Chasing the Heartless Maiden

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Ebonspire Academy, marking the beginning of another day filled with training, lectures, and—most importantly—misunderstandings.

Pandora sat stiffly at her desk, her arms folded as she patiently waited for class to begin. Around her, students whispered, cast glances in her direction, and exchanged amused looks.

Student 1: "I heard she's completely heartless. Rejected someone yesterday without even blinking!"

Student 2: "No way, really? That's kind of... cool?"

Student 3: "I think it's terrifying."

Pandora ignored the whispers. Distractions were meaningless. Her goal was clear: learn, improve, and complete her training efficiently.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and the instructor strode in with an air of authority. He clapped his hands, silencing the murmurs in the room.

Instructor: "Alright, today's lesson will focus on combat fundamentals. We'll be doing a practical session shortly, so prepare yourselves. But first, let's go over some theory."

Pandora listened attentively as the instructor began scribbling on the board. Just as she was jotting down notes, a voice whispered from beside her.

???: "Psst! Pandora, right?"

She turned her head slightly, only to find the bold student from yesterday—his messy brown hair and confident grin immediately recognizable.

Bold Student: "Name's Raine Voss! You probably don't remember me, but I, uh, dramatically confessed to you yesterday."

Pandora blinked. "I remember."

Raine leaned closer, whispering in a conspiratorial tone. "Listen, I totally respect your decision, but I think I should warn you—word's spread, and now people think you're some kind of mysterious, untouchable warrior maiden."

Pandora tilted her head. "That's inaccurate."

Raine sighed. "Yeah, well, good luck convincing them otherwise. Some students are already making bets on who can get you to react emotionally first."

Pandora merely stared. "A pointless wager."

Before Raine could respond, the instructor clapped his hands again. "Enough chatter! Now, for our practical exercise!" He gestured toward the combat circle at the front of the classroom. "We'll be pairing up for sparring matches. Step forward when your name is called."

Names were read, students stepped up, and the matches began. Some spars were chaotic, some were well-matched, and others... were just embarrassing displays of uncoordinated flailing.

Then—

"Pandora Aelbourne and Raine Voss! Step forward!"

Pandora calmly rose from her seat, while Raine gulped but forced a smirk. "Ah, well. Guess I get a front-row seat to witnessing your legendary strength."

Pandora blinked. "It's just practice."

The two took their positions in the sparring circle. The students leaned forward in anticipation.

Student 1: "I bet she'll end it in one move."

Student 2: "No, Raine's persistent! Maybe he'll impress her!"

Student 3: "Or die trying."

Raine held his training sword in front of him, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Alright, Pandora. No holding back, yeah?"

Pandora nodded. "Understood."

The instructor gave the signal.

Within three seconds, Raine was disarmed, flipped onto his back, and staring at the ceiling with an expression of absolute shock.

The class erupted.

Student 1: "I knew it! She's a monster!"

Student 2: "Wait, did she just THROW him?!"

Student 3: "Raine, blink twice if you're still alive!"

Pip, floating beside Pandora, burst into a fit of giggles. "Wow, Master! You sure know how to make an impression!" Blaze cackled in agreement, while Grimm simply crossed his arms in silent approval.

Raine groaned from the ground, still stunned. "Okay. Okay. So that's what getting absolutely destroyed feels like..."

Pandora tilted her head. "You said no holding back."

Raine chuckled despite himself. "Yeah. Yeah, I did. Gods, that was kind of amazing."

The instructor, barely holding back a smirk, clapped his hands. "Well, that was educational. Let's move on!"

As the lesson continued, the whispers about Pandora only intensified. The untouchable warrior maiden had struck again.

Pandora remained unfazed. It was just another day at Ebonspire Academy.

A New Friendship

The classroom buzzed with post-battle excitement as students chattered about their sparring matches. Despite the earlier chaos, Pandora remained seated, arms crossed, unfazed by the noise around her.

That was until a voice chirped next to her.

???: "That was amazing! You're really strong!"

Pandora turned to find a petite girl with short, wavy blonde hair and bright green eyes practically beaming at her. Unlike the others who kept their distance, this girl had no hesitation in plopping down right beside her.

???: "I'm Lilia! Lilia Brightwind! You're Pandora, right?"

Pandora blinked, unsure how to respond to the girl's unfiltered enthusiasm.

Pandora: "Yes."

Lilia: "I knew it! You're kinda famous already, you know? Everyone's talking about how serious you are. I think that's super cool!"

Pandora stared at her, confused by the idea of being admired for something so... normal. Before she could respond, Lilia leaned forward eagerly.

Lilia: "So! I heard you have spirits! Can I meet them? Please?"

At this, Pip immediately popped out from Pandora's side, swirling in the air like an excited puppy.

Pip: "Ohhh, I like this one! She's got a fun vibe! Hi, new best friend!"

Lilia gasped, clapping her hands together in delight.

Lilia: "Oh my gosh, you're so cute!"

Pip did a dramatic spin, throwing glittery sparkles in the air. Grimm, ever the strict guardian, appeared next, his towering form casting a shadow over Lilia.

Grimm: "Pandora. Is this interaction necessary?"

Lilia's eyes widened at the sight of the imposing spirit.

Lilia: "Whoa... so cool! You've got the whole 'gruff warrior' thing going on!"

Grimm grunted in response. Then, with a sudden burst of fiery energy, Blaze emerged, crackling with energy.

Blaze: "Aha! Another admirer! Yes, yes, behold my brilliance!"

Lilia laughed.

Lilia: "I love all of them! Pandora, you have the best spirits ever!"

Pandora tilted her head slightly. She had expected people to find her spirits... unusual. Instead, Lilia seemed to adore them.

Pandora (thoughts): This is unexpected... but not unpleasant.

A Home Unlike Her

After classes ended, Pandora walked home, Lilia trailing behind her, still talking animatedly about the day's lessons. When they reached Pandora's house, Lilia tilted her head in curiosity.

Lilia: "This is your place? It looks... really warm."

Pandora merely nodded and opened the door.

Instantly, she was engulfed.

???: "PANDY! YOU'RE HOME!"

A woman with an eerily similar face to Pandora—but with an expression that radiated nothing but joy—latched onto her like an overenthusiastic octopus. A man, just as lively, ruffled her hair, grinning from ear to ear. Two younger siblings, twins, tackled her legs in excitement.

Pandora's Mother: "Did you have a good day, sweetheart? Did you eat enough? Did anyone bother you?"

Pandora's Father: "Tell us everything!"

Younger Twin 1: "Did you fight monsters?"

Younger Twin 2: "Did you make any friends?"

Lilia stood frozen, eyes wide in absolute shock.

Lilia: "Wait. WAIT. This is your family?!"

Pandora, still trapped in a suffocating embrace, sighed.

Pandora: "Yes."

Lilia pointed dramatically.

Lilia: "WHY ARE THEY SO DIFFERENT FROM YOU?!"

Pip, enjoying the chaos, twirled in the air.

Pip: "I love it here! Can I live with you all?"

Blaze: "This place has a good energy! Very warm! Like fire!"

Grimm: "...This is overwhelming."

Pandora finally pried herself free from her mother's grip, her expression as blank as ever.

Pandora: "Lilia, I suppose this answers any questions about my upbringing."

Lilia, still reeling, nodded slowly.

Lilia: "I... I think I need a moment."

As the evening wound down, Pandora sat outside, watching the sunset. Lilia, still recovering from the shock, sat beside her.

Lilia: "You know... I think I get it now. You're so serious because your family took all the personality genes."

Pandora merely blinked at her.

Pandora: "That is an unscientific assumption."

Lilia laughed.

Lilia: "Still, I think it's kind of nice. You have people who love you. Even if they are... very intense."

Pandora glanced at her, then at her spirits who lounged nearby. Pip was chatting animatedly with Lilia, Blaze was floating lazily, and Grimm stood ever-watchful.

For the first time, Pandora found herself considering something new.

Maybe, just maybe... companionship wasn't a distraction after all.