I stood at the door of Terra's dormitory. From what I can recall from our dinner not too long ago, she lived in a single room, only by herself. This gave me a small sense of relief, knowing I wouldn't have any prying eyes. Despite that, it still felt nerve-wracking.
Why am I nervous?
It wasn't like I was asking her to join the team permanently; this was only one mission. She has the liberty to choose to be a permanent addition if she decides so. Sensei Gohan only wanted us to see how everyone worked together before making anything official.
What if she thinks I'm only asking because she doesn't have anyone else? I need to make sure I don't come off as smug, or as if I'm doing her a favor. The truth was, this would help me just as much, considering I've previously thought about her on my team. Also, it's probably a good idea not to mention that Sensei Gohan ordered me to do this. It needs to come from the heart, as my mother used to say.
I rubbed the back of my neck before letting out a quiet sigh.
"...Just knock."
I made sure my words were only loud enough for me to hear. I took another deep breath, raising my hand to my head level. I formed a fist, then gently tapped on the door with my knuckles.
A few moments passed.
The door opened just enough for one green eye to peek through.
"Hello?" A voice whispered. It took her a second to process before whispering quieter, "Zero?" She looked surprised more than anything else. Why wouldn't she be? I stood there, not responding for a long second.
Her silver, almost white, hair had been tied loosely behind her head, though a few strands had escaped and rested against her face. She wasn't wearing her Academy uniform anymore, only a simple oversized sweater with dark pants, making her look far less composed than she usually did during class.
She blinked twice.
"Is something wrong?"
I suddenly realized how strange this probably looked. I bet I came off as an idiot.
"No. I mean—nothing happened."
So smooth
"I actually came to ask you something."
She opened the door a little farther, letting her guard down.
"What's up?" She became a lot more comfortable and informal. A complete switch from her school side. It was a bit of a relief; I, too, could speak more freely.
I scratched the back of my ear, trying my best to come off as casual.
"Our team got assigned a mission-"
She erupted in happiness before I could finish. It looked like her eyes turned almost into a big, perfect circle; a massive change from her resting, narrow eyes.
"What! I'm so happy for you! Congrats." Her voice carried throughout the hallway. I, too, was taken aback. She jerked the door slightly more, giving me her full attention.
Terra gasped as she realized what consequences she could face if anyone filed a noise complaint. She took a moment to gather her bearings, stepping back inside her room, her hands still on the doorknob.
As much as I tried to shut my mouth, I couldn't hold in my laugh any longer. After a minute to let us both regain our composure, I continued.
"I... wanted to know if you'd come with us. Just for this mission." I quickly continued before she could answer or interrupt me again: "I talked to Sensei Gohan and he didn't seem to mind. In fact, he encouraged it."
Terra thought for a couple of moments before speaking up, "You're okay with having a fifth member? I heard you recruited two second-years."
"Yeah, you heard right. It's my dream to have a large team, so a fifth, sixth, maybe even seven members is perfect." I was beaming with energy. So much energy that maybe I got a bit carried away. I definitely draw the line at seven members.
She studied me for a moment, as if she were trying to determine whether this was a prank. She stared at me long enough that I started wondering whether I'd said something wrong.
"But... why me?"
The question caught me off guard. I stuttered before giving a complete reply.
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"There are other students without complete teams; you could collaborate with them. There are also others still hunting for a team."
"There are." I didn't understand where she was going with this, nor did I know how to respond, so I settled with that. She continued her interrogation.
"So why ask me?"
Although Sensei Gohan had forced me to recruit her, I'd already thought about it. It's because I previously wanted to recruit her that the answer to her question came easily.
"Because I think you'd fit."
She tilted her head, biting her fingernails. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, I cut her off.
"You've always stayed calm during training, and your performance from our test at the temple mission had me jealous. You don't panic. You think before moving. Plus, you're easier to work with than half the people I've met in this school. I honestly think you're more fit to be a Sorcerer than I am; I need to learn a lot from you. Truthfully, I envy you, Terra."
The corner of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. For the first time since knocking on her door, the conversation felt natural. I finished what I wanted to say, leaving the floor open to her. Before she spoke up, she let out a small scoff.
"I don't believe half of what you said. I don't think you even believe what you say. It was your performance from the rescue mission that made me feel inferior. Ever since that day, I felt as if I would always be behind you if I ever joined you. I envy you, Zero. I can only wish to be as strong a Sorcerer as you."
"I do believe what I said. And, trust me, I'm not at all what you think I am. Also, it's absurd you believe I'll think of you like that. I don't see you as inferior, or someone I command. I see you as an equal. We both lack something that the other—we both envy each other for it. That's why we need to work alongside each other!" I paused, catching my breath for one moment before finishing, "We can teach each other everything."
Her eyes met mine, and she looked at me almost skeptically. She looked away for a moment, quietly thinking.
"I've turned down two invitations already. I'm still not sure where I belong," Terra confessed. I processed what she said, and it surprised me that she turned down two teams. I thought about it internally, making sure my shock didn't radiate outward. Her eyes met mine again. "But... a single mission doesn't hurt." She smiled. A smile that felt like it could melt me. Relief washed over me much faster than I expected.
"...Really?" She nodded rapidly, still with the smile blossoming over her face. It sounds wrong to think about failure, but the doubt arose and came out faster than I could stop it. "If it doesn't work out?"
"We pretend it never happened," Terra snorted.
I didn't realize it because I was so caught up in the conversation, but the door was now wide open. It may have been wide open for some time now. Her hands were folded in front of her, off the doorknob. I was brought back into reality from my thoughts as she spoke up again, "When do we leave?"
It took a second to regain my focus. I knew the answer to the question but stumbled before answering, "Tomorrow morning."
"I'll be there. Goodnight, Zero."
I gave a quick nod before stepping away from the doorway. I didn't hear the door close as I began walking away; instead, I heard the faint sound of it shut once I reached the end of the hallway and took a right. As I walked back down the hallway, I couldn't help smiling to myself.
Our first real team mission.
***
The next morning arrived far sooner than I would have liked. I was still a bit afraid that our performance on this mission would define our ability to tackle harder ones in the future.
By the time I woke up, Toho was already gone. Seemed as if he couldn't wait for this mission.
The Academy gates stood open beneath the pale morning sky as students flowed in and out of the courtyard. Most hurried toward lectures, uniforms neat and books tucked beneath their arms. A few older Sorcerers crossed the grounds carrying practice weapons over their shoulders, already beginning another day of training.
I adjusted the strap of my satchel before looking toward the front entrance. Toho was impossible to miss.
He leaned lazily against one of the stone pillars with his arms folded behind his head, rocking back and forth on his heels as if standing still required too much effort. His Academy coat hung open despite the cool morning air, and the moment he spotted me, he raised an arm high above his head.
"Ay! There he is!"
I walked over, unable to stop myself from smiling.
"Why didn't you wake me up? We could have left together."
"You take too long in the shower, plus, it's nearly impossible to wake you up"
Footsteps could be heard behind me. Gia arrived first without Julius, which surprised me considering they share the same dorm. I also wondered which administrator approved that decision.
She walked with the same calm confidence she always carried, her dark Academy coat buttoned neatly from top to bottom. Unlike Toho, who looked as though he'd thrown his uniform on moments before leaving his dorm, every part of hers looked intentional. Even the ribbon tying back her dark hair sat perfectly in place. She offered a polite nod.
"Morning Zero, and hello to you too, Toho."
"Good morning," Toho and I answered together.
Not even thirty seconds later, another figure emerged through the crowd, walking towards our position at the stone pillar. It was none other than Julius.
His hands rested inside his pockets as he casually approached us, yawning loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. His dark hair with red and pink highlights looked only partially brushed, and he still seemed half asleep.
"Hello, good morning," he announced, sounding as dry as possible. Before any of us could properly greet him, a familiar voice drifted toward us.
"...Am I late? Sorry!"
We all turned to our left. Terra stood a short distance away, adjusting the sleeve of her Academy coat. Just like yesterday evening, her silver hair was once again neatly tied behind her head, giving her the composed appearance she always maintained during class. Even so, she hesitated before walking closer, almost as if she wasn't certain she belonged there.
"You made it," I said.
"I said I would," She smiled.
It would probably be for the best if I introduced her to everyone. If she does turn out to be a permanent member, this'll help with team chemistry in the long run. If she unfortunately doesn't, it'll still be useful to call out during the mission.
I stepped toward the center of the group.
"Everyone, this is Terra. She'll only be joining us for this mission; however, she could be a permanent asset to this team. Who knows?" I did feel bad putting her on the spot like that without warning, but I'm sure she'll be able to handle it.
Toho waved enthusiastically, but there was no need for formality between them. Toho, Terra, and I have had a solid amount of experience together.
Gia gave a respectful nod, but, out of the blue, stepped to Terra and embraced her tightly.
"You don't understand how happy I am that I'm not the only lady in this group. I'm gonna treasure you, you know?" Gia's persona took a complete turn, immediately skipping the formality.
Julius scratched the back of his neck before fixing his posture. He gave a very fancy bow, left foot stepping out, right arm raised.
"Nice to meet you. Please, address me as Julius, or Juju whenever you are comfortable."
The awkwardness disappeared almost immediately. Julius's actions and Gia's straightforwardness left Terra with a bright smile. Mainly Julius's actions left Toho and me speechless.
What the hell is happening! Why is everyone acting different now!
From the little time I've spent with these two, it seemed that Julius is a ladies' man. The type to put women above all. I wondered if Gia had forged that into him. Nonetheless, this was exactly what I'd hoped for: team interaction.
After we warmed Terra up and filled her in on the details, we made our way through the Academy. We reached the entrance path to the Academy, walking on the right side of the road so as not to interfere with any passing carriages. When a carriage rode past us, the loud clatter of the wooden wheels as they dipped into the cracks in the stone-brick path prevented us from hearing each other.
Once we arrived at the large gates of Celestia Academy, already open. Past the gates were the busy streets of Celestiala. Toho stretched both arms above his head before folding them at his chest.
"So... we're really fighting street thieves?"
I blinked, confused by his annoyance at the mission. He had been whining about it during his bedtime routine the previous night.
"You've been throwing a tantrum about it since last night like a little girl, Toho. What did you expect?"
"I mean, I don't know. I just expected something more, maybe a Vestige," He sighed dramatically.
"A Vestige?" Gia raised an eyebrow, lightly hitting Toho's shoulder as she chuckled.
"Yeah!" Toho's eyes practically sparkled. "I've heard stories since I was little. Giant monsters made from Essence. Some older than centuries!"
"They're also capable of killing Rookie Sorcerers, even Superior Sorcerers, the highest rank, without much effort," Gia replied, her laughter only growing stronger.
"That's why it would be awesome to defeat one! You're not getting my point of view," Toho clapped back sternly, puffing up his face.
Julius laughed, a real laugh.
"We all have a long way till that. Plus, Vestiges rarely show up around populated areas."
Gia chimed in again after Julius finished, "Not to sink your boat, but even if they do appear, it's definitely a problem that'll catch the World Council's attention. Especially the Supreme Ones. They'll probably send in one of their Top Ten to deal with it."
Toho folded his arms tighter, practically hugging himself at this point. He puffed up his face more, pretending not to care.
I stepped past my teammates to the booth near the gates. The booth itself was guarded by one Sorcerer who required a Student ID to let me talk with the booth attendant. Once he confirmed my identification was real, he let me inside the booth. Once inside, I provided a laminated document explaining that we were allowed to leave campus that day for a mission.
After the booth attendant carefully read through the document, he stamped it. In his rolling chair, he slid it back to a drawer, pulling out a clean, empty file. He rolled back to his spot on the desk and asked for my name.
"My name is Zero. Zero Langham, sir."
I've been practicing that for a while. Name delivery is important; it makes me sound older than I look, maybe even wiser or cooler. Hope it paid off.
The attendant gave me a weird stare before returning his gaze to the file. The stare hurt me down to my stomach.
Damn it! Maybe I need to practice it more. That stare kinda hurt; it was very rude, you know?
The man wrote on the file: ZeroLangham, then slid my document inside. He placed the file into a cabinet stacked to the brim; he excused me.
I walked out of the booth neatly. I could still hear them arguing about fighting Vestiges. Terra was in on the conversation now too. Behind the bodyguard, I waved to my team to catch their attention.
"How about we just focus on surviving today? We'll fight monsters soon," I smiled.