“Phil.” Electa spoke out once the two students left.

  “Yes?” Phil responded.

  “Archer… when I was informed that he volunteered for this I was told that it was wonderful news. Why is that?” She asked looking over.

  “You’ve never been told the stories when they introduced him to you?” Phil asked surprised.

  “No, I’ll admit, I only have a passing knowledge of the WDO’s most notable heroes.” Electa said.

  “Well he’s considered one of the pillars of the new generation for the WDO.”

  “A pillar? He’s that special?” She said looking at him curiously.

  “Yes. Everything I know is mostly hearsay but they have a few nicknames for him the most prevalent one being the three-headed monster.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It’s because he can change his persona rather quickly, there are three main ones, each one has their own merits.”

  “What are his faces?”

  “The one we’ve seen so far is apparently the ‘meandering sleuth’ but I think we’ll be seeing a new one soon enough.”

  “Which one?” Electa asked curiously.

  “Hard to say, but if I had to guess…”

  ***

  “So how are you feeling?” Archer asked Julia gently as they made their way out the school.

  “A bit overwhelmed. I’m glad that you’re actually walking me back home.” Julia said with a small laugh as she redid her ponytail.

  “Well to walk a beauty like you home would be an honor to any man.” Archer said with a playful grin.

  “Are you flirting?” Julia said looking at Archer with bemused suspicion, “I thought you didn’t want to get close to me.”

  “Nah, I just wanted to get a laugh out of you.” Archer said with a shrug, “You’re too level-headed to bully.”

  “You just overestimate your charm.” Julia said rolling her eyes.

  The two then hear a faint commotion occurring near them. Archer motioned for Julia to wait a second before he peeked through the school gate and peered out. There was a student in the middle of the forest apparently building something.

  “What’s going on?” Julia asked paranoid that it might be another familiar sent by the possessed Luna.

  “Just a student… making camp I think.” Archer said before turning back and noticing her worried look, “Don’t worry, she doesn’t have enough mana to send another familiar after you.”

  “I’m not worried.” Julia said quickly feeling embarrassed at him trying to ease her fears.

  Archer simply looked at Julia with an understanding nod before she relented, “Okay, I’m still a bit scared of the ghost.”

  “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It was some pretty harrowing things that you had to go through. Do you walk home or take the bus?” Archer paused before realizing, “Oh, you probably order a car ride right?”

  “Actually I take the train.”

  “Really?”

  “Car rides are expensive, I don’t like to waste money if I can help it.” Julia said with a shrug as they headed to the train station.

  The train they got on was relatively empty and gave them enough privacy to talk to each other. It was a high-quality bullet train that was made to be as spacious and comfortable as possible. It was such high quality that you needed a specific pass to board it, thanfully Julia covered for Archer.

  “Not too expensive huh?”

  “Well, it would look bad if I went on a cheap one.” Julia said with a helpless shrug.

  Archer made sure that the few people also in their train car weren’t paying attention to them before saying what was on his mind, “Okay, so for things to go smoothly, I sort of need your help with this tomorrow.”

  “My help with what?” She asked looking at Archer seriously now.

  “Considering that you are aware of my current job, I might need to use you as bait to lure Luna over to classroom 302-C.”

  “You want to use me as bait?” Julia said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Sort of yeah. You can say no if you want to.” Archer said quickly.

  “No, I want to help her. What’s your plan.” She said determined.

  “Well the ghost was once a student of Trinity Academy called Trinity Boens. A familiar summoner who mysteriously disappeared in the middle of her first year of class.” Archer explained.

  “Trinity? Like the name of the school.”

  “Yeah, ironic.” Archer said with a shrug, “Another interesting thing about her was that apparently she had a terrible social life at school.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Soothsayer-2 obtained a copy of her old diary.”

  “Soothsayer-2 who’s that?”

  “Someone who helps me when I need extra research.”

  “Nice to hear you aren’t alone on this job then. So what did her diary say?”

  “The most interesting things were how the popular girls bullied her, her mentioning her powers, her hating them, and the most interesting one of them all, how she was in love with the popular girls' boyfriends.” Archer said as the train arrived at their stop.

  “That sounds like her.” She said as they walked back to the streets.

  “Oh, it’s worse than that. She wrote how she felt up one of them. Which way?” Archer said looking at both sides of the street.

  “She did what? Uh… this way.” She said pausing for a moment before pointing down the street which led to a large row of fancy houses.

  “Well she wrote it very romantic like, but remember, unreliable narrator and she did so in front of one of the bullies, then the next one… and the one after that. Now as much as I like to give the benefit of the doubt, it felt as though she really didn’t think of the consequences for her actions.” Archer said as he admired the large buildings.

  “Boyfriends as in multiple? So this current thing is just her continuing her wishes?” She said aghast.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “Seems like it, it just so happens that one of the girls that she had problems with also like to tie their long hair in a ponytail.” Archer said as Julia instinctively ran a hand through her hair in response, “Though she was a redhead. But I guess the general silhouette was enough to trigger her venom towards you.”

  “All this because of coincidence.” Julia said shaking her head in disbelief as they walked a few more steps before she pointed at one of the houses indicating it to be hers.

  “My condolences.” Archer said apologetically.

  “It’s fine considering that I’ve been relatively unharmed thanks to you. If you need my help, I’ll be bait.” Julia said as they walked down to her front door.

  “Now you won’t be bait. You’ll just be an incentive.” Archer said with a chuckle before he took a look at the house, “This sure is a big place.”

  “Uh, yeah.” Julia said suddenly looking a bit awkward as she opened the door.

  “Are your parents not coming down?” Archer asked after waiting a moment.

  “Actually… I live here alone.” She said with a cough.

  “Sure are living up to the rich girl persona aren’t you?” Archer mused.

  “Shut up would you?” Julia said as she walked into the house, “What time do you need me to act as bait?” She said turning back around.

  “It should be after school at… well actually the exact time might be hard to set.” Archer said pausing for a moment as he thought how the plan should take place.

  “Give me your phone.” Julia said suddenly.

  “What? Why?”

  “Just pass it over.” She said holding her hand out expectantly.

  With a shrug, Archer obliged her and handed her a phone. After a second of fiddling with it she handed it back to him, “Can you unlock it first?”

  “You know this thing contains highly classified information involving your government and country. This could be seen as treason.” Archer said with a smile as he unlocked it for her.

  “I promise not to look through your phone.” Julia promised as she typed something in and handed it back to him, “Here, now you have my number. Text me when you need me, I’ll answer.”

  “Getting your number is as easy as that huh?”

  “Are you saying I’m easy?”

  “I never said anything.” Archer said as he quickly began to retreat from the door, “I’ll see you tomorrow and after that, you won’t need to see me again.” He promised as he walked away.

  “Goodbye Archer.” Julia said quietly watching him leave.

  ***

  09/04/3122 YDB – Sektmer 4th, 3122

  Archer Griffen groggily got out of bed with a tired groan. After walking Julia home he had to double back to the school to set everything up, he didn’t return until two in the morning. Thankfully the classroom that he was going to use was private by Electa for him. Though that didn’t make the process of preparation any less tiring.

  Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he lamented how easy this would be if he at least were given his basic equipment, but no, apparently none of it had gone through the proper customs yet. Archer gave a small sigh as he headed to the bathroom, reminding himself that after today he could catch up on sleep once the ghost was taken care of. Everything was planned and everything should proceed smoothly.

  ***

  As he entered the main gate of the school he was greeted by a perturbed-looking Esme Soto. Pausing at the gates Archer looked at her curiously, “Is something bothering you?”

  “Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just a bit annoyed with a blatant act of favouritism the faculty are giving to a student.” She said shaking her head and tapping her clipboard in annoyance.

  “Favouritism?” Archer asked before thinking for a moment, “Oh, do you mean that camp in the woods?”

  “Yes, you saw it?”

  “Yeah when I was heading back home. I assumed he got permission to do it.”

  “Yes, Evan Case got permission. The same permission that so many students before him had been denied. Having a permanent residence in the forest is ridiculous!”

  “Wait permanent residence? You can do that?”

  “The school will sometimes hire rangers to patrol the forest and offer them lodging there. But this is the first time in years that a student has received permission for this in years.” Esme said shaking her head.

  “Why did this new student get permission?” Archer said as he glanced over in the direction of Evan’s camp.

  “Apparently one of the professors and he bonded over alchemy and now he’s been allowed to set up camp here to gather resources for alchemy classes.” Esme said with an annoyed shake of the head.

  “Right, the forest does have a bountiful amount of magical plants right?” Archer said recalling, “But why would he need to live there? Doesn’t the school offer residency?”

  “He’s an E-rank, his lodgings are likely subpar, and he can be self-sufficient living in the forest. In fact the food he forages is likely more nutritious than what he could buy.” She admitted, “Still simply getting permission would be fine, but to be allowed to set up a camp there is problematic.”

  “As long as he doesn’t make a mess of things he’s fine to stay though right?”

  “Yes.” She said as she also looked over to the direction of the camp, “I have my eye on that place.”

  “Well have a good day.” Archer said as he hurried into the school.

  “Stay out of trouble.” He heard her reply.

  ***

  “Now make sure to read chapter two point three and chapter two point four for next week.” Blackowl droned on as the class bell rang before he turned to look at Ran Almer.

  “Professor Blackowl?” Ran asked the staring professor.

  “I heard that you picked a fight with students of superior rank.” He glowered down at him.

  “Yes sir.” Ran said quietly.

  “You disappoint me. Starting a fight with other students in a vain attempt to gain popularity is pathetic.”

  “That is not the case, sir!” Ran said adamantly.

  “Watch your tongue.” Blackowl scowled as he looked down at him, “You are tasked to write an additional report regarding sword combat. I require to see it on Monday.”

  “But-” Ran began before being interrupted.

  “With your blatant foolishness, the additional research only seems appropriate.” Blackowl said before addressing the rest of the class, “Class dismissed.”

  Ran took a deep breath as the rest of the class began to get up from their seats. Archer quickly sent a text to Julia as he watched Luna leave the classroom. Time to move. He thought as he quickly packed up his stuff.

  Luna Foy walked down the halls of the school immersing herself in the music being played through her earbuds. She tried her best to enjoy the music and ignore the fact that Theo would be waiting for her as she exited out the front entrance.

  She thought to maybe take one of the other exits, but she had in the past few days been made abundantly aware that if not Theo, one of the other boys pining for her would find her. She gave a small sigh as she recalled the unpleasant memories and headaches. For whatever reason she often found her memory getting hazy when around them, only recalling what happens after the fact in horror.

  She knows that something was wrong with her but for whatever reason she just couldn’t bring herself to go get help. It wasn’t like she had any friends here and the adults here cared for her even less. She was here because she was randomly selected for a full-ride scholarship. She did not have the money to pay for a health checkup, especially when she didn’t know what was wrong with her. Luna turned up the volume and continued walking.

  “You.” A voice she recognized called out to her, piercing through the blissful music she was listening to.

  Luna froze in place as her blood ran cold. Slowly and hesitantly Luna took out her earbuds and turned around, doing her best trying not to look scared as she saw her. Julia Ming, the woman who had recently been in Luna’s nightmares.

  Whenever she thought of Julia she felt an unnatural mixture of fear and anger towards her. But what haunted her more was the image of her throwing Julia down the cave. Luna still wasn’t sure if she dreamt it or not, it all felt so real, but here she was unharmed before her. Even now Luna was scared that she was going crazy.

  “Y-yes.” Luna said cautiously, trying not to let her voice shake.

  “You come with me.” Julia demanded.

  “What? Why?” Luna said looking alarmed.

  “Stop asking questions, you come with me. Or will we have a problem?” Julia glowered.

  “Uh, no…” Luna's voice trailed. Julia clearly wasn’t happy with her, she didn’t blame her. Codrol had been blatantly hitting on her recently, but she still didn’t want to meet Julia’s wrath. It’s not even my fault. She lamented.

  “What’s going on here?” Someone else asked. Looking over Luna saw Ran Almer make his way over to them.

  “Nothing, nothing at all.” Julia replied curtly, “Right?” She asked Luna pointedly.

  “Uh, yes. No, it’s fine.” Luna said quietly.

  “Are you sure?” Ran said looking at Julia suspiciously.

  “All I want to do is talk. I won’t bother you after this.” Julia promised while still giving Luna the evil eye.

  Luna gulped before telling Ran, “I’m fine. I think I need to talk to her.” She said finding her voice.

  “Alright, if you’re sure.” Ran said still looking unconvinced.

  “Ran, hurry! We need to get to the dungeon before the queue begins!” Emmra called out to Ran.

  “Right… just ask if you need help.” Ran said to Luna before leaving to join his friends.

  “Come on.” Julia said and Luna hesitantly followed along. As they walked down the halls, Luna wondered why she agreed to this.

  Part of her felt that she deserved whatever was coming to her, another part of her was curious what Julia was going to do and say. Another smaller more frightening part of her wanted to be alone with her to get her hands on her. It didn’t sound like her own voice, but again, Luna hasn’t been sure of many things recently and tentatively followed her.

  They went up to the third floor of the academy and down several hallways, passing students as they all headed for lunch. Luna worry increased as Julia suddenly stopped before a classroom door and turned around.

  “Go in.” Julia ordered.

  “Uh… I think it’s lunchtime.” Luna said nerves only increasing as she had an ominous feeling looking at the door even though the room was completely empty.

  “Go in or do you not trust me?” Julia said opening the door while glaring at Luna.

  “No, no, it’s not that. Just uh…”

  “What?”

  “Nothing…” Luna said as she focused back at the door entrance and shuffled her way over. Entering the room she heard the door slam behind her and she whipped around and tried to open the door. Only to find it locked, “Julia?” She called out panicked.

  “Actually it’s Archer.” A voice behind her said. Turning around Luna was surprised to see Archer Griffen apparently appearing out of nowhere with an apologetic look on his face and holding out his phone, “Sorry about this, but the next few minutes won’t be the most pleasant.”