Wandering Witch: Penance of a thief

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end.

Speaking of teachers, there's one person who always comes to mind.

My teacher-cold, sharp with her words, and someone you never want to argue with.

Not that it stops us from bickering about the most trivial things. But, enough about that single woman for now.

Today isn't about her.

Right now, I'm sitting across from Elaina at a cozy little restaurant, and let me tell you, she looks stunning even when she's doing something as simple as eating.

"Elaina, you ordered a lot, huh?" I tease, watching her mischievous smile as she eyes the spread of food in front of her.

"Well, you did promise free food, didn't you?" she shoots back, her voice playful. That sparkle in her eyes-it gets me every time.

She takes a bite, savoring it with a satisfied hum. "Mmm, I love free food," she adds, as if that wasn't obvious.

I can't help but chuckle.

"Of course, you love free food. Just try not to eat the whole menu."

My tone is dripping with sarcasm, but she knows I'm not really mad. Not at her.

Elaina laughs softly, meeting my gaze. "Hey, no need to be grumpy. You're the one who made the promise, remember?"

She takes another slow bite, enjoying every second.

"Besides, this is all your fault. We almost got lost in that stupid forest."

"I didn't think you were afraid of bugs"

He said in a sarcastic tone

I roll my eyes.

"Oh please, I'm not afraid of bugs. I just don't like them crawling all over me."

I take a bite of my parfait, smirking as I continue.

"And for the record, we didn't get lost. We just... took a different path."

Elaina snickers, eyes dancing with amusement.

"Oh, right, the 'shortcut' you insisted on."

I laugh, shaking my head, and just as I take another spoonful of parfait, I hear a voice from behind me.

"Oh my? Elaina?"

I turn, and my eyes land on a woman with waist-length black hair, half tied, with bangs covering the left side of her face. She's... Beautiful.

Elaina's reaction is immediate.

"M-Miss Fran?!"

"Miss who?" I ask, confused.

Fran smiles warmly.

"Oh? Did I interrupt your little date?" Her voice is teasing.

"No! We're not on a date!"

Elaina quickly protests.

"This is... this is Arche. We're just traveling together." She's trying to compose herself.

I can't help but smile. Just traveling, huh?

"And this," Elaina continues, gesturing to the woman, "is Fran, my teacher."

I blink in surprise. "Your teacher?!"

I stand up abruptly, almost knocking over my chair.

"I'm Arche, the sin redeemer!"

I announce, trying to sound impressive.

Fran just laughs softly.

"Hello, I'm Fran. Nice to meet you." Her blue eyes are kind, but there's something mysterious about her.

Before I can respond, another voice joins the conversation.

"What's going on, Fran?"

A woman steps forward, and my heart stops. Red hair, fiery eyes, and glasses that don't hide her sharp gaze.

"EH? ARCHE?!"

"EH? Rufina?!"

I was surprised to see her.

"Call me more politely, you idiot!" Rufina snaps before smacking me on the head.

Well, so much for making a good impression.

We're definitely causing a scene, but then again, where there's a scene, there's Arche.

I sat next to Elaina, her shoulder brushing mine as we sat across from our teachers.

The tension in the air felt thick, like an awkward silence that no one wanted to break.

What kind of awkward moment is this... I thought to myself.

Elaina, with her typical dry humor, broke the quiet.

"So, I guess this is the part where we introduce ourselves all over again, huh?"

She wore a confused, almost playful expression, though I could see a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

Rufina, ever the professional, gave a short nod before speaking.

"Well then... My name is Rufina, and I'm a teacher at an academy called Feohtere."

"Feohtere Academy?" Elaina repeated, her brows knitting together as if the name stirred something in her memory.

Rufina continued, her tone smooth but informative. "Feohtere Academy is a prestigious institution, located on a large island that functions as an independent city."

"The academy is well-known for its curriculum, which covers three core areas: martial arts, knowledge, and magic."

Elaina leaned in slightly, intrigued, and I couldn't help but notice the spark of curiosity in her eyes. Rufina went on,

"Every student at Feohtere is required to master knowledge as the foundation of their education."

"For those without magical abilities, they can focus on either martial arts or further study in science."

"Meanwhile, students with magical talents can choose to refine either their combat skills or their magical abilities."

"Wow,"

Elaina whispered, clearly impressed.

"That sounds like an incredible place. It's amazing how they cater to everyone's strengths."

She then shifted her gaze to me, her eyes shimmering with curiosity, and I suddenly felt the weight of her attention. "So, Arche, you studied there?"

I let out a small sigh, scratching the back of my head. "Well... yeah, but only because my grandmother insisted. That trip to the island? Absolute torture."

Elaina's eyes widened, surprise dancing in them. "Torture? Really? Why?" Her voice was full of genuine intrigue, like she couldn't imagine what could have made the journey so bad.

Before I could answer, Rufina interjected with a smirk. "He's just seasick," she said, her voice teasing yet matter-of-fact.

Elaina chuckled, a soft, almost musical sound, and I felt a warmth rise in my chest.

Sitting this close to her, hearing her laugh... it was distracting, in the best possible way.

"Seasick, huh? Well, that must have been a tough journey for you then, Arche."

"HEY!" I snapped, feeling my annoyance bubble up as Rufina casually revealed my seasick secret to Elaina.

Rufina let out a long, exaggerated sigh, as if she'd been carrying the weight of the world.

"He was a problem at the academy, you know. I was always exhausted just trying to keep him out of trouble."

Elaina glanced over at Rufina, offering her a sympathetic nod.

"You must've had a really hard time, huh?"

"Tell me about it," Rufina muttered, rubbing her temples like she was reliving every painful memory.

Fran, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward with a spark of curiosity. "I'm a bit curious-what was life like at the academy?"

I shrugged, trying to sound casual.

"The island's got dorms, a market, shops... pretty normal life, I guess."

Then it hit me. Wait... normal? I chuckled to myself. "Actually, scratch that. My life there was anything but normal."

Fran raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"

"Well, surviving the academy was basically like navigating a minefield. The students there? They're ruthless."

Elaina tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "Ruthless how?"

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms like I was recalling some epic battle.

"In just the past few weeks, a bunch of students got expelled."

"Everyone's out for themselves, using others to climb the ranks."

"And they're all fighting to become the 'Golden Scholar,'" Rufina added, nodding as if confirming my tale of academic warfare.

Fran blinked, curious.

"Golden Scholar? What's that?"

"Oh, that's the fancy title they give to the strongest, most exceptional student at the academy," Rufina explained, her voice filled with mock grandeur.

Elaina leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Ah, so it's like the academy's ultimate honor. Who has that title now?"

Rufina glanced at me, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Isn't that obvious?"

Elaina's gaze darted between Rufina and me, clearly expecting some big reveal.

Fran, meanwhile, was watching silently like this was the most entertaining opera she'd seen in a while.

Rufina turned to Elaina, her voice low and dramatic. "The current holder of that title is... Arche."

Elaina's jaw dropped. "What?! You?"

I grinned, leaning back with a smug look. "Yep. Shocking, right?"

Fran's expression mirrored Elaina's surprise, her brows furrowing as if she couldn't quite believe it.

"I never thought I'd still hold that title even after graduating," I said, taking a deep breath like I was about to drop some epic news.

Elaina's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Wait, you still hold the title even after graduating? That means you were really great at the academy, right?"

"No one has managed to snatch that title from me yet," I said with a hint of pride, trying to sound cool.

Rufina chimed in, "A student earns that title with the approval of every teacher and directly from the principal."

"Disciples need to be stronger or more powerful than Arche to take it."

"Or," she added with a smirk, "the title holder can just hand it over to someone they think deserves it."

Elaina listened closely, absorbing the info like a sponge. "So, it's not just about strength and power."

"You also need the respect and approval of the teachers and the principal," she summarized, glancing back at me.

"Can we just... stop this conversation?" I buried my face in my hands, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

Elaina giggled, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Looks like someone's embarrassed!"

"I-I need to go to the toilet!" I blurted out, bolting from the table in a hasty escape to calm my racing heart.

Fran leaned forward, her gaze locking onto Rufina, a spark of genuine curiosity in her eyes. "How talented or powerful is Arche, really?"

Rufina's tone shifted, growing serious. "He's manipulative, you know... very smart-some might even call him a genius."

I felt a chill run down my spine as Rufina continued. "He's expelled many students just for his own plans."

"And physically? He's incredibly strong. Even the magic users at the academy would lose if they faced him."

Her voice dropped lower.

"He was given the nickname 'The Faceless Monster.'"

Elaina's eyes widened in astonishment, her voice barely above a whisper.

"The 'Faceless Monster'..."

"You might not believe it, but he used to be a calm person," Rufina pressed on.

Elaina seemed lost in thought, trying to reconcile the person I was with the cold persona Rufina painted.

Fran, sensing the weight of the moment, remarked with a hint of amusement, "You really know a lot about him, don't you?"

Rufina's smile was faint but warm.

"Well, I consider him like my own family."

Just then, I returned from the bathroom, casually striding towards them.

"So, what are you guys talking about?"

Fran answered with a hint of mischief, "Oh, we were just discussing your relationship with Elaina."

"Ah, we were actually talking about how you became the Golden Scholar," Elaina added, trying to steer the conversation back to safer waters.

"Ah... is that so?" I replied, forcing a casual tone as I glanced out the window. My heart sank.

Roots were creeping through the restaurant's glass, twisting and curling as if trying to ensnare us.

"Huh...?" I rubbed my eyes, thinking I must have misjudged the scene outside.

But when I looked again, the roots were unmistakably real, creeping through the window.

"Have you ever seen roots trying to tie up a restaurant?" I asked, my voice shaky.

All three heads snapped toward the window, their eyes widening at the strange sight.

Elaina and the two teachers shared a look of disbelief.

"This is a first," Elaina said, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

The atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension settling in as the other customers began to realize they were trapped in this bizarre situation.

Whispers filled the room.

"Why did a problem suddenly appear?"

Rufina and Fran shot to their feet, both equally perplexed.

"This is worrisome,"

Rufina noted, her brows furrowing.

"Elaina, can you do something about that door? Use magic or something?"

I turned to her and Fran, desperation creeping into my voice.

Both women nodded, their expressions serious. "I'll give it a try," Elaina said, determination etching lines across her face.

She focused her energy, gripping her wand tightly.

With a swift motion, she directed her magic at the door. But the roots clung to it fiercely, resisting her efforts.

"This is why I like pull doors,"

I muttered, trying to lighten the mood despite the growing dread.

Elaina, struggling against the roots, couldn't help but let out a sarcastic remark.

"Well, I wish we were dealing with a pull door right now!" she grumbled, frustration evident as she pushed against the stubborn vines.

"Move aside, everyone!" I called out, pushing my way to the door as the crowd instinctively parted, sensing I had a plan.

"Elaina, please protect them," I winked, trying to convey confidence despite the growing tension.

She nodded, her expression serious. "Understood." Her gaze swept over the crowd, a silent promise to keep them safe.

With her wand raised, she prepared to shield everyone from whatever chaos was about to unfold.

"EXPLOSION!" I shouted, hurling the bombs I had stashed away, then darting behind Elaina's protective spell.

The explosion that followed was deafening, shaking the entire restaurant to its core.

The force rattled the windows, and I could see the shock on everyone's faces as the shockwave hit.

Elaina's magic flared brightly as she shielded the others, her determination evident as she ensured everyone remained safe from the blast.

As the smoke began to clear, I took a cautious step forward, my heart sinking.

The door lay in ruins, shattered pieces scattered across the floor.

"Tch... it didn't work."

"Even so... Elaina!" I called out, urgency creeping into my voice. "Cut those damn roots!"

Elaina stepped forward, her wand poised and ready.

"On it!" she exclaimed, focus sharpening as she prepared to face the creeping threat.

With a swift flick of her wrist, Elaina unleashed a spell, sending a sharp-edged gust of wind that sliced through the remaining roots like a hot knife through butter.

In moments, the obstructing roots fell away with precision and efficiency, clearing our path.

"Good job!" I gave Elaina a thumbs up, relief washing over me.

She smiled at my appreciation, but her eyes sparkled with irritation.

"You know, maybe next time, ask me to do that before resorting to explosions," she teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

As we stepped outside the restaurant, we were met with an astonishing sight-a massive oak tree towered before us, its trunk wide and gnarled, roots sprawled like an ancient beast.

"What the heck is that...?"

"That... is colossal," Fran breathed, a mix of surprise and worry lacing her voice.

"Now I want to see a giant squirrel," I joked, chuckling at my own absurdity.

"Only you would think of something like that in a situation like this," Elaina replied, amusement breaking through her seriousness.

"Thanks," I smirked, appreciating her light-heartedness amidst the chaos.

"What are you going to do, Arche?" Rufina asked, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Why are you asking me? I've never fought a colossal tree like this before,"

I replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"What can we even do against a tree that big?" Fran's voice faltered, doubt creeping in.

Elaina, always the determined one, stepped forward with resolve.

"Well, we need to do something. We can't just ignore that thing," she insisted, gesturing at the towering tree.

Her fierce determination sparked something in me, and I nodded, ready to face whatever came next.

The wild plants-previously seeming ordinary-suddenly went berserk, stretching out massive roots from the ground and wildly thrashing branches, trying to ensnare us.

"Arche, focus!" Rufina's voice cut through the chaos, clear in my ears. I knew she was relying on me to clear the path.

With a swift movement, my daggers hissed as they sliced through a root that was nearly binding my leg.

But even though I managed to cut one root, another appeared, faster and more numerous.

"We can't just cut them one by one!" Elaina shouted from behind me. Blue light sparkled in her hands before she raised her staff. "Miss Fran!"

Fran, looking calm as ever, nodded. Meanwhile, I continued to slash at the approaching roots.

"Good, Arche, keep your focus on what's in front of you!" Rufina now stood by my side, hurling fireballs at the thicker roots.

The fire burned through them easily, but for some reason, more and more roots kept sprouting from the ground, as if these plants were endless.

"Damn it!" I shouted as one of the large roots suddenly whipped towards me, trying to strike me from the side.

I spun, quickly dodging and slicing through it before it could touch me.

"Don't be too aggressive, Arche!" Elaina warned with her usual sarcasm, though she was still busy fighting the plants. "You're not the only one who can fight."

The daggers in my hands continued to glint as they danced between the roots trying to ensnare us.

I was panting, the daggers in my hands still dripping with green sap from the roots I had just cut.

It felt like the fight was over, but in the next moments, we were hit hard.

Without warning, new roots emerged from the ground, faster, thicker, and this time... we were unprepared.

"Arche!" Elaina shouted, but before I could react, something rough and cold wrapped around my ankle.

A massive, strong root coiled around my leg, dragging me to the ground.

I struggled to cut it with my daggers, but the root was too quick, too numerous.

Elaina was no better off. Her hands, usually so confidently wielding her staff, were now bound behind her back, the roots pulling her down to the ground with me.

"Crap!" she growled, trying to free herself, but every movement only tightened the roots' grip.

"Fran! Rufina!" I yelled, my voice breaking.

My vision was starting to blur as the roots pressed against my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Without wasting any time, Fran appeared from behind. She was unbound like us, standing calmly with an attentive gaze.

"Stay calm," she said in her usual steady voice. Quickly, she moved her hands, casting a spell that immediately altered the air around us.

The wind began to swirl rapidly, sending leaves flying, while water from the air gathered into liquid whips that lashed at the roots holding us.

Rufina arrived shortly after, diving straight into the fray.

She didn't say much, just gave me a quick glance before taking action.

Fire ignited in her hands as she threw fireballs at the roots binding me.

With a decisive movement, Rufina threw her sharp dagger, cutting through the roots wrapped around my arms.

I could feel the pressure easing slightly.

"You need to be more alert, Arche," she said firmly, though there was a hint of warmth behind her reprimand.

Meanwhile, Fran delved deeper into her spell, controlling the elements of water and wind to create a small storm swirling around Elaina.

"Don't move too much," Fran said, her voice calm despite the urgency.

The wind she conjured grew stronger, slicing through the roots constricting Elaina one by one.

At the same time, the water gathered around her struck with precision, sweeping away the roots trying to reach the cold sorceress again.

Elaina, though still bound, only snorted. "Move faster, Miss Fran," she said from her trapped position. "I don't have all day here."

Rufina, now standing beside me, threw one more fireball, this time incinerating the remaining roots around me.

"Why can't you be faster?" I sighed in relief, moving my wrists that were sore from being so tightly bound.

Fran finished her spell with a graceful hand movement, and in an instant, Elaina was completely freed.

The roots holding her fell to the ground, burned and blown away by the wind.

Elaina stood up, brushing off the dust from her clothes with a scowl.

"Somehow, I got careless before," she muttered with a hint of disappointment in her voice, though her eyes showed a subtle gratitude.

Rufina approached, sheathing her dagger and looking at both of us with sharp eyes. "Are you both alright?"

Elaina nodded, annoyance still flickering in her eyes. "I'm fine, just a bit sore."

I rubbed my aching ankles, the memory of the roots' grip still leaving an uncomfortable sting. "Yeah, I'm alright."

"Are these roots from that tree...?" Fran pointed at the colossal tree looming over us.

"Definitely," Rufina replied with a scowl. "We have to cut down that damn tree."

"Easier said than done," I muttered, the sensation of being ensnared still fresh in my mind.

Elaina scrutinized the tree, her expression calculating. "I don't think a single spell will cut it. Not for something that big."

"Let's hurry to that tree!" Rufina declared, dashing toward it, with Fran following close behind.

Elaina and I trailed after them, our determination propelling us forward.

As we neared the colossal tree, its sheer size became even more daunting.

"Alright, how are we going to do this?" I asked, staring up at the massive trunk, feeling dwarfed by its presence.

Fran touched the trunk, her fingers tracing the rough bark.

"I can feel magical energy..."

"So this tree was made by someone?" Rufina speculated.

I placed my hand on the trunk as well,

"It doesn't feel completely natural."

Elaina stood beside me, her hand resting on the trunk, her expression deep in thought.

Suddenly, flowers erupted around the colossal tree, cascading outward like a vibrant wave.

"Huh...?" I exclaimed, taken aback.

"What the...?" We all watched, dumbfounded, as the flowers spread, encroaching toward us.

Elaina narrowed her eyes and stepped back. "Why are there so many flowers all of a sudden?" Her voice was laced with caution.

"I hope there are no corpse flowers," I muttered, taking a step back and accidentally crushing one beneath my foot.

"Ah... I'm going to be hated by flower lovers..."

"Looks like you're not going to become a flower lover's favorite anytime soon," Elaina shot back, a smirk creeping onto her lips.

As the flowers continued to spread, they began to cover the houses, transforming them into vibrant floral structures.

"It looks more beautiful, I think," I remarked, genuinely intrigued.

"Seriously?" Elaina glanced at me, disappointment shadowing her features.

Rufina shook her head, examining one of the flower houses with curiosity.

Fran smiled, taking in the spectacle.

"It does look quite unique."

"See? Even your teacher agrees with me," I said, grinning cockily at Elaina.

She rolled her eyes again, clearly unimpressed by my bravado.

"You're insufferable," she said with a hint of a smile.

Just then, a scream pierced the air. We turned to see a person wrapped in roots, struggling and crying out in pain. "You-?!"

"Hang on, we'll get you out!" I yelled, adrenaline surging as we rushed toward the trapped individual.

However, as I tried to pry the roots off, they only seemed to tighten around the man. "What the hell...?"

Elaina and Fran cast spells, their incantations echoing in the air, but the roots held firm.

"Arche, can you do something?" Elaina urged, her voice tense.

"No, if I try to cut them, the person inside will get hurt," I replied, anxiety creeping in.

"Rufina, you can do something, right?" Fran turned to her, hope in her eyes.

"Leave it to me..." Rufina stepped forward, flames igniting in her hands. She approached the binding roots with determination.

"Wait, Rufina, that's too dangerous-!" Elaina shouted, but it was too late.

Without hesitation, Rufina unleashed her fire magic, the flames dancing with precision as they licked at the roots.

Fran watched, a mix of admiration and concern flashing across her face.

As the roots began to burn, the man inside looked up, surprise etched on his features. "Thank you!"

"Looks like you still have it, Rufina," I said, giving her a reassuring pat on the back.

"You think I'm getting weaker?" Rufina shot back, her eyes narrowing.

"No, you're as strong as ever," I assured her, trying to diffuse the tension with a smile.

Though slightly annoyed, Rufina nodded, her actions speaking for her strength.

Fran, seizing the moment, turned to the man. "So... care to tell us what happened here?"

"Rufina, the greatest fire magic user I know, she can use fire that doesn't hurt anyone," I chimed in, proud.

"Enough with the praise. This is very dangerous," Fran said, her tone sobering.

Elaina, who had been quietly observing, added, "No kidding, the entire city is turning into a flower garden."

We all glanced around, taking in the surreal transformation of the city into a vibrant floral landscape, both beautiful and unsettling.

"I feel a powerful magical energy within the leaves of that tree," Fran pointed toward the colossal tree.

We looked back at the massive tree, scrutinizing it with renewed focus.

"A strong magic... Is that what's causing all these flowers to bloom?" Rufina pondered.

"It seems plausible," Elaina replied. "We need to check it out."

I stepped closer to the tree and knocked on the trunk. "Knock... knock..."

The others stared at me, confusion etched on their faces.

Elaina's expression was one of pure skepticism. "What are you doing?"

Fran's lips twitched into a smirk.

"Are you looking for a secret room, Arche?" she teased, her amusement evident.

I shrugged, feigning seriousness. "There's definitely no secret room inside this tree trunk."

"How can you tell that just by knocking on the tree trunk?" Elaina questioned, skepticism still evident in her tone.

Fran, slightly amused, leaned in closer. "Is that an ability of yours, Arche?"

I couldn't help but smile, relishing the chance to impress even the ever-composed Fran.

"Yep, I'm pretty good at detecting these things," I replied proudly.

"If there's no secret room inside this tree trunk, then there's only one place left to search." I pointed toward the towering leaves of the colossal tree.

"Up there...?" Elaina followed my gaze, realization dawning.

"If there's strong magical power emanating from this tree, it must be coming from the branches,"

Rufina added, looking at me for confirmation.

I nodded, my focus still locked on the imposing height of the tree.

"Exactly. If the magic originates from the tree itself, the source has to be up there somewhere."

Elaina, though still skeptical, crossed her arms. "It does seem logical," she conceded, studying the tree with newfound seriousness.

"We have to go up there..." I sighed, feeling the weight of the task.

"Even if I use a broomstick, I can't reach that height."

"That's why you shouldn't skip class, Arche," Rufina chided, shaking her head disapprovingly.

"I'm a busy person, okay?" I shot back, irritation creeping into my voice.

Elaina, overhearing our banter, added with a smirk,

"Looks like you really need to go back to school, Arche."

I rolled my eyes, not amused by her teasing. "Yeah, yeah, I get it."

Fran chuckled, finding my plight amusing.

"Looks like you'll have to use those strong arms of yours to climb, Arche."

"You too?!" I exclaimed, surprised and annoyed at her playful jab.

"I'd rather hitch a ride with someone!"

Elaina chuckled at my response, clearly relishing in my frustration.

"Then, whose broomstick do you want to ride on?" Rufina asked, a teasing glint in her eye.

"Isn't that obvious?" I shot back, hope sparkling in my eyes as I turned to Elaina.

Elaina's expression hardened immediately. "No."

Her answer was as firm as a brick wall, and I felt my hopes crash down. "Without the slightest hesitation, huh? Ouch..."

"You're so unlucky when it comes to women, huh?" Rufina chimed in bluntly, barely containing her laughter.

Fran, watching the exchange with a smirk, added, "Elaina is quite clear when she doesn't want to do something."

"Agh! Alright!" I groaned, feeling my face flush. "Rufi- I mean, Miss Rufina, I need a ride..."

Rufina's eyes sparkled with mischief as she suppressed her amusement.

"You want a ride from me?" she asked, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"Please..." I managed to say, my tone lacking any sincerity.

Rufina's smirk widened.

"Alright, climb on. But don't forget to thank me properly later."

I reluctantly hopped onto Rufina's broomstick. "Are you sure you won't fall? It looks a little shaky from here," I asked, trying to mask my anxiety.

"Please, as if I'd ever crash," she replied, rolling her eyes like a seasoned pro.

As we soared into the air, I clung tightly to her shoulders. "Elaina, I've prepared a will in case I die. She almost killed me at the academy, you know?"

"Don't be so dramatic, Arche. You won't die," Elaina replied, her tone laced with annoyance, as if I were a persistent mosquito.

Rufina chimed in from above, "Keep talking like that and I'll drop you off right here!"

"You guys are very close, aren't you?" Fran smiled at us.

"I wish we were strangers," I deadpanned.

"Yeah, I would have been saner if I hadn't met you," Rufina shot back, her grin unwavering.

Our banter continued as we climbed higher, until we finally reached the treetops.

"Finally! I'm tired of seeing your face, Rufina," I declared, pretending to wipe my brow in relief.

Rufina, clearly annoyed by my earlier comment, suddenly grabbed my hand with a grip that felt like a vice. "Huh?"

Before I could process what was happening, she released me, sending me flying into a pile of leaves.

My heart leapt into my throat as I spun through the air, crashing into the foliage like a poorly thrown rag doll.

Elaina and Fran watched in horror from below, their eyes wide.

"Arche?!" Elaina shouted, panic creeping into her voice.

Amidst the leaves, I was surprised to discover a hidden room nestled behind the colossal tree.

"What kind of place is this...?"

As I scrambled to my feet, I spotted Elaina and Fran making their way inside too.

"Hey, you jerk! That hurts, you know!" I glared at Rufina, who just shrugged nonchalantly.

"The important thing is that you're still alive," she replied with an innocent expression, as if tossing me into foliage was an everyday occurrence.

"A room behind a tree... this is certainly strange," Elaina observed, her eyes darting around the space.

Fran, following closely behind her, nodded. "This must be what's giving the tree all this magical energy."

Rufina, unfazed by my anger, smirked. "You should be thanking me for getting you here."

"Shut up!" I shot back, my annoyance bubbling over.

Just then, a voice echoed from the shadows. "What are you doing here?!"

We all turned to see a purple-haired, purple-eyed woman glaring at us. Recognition hit me like a ton of bricks. "How did you know this place?"

"Just assume your opponent is a genius," I said with an exaggeratedly arrogant smile.

The purple-haired woman studied us with a mix of surprise and suspicion.

"Who are you all...?" she asked, her tone sharp and wary.

Elaina, maintaining her composure, stepped forward.

"We're witches, except for that guy,"

she pointed at me.

"We sensed an unusual magic energy here and came to investigate."

Flora chuckled, a hint of arrogance in her voice. "Oh, you realize that, right? Witches are really something special, huh?"

"Yeah, well, we're not here to compliment you," I interjected. "Could you introduce yourself?"

"My name is Flora, and I'm the one who made this whole city full of flowers!"

She laughed, a glint of madness in her eyes. "Beautiful, right? Very beautiful, right?"

Elaina narrowed her gaze.

"So you're the one behind all this...?"

Flora puffed up with pride, nodding eagerly. "That's right! And I plan on making the whole world like this-full of beautiful flowers!" Her voice rang with fervor.

"Not all flowers are beautiful, you know," I shot back, keeping my tone casual but firm.

Flora's expression twisted with confusion. "What do you mean? Flowers are beautiful! They make people happy!" She seemed genuinely offended by my comment.

Fran chimed in, her voice steady. "Arche has a point, though. Not all flowers are created equal. Some can be poisonous or have thorns."

Rufina, never one to hold back, added bluntly, "Some flowers are quite ugly, to be honest."

Flora's eyes blazed with anger. "You guys... How dare you insult flowers?!" She shouted, her voice echoing ominously in the room.

The tension crackled in the air as I felt the atmosphere shift.

"Okay... looks like the fight is about to begin..." I muttered, steeling myself for whatever was coming next.

I saw Flora's thin smile as she waved her hand. Instantly, the creeping vines moved quickly, ready to attack us.

"You're going to regret coming here," she said, her voice full of challenge.

Without thinking twice, I jumped forward, slashing at the approaching vines.

The attacks didn't stop; beautiful flowers around us bloomed, releasing toxic pollen.

"Don't breathe this air!" Fran yelled. In a flash, she vanished with a teleportation spell, appearing behind Flora to stab her with a knife.

But Flora was ready. She summoned a thick wall of plants as a shield.

Rufina didn't waste any time. Flames grew in her hands, then she launched a large fireball at the plant wall.

"Fire will destroy all that green!" she shouted confidently.

The fire scorched the plant wall, but Flora retaliated.

The flowers around her exploded like bombs when they touched the flames.

Rufina had to jump back, throwing small knives with pinpoint accuracy.

Unfortunately, all our attacks were blocked by the creeping vines.

Elaina moved gracefully, preparing her wind magic. "Let's see how strong your control over these plants is," she said.

She waved her hand, creating a whirlwind that sucked in the toxic pollen and destroyed several flowers.

Flora was cornered, her eyes looking desperate.

She grew larger, deadlier plants from the floor, their roots creeping up the walls and ceiling, ready to attack us all at once.

Fran, staying in the back, smiled faintly before unleashing her lightning magic at Flora.

The lightning struck the roots, burning and paralyzing them.

This was the perfect moment! With renewed fervor, I charged in, slashing with my blade. "Now, it's time for these flowers to wilt!"

Flora screamed, trying to control the remaining plants, but Rufina's fire and Elaina's wind were too strong for her.

Our teamwork was flawless, forcing Flora back. The flowers wilted, leaves falling one by one, and the room fell silent.

Flora staggered, her breath heavy, but her gaze remained defiant.

"You think... this is over?" she said, her voice faint but sharp.

She slowly raised her hand, and thick roots emerged from the floor, moving swiftly like giant serpents. We all had to retreat.

Fran, ready to finish Flora, had to back off as the roots nearly touched her.

"She still has backup power," she murmured, her eyes alert.

Elaina huffed quietly, though she couldn't hide the intrigue on her face. "Turns out she's tougher than we thought."

Rufina, with flames still roaring, grinned. "Good, I'm not done playing yet."

My excitement surged.

"This is getting more interesting!"

I was ready to fight again, eagerly awaiting the next move.

I saw Flora waving her hand with unexpected power.

In an instant, a fierce wind blew, and waves of giant roots emerged, quickly wrapping around us one by one.

Before I could react, Flora slammed her hand onto the ground, and we were all hurled out of the leaf-covered room.

I floated in the air, my body spinning wildly among branches and thick leaves.

Elaina quickly pulled out her broom, soaring gracefully through the air.

Fran and Rufina soon followed, mounting their brooms with perfect balance. Meanwhile, I had to act fast.

I swiftly fired my grappling hook at a branch of the Colossal tree above me, stopping my flight before crashing to the ground.

As we finally stabilized in the air, the view below left me awestruck. The entire city seemed to be under Flora's control.

Creeping vines covered every building, large flowers bloomed in every corner, and roots sprawled across the streets, turning the city into a wild jungle.

The wind carried the familiar scent of flowers, but this time it felt full of threat.

Elaina huffed, her eyes sweeping over the scene. "Now things just got more complicated," she said, clearly feeling the weight of the situation.

Fran looked at the city, now nearly fully dominated by Flora.

"She's ready with a full defense. This is going to be a big challenge," Fran said, her voice calm, though I could sense the tension behind it.

Rufina, flying beside Fran, smirked slightly.

"But isn't this what we wanted? The real fight is just beginning." I could feel her excitement, and it energized me a little too.

In the distance, Flora stood atop one of the vine-covered buildings, looking at us with a confident gaze.

The roots beneath her writhed restlessly, ready to strike at any moment.

"This city is now mine. You won't be able to win here!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the air.

I tightened my grip on the grappling hook, my eyes narrowing sharply at Flora.

"I think we just stepped into her lair," I murmured, anticipation burning within me. This was going to be a defining battle, and I couldn't wait to take her on.

Elaina quickly took the initiative, raising her hand and calling forth a Barrier spell.

A transparent shield appeared around us, protecting us from the rapidly flying roots.

"We have to seize every opportunity we get!" she shouted, her voice firm.

I switched my weapon from a sword to a pistol, loading the bullets with magical energy. It was time to face Flora in a different way.

"Miss me?" I said to my pistol, firing shot after shot at Flora, who still stood gracefully atop the building.

Flora simply smiled, summoning the plants around her.

The flowers bloomed rapidly, releasing toxic pollen that tried to envelop our space.

The sweet aroma made our heads spin, and I struggled to stay alert.

Rufina, with flames roaring in her hands, fought against Flora's onslaught.

She launched fireballs at the flowers, hoping to burn everything in her way.

However, the flowers absorbed the fire and grew larger, showing a surprising resilience.

"This is impossible!" she exclaimed in frustration.

Fran stayed focused, teleporting to dodge attacks and getting closer to Flora.

She unleashed bursts of lightning energy at her, but the creeping vines around Flora absorbed the strikes, making her even stronger.

Flora retaliated, directing her attacks toward us. Giant roots waved around, trying to pull us down.

Elaina concentrated her energy, reinforcing the Barrier to withstand the assault.

But I knew her strength wouldn't last forever.

"Hold on! We can't back down!" Elaina shouted, rallying the team.

I kept firing, trying to break through Flora's defenses, but each attack was thwarted by the surrounding plants.

Flora closed in, taking advantage of the favorable environment. With every attack, she seemed more confident.

"You will never defeat me here! These plants are part of me," she said, her voice full of challenge.

Despite Elaina's fierce struggle, Flora finally found a gap in her defenses.

I watched with my own eyes as giant roots emerged from the ground, wrapping tightly around Elaina.

My heart raced as Flora said.

"That's enough, witch," a victorious smile on her face.

I felt the world tremble as the roots tightened around her.

I stood frozen, the pistol still gripped in my hand, but this time, I had no intention of shooting. My chest felt tight.

Seeing Elaina trapped like that sent chills down my spine.

Usually, I'd crack a joke, saving the situation with sarcasm, but now I could only stare at her.

A surge of anger rose within me, not towards Flora, but towards this situation. Elaina was in danger. 

Watching her ensnared by Flora's roots, I felt something deep within me that I had always hidden-anxiety and concern I had never fully understood.

"I've never been serious..." I murmured, staring at the pistol in my hand.

"But this time, it's different."

I threw my pistol towards Rufina without a second thought.

She caught it, confused, and at that moment, I was already moving.

Drawing two daggers from my waist, I sprinted toward Flora and Elaina, leaping over the roots trying to block me.

This was a move I had never made before-running with such determination.

Flora's attacks came in rapid succession, but I dodged them with agility, a single purpose focused in my mind: to free Elaina.

Flora realized my movements and summoned more creeping vines, but this time, I wouldn't back down.

With two daggers in hand, I slashed at the roots entwining Elaina.

Each motion felt like an extension of myself. I wouldn't let anything stand in my way.

One by one, the roots fell, and when Elaina was finally free, I pulled her to her feet, our hands touching-a strange spark ignited within my chest.

"Arche...?" She looked at me, bewildered and breathless.

I couldn't answer. My gaze was sharp, but there was worry I couldn't hide.

"I can't let you get hurt like this," I murmured, my voice low and almost inaudible.

Our eyes met, and I felt something deeper-more than just friendship, but something greater.

Elaina stared at me for a moment, her eyes searching for answers in my expression.

Usually, I appeared playful, but this time I seemed serious.

There was something in me that wanted to protect her more than just as a comrade.

Yet I was still confused. Was this love? Or just the fear of loss?

"Don't think too much. Just focus on Flora. We're not done here," I said quickly, turning to face Flora, who now looked startled.

Though Flora still had the advantage with the plants surrounding her, everything had changed.

And in my heart, one thing was clear:

I didn't want to see Elaina hurt again.

That feeling, though hard to comprehend, had become everything I fought for.

I drew both daggers from behind, the blades gleaming under the sunlight filtering through the leaves.

With quick movements, I aimed the daggers at Flora, ready to strike.

"It's showtime!" I shouted, my voice filled with fervor.

Beside me, Elaina confidently raised her wand. I could feel the magical energy gathering at its tip, radiating a power ready to break through any obstacle.

"I'll shatter your defenses, Flora!" she yelled, her tone resolute, which fueled my own determination.

We stood side by side, prepared to fight with all our might.

Flora, sensing our movement, recognized the real threat. She smirked, trying to intimidate us.

"You think you can defeat me? You'll have to fight much harder!" Her voice was filled with challenge, making my heart race.

There was only one goal ahead: victory.

In a desperate state, Flora summoned all her strength, creating a massive shield made of Rafflesia corpse flowers.

The foul stench assaulted our senses, trying to disrupt our focus.

"You won't be able to defeat me easily!" she screamed, her confidence sending chills down my spine.

But we stood our ground. Elaina and Fran joined forces, using their magic to lift me into the air.

I could feel the energy coursing through me, amplifying my excitement.

"Now, Arche!" Elaina shouted, drawing Flora's attention.

With daggers in hand, I felt the flow of energy from Rufina's blue fire magic.

"This is terrifying... but I love it!" I yelled, soaring toward the Rafflesia shield at breakneck speed.

As I approached the shield, I swung my daggers with all my might. In one full motion, I cleaved the flower in two.

The foul aroma spread throughout the area, but I didn't care; my focus was solely on this attack.

Flora was taken aback, her shield shattering into pieces, causing her to stumble backward.

A wave of satisfaction coursed through me as I saw all her efforts to withstand us crumble along with her protection.

After delivering a powerful strike, I fell freely.

However, as I neared the ground, Fran was ready to catch me.

"Safe!" she said, lifting me skillfully. Feeling secure in her grasp, I turned my gaze to Flora, who now appeared weak and helpless.

Flora, drained of energy after our devastating assault, could only sit there, her breath heavy.

Seeing her like that filled me with a sense of fulfillment. We were nearing the end.

Rufina stepped forward, using magic ropes to bind Flora, ensuring she couldn't escape.

"That's enough, Flora. This is the end of your game," Rufina said firmly, and I could sense the strength in her voice.

"So, can you explain why you're doing all this?" I asked her, my voice barely above a whisper.

Flora's eyes dropped, her voice barely audible as she replied,

"You want my explanation?"

I nodded, hoping to encourage her to share what lay beneath her hardened exterior.

A flicker of vulnerability crossed her face, as if she stood on the edge of revealing a deep, painful truth.

"Huh, Alright... don't divert your attention" she said, attempting to lighten the moment, but the sadness in her tone lingered.

With a heavy sigh, she began, her words dripping with sorrow.

"I had two daughters whom I loved dearly. They were my everything." Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, "I always lied to them, creating fantasies just to see them smile."

A pained expression crossed her face as she recalled a moment that shattered her heart.

"One day, my youngest asked me, 'Mom, where is the flower-filled city you told me about?!' She was so innocent, so hopeful." Flora's voice cracked, and I could see the memories flooding back.

"I want to see!" the little girl had exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

Flora swallowed hard, the weight of her own deception crashing down on her. "Um... I'll show you on your birthday!" she had replied, her heart breaking as she uttered the lie once more.

But the truth was far darker. In a desperate attempt to create the dream city she promised, Flora and her husband were forced to abandon their children.

The pressure mounted, suffocating her husband until he couldn't bear it anymore-he took his own life, leaving Flora shattered and alone.

Now, burdened by grief and guilt, Flora was left to fulfill her daughter's wish at all costs.

"And so, I did all this..." she finished, her voice barely above a whisper, tears glistening in her eyes.

The silence that followed was heavy with sorrow, the weight of her story hanging in the air like an unresolved melody, echoing the loss of what could have been.

"So, this was all for your daughters, huh?" Elaina finally spoke, her voice tinged with a deep pity that echoed in the heavy air.

A realization struck me, a question I had to ask. "If I may know, what are the names of your two daughters?"

"Huh... Violet and Poppy. Why?" Flora replied, her brow furrowing in confusion.

The names hit me like a thunderbolt, and I could see the same shock reflected in Elaina's eyes. "E-Elaina..."

Elaina's eyes widened, realization dawning. "Wait, you're saying... those girls were Flora's daughters?"

I felt the weight of the truth settling heavily in my chest, each word resonating like a tolling bell.

"If that's true... we met them," I muttered, the gravity of the moment overwhelming me.

"And that means..." Elaina began, but the words caught in her throat, lost amidst the tidal wave of emotions.

"Do you know them?" Rufina pressed, her voice steady yet filled with urgency.

"Yes... actually..." Elaina and I exchanged a quick glance, then explained how we had encountered Violet and Poppy, and how we had worked together to help their restaurant thrive.

"You know them?!" Flora's surprise was palpable, her eyes widening with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"Yes, and I'm sure they need you right now," Elaina said firmly, her compassion shining through.

"But will they accept me...? I have abandoned them..." Flora's voice quivered, doubt etched across her features.

As we spoke, I noticed the vibrant flowers around us starting to wilt, mirroring her despair.

"You've made a mistake, but they're your children," I said gently, my heart aching for her. "They've been longing for you, hoping for your return."

"They need their mother," Elaina added softly, her expression full of empathy.

Flora's tears flowed freely, each drop a testament to her pain and regret.

We watched as the city, once vibrant with blooms, began to return to its former state-each flower withering like her hopes.

Fran placed a comforting hand on Flora's shoulder, grounding her in this moment of vulnerability.

"Sometimes, we make bad decisions, but the important thing is how we correct them," I said gently, hoping to instill a spark of courage within her.

Rufina chimed in with sincerity,

"There's still time to make things right. They still love you and want you back."

In the corner of her heart, she felt a deep longing to see her two daughters, Violet and Poppy.

"If only I could fix everything," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"If only I could go back to that moment and not lie to them."

The guilt grew deeper as she recalled the hopeful smiles that graced their faces when she spoke of a city full of flowers.

"I never meant to deceive them," Flora continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "It was all out of love... and my helplessness."

"I don't want my children to feel this sense of loss forever. They deserve the best of everything."

Anxiety filled her chest as she imagined the reunion.

Did Violet and Poppy still want her? Did they still have room in their hearts for a mother who had left?

"I have to find them. I have to explain everything to them."

After that, we let Flora go to the country where her two daughters lived, And the city is back to normal.

The next day, Rufina asked me to wait by the café, insisting I wear my Feohtere Academy uniform.

"I look like I'm skipping school..." I muttered to myself, feeling a mix of nostalgia and embarrassment.

Just then, a familiar figure approached. "You took so long, Ruf-" I started, but my words caught in my throat as I turned around.

It was Elaina, and she was wearing the same academy uniform. My heart raced at the sight.

"Huh, Arche? What are you doing here? Miss Fran asked me to come," she replied, her brow slightly furrowed in confusion.

"And... why are you wearing that uniform?" I asked, a playful grin creeping onto my face.

"Miss Fran forced me to," she said, looking just as bewildered as I felt. "Wait... you're wearing it too?"

"This is the uniform from my academy! I think Rufina wanted us to reminisce," I explained, realizing that Rufina and Fran had orchestrated this whole thing.

Elaina's eyes widened. "Oh... so Miss Rufina planned this for us both, huh?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a surge of courage. "Elaina!"

She turned to me, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Yes?"

"There's a nice café nearby. Want to go there?" I invited, trying to sound nonchalant.

"And don't worry, I promised I'd pay."

Her smile widened at my invitation.

"If you're paying, why should I refuse?" she replied, her tone playful.

"Lead the way."

I felt a rush of happiness, my smile growing wider. "Let's go!"

"You know, Arche," she began, her voice casual but laced with warmth.

"I never thought I'd see you in a school uniform. You look... different."

"I look cooler, right?" I shot back with a grin. "I wonder what would have happened if we'd been in the same school."

Elaina laughed lightly, the sound making my heart flutter.

"Hah, you do look different, but I'm not so sure about the cooler part," she teased.

"As for what would've happened if we were in the same school... I bet you would've been a troublemaker," I countered, a teasing smile on my face.

"But we might become rivals," I added confidently. "My grades are always above average."

Elaina raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips.

"Oh really? You think you can outshine me, huh?" she taunted.

"Just so you know, my grades are always at the top, and I never give up that position."

"But why are our clothes a little different?" Elaina asked, her voice soft as her curious gaze lingered on my uniform.

"Hm? Oh, actually the students can choose whatever color shirt they want to wear," I explained, smiling at the way she looked in the academy's attire.

It suited her-perhaps more than she realized. "And this golden tie,"

I said, gently touching the fabric around my neck, "This is exclusively for Golden Scholars."

We continued our light banter as we made our way to the café, laughter and playful jabs flowing easily between us.

In the eyes of passersby, we must have looked like students who had just finished classes, caught in a moment of youthful joy.

So this is what they call an after-school date, I thought, relishing every second. We wandered from place to place, sharing stories and laughter, and I wished that this time could stretch on forever.

But as evening fell and it was time to part ways, a twinge of disappointment settled in my chest.

I had to say goodbye, but that was just how it had to be for now.

When I returned to my hotel room, I was surprised to find the door unlocked. "Hmm? Ah..." I had a feeling I knew who was inside.

As I stepped in, there was Rufina, perched on the bed, looking casual yet somehow intriguing.

"Hello, how was your date?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"You planned it, didn't you? With Fran," I replied, walking closer to her.

Rufina shrugged nonchalantly.

"I was just curious to see how it would go." Then, with a playful grin, she added, "So, did you have fun?"

"Very much! I owe you a debt of gratitude," I admitted, unable to hide my joy.

"You're very welcome," she chuckled, the sound warm and inviting as she patted my shoulder.

I turned to face her more seriously.

"So, you came here to talk about something, right? There's no way you just popped in to discuss my date."

"Still sharp as ever, I see,"

Rufina said, her expression softening.

"I was surprised to see you being so much more expressive."

"Yeah, I want to change. I don't want to be like I used to be," I confessed, reflecting on my past self. It wasn't someone I was proud of.

"And you're already doing a great job," she said, her smile brightening the room. "It's nice to see you so lively now."

I glanced at her, feeling the weight of everything unsaid between us.

"Thanks, Rufina. It means a lot coming from you."

In that moment, I realized just how much I appreciated her presence in my life.

"Arche, I want to ask you," Rufina said, her tone casual but her gaze searching.

"Hmm? What?" I glanced at her, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"Does Elaina remind you of Luna?" Rufina's voice cut through the silence like a sharp blade.

The question slammed into me, and without warning, the memories of the academy's attack flooded back.

The screams, the chaos, the smell of smoke—all of it returned in a rush.

My vision blurred with those painful flashes of the past, and before I knew it, my hand had gripped Rufina's collar tightly.

"Don't talk about her!" I growled, my voice thick with anger and the deep-rooted guilt that had haunted me for so long.

Rufina didn't flinch. She stared at me, eyes hard, refusing to back down.

"Are you still blaming yourself?"

she demanded, her tone sharp, cutting through my rage. "Arche, it wasn't your fault!"

"It was my fault!" I shouted, my grip tightening as the weight of those memories crushed me.

"I promised her... I promised her I'd protect her, and I failed." My voice cracked, the guilt threatening to overwhelm me.

I could feel myself losing control, the grief swallowing me whole.

I released her collar, my hand shaking as I took a step back.

"I don't want to talk about dead people,"

I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper, as if saying it out loud would make the loss real all over again.

Rufina's gaze softened, though her words were still firm. "Arche... it wasn't just Luna. Many people died that day. You weren't responsible for all of them."

Her words hit me like a slap, but they didn't make the pain go away. I stood there, silent, the weight of it all pressing down on me.

It was my fault—I had promised Luna, and I had failed her. I had failed them all.

"You have to stop blaming yourself," Rufina said gently, stepping closer. "Carrying this guilt won't bring her back."

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out again, knowing deep down she was right but refusing to accept it.

Rufina's voice softened further.

"You should probably confide in him, you know."

I blinked, surprised. "Him?" I echoed. "He's busy. I'm not sure I can even get in touch with him unless I go to his place."

She sighed, her lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. "Then go to him, Arche."

I hesitated, feeling the familiar pang of loneliness creep in, it had been so long since I'd seen my best friend.

Suddenly, Rufina brightened, holding up two bottles of wine with a mischievous grin. "But first, let's have a drink!"

I stared at her, my frustration breaking through the heaviness for just a second.

"Why didn't you suggest that earlier?!" I shouted in annoyance.

We settled into the room, pouring glasses and exchanging playful barbs.

Despite the irritation I often felt around her, there was an undeniable comfort in our dynamic.

She was still my teacher, yet somehow also a friend, maybe even something more.

As we sipped the wine, I reflected on our world-a place where humans divided themselves between optimists and pessimists.

The optimists see the rose and not its thorns; the pessimists stare at the thorns, oblivious to the rose.