Sin Slayer System : Levelling Up From C-Rank to SSS-Rank

In the car, Ernestina's mom turned in her seat and welcomed them warmly.

"Good morning, you two. All set?" she asked with a soft smile.

Elric and Ernestina both nodded shyly. They slipped into the back seat together. At first, Elric hesitated, thinking Ernestina might want some space, but she quietly scooted closer to him, her shoulder lightly brushing his.

Ernestina's mom glanced at them in the rearview mirror and chuckled lightly.

"Oh, by the way, Ernestina, I got you a new school bag and some extra diaries yesterday. I thought you might need them soon," she said, her voice full of motherly warmth.

Ernestina's eyes widened, and a bright smile lit up her face. "Really? Thank you, Mom!" she said, her voice almost singing with joy.

Her mom nodded, satisfied. "At least now you'll feel more comfortable and prepared."

They settled into silence after that. Both Elric and Ernestina sat side by side, hands resting on their laps. From time to time, their eyes would meet, and they'd quickly look away again, small smiles tugging at their lips. It was clear they wanted to talk .. about anything, really ; but neither of them could find the right words to start.

The car rolled smoothly down the road, the morning light spilling in and dancing across their faces.Soon enough, they arrived at the school gates.

As they stepped out, a wave of whispers and surprised gasps spread across the campus courtyard. Students turned to stare, some even pausing mid-step.

It wasn't every day that the "wild Elric" ; the one known for his parties and reckless charm ;showed up stepping out of a car belonging to Ernestina's mom. Even more shocking was the sight of them walking together, close enough that you could almost hear their shy breaths.The gossips immediately began to spin their stories, eyes wide and mouths moving fast.

Elric and Ernestina felt the stares burning into their backs. Without a word, they both lowered their heads slightly, trying to shield themselves from the sharp curiosity around them.

They walked quietly through the courtyard, shoulder to shoulder, their steps almost perfectly matched. Each glance and whisper felt like an extra weight, but somehow, walking together made it easier to bear.When they finally reached the classroom, Elric was about to open the door when he felt Ernestina's hand brush his lightly. He turned to her and caught a small, brave smile on her lips.

Inside the classroom, Mabel turned just in time to see them enter. Her eyes widened, her mouth falling slightly open. She had always carried a quiet crush on Elric, hoping for even the smallest bit of his attention. But this? This was something she never expected.

She watched silently as Elric and Ernestina moved to their seats, still close, still quiet. A strange feeling twisted in her chest — surprise mixed with something sharp and unnameable.

As Elric pulled out his chair and sat down, he stole a quick glance at Ernestina beside him. Their eyes met for a brief second, and in that instant, the world outside seemed to fade just a little.

And though they were surrounded by a sea of stares and murmurs, they shared a secret warmth that no one else could touch

...