The library was quiet as usual. The librarian sat behind the counter, absorbed in his own book. Only a few students wandered among the shelves.
Lia was determined. She refused to ask Kira for help,she would find the book herself. Her eyes scanned every shelf, moving with the intensity of someone who felt her life depended on finding it.
Suddenly, a book shifted and fell at her feet with a loud bang. Surprised, she bent down to pick it up. It was just a book,or so it seemed. But when she looked closer, she realized it was the very book she had been searching for: "1200 Ways to Take Revenge on a Bully."
Her imagination ran wild. She pictured the black-haired boy begging for mercy, and a triumphant excitement lit up her eyes. It felt like she had discovered Excalibur itself.
Unnoticed, another book slipped quietly into her bag, as if guided by some unseen force.
In a dark alley, a small, worn-out home sheltered a group of individuals clad in dark blue robes and black masks. A slender figure, possibly a woman, sat at the head of the table. The room reeked of a demonic cult.
On the table lay human body parts of various sizes. Lifeless heads of children stared up from the dishes.
"This is a fine meal you've prepared, despite the difficulty of abducting humans under the vigilant eyes of awakeners. Truly commendable," one of them said.
"I just kidnapped a few from remote areas. One family's only son is training at the academy… but who cares?" another replied.
"Isn't this dangerous? We're on a mission in human territory. What if someone finds out?"
"You worry too much. I can eliminate several awakeners of the same rank by myself. Humans are weak compared to the white-faced elves who can shoot you dead in an instant."
"True… but the only real threats are the Dragons and their 12 Great Dragon Dukes. Even they pale in comparison to the Demon King. Yet the one who may surpass even him is the Great Dragon King Dahaka."
The figure at the head of the table spoke sharply. "Enough! Don't speak so carelessly. Focus on your work, or you'll face consequences."
"Yes!" all responded in unison.
"As you know, our plan is in its final stages. We will find the individual eventually, as commanded by His Highness the Prince," the figure continued.
"Commander, who exactly are we looking for? Even we core members aren't fully informed," someone asked.
The leader nodded. "I wasn't supposed to reveal this, but here's a hint: we are searching for the bearer of the 'Fragment.'"
At the academy cafeteria, two students sat side by side on the same small bench, despite the empty seat in front of them. The boy had pitch-black hair and an expressionless face, while the girl's cheeks were faintly flushed.
"Is it really necessary to sit so close? I didn't expect you to be so clingy today," Rio asked, puzzled.
"It's nothing! You've got the wrong idea. Don't mind me," Lia replied, quickly trying to hide her embarrassment.
Rio noticed her unusual behavior,she even held his hand voluntarily. Something was different today.
Lia realized her first tactic hadn't worked. Ignoring him deliberately might make him desperate to talk. She let go of his hand, stood, and sat across from him, pretending to read a book.
Before she could settle into her plan, the book she had been holding vanished from her hands. Rio held it now.
"Where did this book, Astrology by Richard, come from?" he asked.
"I… maybe I brought it from the library earlier. Are you interested?" Lia said nervously.
"Yeah, I'll take a look. I'll return it later," Rio said, flipping open the cover.
"By the way, didn't you say you had to go somewhere?" he asked.
"Oh! Right. I need to meet Father today. I should get going," Lia said, quickly leaving.
As her figure faded from view, Rio smiled faintly. He opened the book and scanned the pages. This was familiar,he remembered it from the novel.