In the warm summer of England, Albert rode his cycle towards Oxford University. The campus was massive, so even though most students lived in hostels, transportation was still necessary. Like many others, Albert relied on his cycle. A history student with curly hair and glasses, he carried a quiet passion for the past. Despite his family's lack of encouragement, Albert had followed his heart and chosen to major in history.
Albert parked his cycle in the crowded lot, where rows of bicycles stood lined like soldiers. Just as he was about to head inside, a mocking voice called out to him.
"Hey, nerd… how's it going?"
It was Bruno—a tall, athletic student who had gained admission largely due to his skill in sports. He often made a game of picking on others, and Albert was one of his frequent targets.
"What do you want now, Bruno?" Albert asked with a sigh, the weariness in his voice betraying how accustomed he had grown to such harassment. At this point, bullying had almost become a normal conversation to him.
"Oh, I want nothing. Just checking on my friend," Bruno replied with a grin, his tone mocking.
"We are not friends, Bruno. Don't joke around," Albert muttered, trying to push past him. But before he could get away, Bruno grabbed his arm.
"Did I give you permission to leave?" Bruno's smile twisted into something darker.
"Let go of me, Bruno, or I'll complain," Albert said, struggling to break free.
"Complain? To who?" Bruno laughed harshly. "You think the principal or teachers even care?" With that, he shoved Albert to the ground and kicked him in the stomach. He raised his fist for another blow—
But a firm voice cut through the tension.
"Don't you know bullying is prohibited?"
Bruno's arm was suddenly restrained. Standing before him was Leo, the student council president, his expression serious.
"Here comes the reinforcement," Bruno sneered. "You think you can stop me? Let's fight like men and see who wins."
"I don't think that will be necessary," Leo replied calmly. "If you continue, you'll only get yourself in trouble. I'd recommend you leave."
Bruno was about to retort when he noticed another figure—Richard, a quiet, introverted member of the student council, standing nearby with his phone pointed at them. The possibility of being recorded cooled Bruno's temper.
"Tch. Don't think you've won. I'll find you when you're vulnerable," Bruno spat, before storming off.
Albert dusted off his clothes as Leo offered him a hand.
"You okay, Albert?" Leo asked, concern in his voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you," Albert replied, adjusting his glasses.
Leo turned to Richard, who was glued to his phone. "How long are you going to keep watching anime, Richard? I thought you were recording."
"Hm. Mm," Richard mumbled without looking up, acknowledging Leo while remaining fully absorbed in his screen.
Leo sighed but didn't press further. "Anyway, we've got class. Let's go."
The three of them headed toward the lecture halls. Soon, they split ways.
"Here we part. Good luck, everyone," Leo said with a small wave before heading off. Richard disappeared into his own class, while Albert made his way to the history department.
When he entered, however, he found the classroom empty. Only Professor Aidan Milgruf was there, a middle-aged man known for his calm but commanding voice. He stood at his desk, examining a peculiar stone surrounded by stacks of old books Albert had never seen before.
Professor Aidan looked up, surprise flickering across his face before he adjusted his glasses. "I sent a message in the group yesterday—history class is cancelled today." His voice was steady and composed.
"U-um… really? I must have missed it," Albert admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. He had fallen asleep early the night before, retreating from the world after another day of bullying.
"I see," the professor said, brushing some strands of brown hair from his forehead. "Well, since you're here… take a look at this." He gestured to the stone.
Albert leaned closer. The object pulsed faintly with a purple glow. Its surface bore the design of a tree, and beneath it, a human figure reaching for an apple.
"W-what is this, Professor?" Albert asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"That's what I've been trying to determine," Aidan replied, thoughtful. "It was passed down to me by my own mentor long ago. I've studied it for years, yet it remains a mystery."
Albert hesitated. "If I may… is this something you don't want others to see?"
Aidan's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then softened. "You're perceptive, Albert. Yes, I'd prefer it stayed hidden. If it fell into the wrong hands, it could be misused."
"I understand," Albert murmured, mesmerized by the glow.
"Good. I trust you, Albert. Keep an eye on it for me while I step out," Aidan said, placing a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder before leaving the room.
Albert opened his mouth to reply, but the professor was already gone. Alone, he studied the stone intently. Suddenly, the door creaked open. He turned, expecting Aidan—only to see Bruno.
"I told you I'd find you when you were vulnerable," Bruno sneered, stepping inside.
"W-what are you doing here? Get out!" Albert stammered, quickly hiding the stone behind his back.
Bruno's eyes narrowed. "What are you hiding? Don't be shy."
"It's none of your business," Albert shot back, clutching the stone tightly. He remembered Aidan's warning—if it gets into the wrong hands… Albert couldn't let Bruno take it.
"Come on now," Bruno mocked, advancing. "Give it here. Must be something good." He kicked Albert, sending him sprawling to the floor. The stone slipped from his grasp, rolling across the floor.
"So this is what you've been protecting? Just a stone?" Bruno scoffed, but his grin faltered as the faint purple glow caught his eye. He reached for it.
Albert scrambled forward, snatching it up just in time. "It's not yours, Bruno. Leave it alone!"
"Who do you think you are to lecture me?" Bruno snarled, wrestling with him for the stone.
"I won't let you have it!" Albert gritted his teeth, holding on with all his strength.
"It's pointless—you can't win!" Bruno shouted. Their struggle intensified until—
The stone flared. A brilliant purple light engulfed the room, forcing both boys to shield their eyes.
"What the—?!" Bruno cursed, blinded by the glow.
"Identify yourselves, strangers!" a commanding voice rang out.
When the light faded, they were no longer in the classroom. Soldiers clad in crimson and gold surrounded them in a dense forest, spears pointed at their chests.
Albert's breath caught in his throat as he stared at their armor, at the sigils he had only seen in books. His voice trembled.
"It can't be…" he whispered.