25 Without Him [1]

Aspen was walking around the campus. She had recently received a letter, asking to meet her in the Academy's library.

She already knew what the mysterious sender wanted from her.

This was not the first time Aspen received something like this.

For the past year of attending Arden Academy, she had rejected a total of 83 guys.

'This should mark the 84th. Haa…;

Beside her was Satoshi, accompanying her.

"Elder Brother, I told you, you don't have to accompany me, I can handle myself."

"It's fine Aspen, I do this for my Sister as well."

In Camilla's case, she had rejected a total of 65 guys. 

There was something about the strict Student Council President vibe she had, that made the guys attracted to her.

Aspen on the other hand was more of a shy cool-beauty.

She was taller than the average girl, with long legs that made her seem like a model.

Her face was flawless, her eyes gleaming an azure-blue hue. While her beautiful black-raven hair cascaded around her shoulders.

She was one of Arden Academy's heartthrob. Aspen Nocturn, the Ice Queen.

Arriving at the library, a peculiar blonde boy with glasses stared at her figure the moment she came in.

'That must be him.'

Slowly Aspen approached him. Satoshi was hiding just behind the door, ready to strike at any moment.

"Hello, were you the one who sent this letter?"

"Yes, it's me, thank you for–"

"Sorry, but I can't accept your feelings."

Aspen placed the heart-shape letter on the table, and dragged it towards the boy.

"Hold on, I haven't even said my piece yet."

"It doesn't matter, I don't plan on dating anyone."

Ever since her Brother's death, Aspen sealed her heart for any form of entertainment, be it romance or slacking off.

She had one goal in mind and one goal only, to become stronger.

Strong enough so she wouldn't drag down her Brother's legacy.

Ever since Shin died, Aspen has been pitied upon by everyone around her.

The faces the branch family made, didn't sit right with Aspen.

While on the surface they had a look of sympathy, Aspen knew that beneath all that, they were overjoyed.

Happy that the Rising Star, Shin Nocturn, the boy they once feared, was now dead.

Aspen had no choice but to be strong, she could no longer tolerate her family being looked down upon.

This boy in front of him was just a waste of time.

Plus, his looks couldn't even compare to Shin.

No matter what, Aspen's standards were Shin, be it strength or looks.

She wasn't romantically in love with her Brother of course, Shin was just her role model for everything.

Her dear Brother that had always doted on her when she was young.

"Lady Aspen, please give me a chance. I promise, I can make you happy–"

"Then give me back my Brother! Bring him back!"

"Wha–"

"What's wrong? You promised you could make me happy! So bring my Brother back to life!"

Aspen screamed, she had enough of this.

Since she was in the library, it was a quiet place. Her scream was audible to everyone.

All the students around her stared at her figure. She was trembling, fist clenched, and gazed at the boy with tear strained eyes.

In that instant, Satoshi entered the library and arrived at Aspen's side.

"That's enough. You, don't contact her ever again."

"Who are you to tell me what to do?"

"I'm the Younger Brother of the Student Council President, a member of the Disciplinary Committee, and this girl's Cousin."

"...Okay, I'm sorry."

.

.

After Leaving the library, Aspen broke down, as Satoshi consoled her.

"I just wish my Brother were here."

"We all do, Aspen… If I could go back, I would have done all I could so that the Abysmal wouldn't have bitten my leg. In a way, it was my fault."

Aspen shook her head at Satoshi's statement.

"No Elder Brother, there's no one to blame but the perpetrators themselves."

In the past, she had already blamed both Satoshi and Camilla for Shin's death. But she knew it was unfair, they were the victims as well.

It was later discovered that the Spy was affiliated with a mysterious group.

But during the interrogation, the Spy was mysteriously killed.

The only information they got out of him was that the mysterious group were a bunch of Demon Contractors.

Aspen had only heard of this when she was eavesdropping on Souzen who was having a meeting with Government Officials.

The whole time, Aspen kept the information to herself, building up her strength so that she could avenge her Brother.

Aspen stood up and fixed her gaze on Satoshi.

"Elder Brother, as you know today is Shin's Birthday. My parents are hosting a small celebration, and we'd like for you and your Family to come."

"Ah, that's right, it's that day. Okay, I'll be sure to tell my Sister and Parents."

"Thank you, we'll be expecting you guys."

***

Satoshi Nocturn, at 16-years-old, had already broken through the Second Star of Ascension.

Ever since Shin's death, he continued to blame himself everyday.

During the first few months, he had locked himself in his room, refusing to come out

'If only I wasn't so weak.'

No one had actually blamed Satoshi, besides Aspen.

But he couldn't shake off the idea that if he focused on building his strength in his younger years.

Then there was a chance that Shin might've survived in the incident.

After all, Shin was way ahead of them, he could've left all by himself, but he didn't.

He chose to go back, and protect them.

In the end, the situation reversed itself and it was them that were ahead of Shin.

But they were too weak to help him out, ultimately leading to his death.

After five months of locking up in his room depressed, Satoshi decided to get stronger.

To make sure Shin's death wasn't in vain, he trained everyday until his hands would bleed.

He heard the Spy was captured, but he was mysteriously killed.

Satoshi could deduce that it was done by a third-party.

And this third-party was the real mastermind behind Shin's death.

Determined, Satoshi sought out justice for Shin, to make the perpetrators pay.

He'd joined the Disciplinary Committee for further combat experience.

Truth be told, Satoshi was traumatized to enter any Abyss Gates. The same goes for Camilla.

If he wanted to gain more combat experience, this was his only choice.

The Disciplinary Committee would sometimes be dispatched and work alongside the Military.

Walking towards the chair in his room, Satoshi undressed and wore his Military Uniform.

It was a white blazer with the Ardenian Kingdom crest embedded on the chest area.

With his sword on the sheath placed on his waist, Satoshi left his room and made his way towards the Disciplinary Committee office.

Entering the room, what met his line of sight was his Commanding Officer.

Satoshi straightened his posture and saluted.

"Major."