Episode 10, Trapped

TAKUMI TSURUGI

My eyes flipped open as I slowly regained consciousness, the disorientation from the fall still lingering. The ground beneath me felt solid, but it was unlike anything I had experienced before. The heat and acrid smell were gone, replaced by a cool, clean air. As I opened my eyes, I found myself in a large, ornate room with high ceilings and grand, sweeping arches. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and symbols I didn’t recognize.

A voice echoed through the room, welcoming me with a tone that was both formal and cheerful. “Welcome, new student, to the Academy of Celestial Arts!”

I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The people who greeted me wore varied outfits—each more striking than the last. They were clad in elaborate battle attire, with swords strapped to their sides. The sight was both impressive and intimidating.

“Wait, what is this place?” I asked, confusion and anxiety creeping into my voice. “How did I get here, and where is Kenji Morimoto. I need to go back!”

Before I could react, a sudden punch landed squarely on my jaw. I stumbled backward, pain exploding through my face. One of the attendants, a tall figure with a stern expression, glared at me. "Noisy student! You’ll have to learn to be more respectful.”

I was dragged toward a large building that loomed nearby. Despite my protests, the attendants continued to pull me inside. They threw me into a dimly lit room and shut the door behind me.

Inside, two boys were already there. They looked up as I stumbled in. The first boy, with a friendly face and a warm smile, approached me. “Hey there! I’m Kiyomasa Kobayashi. Looks like you’re our new roommate. Welcome!”

The second boy, who sat quietly in the corner, barely glanced up. He wore a scowl that made it clear he wasn’t interested in the situation.

"That's Shinji Takeru," Kiyomasa introduced.

However, I wasn't interested in the introduction. “I don’t belong here,” I insisted, my frustration boiling over. “I was brought here by mistake. I need to go back home!”

Suddenly, Shinji's eyes met mine with a cold, indifferent stare. “It’s no mistake. You’re here because you’re supposed to be. Stop being stupid and accept your fate.”

Without another word, he turned and left the room, leaving me alone with Kiyomasa. The atmosphere was thick with my frustration, but Kiyomasa tried to offer a small comfort.

“Don’t mind him,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. “He’s just a bit rough around the edges. Let me show you to your bed. You’ll get used to things around here eventually.”

I didn't answer, my breathing was fast. How did I get here? Where was Kenji Morimoto and how do I go back. Mr. And Mrs Fujimoto would be so worried about me, I needed to find my way back.

"Uhh, Takumi?"

My eyes shot to his direction. "How do you know my name?"

He offered a warm smile. "It's written here, on all our beds. We knew you're our roommate before you even showed up." He pointed at a corner of the room. It was simple but comfortable, with a neat arrangement of bedding and a small desk nearby.

"Try it."

I exhaled. “I don’t know what’s going on,” I said, sinking onto the bed, “but I need to understand this place and figure out a way to leave.”

Kiyomasa nodded sympathetically. “I get it. This place can be overwhelming at first. Just give it some time. You’ll find your way.”

I nodded and Kiyomasa hurriedly opened a wardrobe, bringing out some clothes and doing some arranging. "These are your things."

I faked a smile. "Thanks."

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