The ride towards Luminary Academy was peaceful for Rika and her fellow students. Although there was fear and shivering among them, most remained calm.
It was because, since their arrival, they had grown.
Whether it had been risking their lives on the frontlines or training with Rena's elite guard, it did not matter. What they had experienced had forged them into something stronger.
"I can't believe Rena fell into that state."
Rika said, holding her hands tightly.
It brought a sense of comfort
"Yeah, I hope she gets better" Muichiro replied solemnly while the rest of the group nodded respectively
Among all students, Rika and her friends had shown the most growth, they even earned the title among their peers as the "Light of Tomorrow"
It was insignificant to them, but among their peers, it carried the weight of a god-like title.
Looking at the device Rena gave Rika; Rika's mind drifted to the past.
'I lost Yuta. Arthur fell into the depths of madness.'
'I broke as a person.'
'I thought I could not rise but Rena picked up the pieces, everything she did was to make us stronger—capable enough to one day defeat the Demon King.'
'Yuta' Rika frowned
It had been over two months since Yuta was exiled—and likely died. A sting in her heart that refused to fade but she believed wherever Yuta was, he is happy
"Earth to Rika"
"!" Rika snapped out of it only to meet everyone looking at her worried
"What are you thinking about?" Sayo asked, her expression worried
"Nothing, just how far we have come"
Everyone stared at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"On serious note, we have come so far"
"Who would believe Muichiro would be the strongest in our year"
"Yeah, you are right on that" Shiro said calmly
"I don't think I have had a fair fight with him yet" Kiyo interrupted
"Kiyo" Sayo said pouting
"Yeah, he is right" Lancaster said in agreement with Kiyo as both fists pumped
Muichiro, whose face flushed red, in embarrassment stroked his cheeks gently
"Can you guys stop?" his voice barely audible caught the attention of most, and they giggled upon seeing his expression.
"Even you, Rika and Sayo. You guys grew exponentially over the past month, that it was overwhelming"
Rika and Sayo looked visibly stunned
Muichiro commented "A part of your souls that once had a gap has been gradually filled, improving your performance."
Sayo and Rika blushed heavily at the remarks
"Weaklings to compliments" Kiyo said laughing like a hyena
"Ouch" Kiyo laughs earned him a heavy knock on his head by Sayo
"Yep, there they go again, it must be fun being in the popular group" other groups commented clearly jealous
"Come on, we might upstage them at the Academy getting the spotlight" another said encouraging the whole class
Meanwhile
Yuta soared the skies at an incredible pace, the gust of wind brushed his medium long amber colored hair
"Do you think I need a haircut, Luna?"
"Honestly, yes but whatever choice you make is all yours"
"Heartless, aren't you?"
"Pretty much"
*Whoosh*
Suddenly, Rin flew past Yuta at mach speed leaving Yuta in the dust
"Less talking, more flying"
"Remember, loser gets the worse bed"
"Oh, hell no" Yuta remarked flying to catch up
"So, are you going to see anyone you remember at the academy?"
"...."
"You don't have to be cold to me, you know"
Yuta sighed
"I don't know, I might see my classmates once again if they are there"
Looking at the endless sky, Yuta scoffed
"I don't think it would really matter, I have severed the ties between them, the moment I was betrayed by them"
"Liar"
"Huh?" Yuta replied looking at Rin surprisingly
"Why do you then look so sad?" Rin asked with a straight face
Yuta kept quiet for a bit longer before speaking up calmly
"Let's never speak on these again, you hear me"
Yuta replied Rin with a cold tone which invigorated him but he decided to play it safe
"Yeah, you are right"
"Good"
The journey towards Luminary Academy grew significantly quieter.