Arcanium City
"Okay, but seriously," I said, staring at the building, "this is your idea of a date?"
Edna didn't even look at me. She just pointed up at the glowing sign overhead.
ARCADIUM — COMBAT SIMS, DUELS, PARTY BRAWLS
"Yup."
"…We're not normal people, are we?"
"Not even close," she said, already walking inside.
I followed, dragging my feet like I was heading into a dentist appointment run by a dragon.
The lobby was all floating runes and mana circuits, the usual overkill. Kids were lining up for practice duels, a couple of third-years were throwing spells at each other in the ranked arena, and someone in the back corner was definitely crying. Loudly.
Edna stepped up to the counter like a regular.
"Two-player duel room. Casual. No fatalities."
The clerk barely blinked. "Romantic."
"Don't encourage her," I muttered.
Fifteen Minutes Later — Crystal Duel Room 12
"So," I said, stretching out my arms, "how badly are you planning to beat me?"
Edna pulled her hair into a quick ponytail, dagger already glowing. "Depends. You planning on running or fighting?"
"Running sounds smarter."
She grinned. "Too bad."
The duel started. I barely had time to blink before she was behind me.
—
Ten Minutes Later
Flat on my back, again. Fifth time.
Edna leaned over me, dagger pressed lightly to my chest. "You keep falling for the same feint."
"I'm trying new strategies."
"You mean panic and flail?"
"I'll have you know I flailed with purpose."
She rolled her eyes but helped me up. Her hand lingered half a second longer than necessary.
Later — Lower City District, "Ember Grill"
The restaurant was all brick walls, fire-charms, and open flames. Edna didn't even glance at the menu. She just pointed at the Inferno Sausage Challenge and said, "Two."
I stared at her. "You just finished trying to almost kill me. Now we're gonna burn our tongues off?"
"That's the plan."
"Can't we just get, like, a sandwich?"
"You scared?"
"No. I just value my organs."
She smirked. "One bite. If you don't cry, I'll pay."
Fifteen Minutes Later
She was crying.
"I hate you."
Beak Yu-Seol was laughing. Not even holding back..
"I told you it was hot!"
"You didn't say it was weapon-grade!"
She passed me milk while still grinning with tears in her eyes "Admit it. This is more fun than some boring rooftop dinner."
"I'm not even sure I have a stomach lining anymore."
"Good. Less weight to carry during training."
I squinted at her. "So this was all to make me faster?"
"Maybe."
There was a beat of quiet. Just fire crackling, people talking, a glass breaking somewhere in the kitchen.
Then she said, "Still a good date, though."
I nodded. "Yeah."
Evening — Walking Back Toward the Academy
Arcanium was cooling down. Lanterns floated into the sky, glowing soft gold. Edna walked close, hands interlocked with mine
"So," she said casually, "Eisel tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"Tell her I poisoned your drink or something."
I cautiously asked, "You jealous?"
"I'm just strategic."
"Right…"
"I'll stab you."
"There it is."
She bumped her shoulder into mine. I didn't move away.
We kept walking. No big talk. No weird tension. Just… us.
Right before we hit the academy gates, she spoke again. "Hey."
"Yeah?"
"I had fun."
As I glanced at her, she suddenly leaned in—real close.
Muah.
A quick gentle kiss
"Same," I said, caught between stunned and bewildered by the sudden kiss.
Edna's voice dropped to a murmur. "I won't give up the second spot… since the first one's already taken."
She didn't say who she meant.
Didn't need to.
End of Day One
Next: Day Two — Eisel Wants to Win
(Spoiler: there's way too much sugar.)