As I entered Mr. Tillman's Comparative History class, I scouted out the perfect spot near the back of the room by the window. Once settled, I got my notebook and pen ready for the lecture, but a faint feeling of something missing tugged at my consciousness.

Glancing around the room, it didn't take long for me to pinpoint the source of this feeling — it was 5 minutes past the start of the lecture, and Natasha's seat was empty.

The realization hit me with a mix of disappointment and concern. I remembered the last time I saw her; she was carrying a violin case, her fingers gently resting on its surface as if holding onto a lifeline. The image of her, so vivid in my memory, sparked an intriguing thought.

Could Natasha be the mysterious violinist I encountered in the maze? The thought lingered, weaving itself into the fabric of my curiosity, even as Mr. Tillman began his lecture.

Mr. Tillman's commanding voice filled the classroom, capturing the attention of every student. "Good morning, everyone," he greeted, walking back and forth in front of the room. "Today, we will dive into the initial divergence of histories between Terra and Earth. According to our research, this split occurred in the 1200s Anno Domini, a pivotal moment that altered the course of history and eventually shaped our worlds as they are today."

He pressed a button, and the digital board illuminated with ancient manuscripts, diagrams, and illustrations of Chaos Beasts - monstrous creatures emerging from portals, their forms dark and menacing. The class let out a collective gasp, mesmerized by the vivid images on the screen.

I quickly glanced again at Natasha’s empty seat on the other side, before looking back up at the screen.

My mind couldn't help but wander back to Natasha. I wondered why she wasn't in class today. Was it just a coincidence, or was there something more? The memory of the violin in the maze kept replaying in my mind, like a haunting melody I couldn't shake off.

"The arrival of what we now know as Aberrations during the Mongol invasions of the 13th century was a major turning point in our history. These beings appeared without warning in the heart of highly developed civilizations around the globe. Advanced cities were caught off guard by their sudden attacks, causing disruptions to ongoing conflicts and civilian life alike.

The room was silent as Mr. Tillman continued his lecture, tracing the events that followed the emergence of the various aberrants. I scribbled notes furiously, but I couldn't help but tap my pencil to the rhythm of the melody that lingered in my mind.

Mr. Tillman cleared his throat before continuing with a serious tone, "In our world...the arrival of the creatures known as Aberrations was actually predicted in various religious traditions. Demons, Daevas and other supernatural entities were warned of in ancient texts and prophecies. It is believed that these beings are not of our world, but rather, they come from a parallel dimension, a realm known as the Veil. As it turned out, ancient artifacts and knowledge crucial to humanity's defense had been passed down secretly for generations and were now stored in the vaults of monarchs and religious leaders. The most prized collection of all at the timewas hidden deep within the Grand Library of Baghdad, sought after by wise men from Central Asia."

Excitement filled Mr. Tillman's voice as he continued, "These ancient artifacts and books of mystical knowledge, known as the Antediluvian Cache, brought a great advancement to humanity in various fields such as science, philosophy, politics, and the spread of magic throughout Eurasia. Hidden within this knowledge was also the foundation for the Legacy of Zarathrustra, a secret society devoted to preserving human existence." He paused dramatically before adding, "Unfortunately, we are uncertain if these same objects still exist on Earth today. The archaeological and forensic evidence regarding our counterparts is unreliable, as the House of Wisdom was completely destroyed on our parallel plane - leaving no traces behind."

A hand immediately shot up from the middle of the class, belonging to a girl with desert-kissed vibrant red hair, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Wait. Hold on. The House of Wisdom was destroyed on Earth? Completely wiped out?" Her voice trembled, a mix of shock and curiosity.

Mr. Tillman nodded gravely. "Yes, Aaliyah. For us native Terrans, it's unfathomable to imagine, but on our sister plane, the United Crescent League and Greater Baghdad do not exist. The people of original Baghdad were mercilessly killed, from the youngest child to the oldest man. Even the Caliph himself suffered a brutal execution by being trampled during Hulegu Khan's triumph, while he watched the crow jewel of his empire burn to ashes."

The room fell into a stunned silence as the weight of Mr. Tillman's words settled over us.

The red-haired girl's hands trembled slightly as she tried to process the information. "So, what happened to the city itself, and how is the culture in Earth’s version of the Middle-East today?" she asked, her voice laced with concern and a hint of fear for the answer she might receive.

Mr. Tillman stood with his back against the desk, his face serious and thoughtful. "Back on Earth, the Middle East has a complicated and turbulent past, starting with the Mongolian invasions. The fall of Baghdad was a major event that led to centuries of turmoil, foreign rule, and unstable governments. Despite its vibrant and diverse heritage, the culture has faced many struggles throughout history, including the emergence of extremist ideologies and wars that came to prominence in the eighteenth century."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

"Although we won't have time to delve into it deeply in the scope of this course, the League's renowned legacy of knowledge and learning has its origins in a school of thought called Mu'tazilism, which was established by Caliph Abu al-Abbas Abd Allah ibn Harun al-Rashid. However, leading up to the Mongolian invasion, it lost its influence due to the domination of a more orthodox school of thought known as the Ash'ari school. This school believed in occasionalism, which states that all events are directly caused by God and rejects natural causality, placing emphasis on divine will over human reason. As a result, the intellectual and scientific progress that defined the Golden Age of Islam on Earth declined. After the region fell under control of Turkic and Mongolian empires in the following centuries."

The red-haired girl listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and intrigue. "So, the renaissance and the establishment of Ibn Rushd’s natural law that followed on Terra never happened on Earth?" she whispered, almost to herself.

Mr. Tillman's face lit up as he spoke, "This is where things really start to get interesting. In a later chapter, we will delve into the unique cultural and technological advancements that took place on each world due to their different historical paths. On Earth, the renaissance was primarily centered around the Italian peninsula, leading to the growth of European power and influence. The arrival of Arab and Turkic civilians fleeing from the chaos caused by the Khanate princes brought advanced technology such as the Song Dynasty's compass and primitive firearms to western Europe. This propelled the Age of Exploration — which solidified European dominance for centuries to come. In contrast, our world experienced a more inclusive renaissance that fostered collaboration and early industrialization in order to combat the threats posed by the Aberrations."

Mr. Tillman clicked a button on his desk, bringing up a picture of two globes side by side, rotating at a steady pace. Then, he gestured towards the screen and explained, "Our borders tell the story of how our worlds evolved. These initial divergences greatly influenced the paths we took, resulting in drastically different outcomes. Surprisingly, our histories were almost identical before our renaissance and late medieval eras. However in spite of that, there are slight discrepancies in regional geography, although they are estimated to only make up about five percent of the known land mass. Quite peculiar, don't you think?"

The room was now buzzing with whispered conversations, students exchanging shocked glances and hurriedly jotting down notes.

"On Earth, without the immediate threat of Chaos Beasts, human civilization thrived on advancements in technology and exploration, facing a different set of challenges, achieving great feats, and enduring tragedies. This divergence in our historical paths has not only shaped our technology and politics, but also influenced our cultures and beliefs. Although Comparative History is a fairly new field on Terra, it is crucial for you to leave this course with an understanding of the intricacies and subtleties that make each world unique. I cannot emphasize this enough. Our goal is not to compare or judge superiority, but to comprehend and value the diverse paths taken by Terrans and Earthlings, gaining insight from each other's experiences and wisdom."

Mr. Tillman paused, surveying the room, his gaze lingering on each student. "Now, let us delve deeper into the specific events that unfolded in both worlds after the emergence of the Aberrations on Terra," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

As Mr. Tillman continued his lecture, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The richness of the history that unfolded before us was like untapped treasure waiting to be discovered. With each word he spoke, my imagination transported me to the parallel world, where ancient artifacts and mystical knowledge held the key to human survival. Still, I couldn't help but be distracted as my mind wandered back to the violin piece I'd heard in the garden. Time passed as the lecture continued, and I found myself daydreaming as my hand went into autopilot, mechanically jotting down notes while my thoughts drifted back to the haunting melody that had captivated me. Images of hidden vaults and secret societies danced in my mind, mingling with the haunting music.

Lost in my reverie, I barely registered Mr. Tillman wrapping up his lecture and stepping away from the front desk.

"Now, let us briefly open the floor for questions. This is a lot to take in, and I'm sure you have many. Remember, there are no silly questions here. Understanding begins with curiosity."

A hand shot up from the back of the room, a student with bright green hair and curious, questioning eyes.

"Mr. Tillman, how did the presence of Chaos Beasts and Aberrations directly influence the social and political structures on Terra to cause such a divergence, then?"

The kindly teacher nodded, appreciating the thought-provoking question.

"That's an excellent point, and we will delve deeper into this topic in chapter three of your weekend reading. To sum it up, the rise of Chaos Beasts and Aberrations compelled societies to band together in a global effort for survival. This ultimately led to the creation of regional alliances that eventually expanded on an international level with the onset of the First Industrial Revolution during the Song Dynasty. The revolution, of course, was overseen by the highly-revered Phoenix Emperor Zhao Xian - whose counterpart was overthrown during childhood. Sadly, Kublai Khan would turn the Song's brilliant engineering culture into expanding the Mongolian war machine instead. The reactionary rejection of this culture during the Ming dynasty's imperial examination system would then subsequently lead to centuries of stagnation."

The green-haired student nodded, absorbing the information. Another hand went up, this time from a student with blue hair tinted with silver streaks.

"If the Mongolians' exploits led to such a significant loss of knowledge, how did Earth's civilizations manage to eventually catch up? If we had such a lead, how did the gap ever close?"

Mr. Tillman leaned against his desk, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Another fantastic question! The answer lies in our diverging of paths to innovation and discovery. On Earth, the division and rivalry among nations, without a common enemy like the monsters that threaten us here, steered advancements in technology and science towards a different direction. The Age of Exploration in continental Europe opened up new trade routes and cultural exchanges, leading to the sharing of knowledge and ideas across borders. The scientific revolution that followed brought forth a wave of innovation, with figures like Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton making groundbreaking discoveries in physics and astronomy. This newfound knowledge, unfortunately, propelled Europe's colonization efforts, expanding their influence and bringing back wealth and resources from across the globe. Ultimately, the competitive nature of nation states pursuing military and economic superiority, spurred them to out-do each other."

He turned to click a few buttons, and a medieval painting depicting a dark-skinned man with a blue beard and yes with a Vizier's outfit shaking hands with a light-skinned, green-eyed Christian bishop.

"Despite the challenges posed by Chaos Beasts and Aberrations on Terra, they also brought about a sense of unity among nations and allowed for collaboration in technological advancements. However, this meant that there was limited room for expansion in agriculture and trade until the English Scientific Revolution, resulting in a drastic limit in population over time. In fact, scholars have estimated that there have only been around eleven billion net births on Terra since the emergence of Aberrations, while Earth has seen over forty two billion births. This is a staggering differential to consider."

The room was enveloped in a heavy silence as the gravity of Mr. Tillman's words sank in. The disparity in population growth alone painted a stark picture of the different challenges faced by each world. The focus on survival and defense against Chaos Beasts on Terra contrasted sharply with Earth's unbridled pursuit of exploration and expansion.

A student with streaks of lavender in her hair raised her hand, breaking the silence. "So, would it be fair to say that Earth's technological advancements, despite the initial setback, caught up and were driven by competition and conflict, whereas Terra's were more collaborative, focused on mutual survival?"

Mr. Tillman smiled, his eyes showing genuine appreciation for the question. "That is one perspective to consider, but it does not tell the entire story," he replied. "Understanding this essential distinction is crucial in comprehending the different cultural and societal norms that have developed. For example, on Terra, the idea of communal well-being and a united front against a common enemy has greatly influenced our political structures, social norms, and personal values. However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that Terran history has not been completely free from interstate conflicts and court intrigue. Despite this sense of unity as a whole, empires and kingdoms still engaged in warfare at times and faced rises and falls. Even the former English colony where we currently find ourselves was granted autonomy during the First Chaos War, thanks to Duchess Escathos's own intrigues within her court."

The question and answer exchanges continued for nearly fifteen minutes after, with students eagerly seeking clarification, sharing their own insights, and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Mr. Tillman encouraged each contribution, guiding the conversation with his vast knowledge and genuine passion for the subject.

As the clock ticked closer to the end of class, Mr. Tillman raised his hand to signal for silence. The room quieted down, anticipation building among the students.

"Before we wrap up for today," he said, his voice soothing yet firm, "I want to remind you all that this course is not only about learning facts and dates. It is about fostering empathy and understanding between two worlds that share a common thread of humanity. By studying Comparative History, we have the opportunity to bridge the gap between Terra and Earth, to appreciate the unique journeys each world has taken. Your assignment this weekend will be detailed online and will involve researching specific events in Terra's history after the emergence of the Aberrations. I encourage you to delve deep into the primary sources, immerse yourselves in the narratives of the people who lived through those times. Remember, history is not just a collection of names and dates; it is the story of humanity. By exploring these stories, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit. Class dismissed."

The bell finally rang, signaling the end of class. I gathered my things slowly, my eyes lingering on the empty seat where Natasha should have been. I shook my head and tried to push away the thought, but it lingered like a stubborn fog in my mind.

Walking out of the classroom, the hallways of St. Antonia's were bustling with students heading to their next classes. The energy was contagious as I stepped away. However, I found myself turning around immediately, drawn back towards the classroom one more time.

I stopped at the doorway, turning to look at the deserted desk with a frown etching deeper into my face.

It could’ve been a coincidence, but the thought that Natasha was the mysterious violinist in the maze had nagged at me through the entire class. I remembered her gentle demeanor, the way she spoke about music with such passion and depth. It wasn't hard to imagine her skilled fingers gliding across the strings of a violin, coaxing out the almost magical melodies that echoed through the garden earlier.

Closing my eyes, I began to work through the possibility, piecing together the hints and glimpses of the person Natasha had shown herself to be. There was a softness about her, a depth that went beyond the usual small talk and classroom chatter. And then there was the way she cradled her violin that day. I really wanted to check up on her and see if she was alright. If there was anything I could do if she wasn't.

But as I stood there at the doorway, a wave of doubt washed over me.

Was I just seeing what I wanted to see? Her absence today could have been for any number of reasons unrelated to the violinist in the maze. And even if she was the one playing, what then? What did it mean? I couldn't shake the feeling that I was overstepping, prying into something that wasn't my business. The idea of hunting her down to satisfy my curiosity felt wrong, almost invasive. I wrestled with the thought, unsure of what to do next.

On one hand, I couldn't let go of the nagging suspicion that Natasha was indeed the mysterious violinist in the maze. If there was a chance that she needed help or support, I didn't want to turn a blind eye. But on the other hand, I didn't want to cross any boundaries or invade her privacy. It was a delicate balance, and I found myself torn between curiosity and respect.

Lost in my own head, I barely noticed the students streaming past me, their voices blending into background noise. I leaned against the doorframe, my eyes fixed on the empty desk, contemplating my next move.

It was only when the hallway began to empty that I snapped back to reality, realizing I was still standing at the doorway, still paralyzed by indecision.

As I took a deep breath, a memory flashed into my mind: her sitting alone at her desk, gently tracing the locket hanging around her neck with a sorrowful expression. There was a story there, a sadness that caught my attention and wouldn't let go. A story that raised some red flags. Call it a gut feeling.

"Rai-chan," I focused internally, reaching out to my companion. "Is there any way you can find Natasha on campus? I'm worried about her, and I can't shake the feeling that she might need someone to talk to."

Rai-chan's voice echoed in my head. "Hmm, would that be tantamount to stalking, my dear Ikki? Why, I do believe you're crossing into questionable territory."

Huh, when did Rai-chan develop such a sense of humor? I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, grateful for the levity amidst my swirling thoughts.

"I promise I won't go full-on detective mode," I reassured Rai-chan. "I just want to make sure she's okay and let her know that she has someone to talk to if she needs it."

Rai-chan hummed thoughtfully "Accessing the school’s camera systems would be child's play for me, Ikki. But I need a physical connection to the school network. Find a terminal or any device connected to it to touch, and I'll do the rest."

I breathed a sigh of relief and straightened my uniform, determined to find a way to reach out to Natasha and make sure she was okay.

I peeked my head back in the classroom, eyeing the terminals lining the long tables as Mr. Tillman packed his things into a worn leather briefcase. The class had emptied out, leaving the room quiet except for the faint hum of the projectors cooling down. I stepped inside, making my way to the nearest terminal. My heart raced as I reached out, touching the cool, metallic surface.

"Is something the matter, Ikazuchi?" Mr. Tillman's voice, tinged with concern, caught me off guard. I spun around to face him, my hand still resting on the terminal. "Oh, um, Mr. Tillman, hi. I was just... thinking about the lecture. Think I dropped my pencil case back there too," I lied, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.

His eyes softened, understanding flickering within them.

"Ah, of course. Take your time, Ikazuchi. It's important to keep track of your belongings," he said with a gentle smile, turning back to his briefcase as he finished packing. "Make sure to keep up with the reading. Today's topic will be crucial for your upcoming paper."

I nodded, offering him a quick smile. "Will do, Mr. Tillman. Thanks!"

He walked out of the classroom and I my attention back to the terminal and placed my hand on it. "Alright, Rai-chan. Do your thing," I whispered under my breath as I tapped it and felt a surge of energy course through me.

"Yes, yes Ikki. I'm already two steps ahead of you," Rai-chan chimed in, her voice filled with smug satisfaction. "Now, let's see what we can find out about our elusive violinist."

The terminal screen flickered momentarily, a subtle indication that Rai-chan was at work. My heart pounded in my chest hoping that Natasha was okay.

Within seconds, Rai-chan's voice filled my mind. "Piece of cake! Scanning through CCTV systems for Natasha's last known location now... Found her! She's on the third floor, west wing, near the library. But, Ikki, she's not alone."

I frowned, a knot forming in my stomach. "What do you mean she's not alone? Is she in trouble?"

"It's unclear. It appears she's being confronted by three other students. I am unable to access audio, but the body language suggests the interaction is not friendly."

My mind raced with scenarios, none of them good. I’d remembered that the rest of the class also seemed to avoid her during our first encounter.

The feed from a hallway camera appeared on my HUD, revealing Natasha standing in front of a mural, her back pressed against the wall as three dark figures loomed over her. Their body language was hostile, their gestures aggressive. Fear etched across Natasha's face as she looked up at them, her eyes wide with vulnerability.

She’d come off to me as soft-nature, and she didn't strike me as the type who'd stand up to bullies.

I couldn't just stand by and let this happen. My concern for Natasha grew exponentially, overriding any reservations I had about invading her privacy. Without a second thought, I scrambled and threw my bag over my shoulder determined to intervene and ensure her safety.

I sprinted out of the classroom, my footsteps echoing loudly against the smooth floors. My HUD displayed arrows directing me towards Natasha's whereabouts and a window showing her screaming as seen through a single camera. The other three students were nowhere to be seen, and the camera quality was subpar for what one would expect in this school. But one thing was certain: Natasha's face was filled with pure distress and disbelief as she backed away from three looming shadows, trapped in a corner.

The hallways blurred past me as I mentally nudged Rai-chan to put that image away, my focus narrowing to the task at hand. I skidded around corners and up a stairwell, my heart hammering in my chest, driven by a mix of adrenaline and concern.

As I approached the west wing, the noise of the crowded hallways began to fade, replaced by a tense silence that clung to the air. I slowed my pace, my senses heightened as I neared the library's entrance.

“Ikki, they’re on the move. Natasha has found an opening and fled.”

Rai-Chan's voice echoed urgently in my mind, snapping me back to the task at hand. "They're heading towards the south stairwell now. Hurry!"

I picked up my pace, my shoes echoing loudly against the marble floor. The once distant sound of my own heartbeat now thudded in my ears, a relentless drum pushing me forward. I darted past the library, the smell of old books briefly filling my nostrils before being replaced by the sterile scent of the school's less frequented corridors. My lungs burned with each breath, but the thought of Natasha in distress propelled me onward.

As I approached the south stairwell, Rai-Chan's guidance became more frantic. "Left, then another right!"

The fluorescent lights overhead flickered as I passed beneath them, casting long shadows that danced along the walls. The sound of distant footsteps echoed ahead, growing louder with each turn I took. My mind raced, images of Natasha, cornered and scared, fueling my determination.

Then, abruptly, Rai-Chan's directions ceased.

"Ikki, I've lost her.. The surveillance coverage here is spotty at best. You're on your own."

I skidded to a halt, panting, my eyes scanning the empty hallway before me. The silence was oppressive, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts screaming inside my head. Where could she have gone? I strained my ears, hoping for the slightest sound to guide me, but there was nothing. Just the echoing beat of my own heart.

Frustrated and worried, I leaned against the cool metal of the locker beside me, trying to catch my breath and think.

I glanced around the hallway, noticing its deserted nature, with only the faint hum of the ventilation system breaking the silence. My mind raced, trying to piece together where Natasha could have gone in such a hurry. The options were limited, but without Rai-Chan's guidance, I was essentially navigating blind.

That's when I heard it—the faintest sound of a scuffling and scraping noise, not far off, but muffled, as if behind a door. I straightened up, alert, and followed the noise, my steps quick and quiet.

The sound led me to a nondescript door, slightly ajar. I flushed when I realized I had stumbled upon the girls' bathroom.

I hesitated, my hand hovering over the handle. It was one thing to chase after Natasha in the hallways, but this was different. Was that even her in there?

Umm…

I took a deep breath knocked gently. "Natasha? Are you in there? It's Ikki."

In an instant, my HUD lit up with a blaring red warning: 'Mana surge detected.' Rai-chan's voice burst through the comm system, urgent and panicked. "Ikki, get to the side! Move away from the door!"

Years of survival instinct kicked in and I dropped into a side fall. I turned just as the door burst open off its hinges, and a familiar wavy-haired girl came tumbling out, her face flushed and eyes wide with panic.

She was soaked, her uniform clinging to her skin, with the acrid, stagnant smell of toilet water clinging off her. Her oversized glasses bounced dramatically off the tiled floor before coming to a rest. She looked up at me, her breath ragged as she squinted, and I could see the fear in her eyes.

"Natasha, are you okay?" I scrambled over to steady her, my concern evident in my voice.

But before she could respond, another voice cut through the air, cold and mocking.

"Tch. What happened to all your fight from last week?"

I froze, turning to see a familiar pale-skinned beauty step into view, her silky raven hair flowing like ink in a shell of wind around her, her purple eyes shimmering with a cruel fury. She was alone in her presence, but the aura of power surrounding her was undeniable and palpable.

It was, of course someone I'd promised I'd stay away from after our last encounter, but it seemed fate had other plans for me.

Our eyes met, causing her to briefly flinch in surprise, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still.

"Hey there Caroline," I started, my voice steady with a sheepish grin despite the whirlwind of fear and panic swirling up inside me. "Fancy seeing you out here?”