It was an unusually peaceful day at the School of the Gods, a tranquil atmosphere enveloping the campus as students mingled joyfully among themselves. Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air, creating an ambiance that felt almost dreamlike. Yet, beneath this idyllic surface, a peculiar sense of foreboding lingered—one that hinted at something different, something monumental.
"Hey, Lucy, don't you think it's a little too peaceful today?" Leo remarked, casting a skeptical glance around the school grounds, his brow slightly furrowed. The vibrant colors of the gardens seemed more vivid today, almost eerily so, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was in the air, something uncharacteristic of this place.
Lucy, her voice soft yet tinged with amusement, replied, "You think you're so clever, don't you? This overwhelming peace is likely due to the fact that two new students are incoming." Her eyes sparkled with intrigue, a vivid contrast to Leo's bewildered expression, as she leaned forward, eager to share the news.
"Two new students? What's so special about them that it leads to such an unusual calmness around here?" Leo asked, his voice laced with confusion and curiosity. The gears of his mind turned as he tried to piece together the situation.
A mysterious smile graced Lucy's lips as she elaborated, "It's said that one of the newcomers is the daughter of the Demon Queen, while the other is the son of the Goddess Queen." There was a calmness in her tone, but a hint of curiosity flickered within her as she pondered why such powerful beings would choose to attend their school.
"You're joking, right? Why on earth would two of such stature come to this school instead of attending their own prestigious academies?" Leo exclaimed, his bewilderment becoming more pronounced. Doubts clouded his voice, a sense of disbelief coloring his words.
"How am I supposed to know?" Lucy replied with playful exasperation, a light laugh escaping her lips. "I just received the news this morning, and honestly, I'm just as curious as you are."
At that moment, the tranquil atmosphere shattered as Arise, a mischievous friend, approached them without warning, delivering a hearty slap to Leo's back. "Hey, Leo! What's up? What are you two gossiping about?" he exclaimed, rubbing his hand on Leo's head in a roughhousing manner.
"Stop that, Arise!" Leo retorted, his irritation bubbling over as he swiftly kicked Arise in the leg, sending him sprawling to the ground, face-first.
Lucy couldn't hold back her laughter as she watched her friends, a spectacle of playful chaos unfolding before her eyes. Arise, much to Leo's amusement, slowly pushed himself up, rubbing his nose with a scowl. "What was that for?" he demanded, his faux anger contrasted by the laughter in his voice.
"Payback," Leo responded, still chuckling at the scene he had just orchestrated.
"You little piece of—" Arise started, but before he could finish, he found himself dodging a playful punch from Leo. Soon, they erupted into a playful chase, both of them taking turns hitting and running. Lucy watched them from her spot on the lush green grass, a warm smile spreading across her face as the antics unfolded.
"Hey, Lucy! It seems those two are at it again, aren't they?" came a sweet and caring voice from behind her, breaking her reverie.
"Lisa, you're late!" Lucy exclaimed, gesturing for her friend to join her. "Where have you been?"
"Sorry, I was a little busy," Lisa replied, her tone apologetic but with an air of amusement.
"Busy? Busy looks like you haven't slept in two weeks," Lucy pointed out gently, her brow furrowing in concern as she studied Lisa's fatigued face. "You need to take care of yourself, you know that, right?"
With a sigh, Lisa stretched her arms above her head, the weariness evident in her posture. "I know, I know. But I was so close to mastering that new magic spell," she lamented, sinking onto the grass beside Lucy and allowing herself to relax.
Before Lucy could respond, the echoing sound of the school bell cut through the peaceful day, signaling that it was time for class. "Well, we should head in now," Lisa said, rising and brushing the grass off her clothes.
"Yes, we should," Lucy agreed, glancing over at Leo and Arise, who were still caught up in their playful banter. They were laughing and energetically tumbling around on the grass, completely oblivious to the impending start of their lesson.
"Hey, you two idiots! Classes are about to start!" Lucy called out with a hint of amusement in her voice, her eyes sparkling as Lisa smiled at the scene unfolding in front of them.
Inside the classroom, students settled into their desks, shifting their attention towards the front where their teacher, Lilith, stood waiting.
"It's nice to see all of you here," Lilith said with a pleasant smile, scanning the eager faces of her pupils. "I have some exciting news to share with you all today!" She paused for a moment, letting the anticipation build in the classroom.
"We have two new students joining us! How fortunate you all are to have these exceptional individuals in class with you, don't you think?" Lilith exclaimed with exaggerated cheerfulness, though her enthusiasm felt a touch forced.
"Alright, you two, come in!" As soon as the words left her mouth, the classroom door swung open, and two students stepped inside.
"Hello, I'm Michael—nice to meet you all!" he said with a friendly wave.
"And I'm Sona—it's a pleasure to meet everyone!" she added, her voice warm and inviting.
"Are there any questions for them?" Lilith prompted the class, her tone casual despite the gravity of the newcomers' introductions.
"I have a question!" Lucy raised her hand eagerly, her inquisitiveness piqued.
"Go ahead then, Lucy," Lilith said lazily, resting her chin in her hand.
"Why did you two join this school instead of your own?" Lucy asked, her curious eyes locked onto Sona and Michael.
Sona's expression morphed into irritation as she replied, "I'm here because my mother forced me," her tone reflecting a mix of annoyance and resignation.
"Same here—my mother insisted I come." Michael echoed, his voice equally bored.
"Any other questions?" Michael asked, stifling a yawn as he rubbed his tired eyes.
"I have one!" This time, Lisa raised her hand, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "Why did your mothers insist you come to this school?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure," Sona admitted, her brows furrowing in thought. "She said I'd understand once I met him… but I have no clue who 'him' is."
"Me too! My mom said the exact same thing," Michael chimed in, equally perplexed.
"Now, now, enough questions for today—take your seats, please," Lilith instructed, waving her hand dismissively as Sona and Michael made their way to their desks.
As the two newcomers settled into their seats, Lilith turned her attention back to the class, and a stray thought drifted through her mind: "How did they manage to have children, and I didn't? Did I do something wrong? Did I miss my chance?" she sighed softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she contemplated these profound questions, lost in her own thoughts as the day began to unfold.