Hazel POV 

As the final group of students sat down, Professor Jonah walked up to the podium at the front of the room with a stack of papers 

“Now that all of you are here, I have yet another announcement to make! The groups for the field trip have been decided!” Professor Jonah beamed, as if we should all be just as excited.

Ugh. Assigned groups.Why can’t we work with whoever we want? Does no one else see anything wrong with this? I guess sometimes you have to take one for the team.

“Professor Jonah!” I said while raising my hand.

“Yes Hazel?” He asked while pointing at me.

“Why do we have to be in groups? Why can’t we just work with whoever we want?”

“The groups of 2 are mainly for grading ease. In the actual trip you will be able to work with other groups but the 2 must work together at the very least. This is also to make sure someone doesn’t go off by themselves and get themself injured from trying to be a lone wolf and do it on their own. Doing so will decrease your score dramatically.” Jonah explained with extreme caution in his voice, glancing at a certain auburn haired boy in the process.

Satisfied with his answer, I put my hand back down and sat back in my chair.

“So, how will these groups be decided professor?” Ryoto asked him with a questioning glare.

“They will be decided based off of who works well together, who’s strengths would highlight the others, and a few other factors I won’t mention.” The professor told us. 

"Um, professor?” Zach raised his arm, “You said that our groups have already been decided, could you tell us who's teamed up with who?”

“Of course!” Professor Jonah swiftly snatched a slip of paper from his work desk, “To start it off, Ashy Lucroy and Frank Lee;”

From the corner of my eye I could see a dragon beastkin boy with black hair and horns shaking hands with a dark brown haired boy.

“Zacharias Gotha and Hazel Demaria;”

So, I was teamed up with Zach? Could have been worse. At least he’s capable of holding his own unlike some others.

“Azemption Mullen and Brena Armas;” 

A boy with wind swept blond hair bumped fists with an elven girl.

“Ryan Volpe and Regulus Leon.”

The cousins grouped together? Fitting.

“Galhann Maus and Marin Hisato.”

A dwarf boy patted the back of a cat beastkin, making him stumble forward.

“Deyah Villias and Noah Everson.”

Deyahs paired with that wolf boy? Eeek, I can smell the disaster coming a mile away..

Deyah looked at Noah awkwardly, who flashed him a large grin.

“Ryla Ryuugami and Alaya Villias.”

Honestly, I expected the twins to be grouped together. Should have known predetermined teams wouldn’t take that into consideration. Why can’t they just let us form teams of our own, ugh.

“Rey Sylvester and…” 

I zoned out as he called the rest from the list, I knew no one else in the class so I paid no attention.

“Alright, now for your preparations!” Professor Jonah suddenly exclaimed, startling me enough to make me jump in my seat. I got a few looks for that.

Grumbling under my breath, I shifted back into a more comfortable position and listened closely as he continued.

“You will need a week's worth of food and water, a weapon to defend yourself with, and a decently sized storage item to store the materials we will be gathering over the course of this trip.” The professor told us.

What did he mean by gathering materials? Did I miss something?

“Hey Zach,” I nudged him. “What does he mean by gathering materials?”

“You weren’t listening were you?” He asked me.

“I wasn’t. I kinda zoned out while he was calling out groups. Also, I didn’t think we were going to do anything during the trip..” I responded to him.

“Did you really think the school would approve a trip if we were  just going to go and relax?” Ryoto chimed in from behind me. 

I shot Ryoto a glare, to which he smirked in reply.

“Anyway, they just want us to collect a few mana hearts and plants and stuff.” Zach answered me.

“Alright. Not too bad then.” I replied back to him.

“Not too bad, she says.” Ryoto mocked, terribly mimicking my own voice.

“What do you mean?”

“What Ryan’s trying to say is that we have to get at least a B class mana heart.” Ryla told me.

“O-oh…” I said in shock. I was expecting them to make us get at least a D class or C class heart, but B class?

“So, are there any questions before I leave to discuss with the other professors?” 

“How is a group of 2 expected to get a B class mana heart?” I questioned him.

“The groups are allowed to work together,” He said blandly, “I’m fairly certain a couple of you working together can subdue a B class beast.”

I had no retort to that, it was true that we should be able to do this much. Sanctity isn’t the most prestigious school for nothing huh? Looks like school won’t be as easy going as I expected it to be…

Professor Jonah moved on, “I have been given the duty to inform you about the monster dens near Sanctity, and you would best pay attention this time.” For some reason, I felt like he was staring right at me, but when I turned to look at him, he was facing the large map pinned on the board.

He circled a seemingly random spot on the map, “This is where you will find Starscorched Minotaurs, who despite their grand name are rather easy to deal with.”

Wait a minute, aren’t those supposed to be super difficult to kill or something?

“And if you’re feeling especially daring,” He pointed towards a nearby crater, “I believe a Chthonic Electrovil resides there, although I would advise informing one of the staff beforehand. You never know what you may face.”

“A chotho what now?” I was unable to keep myself from blurting that out.

“A Chthonic Electrovil, I’ve read about it. It is one of the only beast with two elements, earth and lightning. They’re said to be passive creatures who will ignore you unless you get too close.” 

“Of course you would know this, Zach.” I breathed out.

“That’s not all of it. They say the canyon between Illyria and Zaseon was created by an enraged Electrovil.” Ryoto added in his own two cents.

I could feel the blood draining from my face. “That lightning-filled chasm was created by an Electrovil?!”

He nodded grimly, “It would be suicide to try and fight one.”

I gulped in fear, something like that was so close to the academy?

“Let’s fight it!” His face suddenly broke out in a grin.

“...Didn’t you say fighting it would be equal to suicide?” Zach asked, genuinely confused.

“Irrelevant.”

Upon noticing the looks we were giving him, he clarified, “The five of us working together can take one on. And the Electrovil which created the chasm was said to be very old and was much more powerful than any other Electrovil. Besides, by bringing in an A- class mana heart we’re bound to acquire more points than the others.”

“He does have a point…” Zach mused, rubbing his chin.

“I think we s-should ask our masters beforehand.” Regulus looked uncertain of the idea.

“Seriously? You shouldn’t even consider this idea. Ryla, you’re with me right?” 

“Yes, we would stand a better chance against B class beasts.” She nodded, agreeing.

“Come on, what’s the fun in that? We’ve all faced B- class beasts before, this is more of a challenge.” Ryoto persisted, not giving an inch.

Zach raised his hand, “I haven’t”

Ryoto took a moment to regard Zach. “But you are strong enough to face one right?”

“I am, I know all their weaknesses and strengths.” He declared proudly.

“Exactly! We’ll be fine-”

“Mr. Volpe, would you be kind enough to keep your eyes on the map?” Professor Jonah interrupted, an irritated smile etched on his face.

“Sorry professor.” Ryoto sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, but his annoying smirk never left his face.

I have a bad feeling about this.

________________________

Soon after the class started to leave, Master Jei walked into the room and pulled Professor Jonah aside. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but they kept flashing Regulus looks and the Professor looked confused. Soon after that, Jei walked over where we were standing and asked to talk to Regulus and Ryan.

“S-sure Master Jei.” Regulus responded, while Ryan’s face was filled with confusion.

________________________

Regulus POV

“S-So, what did you need, Master Jei?” I asked my Master.

“And why the hell am I here too?” Ryoto exclaimed.

“First off, language. And now the reason why I wanted to talk to you two. After thinking about it since the beginning of the year, we have decided that it’s best to change your name Regulus,” Jei held up a hand before Regulus could speak.

“The reason for that is that you are formerly a part of the royal family and Ryoto’s cousin, since you don’t use an alias like Ryoto people could find out that he is the prince Zaeson’s, and you want to know why that could happen? If the people that set up the attack on the Nemea manor and possibly the people that set up the attack on the royal castle, get word that there is a student named Regulus attending this school they might be able to connect the dots and plan an attack, you have to use an alias so people can’t find out that you are part of the Nemea family. Do you understand?” Jei explained looking for understanding in our faces.

“B-but a lot of people at this school have already heard my name “Regulus” I-I know that my last name was changed but not the first name, in almost all of our classes people heard my name.” I answered.

“He’s right. How are you gonna fix that?” Ryoto agreed with me

“That is something we have to worry about.” Master Jei said.

“O-okay what will my new name be?” I asked curiously.

“Your new alias will be Zaiden Othneil. It’s a name Daniel came up with. I think it’s good.” She told us.

“Hey, that name doesn’t sound half bad Regulus.” Ryoto laughed, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I only smiled back in reply, when it struck me, “Master, wouldn't most people recognize my traits?”

Master Jei seemed to ponder for a moment, thinking to herself about my question. “That is something we hadn’t thought of, you’re right it could be an issue.”

“What if we add subtle changes?” Ryoto sudenly suggested, “Like, making his hair duller and making it more white than silver, and darken his eyes to seem just the right mixture of brown and black?”

“Are you sure you can keep up another illusion all the time? Even when Regulus is not with you?” Master Jei seemed to consider this option, but still pointed out the flaws. 

“I never said I would be keeping up the shroud,” Ryoto retorted cheekily, how he can talk to the Masters so casually is honestly beyond me.

“Regulus, you still have the artifact my brother gave you right?”

I blinked in surprise, is he going to make another?

“Ye-yes,” I fished out the necklace from around my neck and handed it to him, resulting in my ears and tails becoming visible.

Ryoto studied the pendant for some time, before flipping it around and with the press of a button, which I had no idea existed, the pendant split into two, hinged together.

"Hmmm, It will take a while but I can definitely alter its effects to suit our needs." Ryoto mused, gazing at the internal workings of the pendant.

"If required, call for my help. With my control over light, I have some proficiency over illusion, although not as good as you." Master Jei suggested.

"I'll keep that in mind." Ryoto declared, snapping the pendant back in place and tossing it towards me, "You're gonna get a makeover soon big guy."

"Alright, I will tell the others immediately.” I confirmed.

“Oh no need to do that. Stop hiding and come out!” Jei said, looking at the door.

“Eek! How did you know we were there.” Hazel and the others came out from behind the door.

“Who wouldn’t notice you?” Jei asked.

“I told you we shouldn't spy on them,” Zach said, shaking Hazel as she laughed.

“Zaiden Othneil, huh? That's a name as good as any'' Ryla shrugged.

“Just don’t tell anyone else about this alright.” Jei started whispering as students walked by.

“Alright.” We said in unison.

“One more thing.” Master Jei began again

“About that field trip... Be careful, you never know what could happen out there.” She said with a somewhat sad and caring look.

Ryoto raised an inquisitive eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in her tone.

“W-what’s with that look Master?” I asked, not trying to push her.

“Don’t worry about it.” She smiled, waving away our concern, “You’d best get back to your classes now.”