Crackle, crackle

A week passed by without any significant incidents.

Most students stayed away-

The girls had to stay away because of the barrier.

Even Rose stayed away for the most part but did chat with Mihael every now and then, each time making sure the conversation lasted two seconds longer. She was at the 28th-second mark right now.

Mihael only took one class- Sarveisa's and spent the rest of the days just sleeping.

Meanwhile-

Somewhere much higher-

"I think it's about time to change his classes. He's far too outclassed to be in a beginner's first grade-" said the woman.

The two watching over the lower realms. 

"Yes-" Arnine agreed. "I think it's better to at least send him on an excursion with his classmates once before that though."

Lots of white- lots of bright.

It was as though they were floating. And it was as though they were… glowing. 

"Why?"

Tranquil.

"Just some fun on my end."

Comfortable.

*** 

  It was decided-

The first-grade class would go on a three-day excursion to the eternal spring zone with Sarveisa as the lead.

"I have to attend as well?" Mihael said- staring at Sarveisa-

The other students also wondered the same.

Some wanted him badly on the group- others… not so much.

Class was almost over and soon school would be over as well. 

"Yes. And you'd do well to not cause any trouble… Though I must say, these last few days you've been a far too good boy!"

And she was oddly excited.

Again.

Not just at school but also at home. He didn't create a ruckus, he was clean… too clean, and he was far, far more intelligent than typical kids. 

Mihael rolled his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

There was a reason why he didn't do anything in these few days.

And-

That reason being-

Despite what he said-

Despite how he acted…

Actually, this really was a new experience. Even if it wasn't really all that fun or anything- it was definitely a new experience and something he really wanted.

Thus-

He let himself enjoy it a bit…

*** 

The next day, Mihael went to the academy with Sarveisa and once there, met up with the rest of the class.

The class was going to be divided into ten groups of four.

Mihael's group consisted of two girls and one boy… and him.

"Ereal-" The boy said, not making eye contact. Black hair, one eye covered with his bangs, and a cold attitude. 

"Raine," said one of the girls. Taller than most, black hair, actually beautiful but with attitude. 

"I'm Miseli-" The other girl meanwhile introduced herself, bringing her hand forward. "Nice to meet you."

"MIhael-" He didn't bother shaking.

He didn't disable his barrier either. 

They started walking.

For the eternal spring zone.

"Do I really have to spend three days out with them?" He asked Sarveisa, moving closer.

"Behave for three days and I'll promote you to second grade," She whispered.

"Third-" Mihael said, pacing himself with the other kids.

A mild sigh. "Alright- don't stop but listen up!" She yelled, grabbing everyone's attention. "There's a rare chance we might run into a Holy beast, so don't wander too far from your groups. Though they're holy beasts and mean no harm, some of them are beyond your comprehension and thus might end up injuring you in ways not fixable. So, don't stray."

Some gulped, while others grinned. They were up for a challenge!

'Why did she have to do this to me?' She sighed again but she did agree that someone had to keep an eye on Mihael and she was fit for the job as the boy only ever listened to her… sometimes. 

She found the little angel strange.

This kid, who never acted like one-

This particular angel- who wasn't even a fully-fledged angel-

'Who'd have thought I would actually stand up for him…' Leave everything and come here.

Who'd have thought- she would denounce her hatred for children… and-

A faint smile, a faint snort. "Hey, you, brat, stay in line!"

Yeah, she was a teacher, but given how she wasn't in a classroom… she didn't hold back her animosity, no.

Some students… stared in disbelief… 

"She, the same person?" One of them whispered.

"Did they replace Miss Sarveisa?" Another one whispered.

But as they got some glares from the teacher behind them-

They just gulped, smiled awkwardly, and walked faster… and in a straight line. 

*** 

Soundlessly.

Crackle, crackle-

It moved sideways-

Red furry skin-

Hard skin.

Large crustacean legs… six of them on the ground.

Crackle- crackle-

Two pinchers ready to clobber-

Eyes darting about-

Sensing a new presence-

A divine… demonic presence…

Moved the crab… the furry red crab… soundlessly.

Crackle- crackle… its pinchers weren't soundless though…