The day passed with a strange atmosphere for Aoi. Ever since her victory against Hikari, several students had been eyeing her curiously or whispering behind her back. Although she tried to ignore them, she couldn't help feeling uncomfortable.
When the final class ended, Aoi quickly packed her things and rushed out of the classroom. Just as she was walking down the hallway, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Aoi-chan~! Wait up!"
Aoi turned to see Reina, one of the most popular students in the academy, running toward her with a bright smile.
"Oh, Reina... do you need something?" Aoi asked, surprised that the girl was speaking to her.
Reina clasped her hands together excitedly.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory against Hikari! That was amazing!"
Aoi blinked, unsure how to respond.
"Um... thank you."
Reina laughed softly.
"Don't be so modest! The way you used your magic was incredible. I was wondering... maybe you could teach me a little?"
Aoi blushed. No one had ever praised her magic before.
"I… I don't know if I'm good enough to teach anyone…"
"Oh, come on! Just a little. Mind if we walk together?"
Aoi hesitated, but Reina's sincere smile made it hard to say no, so she agreed.
As they talked, Aoi became distracted by Reina's questions about the duel, her strategies, and her so-called "puppet summoning magic." In her mind, she tried to find the best way to answer without revealing too much.
What she didn't notice was a shadow silently creeping toward her backpack.
Just as Reina let out a small laugh, something tugged ever so slightly on Aoi's bag. The movement was so subtle, she almost didn't feel it.
Until—
"Wait!" Aoi suddenly felt something missing and turned around at once.
But it was already too late.
Her backpack was slightly open... and Ren was gone!
Her heart pounded in her chest.
"Ren!"
She looked around frantically, but the crowd of students walking through the hallway made it impossible to see who had taken him.
Reina frowned in concern.
"Is something wrong?"
Aoi didn't answer. Her eyes darted through the hall in desperation, but she couldn't spot anyone suspicious.
"Who took him?! He couldn't have just disappeared!"
She clenched her teeth and broke into a run, pushing past a few students in her way.
"Aoi!" Reina called after her, but Aoi didn't stop.
"It doesn't matter who it was... I have to get Ren back before something bad happens!"
What Aoi didn't know was that someone, hidden in the shadows, was holding Ren in their hands with a malicious smile.
"Let's see what you really are..."
End of Chapter 9