Rebirth-Transcending All Beings

"Well, I’ll leave you to it," the nurse spoke, placing a small brass key in his hands. "Be careful not to lose it, you wouldn’t want anyone coming into your room and stealing your belongings."

"Then I’ll make sure it stays safe," Vergil chuckled. "Thank you for bringing me."

"Don’t worry about it," the nurse turned around. "I hope we see each other a lot."

Hey don’t jinx it. You’re making it sound like I’ll always be there.

Vergil gulped at the thought, watching her go down the stairs before turning to slide the key into the lock. With a soft click it turned and the heavy wooden doors slowly opened, letting a cool draft of air wash his face.

Stepping across the threshold, he realised one thing.

The room... was spacious. Larger than he anticipated.

The walls were made of pale stone and wallpaper etched with vine-like patterns that shimmered slightly under the soft light of the orbs embedded above. Each corner of the room, however, had a small rune-crystal that kept the air circulating and fresh. To his right lay an empty bookshelf, a wardrobe and a long writing desk with an embedded mana slot.

The right side was closer to a noble’s study than a student dorm. On the left was the entrance to a restroom. His boots thudded against polished wood as he stepped in. The scent of citrus and lavender lingered in the air.

In front, two figures were already present.

One lay on a bed on the right side, legs crossed and head resting on a pillow. His hair was ash-grey and messy, and with skin unnaturally pale but not so in the sickly sense. What stood out most was his crimson-red eyes.

Unlike Vergil’s, his was striking and natural. Not demonic. He wore a black vest and loose dark pants.

Comfortable and not flashy.

The other sat upright on the far left bed, a book half open titled Intermediate Magic Theory. He had tousled dark brown hair and deep green eyes that locked onto his book.

A hint of thoughtfulness laced his eyes along with a depth of calm warmth that Vergil couldn’t fathom.

Dressed in a navy shirt with rolled up sleeves and nearly tailored pants. His posture was relaxed but the slight tension in his shoulder showed he was ready to stand at any moment.

Their eyes shifted to the figure standing at the door. And they froze.

Both sets of eyes widened almost in unison. Surprise, then recognition. They looked at each other briefly then back at him.

And then.

"The King of Blowfish!" they both exclaimed simultaneously.

Vergil twitched slightly.

The ash-haired one spoke in a light and playful voice, like someone who turned everything into a joke. The other was smoother. More even, but laced with disbelief.

Dammit, it seems the title will never leave me.

Outwardly, he wore a smile. "Well, looks like you already know me," he coughed, closing the door behind him. "You two are my roommates, huh?"

The ash-haired boy sprang up from his bed with a wide grin. "Indeed we are!" He said theatrically, placing one hand on his chest. "And to think, we have the honor of sharing a room with the famed King of Blowfish. The legend didn’t exaggerate your presence."

Then with a dramatic finish, he stepped forward and bowed low.

Right. He’s... weird if I put it to words. Oh well, better than a stuck up Eleanor!

His smile turned a little more genuine a deeper glance. Genuine sincerity. ’Well, at least they’re good guys. No analysis needed.’

His left eye flickered subtly, showing something only he could see. The ashen-haired boy contained a mesh of light yellow, soft pinks, and a bold splash of playful blue.

Cheerful. Funny. Deeply curious.

But nestled beneath all thay, flickered a brilliant red flame. Not aimed at him, but clearly present.

The other boy by contrast had a serene forest green mixed with an amber hue. Kindness and resolve.

"You guys already know my name," Vergil spoke, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "But I don’t know yours."

The ash-haired boy dropped to one knee. Like a Knight from a tale, swearing fealty. "Ray, at your service, O King of Blowfish!"

Vergil rolled his eyes at his gesture, but smirked. "Then, Ray, I hereby appoint you as my first Knight."

Ray smiled back. "An honor I shall bear until death or detention."

They both burst into laughter, and the quiet one cracked an amused smile behind his book.

Vergil turned to face the other. "And you?" he asked

The boy shut his book softly and stood, giving a small nod. "Kael Thornmere,’ he said. "Pleasure to meet you, Vergil. I’ve heard a lot."

Vergil lips turned flat."Good things, I hope."

Kael’s lips curved slightly. "Depends on how you feel about blowfish."

Ray snickered.

Vergil groaned. "I swear to god, if I hear that one more time—"

"You’ll blow up?" Ray chimed.

"... Yeah, I’ll blow all of us up."

Silence.

Then. Laughter. More relaxed. The tension that had lingered in the air when he entered had now disappeared.

Ray walked over, putting a hand on Vergil’s shoulder, surprisingly firm. "Seriously though, man, don’t worry. You’re with good company. We’re not here to judge... I mean sometimes, but it’s as a joke."

"We’re here to survive." He added.

Kael nodded. "He’s right, this academy breaks people. So it’s best to have company that can help out."

Vergil looked at them both for a moment. It had been a while since people had trusted him. And he himself was also starting to feel the same way.

He sat down on the unused bed in the middle, exhaling slowly.

"Then I guess it’s official," he muttered. "Room 412. This is home now."

Kael sat back down with his book. "And the despair begins tomorrow."

Ray flopped dramatically onto his bed again. "Oh please, we already won. We’ve got the King of Blowfish."

Vergil buried his face in his pillow and muttered, "I hate you both."