11 Halcyon Days in Orario (1)

"Um…I'd like to purchase two whole bags of your tomatoes please."

"Sure, kid. That'll cost you about 2,000 valis."

It took all of Bell's efforts to not cringe at the price as he dug his hands into the funds given to him to fulfill his errand run. The sounds of his hand rustling for the right amount of coin to exchange for the produce was drowned out by the various conversations and early morning-to-midday noise that's expected to be heard from Orario's bustling Market area.

Bell couldn't believe his eyes when he first stepped through this street upon his arrival to the Labyrinth City. People from demi-humans to humans, and heck, even the occasional spirit were selling their exotic wares to the perusing public. It was a real eye opener to see how big the world was, and how small he was in comparison.

"Here you go." As he pulled the payment from out of his pouch, he noticed the vendor intently looking at him. Or more precisely, his embroidered apron. Yup, as of today, he's officially working his butt off as just another employee to the Heart Café. His sense of attire was more comfortable and lighter than his usual gear as it consisted of a white dress shirt, black pants, and black shoes. Like his vice-captain, he also sported a white chef's bandana and their café's trademark white apron with the business's logo on it.

"Wait a minute, kid. You wouldn't…happen to be from the same familia as the Lost Key, would you?" The man scratched his chin.

"Y-Yeah, but why do you ask…?" He curiously asked.

"Heh! Then that'll be 1,000 valis." The vendor laughed at Bell's gaped expression. "Consider this half-off discount as thanks for preventing those black monsters from further ruining the markets."

Bell blinked and remembered just the other night during dinner (after getting scolded by his goddess and Iris) about Karen's patrol and how she subdued a pack of rampaging Heartless on the Free Market street. Now that you mentioned it, he realized how more packed this section of the market was. Adventurers, who were selling their wares in the wrecked Free Market must be scrambling to establish a spot here while repairs for the old street were still being done.

"A-Are you sure? I mean, I wouldn't feel right just accepting-!" Yeah, the prices for the tomatoes were high, but he does enough valis to pay for it. Even if he didn't, he wouldn't mind the inconvenience of going back to the café to get more. It filled him with a bit of pride and joy that his Familia was able to help out around town and do so much good, but this? It just didn't sit well with him.

It would be like he was taking clout from his Familia's name, wouldn't it?

Plus, it was mostly Karen who handled it so he felt the good graces of this discount should be given to her, not him.

"Just take it, kid." The vendor kind-heartedly smiled once he noticed the conflict stirring with the boy. "The least I can do as thanks for yesterday and all the other times that Lost Key and the others of your familia stopped those bloody cretins from wrecking our businesses. Tch! There were even cases of them randomly stealing our stock whenever those fat Heartless came about…Large Somethings, I recall…"

"Large Bodies actually." Bell corrected. Yeah, now that he's…grounded, he's gone back to reading the Heartless texts provided for him. Especially now that he's been officially made an Apprentice to his Cap-no, he guesses he could still call him that, but as of now, he's more excitedly determined to refer to him as his Master.

With a thankful snap of his fingers, the vendor shot Bell an appreciative grin. "Right, right! Those engorged bastards. They're the usual kind that we run into around here with a few others. First time that they popped up around here, things were a disaster. …Pretty sure I watched one of those things spew flames about all over the place."

A Large Body breathing fire? Was there one like that? Did Heartless come in different elemental types? Bell mentally scratched his head at the thought and made a mental note to further his studies to confirm that. He was encouraged by his Master to ask questions, and he could never be too careful with learning more about the Heartless.

"I digress, this whole market would have been toast ages ago at the hands of those damn things had the Lost Key not show up. Two years ago, it would have been utter chaos if the city's main pipeline for supplies and produce had the Guild went through with closing this place down weeks until the extermination was done."

"W-Weeks?" Bell winced at the vague time estimation.

"I may or may not have exaggerated with the time estimate. But past history with the Orario's "Dark Ages" have given us a bit of insight on how the Guild responds to threats endangering the populace." The man's face scrunched up and he noticed the same was happening to the boy. Remembering those harsh days of always be on edge lest a disaster was to happen out of nowhere. Everyone else that lived past those horrific days shared that same mentality of just working to get through the day alive and return home to their loved ones.

The vendor could still remember that day. That very bad day when a simple soup kitchen to alleviate the stressful rising tension that filled Orario's citizens soon devolved into a bloody massacre at the hands of Evilus to mark the prelude to their pointless slaughter. To the vendor, those days were best left as another lesser bad memory that he and his loved one had to bitterly shelve away.

After being the subject to a colossal massacre in the past that made the city's massacre pale in comparison, he wasn't as that off guard once Evilus struck. Still didn't change how horridly dreadful the second experience was.

"Back then, the Market had to temporarily close up for an extended period until things cooled off. Granted, we had to provide our supplies to the wounded citizens, but without this place, it was much more difficult for us to earn our profit and for our customers to find shops that weren't selling their goods for ridiculously high prices because of half of their stock was given away for charity. When really looking at it, that only worsened the city's already poor state at the time." The vendor finished with a depressed sigh.

"Y-Yeah, I can see how that would happen…" Bell hesitantly nodded as he frowned at the thought of those infamous "Dark Ages" of the city. He had heard that after the Zeus and Hera Familia were run out of town for failing their Three Great Quests, Evilus had grown more rampant and caused unimaginable casualties. If their destruction had wrought so much chaos, then it was no wonder that the Market place along with the city as a whole suffered. The produce and items sold here was basically vital to the citizens and adventurers to Orario.

He could vouch for that as a former farm boy, especially during the winter. If you're not prepared with a supply of food or if your source of food is snuffed out, then you're bound to suffer a great deal of starvation. Now consider that on a city-wide scale then you'd naturally have a disaster on your hands.

"So, when the Heartless did show up in droves for the first time here, we assumed that the Market would close up again. However, since the issue was cleared as soon as everyone evacuated from the streets that very same day, we were spared the thought. We have your Captain to thank for that diverted disaster." The vendor proudly grinned. "So, think nothing of it, kid. Just take your tomatoes and enjoy the rest of your day. Be glad you chose this stand since I've gotten myself some of the Demeter Familia's top of the line goods."

"D-Demet-?" Bell sputtered almost choking on the words. No wonder the price was so high for these tomatoes. The Demeter Familia was one of the main farming Familias responsible for supplying the Orario as a WHOLE with their produce. Sure, there were other Familias that provided their goods to the Labyrinth City, but there was question that the Demeter Familia stood at the zenith above all those agriculturally based familias.

Now he really didn't feel right accepting this discount. He wasn't hurting for money, and he had enough to pay for it. "T-Then I insist you take the full a-amount, sir! Please!"

Quirking an eyebrow at the earnest kid's refusal at his generous offer, the vendor wondered aloud, "Huh? You sure aren't going to let up on this no matter what, aren't you, kid?"

Bell violently shook his head earning a snort of amusement from the vendor.

"Heh, you sure are a stubborn one just like my daughter." The vendor stroked their mustache. "Fine, look here. I'm going to let you pay the 1,000 valis. Upbupbup!" He quickly raised a hand once Bell began to inevitably protest again. "Let me finish. Since you don't want me to be charitable, I'll be expecting the other 1,000 valis added onto your next purchase in my establishment. That way, you don't have to worry about not paying the full price, I get my full payment AND a new returning customer. See? Everyone wins."

The man extended out his yellow gloved hand. "So, what do you say."

Bell thought it over and wore a small smile. It was a compromise. One that he'd gratefully accept. "Deal." Putting the exact 1,000 valis in his hand, Bell handed it to the vendor during their handshake. With the payment complete and with most of things on the list crossed off, the boy began to make his departure back to the Heart Café.

But not before the kind vendor waved him down before leaving. "Wait, kid!"

"Yes, sir?" Bell turned back to face the man, who had an inquisitive look on his face.

"What's your name?"

Bell tilted his head at the man's sudden interest.

With a sigh, the vendor clarified, "I want to be sure to remember the name of my customer the next time that he shows up."

"O-Oh!" Coughing in his hand, Bell straightened himself and chuckled. "Bell Cranel."

"Well then, Bell Cranel. Now I have a name to associate with a future discount to give to you." The vendor cheekily grinned.

"D-Disco-! N-No, like I said you really don't have to-!"

"Let me finish." The vendor interrupted. "You're an adventurer, right?" The boy gave him a nod. "And judging on how young you, you look…" The vendor appraised the boy's demeanor and his earnest attitude. "Like a newbie. Am I right about that?"

"Y-Yes, I actually started four weeks ago." Bell nodded in confirmation and felt a little conflicted. Was it really that easy for someone to discern him to be a greenhorn based on his appearance alone?

"Good. Then after you level up, come to me or tell one of your Familia members to stop on by to receive half off prices for my goods, ya hear?"

Bell was stunned at the given offer. "Y-You really think I can…?" He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Sure, he's as ambitious as every other adventurer to Level Up, but to hear such expectation from someone other from his Familia members was…pretty nice.

"No clue." The vendor nonchalantly shrugged causing the boy to almost facefault on the ground. "That's what you'll have to show me, kid. If every level up was so easy then this city would be full of third-class Adventurers."

So, at the end of the day, it'll have to come down to merit. Bell clenched his fist with burning determination. "Then I'll do my best!" He grinned.

"Looks like you've got a fire lit under ya. Good. Now get outta here, you're holding up the line." There was no line, but Bell noticed the man was simply yanking his chain.

"Right!" He rushed over to his cart full of groceries and began pushing it past the cart. "Thanks for the tomatoes, Mr. Uh…" Bell trailed off, chiding himself for forgetting to ask the kind old vendor for his name.

"The name's Cid, kid." The man stroked his mustache and waved the boy off. "Now go off and enjoy the rest of your day already…"

"Gotcha." Trudging past the man's stand, Bell waved him goodbye before he was too far away to see him. "Thanks a lot, Mr. Cid! I'll see you next time to pay off the 1,000 valis!"

Finally, alone until the next customer came up to him, Cid shook his head in amusement. "Yup, he's a real stubborn one. Honestly, all of you kids today should learn to ease up occasionally…" The old man let out a tired groan as he looked to the sky worrying about his blessed daughter. "Wherever you are, I only pray that you're well and healthy, Celes…"

With more pep in his step after that nice interaction with that old grocer vendor, Bell's began his return to the Hearth Café. With his errands of picking up bags full of tomatoes, pineapples, flour, raw sausages, and cheese; he could finally wonder just what exactly his Goddess and Iris were intending to make with these odd assortment of ingredients. They said that they were making something called "Pizza". Bell had no clue what it was, but judging from Karen's drooling glazed expression, it must be good.

Heck, he's been given many reasons not to doubt how GOOD the food his Familia's establishment makes. Until arriving in Orario, his palate usually consisted of whatever he and his grandfather (may his soul rest in peace) planted at their farm, and his grandfather's cooking was basic at best. So, he was in for a surprise when the first meal served to him once he joined the Hestia Familia was a phenomenally delicious dish called the Ratatouille. Honestly, he had no clue what language that dish's name came from since it certainly wasn't Koine. Perhaps…it was an Amazonian dish…?

Confusing names aside, the dish itself was mind-blowing. After he took his first bite, he actually cried. Now it was in part because he finally had been accepted into a Familia after many harsh rejections and finally getting a decent meal, but the meal that was served to him was just overwhelming. He praised his capt-Master for making such a perfect dish, but he was surprised to learn from the man that his attempt at the dish was sub-par at best.

Thinking about it now, Bell figured that it was simply because he was given his first bite of something new that it – at the time – seemed like the best thing he's ever eaten. But even so, back then, he continued to heap so many compliments at the presented dish. Then he was struck with the revelation that his master's own cooking paled in comparison to the Master Chef that taught him the recipe. Michael had even called that chef the "Greatest Chef in the world (World)".

So, when Bell heard that this "Pizza" dish was another recipe taught to his master and Iris by the same Master Chef, he held no doubt or skepticism that whatever this cuisine was, it'll taste magnificent!

Looking around the busy streets of the city as it slowly transitioned away from the bustling Market Place, he began to wonder how his Master and Karen were doing ever since the three of them left the Café for different reasons. Bell had his errands, Karen went off to do her patrols for Heartless around the city, and Michael had classes to teach down at the Guild.

The fact that his Master was already going back to work after returning from completing his Mission caught Bell of guard before he grew to admire how studious the older man was to remain vigilant with work. Though he did manage to catch him grumble out something about some "pig" messing with his schedule. Nonetheless, his Master looked quite refreshed this morning during the Familia's short breakfast together.

…And now that Bell thought about it, his Goddess wore the dopiest of smiles this morning that made him a bit uncomfortable especially whenever she looked his Master's way. Did something happen last night between them? It must have been something really good if the two of them were in such a good mood. So, he's glad that they're happy, but it still made him wonder what went on after he went to bed.

A mystery that the poor innocent rabbit will one day solve and immediately regret.

Now as for Karen…he'd like to say that his relationship with her was better. She was actually there during breakfast this time, so that was a start. Though little words were exchanged between the two of them, he voiced his thanks for her picking his broken body up from the dungeon and up to the surface. And just as quickly, she bluntly and quietly voiced that no thanks were needed with the stoic expression of hers.

Now if his Master and Goddess hadn't given Bell those words of wisdom, then he would have mistaken the girl's bluntness as her simply not caring for his gratitude. However, that wasn't the case anymore. Because once he looked into their eyes, he noticed how soft they were, as a tinge of worry still resided in them each time that she looked at him.

Also, the cake and note she snuck for him last night pretty much quelled any of his worries that the raven-haired beauty wasn't spiteful of his presence and well-being. Just realizing that she didn't despise him gave him great relief, and the fact that she cared boosted said relief to bounding joy. Still, he struggled with trying to get a proper read on her most of the time but being able to at least identify a part of mood through her eyes was a substantial first step to finally getting to know his senior.

Still despite that, he decided not to ask her if she thought of him as a friend. He was a bit anxious last night, but after speaking with the silver eyed girl, a bit of clarity hit him: She obviously showed that she cared multiple times that day, so…shouldn't she already consider me her friend and I her?

It had seemed so simple an answer to come across, but the facts did not lie. Usually, he'd be more wound up with finding a definitive answer until the stress killed him. But a part of him just felt that things were okay and that there was nothing to worry about.

Nothing else needed to be said between them.

A warm smile graced the boy's soft features as he placed a hand over his chest. "May my Heart be my Guiding Key." He uttered the phrase that his Master and entire Familia would use reverently. Each new day that passed since his joining of his current Familia has helped him get a better grasp of the saying's true meaning.

…Or it could be that he's yet to fully grasp it and that he's all but simply taking the first steps to actually learning it?

No, it must be because…

He rapidly shook his head. He was encouraged to keep asking himself questions, but it would not help him to stay stuck second guessing himself.

Especially now with him having to work extra hard at the cafe under Iris' stern gaze. Though it could never compare to the brutal lashing he received from Ei-Ei-his advisor! He could already tell that his time working in the café these couple of days are going to be rough. The woman was just as relieved that he returned home safe along with the others, but unlike them, she believed it'd be best that he be given tons of work to do.

She supposed that since he has a ton of energy to disobey their warnings and recklessly go running off into the dungeon to fight a Minotaur, then it would best serve him to put that energy to good use with non-deadly good old labor. The white-haired boy practically crumbled this very morning when she gave him the tasks and duties that he'll have to assume during his work with her and the Goddess.

Though she displayed that genuine sisterly smile that always warmed his heart before braving the dungeon, he could easily distinguish that it did not reach her eyes. Those…cold green eyes…

He shuddered and immediately righted his grip on the cart just before it accidentally bumped into a nearby passerby. He knew that the usually kind woman's anger came from the right place and felt that it was completely justified, but still getting punished wasn't something to feel good about.

What now entailed his schedule was dish duty, busing the tables, trash duty, serving the customers, and grocery duty. Just that for next four days straight. He was already getting exhausted just thinking about it.

But no pain, no gain. He just had to look on the bright side of things.

After the days are up, he'll finally get to learn from his Master and hopefully summon his very own keyblade. Plus, there's the bonus of getting to experience what a Monster Feria was. From what he was told at breakfast today, it was supposed to be some festival held by the Ganesha Familia, one of Orario's top 3 Familia.

They're renowned for their adventurers being top of the line Monster Tamers, and for being one of two Familia in Orario and quite possibly the world (that anyone know of) to have a Level 7 Adventurer in their ranks. One that's gotten incredibly famous during the ten years of their career in Orario. The adventurer who's the only peer to the "King" himself, and they're epithet was…

"Puppy".

"N-No, no…I think that can't be it…" He mistakenly thought up the first title that the adventurer carried. It carried as much attention as their current one but was slung by waggish rumors as a joke. As for their current epithet it was…well…

"Goliath Slayer"…? No, that was one of the first…

It can't still be "Amphisbaena Slayer" either since it was said that it got changed to "Udaeus Slayer"…

Both "Rex Hunter" and "Balor Slayer" would have been his first guess, but they weren't spoken about as often as the current one, "SOLD-!"

"SOLDIER", yes! That's their recent epithet!

Anyways, the Ganesha Familia uses the Monster Feria to show off the skills of their tamers to subjugate the fierce beasts of the dungeon to the masses. Just imagining that he'll get to see such top-class adventurers wrestle monsters that he can't even see himself fighting filled him with jittery anticipation.

Just getting excited about the upcoming experience made Bell feel all the happier. Not because he'll get to spend time with his Familia during the experience, and certainly not because he'll get the chance to see World-class tamers in the city's Colosseum for the first time. But mainly because…she'll get to experience the event with her friends and family/familia.

Yeah, the werewolf girl that he helped in the Dungeon. He hoped that she was okay and had faith that there wasn't anything to worry about. If he were in her shoes, he'd have hightailed it out of there the moment the Minotaur no longer had its eye on him. Just the thought that he played a role in her survival to continue on living to see a new day and enjoy the Monster Feria put a smile on the boy's face.

Looking back on how he essentially lost his pack full of hard earned monster stones, almost died to a Minotaur, suffered E-E-Ein-his advisor's wrath, and getting punished by his Master and Iris; Bell could honestly say that it was worth it.

…He just won't say it in front of his Master, advisor, and Iris…

Plus, for his first attempt at rescuing a damsel, who's (hopefully) of age, in the actual dungeon, he'd have to say that it was a good start despite his rocky first step. Like his botched-up attempt for his very first adventure during his uphill fight against the Minotaur.

…He knew he had to look on the positive side of things, but there's just something eating up at him whenever it's brought up. It's not fear, but after awakening once his Master finished healing him and being told that he was saved after passing out in the middle of the fight…he felt…frustrated…? That was kind of how Bell put it.

It was a feeling that he's felt before, heck it was what pushed him to go to the Fifth floor in the first place. Yet, he felt that it was a different form of frustration, an entirely new feeling that he couldn't put a finger on.

All he knew was that amid that hopeless battle against the powerful Minotaur, he wanted to win.

For Bell, he couldn't really translate anything deeper beyond that.

Thinking it would be best to focus on current matters, his mind tiredly trailed back to one of the many busybody tasks that Iris gave him today. With one of them involving a quick delivery to the heart of the Daedalus Street. He beamed and looked to the ingredients in the cart. The task of navigating the convoluted district's streets might be strenuous, but the chance to see all those children's faces light up would be worth it.

*GAZE~!*

"…!" A chilling shudder washed over the boy's body that it made him stiffen and jerk the cart back, spilling most of the tomatoes onto the street. "Perfect…" He sighed and went about picking up his tomatoes while the traversing public around him either shot him passive glances or apathetically went about with their day by walking around him.

That feeling again, Bell warily thought as he righted his frazzled demeanor to gaze up at the grandiose Tower of Babel in the distance. This ominous sensation was one that he's been feeling ever since his arrival a few days into the city.

It felt disconcerting. Especially the few occasions when he's walking with his Master when he was still getting watched over in the dungeon. Their walks on the main streets leading to their monster filled destination would almost always be met with an intense glare that put the past occurring gazes centered on Bell to shame.

Bell had tried to inquire on what the source of the gaze was, and why exactly it felt so angrily heated whenever his master's presence is known to it. But the only answer given to him by the man was to not pay it any mind and that he shouldn't worry about the spiteful gaze lingering on him.

…Though it was a brief relief since Bell's question remained unanswered, and his worries for his Master have only magnified since then.

The gaze he just felt was undeniably familiar, but…for some odd reason, this instance of it occurring felt so much closer than the ones he felt coming from the tower.

"Oh my goodness!" The hurried pattering of footsteps from behind him came over to his side. "Are you okay? It looked like something jerked your cart." Bell nervously laughed. It was a girl, and a very nice one at that for coming up to worry over his blunder.

"N-No, I'm fine. I was just too lost in thought and got lost in my own head."

"Ehe, a vali for your thought~!"

He laughed with the girl. "Y-Yeah. Based on how many I've been having lately; I'd be a millionaire by now." He joked, all his attention still on picking up the array of scattered tomatoes. "But really you don't have to worry about have to worry about me. I can handle th-."

"Nuh-uh! None of that." The rustling of two paper bags hitting the stone road filled his ears as the girl crouched beside him. Her arms came to view as she picked up a tomato that rolled away from him. "What kind of Good Samaritan would I be if I just left you here looking like a kicked puppy? Here." She held out the tomato to him while he winced. Did he really look that pitiful?

"Thanks…"

"No worries. I can get a bit clumsy myself sometimes when I'm out running errands."

Hm? The boy blinked as he noticed one of her green sleeves slid down to reveal a nice-looking silver chain bracelet with each of the diamond shaped links possessing a carved star.

"Something the matter?" The girl inquired.

"Nope! Nothing! Just got lost in thought again." Shaking his head, he both answered her query and righted his rude behavior of staring at her trinket while she provided her help.

"Wow, you really are going to be a millionaire at this rate." She giggled.

Nope. This just wouldn't do, it would shame him, his Grandfather, and his Familia if he couldn't properly give his thanks to this kind girl.

So, raising his head to finally get a good look at the girl, Bell stuttered a bit at the close proximity he was from the beautiful gray-haired girl beside him. Taking a deep breath, he did away with his nervousness and gave her the best welcoming smile that he could give.

"Again, thanks for the help. I really appreciate it, Miss…" Bell began with his "best" (shaky) winning smiling.

"Oh my, isn't it customary to introduce yourself first before asking a pretty lady her name?" She batted those light grey eyes of hers.

Realizing his blunder, Bell stuttered. "O-O-Oh, right! Sorry, I didn't mean to…!" Coughing in his hand, he spoke up, "R-Right. My name is B-Bell Cranel. Nice to meet you, Miss…" He trailed off once his red eyes locked with her own grey orbs. Bell's smile faltered a little, but quickly picked itself up. Was that a brief flash of disappointment?

No, it must be his imagination. He's just now learning to properly read people through their eyes and was liable to mistakenly make it up, so to avoid any soured first impressions, he shrugged it off.

"Miss Flova. Syr Flova. And I have to say that it's a real pleasure meeting you, Bell." With a beatific smile, Syr held her hand out that Bell happily (yet hesitantly) took.

"Hehehe, same."

Resuming to pick up the tomatoes, the two of them filled out the time doing the drab task through friendly conversation as they got to know each other. Some laughter here and there and a couple of Syr's teases helped relaxed Bell around her (well, as relaxed as him being teased could be).

But unbeknownst to the boy, whenever he faced away from her to pick up a tomato, he was the only one of two, who were smiling.

Because at every opportunity that the girl had to see the mocking words "Hearth Café" emblazoned on his apron, her bubbly disposition died and the light that once illuminated her eyes became lusterless.

Those two pools of light grey momentarily flickered with a cold silver gleam.

XXX LINE BREAK XXX

Enigmas.

The mysteries that mankind possessed within the unexplored regions of their world, and their untapped potential was the main appeal for why the Gods from their muted cushy lives in the Upper World descended to the Lower World of mortal men. Among the mortal men, those who starved themselves with ambition were drawn to the unknown for countless reasons: discovery, greed, pleasure, fame, and knowledge.

The Labyrinth city of Orario was a nexus ripe full of enigmas with the biggest one being at very heart of its populace, the Dungeon. A place where many adventurers shaped their fate or ended it. The denizens of the city had seen no end to the limitless mysteries that were birthed from mankind's involvement with the Dungeon. Yet, there's been one enigma in recent years that's gripped the minds of many curious souls.

An enigma that appeared out of nowhere the following month after the "The Dark Siege on Daedalus". No one knew when or where they came from but talk of a mysterious figure popping up in the dungeon spread throughout the grapevine. Now I'm sure you're asking, why was some stranger, who could apparently be some random adventurer getting so much attention?

Well, the following list of outrageous deeds associated with them spoke for itself:

-The high count of adventurers succumbing to Heartless in the Dungeon basically plummeted to levels where the Dungeon was almost back to it's normal (and still deadly) monster centric nexus.

-Reports from Guild advisors and receptionists spoke of how adventurers who had a run in with the mysterious stranger were collectively always saved by them when overwhelmed by packs of Heartless and Monster Parties.

-Eye-witnesses from the 18th floor's city of Rivira gave word to those curious (unsurprisingly for a hefty price from the city's representative) that the same stranger single-handedly killed a rampaging Goliath that disastrously descended down to the Safe Zone by destroying its magic stone. Yet the method that was implemented to do the dirty deed was expressly described by Rivira's representative in the most polite and discrete fashion:

"That sonuvabitch cut that fucker's arm off and shoved it so far down it's throat that they killed it." – Bors Elder, Level 3, Rivira's representative

"Looking for quality rest and relaxation when you just can't handle braving the depressing depths of the dungeon? Then come on down to Villy's Inn for 3,000 valis per night! Come now, and you'll get a 100 vali discount off your first night!" – Villy, Level 2, Shameless Innkeeper

-In the middle of that same month, Orario was rocked with a terrifying earthquake. Report from a sole witness, who was involved with the source of the violent tremors revealed that it was the mysterious stranger combatting an unknown Heartless in the middle of the 37th Floor Boss, Udaeus's emergence. Days after, adventurers scouting the entire 37th floor found it as a complete and desolate white wasteland.

And these feats were the only ones recorded by eyewitnesses for half of that fourth month of the year. The other remaining 15 days, there was still word of the mysterious stranger wandering around the dungeon floors. One day, you'd be lucky to spot them on floor 5, the next, you'll find them riding the back of Black as their steed while they decapitate a Cadmus dragon that's barring their way on the 51st floor. Just the ridiculousness of these random rumors excited many who entered the dungeon to keep an eye out for them to see if the stranger lived to the hype.

It was almost funny really; the randomness of their appearances was still a mystery to this day. There had to be a reason for their constant wandering, right? Something must have compelled them to the dungeon. Those last 15 days couldn't have just been them going around the floors on some random whim. To the interested public, they denied the notion of something stupid as the stranger getting lost in the dungeon; lest that kill a part of their fascination with the man.

Then on the first after the fourth month, these rumors were finally proven to be more than just fantastic tales spread around like overinflated gossip once they'd ascended from the dungeon and onto the streets of Orario. They were hard to miss amongst the crowd of frightened and curious souls watching them drag their worn and beaten body to the Pantheon. Once they turned in the spoils of their travels and note for someone, they left Guild. Dimmed, vanished, and faded from the public eye, never to be seen again.

That day, many adventurers flocked to the Guild for answers on who the stranger was. From all accounts, they were able to confirm one thing from their paced stroll through the streets. The signature fierce wolf mask that completely hid their visage along with the torn and battered remains of their leather armor and robes. The best anyone could make of them was that they were clearly male based on their build and the account from the shaken Guild receptionist, who received their free spoils of war and confirmed from their gravely voice that they were indeed a man.

All questions about the stranger's turned in magic stones and monster drops overwhelmed so many Guild workers who were busy identifying and estimating the total of their worth that a collective answer was given. Had the stranger revealed their identity along with their familia, they would have received a grand total of 1.5 Billion valis.

…So it was no wonder that on that day Orario weaved a new tale in its grandiose history of epics starring the mysterious stranger officially dubbed by the Guild as Beowolf, exemplified what being a true adventurer that many should strive to be: Someone, who gallantly went on a true adventure on their own with only the limited supplies they carried, grit, wits, and bravery.

To this day, a statue made in likeness of those who were around to spot the stranger stood in the lobby of the Guild. Many new adventurers looked up at it wonder, some spat at the sight in begrudging respect, and others…

"…You are such an eyesore…" Just couldn't stand the sight of it.

"Hey, you chose the dungeon for your Ordeal of the Heart, so you only have yourself to blame." Chi shrugged and looked up at their keyblade wielder, who lacked their usual black coat and donned a pair of reading glasses on their forehead.

T-That's fair, Michael thought as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Back then he had tunnel vision to get the ordeal done with to prove himself worthy as a Master and for his Keyblade. Its just that he didn't expect to have all that attention on him during that dark period of his stay here in Orario. The limitations of not using his magic and keyblade should have made him mundane to the eyes of everyone.

But perhaps it was because of his mundaneness that made him that alluring to any of the witnesses that he accide-intentionally bumped into and saved from the Heartless during his self-imposed Mark of Mastery. Which was no easy feat with just a standard long sword.

Speaking of long sword, he should really see about finally getting to uphold his promise. The name that he was told, he's been incredibly grateful to whoever owned it. He's been content to not seek them out, believing his noted gratitude to translate well enough. But now that he entrusted the blade to Bell, who's armor was destroyed then maybe…

Should it's Heart resonate with it's creator than a coincidence might….

He dismissed the thought. Another time, not when he's busy nursing his growing headache at the sight of his – Beowolf's – statue.

"Okay, I've had my fill of this…mess. Lets get back to work."

"As we should." Chi nodded and walked beside Michael as they made their way past the Guild receptionist desks to the backrooms where his Heartless Lectures took place.

Until suddenly…

"Oh…" Michael flinched as he felt something soft bump against his leg.

"A-Ah, sorry for bumping into you, Adventure-san!" That's when Michael noticed that it was actually a someone who he had bumped into. A very short someone, who made even his own Goddess look taller in comparison. A pallum, then?

"No, you don't have to apologize…miss." She sounded female and…she had a pair of silver triangular ears that twitched under their torn cream-red hooded coat. So, a werewolf…an incredibly short one at that. "I usually have a bad habit of bumping into things considering my tall stature."

"And trust me when I say that's only one of his many bad habits…"

"C-C'mon, I don't have that many bad habits, do I?" Michael nervously scratched the back of his head at Chi's jab at him.

"YES!"

"Good morning to you too, Rose." He waved to the red-headed Werewolf, who had already turned to the next adventurer in line.

"Well, I wouldn't say their all bad and most of them are even your most redeeming qualities." Chi explained.

"Wait, so wouldn't that mean my bad points are the best parts of me?"

"Eh…more like your good points become your bad points when pushed too far…" Though it was hard to tell due to their stubby hands, but Chi made a so-so gesture.

"Meh…that's fair." Michael wasn't going to deny that fair examination. He admits that he had his fair share of quirks that can be taken too far at times. Sometimes not for the best of his health, but still.

"The only bad habit that I've given up on see you iron out would be your hopeless sense of direction…"

"For the last time, I do not get lost!"

"Mmm-hmmm! I believe you." Michael rolled his eyes at the sarcasm presented by his Chirithy.

"Uh…"

That's when both the human and dream eater finally took notice of the small werewolf girl watching the two with a deadpanned expression. Sweet, with her no longer bowing her head, he could actually see her face, which was fairly rounded with a pair of gold eyes that's usually associated with werewolves, and silver hair. There was no denying that she was a werewolf now considering his experiences with two distinct members of that race.

One of them currently giving her adventurer client an apathetic rundown of the floors allowed to them based on their current level.

The other…well, he hopes that they're not as overtly vexed than they usually are, but Michael knew that the chances of that guy getting infuriated were impossibly high. Especially whenever he was involved…

He took a deep sigh. Still though…he had this strange feeling when looking at the girl's appearance. She really seemed to look like a Werewolf, and he really not being offensive to their race, but…she seemed to fit the stereotypical werewolf appearance disturbingly too well.

Plus, after developing the thinnest string of a link between their Hearts from their greeting, he felt something from her that seemed off…

He frowned.

"Um…Adventurer-san?"

Crap, he shouldn't stare at her like that, its bad manners.

"Right, so no worries. No apologies are needed, right, Chi?" Michael happily turned to his partner.

"Indeed." The Chirithy waddled their way over to the werewolf, who oddly looked at them with caution. An interesting reaction for someone meeting his dream eater partner for the first time. It certainly was a better reaction than them outright attacking them under the confusion that they're a monster, and it was even less funny than them snatching Chi up into a crushing bear hug.

"We hope you have a wonderful day, Miss." Chi bowed, and Michael beamed and nodded, sharing the same sentiment.

"May your heart be your guiding key."

"O-Oh, uh…" The girl coughed and righted herself. "And you as well, Mr. Adventurer and…his friend." Her tone of voice sounded unwary by their genuine kindness, and choosing not to linger any longer, she left to go about her business for the rest of the day.

Were the pair not already preoccupied to go to the backroom, they might have heard a breathy whisper.

"Weirdoes…"

"Hey!"

The Keyblade Master stopped his advance to spot Rose momentarily glance at him from her current client. "After your done with today's class, I have something to give to you."

Michael perked up. "You mean your answer for the Monster Feria?"

"W-Wha-? No!" The werewolf angrily bit out at him, her cheek's flushing and only ever being noticed by the intrigued bespectacled Half-Elf beside her station and the Chirithy groaning at the side of their sheepishly laughing Keyblade Wielder. "Something literally came up just now, and I'll let you take it off my hands later."

"Oh…okay then." Michael happily shrugged. "So…do you have an answer for hanging out or…?"

"Go."

"Alrighty then." Came Michael's swift response as he retreated from the fuming Werewolf now carrying her blistered mood into her work and the poor adventurer, who now had to deal with her pissy mood.

Upon re-entering the backroom, Michael looked at all the empty lecture hall desks that ascended up the majority of the room while a big enough space was kept for his desk, chalk board and some open space for when he needed to present something for the class to visibly see. Hanging off his chair was his black coat and piled up on his desk was a book and a couple of written notes that he wrote from past lectures. These beginner classes tended to have a lot of curious minds when it came to handling the Heartless. It put him at ease to know that people were finally taking the threat of them so seriously.

Still didn't detract some haughty adventurers from recklessly fighting them to prove their mettle.

Picking up one of the many copies of the book that he wrote, he traced his fingers over the gold lettering, "Heartless Compendium I" etched onto the black book's hardback covering.

He deadpanned at the sight of his attempt at a menacing depiction of a Shadow's head. It was supposed to give off an air of menace to readers, but apparently some found it to be adorable. That's why for the other two installments, he used more menacing Heartless for the cover to get his point across.

Looking at the rays of sun peeking through the window, he noticed that noon was quickly approaching. Meaning that right about now, he should be expecting some of the adventurers to trickle in…

He walked over to the door while Chi was preoccupied with stacking his notes.

And since it's incredibly early, that could only conclude that she would be coming in…

He placed his on the doorknob.

Right about…

The sounds of heavy naked footsteps filled the Guild.

"Now!"

*GACHA!*

"I'M BAAAAAAACK~!"

"BUWHAAAA!?"

Clapping his hands together, Michael gave a quick prayer for Chi. Your sacrifice will not be in vain, my friend, he thought.

Gasping for breath as the life was getting squeezed out of them Chi found themselves in the strong, constricting arms of a cute Amazon. But this wasn't your average Amazon. Like what's commonly known, she possessed the charming beauty that all Amazons in this world were known for. Nonetheless, to reiterate, this wasn't your average Amazon; this was THE "Amazon" Tiona Hiryuute.

One of Orario's first-class adventurers with a Level of 5, and belonging to one of the city's top Familias, the Loki Familia. She's the younger twin sister to the Loki Familia's "Jormungand" Tione Hiryuute. A veteran, who's seen her fair share of danger in the dungeon and was a cut above the rest.

Which begged the question why she always signed up for his Heartless Lectures regardless of him already teaching her the basics of Heartless in a past class…two years ago.

"Hey, Chi! I missed you~! Did you miss me, huh?" The girl excitedly bounced on her spot in the ground as her barely restrained Level 5 strength smothered the poor Chirithy into her chest.

"C-Can't breathe…" She was squeezing the life out them.

'Sorry, Chi…' Michael apologized, he's grown used to the girl's explosive entrances when arriving in his classes, but he really didn't want to get tackled in one of her overzealous hugs. The girl does not hold back nearly enough, and he really wanted to rest his lower back after the night he shared with his Goddess.

Inhaling and exhaling deeply, Michael made his way over to the yellow Amazon and held out his hand. "Good morning, Tiona. How have you been?"

"Ah, Michael!" The amazon's eyes twinkled like stars at the gesture and excitedly took his hand to stand up. "Good morning and-!"

"You're back." Michael finished her sentence with a cheeky smile.

"Whoa, does your keyblade also make you a mind-reader?" She really seemed astonished.

He'd like to say he's more of an empath for the Heart. "Maybe, but I already put two and two together yesterday…" He noticed his trusty partner looking an unhealthy shade of purple in the Amazon's arms. "Also, you might wanna…" He gently extracted Chi from the Amazon's arms and allowed them that moment to get in a huge breath of air.

"Finally, air at last!"

"Ehehehe, sorry…" Tiona sheepishly laughed.

"If you're truly sorry then please ensure that this doesn't happen again, Miss Hiryuute." Chi spoke in haggard gasps.

"Will do!" Tiona gave the Chirithy a thumbs up. To Chi that was a hollow promise since she'll most definitely forget, get too caught up in the moment, and do it again…like the countless other times she did it.

"And you could've warned me…" Chi tossed Michael an accusatory (and adorable) glare.

"S-Sorry…" The man bitterly laughed.

"Yeah, yeah…" Hopping out of his grasp, Chi went back to stacking the desk's notes before turning back to give Tiona a welcoming mien. "By the way, welcome back, Miss Hiryuute. I'm glad that Miss Viridis spoke the truth that you all returned home in one piece."

"Awww~! Chi…" Tiona approached the spirit dream eater with open arms but paused once she noticed them giving her a stern look. "R-Right, right! Keeping my boundaries." Then as if something hit her, she immediately spun back to face Michael. "That's right! Lefiya did say that she came across you guys when she split up from the main group to do her usual thing at the Guild."

She pouted. "No fair. If I knew you'd be around later than your usual Lecture time, then I would have gladly skipped being the first in the baths just to see you."

Michael quietly laughed into his closed hand. "There's no need for that. You were understandably tired after your exhibition, so don't fault yourself for deciding to get a little rest." Besides, their meeting with Lefiya on that day was a coincidence. Nothing to get so worked up about.

"I-If you say so…" Tiona's dour mood soon became curious. "Say do you know what happened to her before you guys parted ways?"

"Hm? Did something happen?" Worry etched onto Michael's face at the implication of the elf's state of being getting harmed.

"Nope its nothing too bad. Its just that when Lefiya returned, she looked sort of…down. Which was a sudden turn from how she carried herself during our trek down the dungeon." Tiona fondly remembered how the usually soft-spoken elf stepped up to the plate. Once those new monster types started appearing out nowhere, the swarm of Heartless that they already had constantly nipping at their heels grew more restless.

It was utter chaos, if the monsters and Heartless weren't fighting each other then their sights were focused on them, and that was a battle that none of the exploration team wanted to be a part of. That was the moment where Lefiya really stepped up albeit a little shaky. Tiona couldn't describe it, but the elf looked strangely in her element despite all her frightened stuttering.

It really goes for show how much that incident two years ago in the dungeon really affected her confidence, unexpectedly for the better. She doubted it was mostly because of her leveling to the third step, so it had to deal with the other facet that she mentioned during her perilous incident.

"Hmmm…" It made Tiona wonder, what kind of person that guy, that the statue in guild was modeled after, was really like.

"A-Achoo!"

"Bless you."

"Thanks, Chi…" After rubbing nose, Michael frowned. "So Lefiya's upset?"

"Well, she seemed to be doing a little better this morning, but…its not hard to see that she's still a little bummed out." Tiona nodded.

"…" Silently looking over to Chi, he could already feel their eyes giving him the biggest "I told you so" look ever. Thankfully, Tiona did catch this.

'Brushing her heartfelt attempt at figuring out the truth like that really was cold of me, huh?'

He would never regret his intentions on keeping his linked identity with the mysterious Beowolf a secret. As the "Savior of Daedalus" and "Lost Key", he's already garnered enough attention on himself and his familia. He really didn't want to see how the public and more specifically, the troublesome Gods and Goddesses would react to knowing the truth and inflict trouble upon his Familia just for attaining an unknown powerful individual, who's made lesser strides in getting strength than any other known adventurer.

And yet…he would curse at himself for being so dismissive of the girl. Sometimes he can get so wrapped up with protecting those closest to him that he'll unintentionally harm others who matter just as much to him.

He had to be better.

That's why he'll make things right starting tomorrow.

"If that's so, then tell her that I wish her the best and I'll keep cheering for success. Plus, that something wonderful will come her way soon." Michael placed his hand on his chest and gently smiled. He meant every word and truly prayed for the elf's growth as both an adventurer and a person.

That must have been the wrong response because the amazon's face was puffed out as she gave him an accusatory stare. Hm? Did she catch on that he was the source of Lefiya's dour mood?

"Hey, Michael…" Was it just him or did the girl's eyes lose their earlier shine. "You aren't telling me to give Lefiya a confession for you…are you?" H-Hold on, what exactly happened to that energetic girl that was here earlier? Why does her Heart fell like its bubbling in scorned rage and sadness? Plus, a confession? Where did that come from; he just wished the elf girl the best.

"N-No, I'm just asking you to tell her that I wish good fortune upon her." He explained and used his fingers to stretch his lips into smile. "And that to smiling…as she could do that, then things can't be all that bad, right?"

"…" The amazon's dull brown eyes bore holes through him before immediately brightening up, reviving her sunny disposition. In a single bound, she closed the distance between them and excitedly gazed up at young man, much to his surprise. "Oooh! That's what you meant! Okay~! Then leave it to me, I'll lighten your load to protect Lefiya's smile by telling her that while you continue to do your best to protect the smiles of everyone else from those no good Heartless like you always do!"

The sudden invasion of his personal space caused Michael to step back some, but he was appreciative, nonetheless. "T-Thanks, Tiona. I really appreciate it." The girl was kind and one of the few adventurers in the city that weren't too self-interested, so he found her to be a nice associate and friend.

"You do?" She frantically gasped.

"Yup."

"…" Tiona's smile grew but she stood still. Too still for Michael's comfort as he waved his hand in front of her face. "Tiona, are you okay?"

"Excuse me for a second." The "Amazon" stiffly made her way to the door.

*GACHA!* *SLAM!*

"…"

"…Do you think she's oka-?" Chi began.

"YEEES!" The loud cheer resonated beyond the door answer their unfinished question.

Michael lightly chuckled. "She must really like helping her friends out."

"Yup." Chi nodded.

Too bad for the two of them that they couldn't differentiate between the amazon's cheery attitude from her affectionate one. Which is made even difficult by the girl in question not knowing how to properly project her blossoming feelings beyond what her usual tomboyish charm would allow.

Opening the door, Tiona gave the man a grin and a thumbs up. "Okay, I'm back and ready to learn, Sensei! So, what's on today's lesson plan?"

Ah, right, there's that elephant in the room that Michael forgot to speak up about. Going over to his desk, he picked up his book and began flipping through the pages. "You know, Tiona, you don't have to come to all of my lectures."

"But how am I supposed to be up to date about how to handle those Heartless guys if I don't come here to learn." Tiona tilted her head as she paced over to his side.

Michael sighed. He's certain that she's been to enough of his lectures to know the basics of Heartless. "Well, the lectures aren't too different from each other, so you can apply what you learned from the past ones without having to go to every single one."

"But what if someone from another lecture asked a good question that none other lectures I went to talked about?" Michael paused, that was a good point. But these classes were mostly for beginner adventurers, who've yet to really see the Heartless and how to approach/flee from them in the dungeon. Not a Level 5 adventurer, who's already been to over 50 of his lectures, and holds tons experience under her belt.

"Plus, I've talked with Mr. Pig-I mean Royman-san." For a split second, Michael could have sworn that she was about to address the Guild's head with a nickname that he'd most definitely hate. Not that he would mind it if she went through with using the nickname. "He said that as long as I can pay, I can attend this class as much as I want."

Of course, there also Royman's greed which made it impossible to curtail the issue. He seriously wondered why the girl was so dead set on attending only his lectures. He has a sneaking suspicion, but it really wasn't concrete for him to latch onto.

"Tiona." Hand on her shoulder, he noticed her smile grow for a bit before falling a little once she noticed how solemn he looked. "I sense great jubilation whenever you come into this room to learn, and as teacher, I'm glad that your so dedicated to learning about the Heartless. But…" And he really couldn't stress this enough. "There are others, who aren't lucky enough to have your strength to at least fend off the Heartless. And there are many, who don't possess the needed knowledge to defend themselves against them. There might have even been a new adventurer, who really wanted to know about this, but couldn't because there were no seats available for the Lecture. Seats occupied by other new adventurers and-."

"Me." Tiona finished for him.

He nodded. "Now this doesn't mean I don't enjoy your company here and I'm not telling you to stop coming. But if you could lower the high frequency that you attend, so that someone, who might really need your spot to learn, then I'd be very grateful." Sometimes the Guild workers, who teach the class might now have enough answers for the attending adventurers, so it would benefit the nicely if he could alleviate their queries whenever he's available to teach.

Looking down for a moment, Tiona contemplated his words and looked back up with a small sad smile. "I understand…"

"I thank you for your understanding, Tiona Hiryuute." Michael gratefully smiled, which served to brighten Tiona's own expression.

Now…before the mood gets any drabber by all of this serious talk, he decided to speak about other matters such as… "So how is everybody else doing in your Familia?"

"Oh! Well, Tione's still fussing about the captain AGAIN. Loki's still…Loki." Michael nodded at the last part, quite an apt yet blunt description for their Goddess. "You already know what's down with Lefiya, and as for Ais and that stupid werewolf…well…"

"Is something wrong?"

"N-No, it's not that. Ais is a bit down Bete's still the same arrogant jerk as ever. By the way, before I left, he growled something to me to tell you that since he's back and got his falna updated; he'll be looking for you to settle the score and murder you." Tiona explained that violent message so nonchalantly. Not really caring for that man's words.

"Now isn't that just pleasant…" Chi grumbled and shook their head.

"W-Well, its nice to know that he's doing fine." Michael nervously smiled.

"He's still bitter that you kicked his ass." The asshole still couldn't wrap his head around how a Level 5 could be defeated by a Level 2 back then. Well everyone who spectated the brief fight had that same thought that night outside of the House of Fertility. Sober or not, it's just a written fact that lower leveled adventurers couldn't stand up to their higher leveled contemporaries.

And none clung to that certitude more than Bete.

"More like a fluke at best…" Michael stated.

"Come on, you don't have to be modest. Be proud in knowing you kicked his ass so hard that the loss you've seared into his body pushed him to nearly kill himself just to level up to deal with the shame." Tiona laughed and relished that memory two years ago of the werewolf fussing about finding the punk (Michael) who beat and growing in strength to never let such a defeat ever happen again (especially in front of Ais). If it wasn't already apparent, Tiona did not like Bete.

"That doesn't really make me feel any better." And it didn't really make it easier for him to avoid a confrontation with the werewolf. He's gotten lucky with some help from Chi to avoid getting roped into the werewolf's challenges. That fight solidified that he REALLY needed to train himself to hold back.

"Say Michael are you really at Level 3?"

The sudden question caught him off guard, but he made sure not to visibly show it. "Of course, I am. You can go up to one of the workers of the Guild and ask them yourself."

"I know that, but…are you?" She intended to get the truth from him directly. Looks like his quick deflection won't work. "You've done stuff that neither a Level 2 nor 3 could ever do. So, I was just wondering if…y'know…you're…"

"…" Michael rubbed his chin in deep thought as Chi intently watched to see what his response would be. "Tiona…you wouldn't happen to have been asked by Loki to get the truth about this have you?"

"W-What? Psshaw! No. Whatever gave you that idea. I'm just curious is all, and a friend of mine just wanted to me to ask." Yeah, the reaction wasn't at all suspicious. From the many times that she's been in his lectures, he's more than picked up on Tiona's straightforward and honest nature. The girl couldn't even lie whenever she gave him a wrong answer to a question just so the class could be prolong with his explanations. But he didn't sense her fully lying, so she might be telling the truth about herself being curious. However…

"A friend of yours is curious about my level?" Michael crossed his arms.

"Yep."

"Just one friend?"

"…"

"…"

"Okay, so maybe a couple of friends…"

"…I see…" Michael slowly nodded. So basically, it was more than just Loki, who were digging to know about his level. "Well, then if you really want to know…"

"Mmm-hmmm!" That instantly perked the girl up.

A big grin crossed the Keyblade Master's face. "I'm actually Level 3." To his delight the girl faceplanted after having her expectations crushed. "But currently I've been close reaching the next step after I finished my last mission. So, I might become a Level 4 this time, this year soon."

The amazon raised her head from the ground to shoot him an annoyed pout.

"What? You did say that you wanted to know my Level, didn't you?"

"But I wanted the truth…" Tiona grumbled, picking herself up.

"But it is the truth." Chi stepped into the conversation and pointed to the door. "Just go ask the Guild and confirm it for yourself." This left the poor amazon to scream in frustration at the little run around she was put through while both Michael and Chi laughed.

'Nice try, Loki.' Michael slyly thought.

The sound of the door opening ceased their laughter as they took notice of an early group of adventurers entering the room. Most were astonished by the sight of "Lost Key" while others were overwhelmed by the inclusion of the "Amazon" standing right beside him. To be in both of their presences was intimidating for the greenhorns. "I-Is it alright to enter the classroom early?"

"Of course, of course! No need to be shy now! I don't bite." He ushered forth the adventurers to take their seats while Tiona, who still looked pretty miffed at his non-answer that she huffed and walked off to her seat in the front row…but not before taking Chi into her arms to tide over her annoyance.

"Wait, what!?" Chi gasped, already feeling her arms begin to crush them. "H-Help m-gugh!"

I'm sorry, Chi, Michael prayed that his Chirithy would at least fall unconscious to save themselves the pain of being within the Level 5's grasp for the rest of the class.

Now then with everyone that was on today's list slowly coming in, he can finally glance over at his notes. Still…he really wished that he could use the Colosseum today to really show how a Heartless would move when encountered through some projection magic.

Well, no use crying over spoilt milk, he only hopes that the Ganesha Familia get done with clearing all those leftover Monsters before securely bringing the ones for the Monster Feria to the surface.

Not that he had much to worry about considering who was running the Familia, he had little doubt anything would go wrong. "Hm?" Oh, he forgot to ask Tiona what had Bete and Ais acting strange, but he waved it off, it might not be too big of a deal. They were coming up from their expedition, so they must still be shaken up about it.

Attention now on his class, with the last adventurer quietly rushing to find a seat; he put on his glasses, grabbed his book and gave a friendly wave to the entire room.

"Good afternoon everyone! My name is Michael, and I'll be your lecturer for today. So, the first thing that we'll do today is discuss the most vital sources that we possess that all Heartless yearn to steal: The Heart."