The Bestial Insania has already spread to some prominent towns of Eirenai in the far East, the military power of Eirenai is insufficient to suppress the staggering surge in Bestial Insania Infected Beasts (Insaniacs) despite their unrelenting efforts.

As such, all able bodied citizens of Eirenai aged between 18-25 have been called to arms, with compulsory participation for people living near the borders and voluntary participation for people living in the central provinces.

I don’t think I’ll be of any aid in the fight against Bestial Insaniacs. Though I’m regarded as one of the better Magus’ by my peers, in a perilous situation, I’d probably be too intimidated to do anything. After all, I’ve never been in a predicament where I’ve had to fight to the death.

And this apprehension terrifies me. I don’t want to fight but I can’t turn back now.

••••••••••

“Why is this map so perplexing?” I think to myself, the puzzling map held in my hand.

I struggle for ten minutes and reach the Dorm Master’s Room. The dorm master looks ticked off.

“You’re late,” chides the dorm master, a sophisticated, lean, middle-aged man with vibrant amber eyes and auburn hair, “Did you, perchance, find the map confusing?”

I avert my gaze, wanting to hide my flushed face.

“Nevermind, let’s go ahead with the self-introduction, shall we?”

I take a step inside the room. Looking around, I take a quick examination of the spacious room.

I’m relieved to see only a small company of three students, including Vivian.

I can do this.

“My name’s Noah. Noah Eumen. I come from the province of Eiranius Alpha. I look forward to working with all of you!”

A round of applause follows my self-introduction. I’m satisfied with how I presented myself.

The rest of the day is spent on socializing with the other students.

It’s nightfall now and I’m too jaded for anymore interaction. I want the solace of my bed.

Upon reaching my room, I hurry to bed and lull off into a deep sleep.

I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying yesterday’s events. It feels like everything that transpired yesterday is just a fabrication of my mind, it’s all muddled. But it’s not. I’m here, lying in bed, far away from where I want to be.

I hear a faint rapping at the door, growing louder and louder with each blow. In an apathetic mood, I head to the dull, dreary door and open it.

A personable, tall, lean fellow with curly dark hair and caramel skin stands in front of me; peculiar features for an Eirenaian, I wonder if he’s mixed-race. He introduces himself as Amel Daevers, my roommate, with a wide grin. The aura he radiates is that of a light-hearted person.

“You must be Noah Eumen!” he comments.

“Yes,” I reply “And you must be my roommate. Nice to meet you.”

I let Amel into the room, uncertain as to how I should act. Frankly, I find him intimidating, not in a fearful way, but in a way that makes me doubt my capabilities.

We get to know each other. He reveals that he is from the province of Eiranius East near the border. He’s the same age as I am, just a few months older. He wasn’t at the dorm yesterday as he was out on an errand. I assume he’s here out of compulsion… I could be wrong.

Our conversation is cut short upon Vivian’s thumping at our door. Amel opens the door and a panting Vivian mutters in disjointed sentences.

She catches her breath. Now speaking intelligibly, she tells us that a pack of infected Beasts have attacked a town nearby and we have been assigned the task of wiping out the Insaniacs.