast speed and shadowy movements when I see her split into 2 people and reunite into one when dodging things ahead of her. Before I could see more, Coal finally grabs my waist and place me down asking:
"W-What did you just call me?"
She looks at me with her deep blue eyes sparkling like stars and a huge grin plastered on her face. I tilt my head saying:
"Sis Coal?"
She hugs me from my waist and lifts me up shouting:
"Oh~! To think being called Sis would be so good! Ah, why can't my parents give me a lil sis! All I have is my creep of a big brother. So please, keep calling me Sis!"
Digging her head on my stomach as I feel her nose tickling me.
"Hahaha! Stop! You're tickling me!"
I try pushing her away with my bags of stuff but I realize no matter how much I bump her with it. She's just ignoring me as she continues to hug tighter.
(Or is it just me or is the more I resist the tighter her hugs is?)
As I try my best to resist her, Qiyue finally arrives grabbing Coal by her shoulder saying:
"Drop her down coal. And why did you run away like that suddenly? You look like you just kidnapped someone with that face."
Coal stops and slowly put me down. She takes a deep breath and let it out saying:
"Pheew! Say, you must felt great when your lil sis calls you sis right!?"
Coal asks with excitement all over her as she jumps around left and right. Qiyue shakes her head saying:
"Oh please, she calls you sis too. What's so different?"
"Everything!"
Nicole raises her hands high as I somehow could see sparkles flying everywhere... Or is that just me?
"From her cute face, that smile, her tone, the lighting, her clothes, that innocence-"
"Okay, okay, stop it, you're scaring her. Look."
(Huh?)
Coal looks at me and nods saying:
"Ah, well sorry. Anyway, I hope you do something with your lil sis. Her best friend whose also a shut-in became the principal of the co-ed school right? And last I heard, this is her second time being the Turtle's representative."
She pats my head as she says that while Qiyue folds her arms and shake her head saying:
"Yeah, another one of Moriz' decision that's good. But still, I'll try... I mean, she's speaking to us through a com device. So that's a big improvement when she doesn't speak at all."
"Yeah..."
Coal wraps her arm around me and pulls me close saying:
"Anyway, welcome to the Salon!"
With her other hand, she presents me as I see the class card reading,
[1 - E - D Salon Special]
(Special?)
"Ah, Mimi! When did you get there!"
Coal screams out loud when a girl who's actually a head shorter than I am appearing at the door. Wearing the same uniform as them, she doesn't really do much to her uniform other than a cute rabbit pin on her breast pocket.
"So you finally notice me, Charlotte! I've been calling out to you, you know!"
(She did!?)
She speaks with a soft voice that I could hear only when I focus. When Coal scratch her head replying:
"I-I'm sorry. Anyways I got 2 guests!"
Coal presents me forward when the little girl looks at me up and down before sighing saying:
"Haaah, fine. Just bring her in then."
The small girl gestures us to come in when the whole scene begins to change. I look around seeing how the place has like dolls lined up from big to small, tables and seats while some students chatting with each other and some plants decorating the corners and between the chairs with wheels.
"So what do we do now?"
I look back at Coal and she presents a round table with three seats near the window saying:
"Well, just sit down relax, and have some girl talk, duh."
She pushes me to sit down and begins to sit across me while Qiyue sits beside me saying:
"I think you can put your stuff down now, Suowa."
"Oh, okay then. Say, can I look around?"
Coal nods at me saying:
"Sure!"
I place the two bags down and look around the room once again when some of the students come looking at us whispering,
"Look, there are 2 of the first-years' Super Stars!", "Qiyue and Charlotte right?", "They're so cool! But whose that servant they bring? She's super cute too!", "Aaah! I waited so long and finally, Charlotte appears in her class!"
I try to ignore the whispering crowds as I look at the two talking with each other wondering,
(They sure are popular no matter where we went. I'm starting to feel weird travelling with them...)
When I look back at them, Coal places her hands on the table and rests her head asking:
"Hey, Suowa, I wanna ask something."
"Huh? Um, sure. But I don't really know much.
She looks outside the window and seeing the garden of trees filled with blooming turquoise coloured flower scattering it's petals. She then looks up at the sky asking:
"Are you born in the Aologi Empire?"
"Huh? Well yeah. I mean, aren't you?"
Cole shakes her head saying:
"Hahaha, even though I have an Owlian sounding name and blood running through my veins, I'm actually not born there."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yeah, I can't even understand Owlian at all. Can you speak it?"
I nod saying:
"Yea."
She leans back on her chair saying:
"It's those tiny little differences that make them better than me at some points. I don't even know much of my own homelands tradition. Heck, I just learn that valentines day actually came from the Aologi Empire too. It's surprising."
(Wow... Really? Valentine? My favourite day where May and Nicole would treat me to all the sweets and chocolates! I never knew. So there are many people with different circumstance huh? The Aologi Civil war... Just how much destruction did it cause?)
I reply to her first question saying:
"To be honest, I didn't live there long either. I don't even remember much before I move here like 8 years ago or somewhere there. So most of my memories are spending time here."
"Ah... I see... My dad and my creep bro won't even tell me anything about my homeland at all. Saying stuff like the Confederation's our new home now and I should learn more about them."
Qiyue pats Coal's back saying:
"Hey, C'mon. Why did you even bring this up? Oh, Suowa, let me tell you something, even though Coal is an Owlian like you and can't use magic. She's actually a very powerful Martial Artist, you can learn a lot from her!"
"Huh? Really!? You're a powerful martial artist, Sis Coal?"
I try to cheer her up too by calling her Sis. And it seems to work as her eyes sparkles and shine again. She leans forward as she slams the table with energy bursting forth shouting:
"That's right! That's right! Big Sis is a powerful Martial Artist. In fact, I'm actually at the peak of breaking through to become a True Martial Arts Expert. And I even got a licence for it already!"
"Really!? You're almost broken through already? I guess pure Martial Artist and Dualist sure works differently."
Qiyue looks down with a smile as she folds her arm. And the people around us begin to whispers around praising her. I try playing along and say my honest thought saying:
"Wow, I don't really understand that much but that sure sounds amazing!"
Coal looks up with a smug on her face when her nose seems to become longer as she shouts:
"That's right! Praise me more!"
I try to think of some praise for her and look closely to her face. Coal who realize I've been staring at her for a while looks away with her tan cheeks becomes redder. I stare more deeply at her face analyzing every detail of her face as I try to think about what to say to her. Coal scratch her cheeks saying:
"Um... Sova, is there something on my face? If you stare that hard with such passionate gaze even I would be embarrassed."
I blink once and close my eyes before I look at my feet saying:
"You said to praise you more right? Well, I was trying to figure out what to praise you with. So I decided to look at your closely. Then I realize how much I could praise about you."
"Wait, you don't need to take me seriously-"
"From your mesmerizing deep blue eyes that just hypnotize who stares at it, the cheerful smile that lightens the mood, your beautiful black hair that's probably very nice to touch, your smooth tan skin in contrast to your white skin underneath shows how much diligently you work under the sun, your amazing fighting talents that even I couldn't achieve when we're the same age, your charisma that makes everyone admire you, and that kindness of yours and so much more! There's so much I don't know where to start..."
When I feel the winds blowing in, I look back at her and realize Coal's not at her seat anymore. I could see Qiyue with a huge grin on her face shaking her head saying:
"You're a really are a smooth talker, Suowa. If only half of what you said is actually true. Say, Ever thought of being a politician?"
I tilt my head confused and ignore her question asking:
"Huh? Where's Sis Coal?"
I look around and realize Coal's not at the class anymore either and how the window is open too. I focus my hearing and heard the students in the class whispering how coal can be cute when she's embarrassed and jump away like that.
I look down again saying:
"Sorry..."
Qiyue pats my head saying:
"Oh, it's fine. Here, have some sweets and tea that arrive when you're still praising her."
"Oh!"
I look at the treats at the table and realize it's sweets I never saw before. On one plate is a pile of colourful gooey balls coated with some pink sauce at the top.
"Well then, let's eat Sis Qiyue."
"Oh, yes. Eat, eat."
I take one piece and eat one ball at a time. When I bite through the gooey texture, a burst of sweetness rush in my mouth as something akin to syrup came out of what I chew.
(What is this!? It's... It's...)
"It's so sweet!"
I stuff my mouth with it while Qiyue explains:
"Ahaha! They're actually dangos from the Eclipse Empire. But with a little special mix from this class... Well, that's what the menu says anyway. C'mon eat more!"
I stop when there are a few of the dangos left and I hand it to Qiyue saying:
"What about you? Don't you want it too?"
Qiyue shakes her head and push the sweets left saying:
"You can have it. I mean, I did say I was going to treat you after all."
"Really!? Thanks a lot, Sis!"
I stuff my mouth with the remaining ones before I continue to eat the next batch of sweets. Ranging from things called pies, creme, syrniki, Redri, tarts, dragon candies, Gulag, and so much more.
"So, Suowa. What're your favourite sweets so far?"
I swallow the sweets she gave me replying:
"Mine? Well... I can't really choose a favourite."
"Pff, hahahaha! True, then at least what's your least favourite desserts then?"
"Cakes."
I quickly responded to Qiyue when she jumps back surprised and almost falling back on her chair before she grabs the table and stabilizes. She slams her hand on the table shouting:
"How can you not like cakes! Don't you know that 40% of desserts is like made out of cakes? You're missing out on a lot!"
"I refuse to put cakes in the same place as sweets!"
With an annoyed look, she slams her hand on the table again shouting:
"Why is that!?"
"I mean let's just talk from a financial point of view. Not only are they freaking expensive. You have to pay around 300 Riaz just to get a slice of cake! That's my entire half year salary! And you only get a slice! And it's not even that good! And do you know what I could get with a 100 Riaz that's even better? A full 3 months of the deluxe meal! And some candy pack variety of course! And followed by those multi-flavoured milk drinks!"
"That's blasphemous! How could you say such a thing!"
For once I could see a different kind of anger boiling inside Qiyue. She opens her eyes wide and quickly calms down. She takes a deep breathe and let it out saying:
"Right, I guess even though you're born a noble. You're still a servant living the life of a commoner... I'm sorry, I didn't think of it in your point of view."
I stop eating and reach my hand out for her saying:
"Um, when you say it like that, I suddenly feel kind of bad."
*twink*
Qiyue's eyes flashes bright when she grabs my extended hand saying:
"That's it! Then I'll just have to show you the ways of the cake! Follow me! And Cole said she'll treat us for this one, so go find her Mimi!"
She shouts out loud and drags me away once again. I manage to grab both of the bags with one hand, carrying each with a finger telling her to wait, saying:
"Sis Qiyue, wait, I'm losing the grip on my bags."
We travel around the school again as she treats me to many of the bakery stands and classes. When I say treat, most students just hands her a cake for free. So I had a full stomach before I knew it since Qiyue force down many cakes to me so that I could "appreciate" cakes more...
(I wonder if I shouldn't say that...)
*************************************
The sun is already hovering at the west, which means dusk will soon arrive. As I travel around with Qiyue, I receive many items. From a chef's hat, a bread clip pin, a takeaway mini cakes, and more as even my apron pocket are full.
(I'm surprised I could wear 4 things at once on my head. My headband, the ribbon, a mask and a chef's hat. And surprisingly, it all fits so well and coordinate each other so each doesn't shake and fall).
Qiyue whose eating something called crepe hands me the crepe she bites saying:
"Suowa, you gotta try this too! It's super delicious! Especially the ice cream inside."
(Ice cream what's that?)
As we travel from one stand to another, she seems to forget why she brings me out as we have fun at the festival. I lean at her and take a bite, as I feel a sudden spike of cold and sweet entering my mouth. I quickly chew and swallow it saying:
"What's this!? It's sweet and cold at the same time! Crepe right? Can I have it!"
She nods saying:
"Well, we just went past the stand. But sure! Better yet, look, there's another crepe stand there."
Qiyue points at the stand in question and pulls me there. When we arrive, I look at Qiyue saying:
"I'm going to take what you ordered for me. Since I don't really know what to eat either."
Qiyue nods saying:
"Leave it to me! Aunty, please give me the vanilla and choco mix ice cream flavour!"
"Coming right up!"
As the aunty at the store prepares the meal. I look at the menu and realize a purple coloured blob with lines of apricot orange and lime green...
"Aaaah!"
I drop my bags and realize what I just forgot.
"W-What's wrong, Sova?"
Qiyue asks in worry when I look at her saying:
"I promise to meet someone! And what about the one I told you about? Did they found her already, Sis Qiyue?"
Qiyue slams her crepe at her palm saying:
"Oh, yeah! I totally forgot! None of the guards didn't even inform me of the Gangding yet either, so probably no..."
Qiyue bows again as the inside of her crepe spills saying:
"Please forgive me, Suowa. I'll bring you to meet this person immediately then."
"Um, please raise your head Qiyue. It's fine as long as you bring me to her."
She stands straight and nods saying:
"Very well... I was having so much fun with you I actually forgot. Maybe this is what spending time with siblings feel. Thank you, Suowa. I really had fun too."
I rummage the food bag La gave me and look inside, seeing how it's still neat and tidy. I grab the steel box with my name on it and gave it to her saying:
"Um, I want to thank you to. For helping me realize my dreams. I don't really have anything on me right now, but I want you to have this."
I hand her the portion of my food, which is around three boxes. Qiyue tilt her head asking:
"Doesn't this belong to your lord?"
I shake my head saying:
"This is my portion of the food, I want you to have all of it. Since you gave me so much already I'm practically full too."
She smiles and takes the boxes saying:
"It would be rude to refuse such a passionate gift. Thank you, Suowa."
As she received it and look at the boxes, she showed a surprise face saying:
"Hoh~ this is a pretty advanced box. Where did you order it?"
"Oh, It's called Sands and Seasons. It's near the place where you found me."
"Sands and Season!? That famous seafood diner? And you even got the VIP boxes. Your master must've spent a fortune. Thanks!"
I nod saying:
"No problem!"
(Since it's free after all).
Qiyue push the boxes into the magic circle in her left palm, and the huge boxes the size of my head disappear into the light that swallows it...
(Magic sure is convenient... Maybe I should ask Mary to teach about it quickly).
Qiyue looks at me again saying:
"Coal always wanted to eat there but we couldn't even reserve a place with all the money we have, I'll share it with her later too... Say, do you still want to serve your lord?"
(Huh?)
"Um, sorry for disturbing the moment but that'll be 2 shì please."
Qiyue looks at the stall clerk with a teary smile saying:
"F-Finally! Here, take the change!"
Qiyue takes the crepe and places a silver coin with a huge square space in the middle. It's money I never saw before...
(Oh, could that be the currency this Confederation use? I never even seen one in my life).
As she moves I follow suit. Qiyue brings the food close to my mouth saying:
"Here let me feed you, say aah."
"Aah..."
I lean closer and take a bite as the shock of new sweetness enters my mouth.
"Yum!"
(The taste of chocolate and something unknown enters my mouth. Is this the vanilla thing Sis Qiyue mention? I better order one next time).
Qiyue takes a small bite and smile before looking at me again asking:
"So, what's your answer?"
(Maybe I should really be careful and take care of my clothes so it doesn't get obliterated in the future. So this misunderstandings and situation doesn't happen anymore).
"Um... Sis Qiyue. I want to tell you something."
"Hmm? What is it- no, wait... I feel like it's something bad right?"
"Huh? I-I don't know if it is."
Qiyue closes her eyes saying:
"Sorry, forget I ever said that. In exchange. Tell me who's the lucky person you're going to meet?"
"Oh! Right! I never tell you before."
I look at her asking:
"Do you know Sis Fei? I mean, Fei?"
She tilts her head and puts her finger to her chin as she searches her memories.
"Fei? Can't be that Fei. And Fei's a pretty common name. Does she have a family name?"
I nod saying:
"Mhm! Zihuang! Her full name is Fei Zihuang."
*drop*
"M-My crepe! And yours too!"
While I mourn for the food, Qiyue stops moving as if she's paralyzed. Qiyue looks at her shoulder and around before she looks at me back and forth before asking:
"Fei Zihuang? Are you sure? You must be mistaken."
She asks with a dead smile.
(Maybe I should clarify more).
I shake my head as I want to clear some misunderstanding saying:
"No, I'm not. Fei Zihuang! The younger sister of the one you call Senior Yuwei-"
Qiyue grabs my mouth before I could speak and carry me away just like how Coal did back at the school. Maybe it's because I've been carried multiple times already that I didn't feel so surprised. Only when there's no one in sight, we ended up inside the turquoise forest where only the golden light shining through the trees give us sight. She puts me down and wipes the sweat off her forehead saying:
"So, you're somehow connected to the phoenixes huh? What kind of trap have I fallen in to? But that's fine."
"Um, Sis Qiyue? What's happening? And you believed me?"
She shakes her head saying:
"Yes, you must have heard people accompanied by fairies don't you? I'm one of the people, my gift is that I can tell if a statement is a lie."
(Wait, is that why she's pretty keen on helping me out? And the power to tell if someone's lying or not... I want one).
"And Is this the first time you ever leave the Phoenix Sector?"
(First time huh? To be honest, I don't know the exact place Sis Rubeca brings me in her vacation... Let's just say).
"Yes, at least this is my first visit to the Turtle Sector!"
*sigh*
Qiyue sighs heavily and grabs my hand again, this time walking as she drags me along. She looks back at me with worry in her eyes saying:
"Suowa, this is for your sake and hers as well. Whatever you do, don't speak the word phoenix carelessly. Okay?"
I nod at her warning:
"Okay, but why?"
She shakes her head saying:
"Just don't. C'mon, I'll bring you to meet Fei. I have a good idea about where she's hiding at this hour."
(I don't know what's happening. But I think I'm lucky I didn't introduce my title. And now, I'm even more scared of pulling out the medallion).
"Okay, thank you Sis Qiyue. Please, lead the way."
*************************************
As sis Qiyue brings me out of the forest. We ended up in some kind of road different than last time. Contrary to the place we were just now, this place actually has a mix of boys and girls...
(We're in the co-ed section).
And unlike before, I didn't get enough time to look around as Qiyue doesn't stop and keep going forward. As we travel I could notice the subtle differences from the location. From how the music now plays a tune that fills you with energy than happiness, to the stalls now having more games I never saw and items for both boys and girls. I realize soon enough that the people here all wear the green blazer Sis Fei wears, making Sis Qiyue stand out like a sore thumb even among the crowds of hunters and visitors since they wore a more colourful scheme for the festival.
Qiyue's hand is shaking as she bumps and passes some of the mixed crowds. I grasp her hand trying to calm her down saying:
"Sis Qiyue, please calm down."
She stops her shaking and looks at me saying:
"Sorry, am I going too fast?"
I shake my head saying:
"No, but I think it would be best if you could tell me where we're going."
Qiyue slows down and let go of me as she leads by walking beside me saying:
"We're going to the co-ed principal's office."
(Principal? I heard that name many times when reading about school but...)
"What's a principal anyway?"
"Ah, right! You never went to school huh? Let's just say they're like the head of the school. They're the ones giving orders and manage the entire school body."
"Oh, so they're like the king of the school."
"Eem, not really but I guess in the turtle Sector's case they are kinda like the head consul. So, in a way, kinda like a king?"
"I see... Wait, why are we going there then?"
Qiyue pats my head replying:
"That's because that's where she's hiding let's go."
"Sis Fei's hiding?"
"That's right, I know her too well to let her go."
(Could she be...)
"Could you be Sis Fei's friend?"
I ask in excitement and joy when Qiyue rubs my hair wildly saying:
"Friend? Don't joke with me! She's my eternal rival!"
"Rival is still an indirect way of saying, friend! So she's your best friend right?"
(Cause Nicole is my rival in May's study!)
Qiyue slides her hand down on my face, covering my eyes saying:
"Okay, you can lay it off now."
I pull her hand away saying:
"No, I'm just happy. When I heard the servants telling me Sis Fei doesn't have a friend at school, I was pretty worried. But knowing she has someone like Sis Qiyue as a friend really puts me at ease!"
Qiyue push me a little as her cheeks reddened replying:
"Oh, touch some wood. I guess if it's for you, I guess why not. If you or Senior Yuwei need anything, don't hesitate to come to me for help. You can find me at the all-girls school most of the time."
I smiled saying:
"Thanks! Oh, can I buy some food here as well."
Qiyue shakes her head replying:
"I would love to ruin her record but, if I do that, I would ruin your chances too, so... No."
(What chances?)
"Aw, okay then..."
She pats my head again saying:
"Just ask Fei for it. I'm sure she'll gladly do it."
I shake my head saying:
"Okay!"
We entered the giant glass gate that leads inside the school. Unlike the previous building, this place doesn't have any pillars or statues. But instead, wide hallways filled with many branching paths. Each path we take is always filled with stalls, giant shelves filled with golden things, decorated doors and exterior similar to the class decorations. As I am looking around, Qiyue grabs my arm and pulls me along saying:
"Follow me, we're getting close."
"Okay."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Beltways
Beltways This must be quite a weird chapter if you didn't read the previous ones...
Anyways, thank you so much for reading so far!