Shadow Slave: Regret Name

Sitting in a spacious office room that looks like an interrogation room, the interviewer greeted me with a welcome.

"Hello. Hope you're ready for the next semester up ahead. My name is Haily and I'll be your interviewer."

Seeing as I'm not the talkative type, Haily simply keeps on with her questions. "So, before we start, do you want to tell me your name?"

In that era of the spell, it's not uncommon where in certain cases people decide to keep information to themselves. Whether due to a Flaw, their Aspect, or a weird secret they got.

Therefore, Haily simply moved on, trying to find any information she could get about me, but with no veil.

As the questioning went on, I remained silent during the entire thing.

However, before ending this unfruitful questioning session, I commanded the Regret Spirit of the interviewer to get within reach and gently pressed my hand against it.

For Haily, it seemed as if I simply stretched my hand, as if I tried to summon a memory or cast a magic spell, but all those assumptions were thrown out the window as she felt the sync between us.

Processing the information, she got a general image of my runes. Of course, not all the information but simply what I wished for her to see.

However, I did change some key details conveniently to hide my abilities.

What I did show her, however, was the general idea of my attribute [Abandonment of Trust] which could work as an aspect for itself. It's just that instead of "Regret" Spirits I made myself look like a spirit medium.

Next in line, was the study selection. Being given a pen and paper with a list of all the subjects the academy provided, I was asked to mark down whatever lessons I wish to attend.

There were lots of options. Glady, I had six full months to study as much as possible.

At the end I ended up picking language skills which will include speaking and writing, which were, unsurprisingly, picked on very rare occasions.

In addition to those, I also picked Vocal Trainings which will help me more with speech.

With some more time on my hand, I also picked up some combat training and survival lessons.

With all memories wiped out, I really must learn everything from scratch, especially survival skills and combat, until the winter solstice comes.

Lastly, the interviewer asked me to sign some agreements and technical documents as required by every student and valid until the closest winter solstice.

And with that out of the way, the interview is done, and I finally head back to the dorms.

*** 

Reaching the floor of my dorm, I walked down the hallway as I noticed Lyney passing by. She did not stop or say anything, but she simply passed by me and walked towards the elevators. 'Is she upset, perhaps?'

Not thinking much of it, I tried to command the Regret Spirit to return to her as she was still nearby.

Surprisingly, it worked. 'I guess they cannot wonder long distances on their own… that's good to know.'

Walking down towards the dorm, I opened the door and walked in.

It was evening now, and most students had already finished their interviews and settled in their dorms. My roommate was no exception.

Entering the room, I saw someone sitting on the couch as he was unpacking his things from the suitcase.

 He did not have many possessions and only needed a single suitcase.

Such sight is not uncommon, but it means he's not a legacy that is assigned to be in the same room as me.

 Approaching casually from behind, I noticed his Regret Spirit. It was one I already knew.

"Lin?" I asked softly. My vocals are still weak due to lack of usage so I cannot speak loudly. Luckily, the situation did not require me to.

Hearing his name spoken from behind, he turned away and saw me standing next to the entrance. "Oh, are you my roommate?" Lin asked curiously.

Giving him confirmation, he continued unpacking his things. "I was meant to ask you, and now that we're roommates I guess it's just a matter of time but why are you barely speaking?"

I guess it is not a secret that I barely talk at all, and with my weak vocal cords, it would seem as if I just gained a voice of my own.

It was indeed a matter of time and I'd rather clear any kind of suspicion he might have, so I decided to use the Regret Spirit to communicate.

"So, you actually don't know the language, huh?"

 Lin was not as surprised as Lyney was when I first synced with her her Regret Spirit, but I guess each one would react differently.

"Your Flaw seems quite like mine, but yours is much worse. Your ability to communicate though, I don't think you should use it so casually."

Giving him a puzzled look, he continued.

"You probably don't perceive it the same as we do… or at least, as I.

"When you use your power, it bounds both individuals, but one side is also being reminded… or rather, haunted by their 'regrets'.

"For some it might be unpleasant. Maybe it will even trigger a deep trauma and make them violent. It's better to keep it low."

That truly makes me rethink my approach. Each individual reaction is different, that is true.

But one day I might... no, I will definitely encounter such a situation where my powers will bring more harm than good in my favor.

But if I won't use it as often, how can I communicate and take part in my lessons.

Noticing the troubled look on my face, Lin gave me an offer to help me get by for the time being.

"You can hang along with me in the next few days until your lessons start. Whenever you'll need to communicate with a stranger you can get the information through me first and I'll pass it on."

Hearing Lin's offer, I started to feel grateful. With his help, I'd be safer communicating with strangers, curing the worries I'd have with the usage of my ability.

With this out of the way, I think it's time to get some rest. Tomorrow our rankings will be published and for some it will determine their entire semester.

In addition, classes will have their introduction classes in the next few days, some will even have first sessions, too.

"Oh, and another thing…" The boy interrupted before I left to bed

"If you will stick around, I suggest you prepare for a conflict with the Valors." And so, it was the end of the first day.

***

The next morning, waking up and getting ready for the day, Lin looked as tired as yesterday. But for some reason he did not act any different.

Picking up a jacket and wearing it, he left the room, and I tagged along.

Waiting for the elevator as the doors opened, revealing a petite, blond girl.

Lyney appeared as distant as always, but at the same time, something about her changed from our first meeting in the ceremony hall.

Quietly, entering the elevator with Lin, the three of us headed together to the cafeteria.