Chapter 7:

Chapter 7

Iris: Res Natura

I opened my eyes slowly. It was a new day... Days repeat, but what happens within them is different. Today, however, was entirely unlike any day before it: it was my first day at the Academy.

Or at least, that is what was supposed to happen. In reality, I didn't want to go. I just wanted to stay in my room; it was the only place where I felt safe.

The image of Darian’s smiling face flickered through my mind. Yes, Darian... this was the last chance he was giving me.I gripped the duvet. I had to get up. This was my final opportunity to prove myself.

I rose heavily, donned my white uniform, and looked at myself in the rectangle that reflected me... the thing they call a "mirror."

I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection. I truly looked like a trainee. I spun around, watching the skirt rise and fall. I was ready to go. I left the room.

Only a single step separated me from the classroom door. I waited for the teacher ‘Nayla’ to call me in.

"Enter," I heard Nayla’s cold voice from behind the door.

I opened the door, and dozens of eyes fell upon me. I had to introduce myself well; I had to look just like them.

I stood on the podium and performed what is called a "smile." I believed this would help establish a better relationship with them. Now, I had to introduce myself properly.

"Hello. My name is Iris. I am your new classmate. I am happy to meet you."

"Very well, Iris. You may sit there," Nayla said, pointing her finger toward a desk in the middle of the room.

Did I do it correctly? They weren't smiling back, so I assumed I had made a mistake. Or perhaps they simply didn't like that I existed.

I sat on the cold seat while listening to Nayla’s lesson. I was also supposed to use Fairy’s screen during the class.

"The monster is sitting right among us."

"Look at her, she looks exactly like us. It’s disgusting."

"No matter what she does, she'll never be one of us."

"She acts so arrogant just because she knows the Commander pampers her. Gross."

Those whispers drifted through the air, mixing together. It’s okay. Focus on the lesson, not on them.

After the session ended, a student approached me. It was Mirai. My body trembled for a moment the second she stood directly in front of my desk.

"So you actually joined the Academy," she said. "At least you aren't staying a parasite like you were before. That’s good—it makes it easier for me to watch you. The moment I see a single 'monstrous' act from you, prepare to be eliminated by my hand."

She delivered her warning and walked away. Immediately, a group of students burst out laughing.

"It seems no one wants the 'monster' here," one student said, laughing with his friends.

What should I do in this situation? How am I supposed to respond? I didn't know the right words to say.

I ended up remaining silent. I returned to my room, lay on my bed, tossing and turning. I didn't want to do anything.

The rest of the day passed smoothly, which made the next day arrive quickly. And today, once again, I found myself subject to their mockery.

"Is the monster in good health today?"

"Stop it, Kai. Isn't that a bit mean?" a girl said, laughing while placing her hand on his shoulder. She didn't seem opposed to it at all.

The students around them began to laugh.

I had to act. I had to talk back, or they would never stop.

"Stop this," I said, trying to make my voice sound firm.

A strange silence fell over the hall. Did it work?

Suddenly, the girl burst into laughter, triggering the rest of the trainees.

"Her voice just shocked me so much!" the boy said.

"Did her voice scare you, Kai?"

"It made me shiver. You know, a monster speaking so suddenly..."

"I told you to stop," I said again, causing their expressions to shift from mockery to pure contempt.

"Who do you think you are?" the girl snapped. "And if we don't stop, what will you do? Will you go cozy up to the Commander like you always do?"

Cozy up to Darian? What does she mean?

"Didn't she tell you to stop?"

A voice I didn't expect at all cut through the tension—firm and sharp. It was Mirai.

"M-Mirai? Weren't you against this girl yesterday?"

"Don't misunderstand me," Mirai said coldly. "I am still against her. She is a monster, after all."

The girl smiled. "Exactly, that's why—""But," Mirai interrupted, "bullying her is another matter. You are bullying a monster—doesn't that make you far worse?"

The girl’s face turned bright red, while the boy shouted, "You!"

"Is this a training hall or a kindergarten?" another young man’s voice interrupted out of nowhere. "Kai, Abby—wouldn't it be better to focus on increasing your own strength instead of bullying a freshman?"

His words sent them stomping away in anger. In a way, I was grateful to Mirai and that boy.

I glanced at Mirai, but she ignored me as if she hadn't done it for my sake at all. So, I turned my gaze to the boy who was sitting near me. He looked at me with a sharp intensity.

"And you—learn to defend yourself next time. Just saying 'stop' won't change anything with them."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. They were just annoying. By the way, my name is Axel."

"Nice to meet you, Axel."

I was on my way to the training hall when a voice stopped me.

"Wait!"

I turned around to see a completely different boy with deep purple hair. He smiled at me and waved his hand.

"You're Iris, right? Are you going to the training hall?"

"Yes." Obviously, since it was time for the training session.

He smiled. "Let's go together. I'm Aden. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too."

"Sorry I couldn't step in earlier," he added. "I tried talking to them before, but they wouldn't listen."