The five friends quickly concluded their reunion and the sumptuous feast that came along with it. After hearing stories of what had happened over the past four months from them, Emery decided to go check on the academy's mid-test registration.
"I really hope you won't miss out the registration, Emery," Julian said, who had apparently grouped up with Chumo and Thrax for the mid-test.
Despite their rivalry and tendency to jab at each other at every moment possible, Julian greatly appreciated Thrax's incredible strength in combat. The same could be said for Thrax, as he understood the importance of Julian's leadership and military expertise. Combined with Chumo's reconnaissance ability, the three of them played a cornerstone role in winning the previous Magus Game.
"Hah! If it wasn't for you coming and begging me, I would have never joined your team." Thrax snorted at Julian, as he folded his arms together.
Unexpectedly, the Roman didn't welcome the provocation in the usual way. "All right, all right Thrax. Let's not start again, unless you want to get smacked again."
After snickering at Thrax's expression that looked like he had just eaten a fly, Julian then looked at Klea with a smile. "It's truly unfortunate we won't be accompanied by our prettiest member this time."
Apparently, Klea had been waiting for Emery's return until the last minute possible. Even so, she couldn't join Julian's team, as the position the three reserved for her had been filled up by someone under the order of the Harlight faction.
Julian approached Klea, but he walked behind her and spoke to Emery. "Don't you let this one go, my friend. She's one of the kind."
Afterward, it was Klea's turn to speak. "Don't worry, Emery. I will talk to the Kaleos. I'll definitely find a way to be on your team, so keep a spot open for me!" She said with a sweet smile.
In response, Julian quickly spoke again. "Wow! That's heartless indeed. Don't you feel bad for Anas? After all, he always kept one spot open for you."
Klea didn't respond to Julian's words and grabbed Emery's arm, while saying to the other three, "Let's have this gathering again soon. Thank you Thrax for the hospitality. See you all later. Bye, Chumo."
The girl gave a little wink to Chumo, before she quickly pulled Emery's body towards the door. She moved quickly, as she didn't seem to want anyone to follow.
On their way back to the academy, Klea suddenly told Emery her regret, how she should've believed he would return and wait patiently rather than accept the Kaleos' offer. Emery flashed a gentle smile when he saw her sorry expression.
"It's okay Klea. You don't have to feel sorry. I don't mind at all."
Instead of being relieved by Emery's answer, it only made the girl raise her eyebrows. At this moment, Emery suddenly felt an inexplicable chill.
"You don't mind or you don't care?"
"Hahaha... Of course, I don't mind. Why do you think like that?" After avoiding the disastrous question, Emery secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Once again he couldn't help but think it was indeed difficult to be in a relationship.
Meanwhile, Klea, who was satisfied by Emery's answer, took out something from her pocket and gave it to Emery.
It was a small note that looked quite familiar. Emery immediately guessed what this note was when he heard what Klea said next.
"This should have been enough for me to trust that you will return. Again, I'm sorry."
Emery opened the note to confirm his guess, as expected he saw his own handwriting.
[I am safe and will be back soon. I am sorry for making you worry - Emery]
Klea then expressed how much the letter had given her relief. However, instead of listening to her, Emery's mind was currently on someone else.
'She really did deliver this, after all.' He thought to himself.
Unknowingly, a smile appeared on his face and confused Klea who saw it. Emery suddenly felt a smack in his stomach, strong enough to bring his thoughts back and turn his attention to the culprit.
"You're making fun of me for missing you, aren't you?!"
Even though startled, the gears in Emery's mind turned as he quickly responded, "No! Not at all!"
Once again, Klea raised her brows and threw another headache-inducing question. "So you're not happy to know I missed you?"
"..."
'Being in a relationship is really not easy.'
Some time later, the two of them finally arrived at the Magus Academy hub. Klea quickly went to the reception to inquire about the next mid-test. As they were not a regular acolyte both of them were led to a private room, where a senior staff member came to help them.
However, the answer they received was something they didn't expect to hear.
"I'm sorry to say this, miss. Your name is already registered and you are not allowed to change teams at this juncture. There is a specific position already prepared for you." Seeing the dumbfounded look on Klea's face, the senior staff spoke again. "Once again, I'm sorry."
Thanks to that, the senior staff quickly received an earful of scolding from Klea, until Emery decided to stop her and inquire about his unregistered self.
After receiving his identification, the senior staff quickly gave a check on the database. Emery saw Klea had suddenly become a little anxious.
"Please wait a minute, sir. This is quite unusual."
It appeared Emery's situation was still undecided, so they had to wait for a decision from above. Klea became restless when she heard that.
"Emery, What if you can't join at all?! That means you won't graduate!"
The two waited an hour before another, more senior staff arrived in their room. The moment he entered, his gaze immediately fell on Emery.
"Emery Ambrose?" Seeing Emery's confirmation, the man nodded. "Come with me."
The two of them were taken to another room, and as they walked, the man began to explain.
"I apologize for the inconvenience."
The man explained that usually in Emery's situation, where one was late signing up, automatically meant they would not take the test. However, it turned out Headmaster Delbrand himself had stepped in and decided to allow him to join the test.
"It's been decided you will be put on a team with two other people who are also late signing up."
Hearing this, Klea quickly spoke up. "Just three? While the others are a group of 20!? Can't he be added to my group? Check the Kaleos group! I'm sure we can push one person in!"
The man only smiled at Klea's words and said, "This is the headmaster's decision."
Emery saw Klea was about to speak again and quickly stopped her. "It's okay, Klea." He then turned to the man and asked, "May I know which two people will be in my group?"
Before the senior staff could answer, a familiar female voice sounded from behind.
"I guess we're on the same team again, Emery."
Emery looked back and was surprised when he saw who it was.
"Annara!"