KRAJ Archive

Archive Prologue: Welcome to the Academy City, Kivotos

It was a dreary afternoon. The clouds were grey, blocking out the midday sun like blotches in the sky. Soft rain fell harmlessly on moist asphalt, puddles forming wherever the city's drainage could not touch.

There were footsteps, far too many, as people walked towards and away from streets, highways, and of the like. Skyscrapers loomed overhead, towering above like pillars poised to strike the heavens. One man silently drifted through these sights, an umbrella in hand. His black suit was quite rugged, his black pants slightly soaked from the rain.

Jessen sighed, gazing upon the world's dull form indifferently. He was on his way home after a monotonous time at work. Today was just like any other rainy day, another day to be spent indoors.

The man saw cars race by, each with their own destinations to reach. He saw men, women, and schoolchildren alike all rush through. Some were without umbrellas to shield themselves in the rain, and some had to make do with jackets or coats. It was fortunate that Jessen read the weather forecast earlier.

He shoved one hand into his pocket, rubbing an object within, an action that transcended beyond resting his arm. It felt natural for him to do so. His steps grew more leisurely as he slowed down his pace. Jessen decided not to rush. He had all the time in the world anyway, so why not waste a couple extra minutes?

As his feet dragged him across the damp pavement, his shoes becoming soaking wet courtesy of the rain, his unhindered gait suddenly halted. The man's gaze drifted towards the other end of the street. While walking, he caught sight of something that broke the norm. Craning his neck to the side, he stared into a certain object that stuck out like a sore thumb.

'...A halo? Am I looking at a Sankta?' Jessen internally mused.

True to his statement, he noticed a halo floating above the mysterious person-no, girl's head. It was a white ring with a blue star inside. Her white jacket, skirt, and boots of sorts, akin to a formal uniform, contrasted with the greyish tint of her surroundings. She had an almost ethereal quality to her, further accentuated by her sky blue hair which was light pink on the inside. No normal person would have that hair color, aside from cosplayers, but something told him that she wasn't a mere cosplayer. Her hair was voluminous, reaching towards her unexposed knees.

Blue eyes stared at him, accompanied by a gentle smile. She looked as though she knew him, despite the fact that Jessen couldn't recognize her at all. What was more important was the fact that, upon closer inspection, a large portion of her uniform was stained red. Before he could move even a single muscle, a voice akin to a refreshing breeze entered his ears.

'Jessen-sensei...'

He hurriedly gazed around him, only to see the mundane sight of several other people ignoring him and moving forward. Jessen moved his head to look at the mysterious girl only to find that she had completely vanished like a mirage in an oasis.

"...Must've been the wind," the man commented, opting not to dwell on the matter too deeply. He continued on his way home.

-

Roweber leaned forward on the railing of a stone bridge, his eyes fixed on the murky water not too far below. He straightened the sleeves of his white sharp shirt, clicking his tongue in the process. Calm days like these were never his forte. Truthfully, he hated the rain. He only tolerated it because when it rains, naturally, it grows colder, making it far easier to sleep. He hated getting wet, and it was always such a chore to walk in the rain. Instead of walking without thought, he had to carefully watch out for puddles.

Resting his umbrella on his shoulder, he frowned. What was he even doing here? Why was he staring at the water? He was just going to a convenience store to buy some noodles. Was there something he was forgetting?