The classroom was fully decorated. Tables and chairs had been moved to the sides, and every student's art model or project was neatly placed on top. Paper flowers and colorful streamers added charm to the setup.
The teacher stood in the middle of the room, nodding in approval.
Teacher: "Alright, everyone, the preparations are done. But remember—you're all coming back tomorrow. Not to wander around, but to help with the actual event."
Students (groaning): "Yes...!"
Teacher: "Hmm... just make sure you're here and working. Got it?"
Students: "Okay!"
At Era's home, around midday, everyone was gathered in the living room.
Era: "Mom, I won't be able to come with you tomorrow. I have to help with the school event."
Yumi (smiling knowingly): "I already figured."
Era (surprised): "Huh? How?"
Yumi: "Taniya's helped with school events before. She always had to go in the day before and on the day itself. So it was obvious you'd have to do the same."
Era: "I see... okay, I'll be in my room."
Yumi: "Alright."
The next day – Event Day.
In Class 6A, the team was in position:
Uri and Lily stood at the entrance to welcome guests.
Rita was stationed at the teacher's desk to manage purchases.
Kuma and Raman were assigned to keep the space clean.
Era and Pinky had to keep an eye on the displayed items and manage the flow of visitors.
The teacher walked in.
Teacher: "Okay, everyone ready? The school gates will open in one minute!"
Everyone: "Yes, teacher!"
Five minutes later, people began entering the classroom.
Uri & Lily: "Welcome! Welcome!"
As Era stood watching the growing crowd, he suddenly froze.
Era (panicking): "P–Papa?! M–Mom?! Oh no… I need to hide! If I jump out this window, I can escape..."
Without another thought, he slipped out the window and landed safely below, thanks to the training he'd undergone.
Era (catching his breath): "Phew… that was close. Thank goodness for that flowerbed. Now what?"
Back in the classroom:
Umar (Era's dad): "Where's Era? You said he was working here."
Yumi (his mom): "I don't know… he must be around somewhere."
Yumi (to Rita): "Beta, where's Era? He was supposed to be helping here."
Rita (confused): "Era? He was just here a moment ago... Wait, you're his parents?"
Umar: "Yes."
Rita: "Can I ask something?"
Umar: "Sure."
Rita: "Why is Era always so quiet and distant? In class, he's like a mystery. He barely speaks to anyone."
Umar (chuckling): "Honestly, we don't know either. He's the same at home. We often joke he's a 'mystery man' to us, too. He only talks a bit more to his older sister."
Rita: "I see..."
Yumi: "Oh! Look, Umar—that's Era's project over there!"
Umar (impressed): "Hmm! A soldier protecting a family from enemies… That's actually really good."
Meanwhile, in the mansion deep in the forest, the kids were playing chess.
A1: "Hey A4! You're cheating! Your queen was over there before—how did it move?!"
A4: "It's been here the whole time! You're just salty because you're losing."
A1: "Lose to you? Never!"
A2 & A3 (rolling their eyes): "Boys…"
A1: "Isn't today Nightmare's event day?"
A2: "Yeah. Which means today is our last day off."
A3: "Training resumes tomorrow."
A4: "So? You don't want to train?"
A2: "No, it's not that…"
A1: "We're just... a little excited."
A3: "And I'm nervous. It's been a while. Nightmare's going to push us hard again."
A4: "Then let's plan something for his return!"
A2: "Good idea. Let's do it!"
Back on the school terrace, Era stood quietly, watching the families and visitors come and go below.
Era (thinking):Tomorrow, training resumes. I'll be back with those kids… that's going to be fun.
[Chapter 7 End]