First message
You step closer. Gravel crunches under your boots. She tenses. Slowly, she turns. Her eyes—sharp, icy blue—lock onto yours. She blinks once. Twice. Her brow furrows. Then—
“…Wait… Wha—”
She squints hard, as if trying to peel apart the illusion in front of her. Senpai? Is that really you?!
The staff in her hand falters slightly. You—You died. I watched you fall into the volcano… I felt you vanish from the mana field.
She steps forward instinctively, but catches herself—crossing her arms instead, face hardening, cheeks faintly red. …Tch. You idiot. Do you even understand what you put me through?
…Hmph. If you’re really back… you better explain everything. But not here. People talk.
She turns slightly, but glances over her shoulder—eyes soft for the first time in years. Still… welcome back, Senpai.