Extra's Descent

The next day.

September 29, 2149.

"This isn't my style….."

"No? You look good."

Brandon adorned the Imperial Academy uniform. It was similar to the Imperial Army's officer uniform. The only difference was the red tie.

"It's your color too."

Amelia said, as she fixed the tie for him.

It was black, just like his usual wardrobe.

However, the fact that there wasn't a tail similar to his usual blazers felt unsettling.

Yeah, he was conscious of his outfits.

"All done."

Hands on her waist, Amelia flashed a wide grin.

Breathing a sigh, Brandon asked.

"What class are you in again?"

"Didn't you check your registry?"

"No….."

"You're in class B. While I'm in class A with Belle."

"Oh?"

How surprising.

Surely, Belle pulled some strings for that to happen.

"Who's in my class?"

"Your friends."

"Ah."

Of course that was the case.

However, despite his lax demeanor, he was quite excited to see them again.

Although now came the hard part.

How should he mend his relationships with his friends again?

They thought he had died, or that he was missing. Whatever it was, Brandon wasn't sure how they would receive the news of his survival.

Ah.

An idea flashed in his mind.

"Are they coming right now?"

Amelia–who was in the kitchen, suddenly spoke.

"Yeah, they should be—"

"Brandon! Brandon!"

Just as he was about to leave with Amelia, the little elven girl emerged from her room and ran towards him.

Brandon picked Aurelia up.

"Good morning, Aurelia."

"Good morning, Brandon~!"

"What about me, Aurelia?"

Amelia appeared jealous, puffing her cheeks.

She looked like a hamster.

"Hehe~ Good morning, Mama!"

Amelia approached them and ruffled the little elven girl's head.

Aurelia smiled widely, Brandon found the sight cute.

Ruffling Aurelia's hair, Amelia pursed her lips.

"Be a good girl. Okay, Aurelia? Don't give Miss Brianna and your tutor a hard time, alright?"

"Un! Aurelia will be a good girl~!"

"Hehe~ Good girl."

That was the agreement. Amelia agreed on Belle and Brianna moving into the Constantine apartment.

After all, it was a big apartment. Even bigger than where they stayed. It was too much for Amelia to live by herself.

Now, Brandon didn't need to find a new place to move into.

To– Tok.

The door was knocked.

"Oh, looks like they're here."

Amelia opened the door and the familiar sight of the two identical women came into view.

It was Belle and Brianna.

They brought four trolleys with them.

"Welcome!"

Amelia greeted them with a smile.

"Thank you for agreeing, Amelia."

"Thank you."

"Hehe, it's no problem."

Amelia looked back and looked around the apartment.

"It was kind of lonely here the past few months. Plus, our family's have always been close."

That was the truth.

Their fathers were best–friends. The two families had known each other for a long time. Even before Belle was born.

After they settled in, Brandon, Amelia, and Belle left, leaving Brianna and Aurelia alone in the apartment.

The conversation between Brianna and Aurelia continued to ring in his mind. 'Remember, call me Grandma. Grandma~'

What in the world.

***

They arrived at the academy.

"Follow us. We'll lead you to your lecture hall."

Belle took the lead, walking alongside Amelia, while Brandon walked at the back.

Eyes fell on them as they continued roaming the halls.

"Woah, it's the two Generals!"

"They look as beautiful as always."

Brandon was quite used to this.

It was always the same back during Astrea Academy's operations.

Belle and Amelia would always garner attention wherever they go.

"Who's that guy behind them?

"He looks kind of familiar…."

Brandon averted his gaze and continued walking with a blank look.

He wasn't embarrassed, nor was he uncomfortable.

They'd find out soon anyway.

There were familiar faces. But regardless, it seemed like they couldn't recognize him.

How could they?

He was way taller than he was before he disappeared.

That, and his hair was longer.

For that reason, he tied his hair to a man bun.

According to Amelia, it suited him.

And it seemed like she was right, as several girls stared at him intently.

At that moment, Amelia glanced back slightly and their eyes met.

However, Brandon continued putting on a blank expression.

"Hold up."

They halted in their steps as a voice rang from behind.

They turned around and scanned. It was Bellion. The Headmaster for the current Imperial Academy.

"Good morning, Headmaster Bellion."

"Good morning, Headmaster Bellion."

The two girls bowed their heads in respect.

Belle looked at Brandon's and whispered audibly.

"What are you doing?"

"Hm…?"

Brandon tilted his head. He knew what she was trying to tell him. However, he didn't want to do it.

Why…?

He turned around and two blue eyes met his gaze soon after.

A smile spread across Bellion's features.

"Good morning, you two can head on over to your lecture. I need to speak with Mr. Locke over here."

"Ah."

"Understood, Headmaster."

The two girls left shortly after.

Bellion's gaze shifted to Brandon.

"Here's a quiz for your first day."

".....Spare me."

"Which letter of the alphabet has the most water?"

This….

Brandon had a guess.

Since he was on Bellion's good side, it wouldn't hurt to humor the guy.

"The C."

"Oh?"

Bellion's eyes widened.

"You're right….."

"I left."

He turned around and walked away.

"Hold on…."

"What?"

Brandon paused in his steps as Bellion called out to him.

"Come to my office."

And so, they entered Bellion's office.

"...."

Compared to Evelyn's office back in Astrea, it was quite a mess.

Papers were scattered all over, and several supplies were misplaced.

'Did he call for me to clean this up…..?'

That's abuse of authority.

There's no way, right?

"I'm not gonna tell you to clean it. Don't worry."

"Oh, thank god…."

Brandon breathed out a sigh of relief.

Bellion furrowed his brow as he took a seat at his desk.

"What's with that reaction…..?"

Bellion shook his head and changed the topic soon after.

".....Nevermind, I called you here to offer a proposal."

"What?"

"You know how you've been missing for a year, and that your friends have no idea you're still alive?"

"Yes….?"

Where is this even going…..

"I've always wanted this kind of scenario to happen. Too bad I couldn't find a way to die myself. You'll have to fulfill this fantasy for me."

"Go on."

Brandon was starting to like this old man.

"How would you like your school year to start with a bang!"

Thump!

Bellion smacked the table.

Brandon's expressions turned serious at that moment.

"Let me hear what you have in mind."

An ominous smirk spread across Bellion's features after hearing those words.

"I'm glad we're on the same page."