I Apologize and...

031@I always make sure to keep my mask on. I even wear it in front of my mother. I don't want to scare anyone away. I have to work with them when we fight on the battlefield. Only then will I reveal my terrible face.@404

I ran as fast as I could after the Mental Barrier disappeared. I didn't even pay attention to the win ratio on my ID shining 1-0. All I was concerned about was Mio's well-being.

I'm such an idiot. Why did I go and do that. I let my anger get the best of me when I should've been by Mio's side. I can't even imagine how hurt she must be feeling right now...

Those dark thoughts swam inside my head, doing nose dives then resurfacing as I ran full speed to the infirmary. I could feel tears streaming down my cheeks as a faceless figure suddenly appeared inside my head.

No...

This faceless figure was...familiar? Long, dark brown hair was swaying to the left, as if there was wind blowing it in that direction. A beautiful smile formed from her soft lips. She seemed to be a bit short, but it was hard to tell from the bright white background that she was standing in.

I couldn't see her eyes. All that was visible was her hair and her smile.

All looked and felt strangely familiar.

...

A streak of tears streamed down my face. I had no idea why though. What am I crying for? Who was that person?

No, that's not important right now! I have to get to Mio!

I dashed as fast as my legs would let me to get to the infirmary. As soon as I saw the door, I gripped on the cold, metal handle and swung the door open. Many rows of white curtains were covering beds. I ran to the one bed that said "occupied" and yanked he curtains over to reveal a girl, with pink hair so dark that it could be mistaken for red.

Mio was sleeping soundly. I let out a sigh of relief and then sat down on a chair next to the bed.

*BRRIIIINGGG!!*

The tardy bell rang throughout the academy, but I stayed where I was. There could be even more people like Lex who are trying to lash out at Mio. I can't leave her alone right now. At least not until I help her clear things up with everyone.

This poor girl. She's just too oblivious to how this world really works. It isn't her fault that she was raised like that though. That fault belongs to her parents, as well the Fire Dragon Clan.

If more people had a mother like mine, everyone would probably be more efficient and understanding. Instead, however, people were either raised to think that they were superior. Like they belong in the society outside these academy walls.

The truth, however, is that we're nothing but soldiers. Once this war is over, our place in this world is no longer needed. The academy will probably get shutdown and we'll all be left out in the outside world with no one to turn to for help.

If I were to die on the battlefield, then I would just simply be replaced by someone stronger. I don't plan on dying though. Because I have people I want to protect. My student, Mio, and my crush, Lynn.

I want to be there for them. I have to teach Mio about what it means to be a soldier. And I have to, one day, either get over my crush over Lynn, or confess to her. Honestly, I'm starting to miss her a little. And it's only been a day.

I don't want to tell Mio everything right away though. I'll have to teach we little by little about the life a soldier has to live. She may not fully understand what I, along with what thousands of others had to go through, but she should at least have an idea.

"I'm sorry Mio," I said to the oblivious girl sleeping, without a care in the world. "But you came here without knowing anything."

I stayed by her side I be up the nurse showed up and said that she would look after her. I started walking to my class after she handed me a hall pass.

I made sure to thank the nurse, all while wearing the fake smile mask that covered my real face. The face that saw terrors beyond human comprehension.