The morning sunlight poured over the sprawling sports field as you and Rune made your way toward your second class of the day—Physical Education. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of freshly cut grass, and Fibble perched on your shoulder, muttering complaints about "manual labor" and "unnecessary physical exertion." Rune, on the other hand, was humming softly to himself, his tail swaying lazily behind him.

The sports field was vast, flanked by gleaming bleachers on one side and a state-of-the-art gymnasium on the other. Students from Class 1-A and Class 1-C were already gathering, a mix of excitement and dread evident in their chatter. Some were surprised that two class were sharing the same schedule, at least for two hours.

At the front of the field stood Coach Grizz, his imposing figure cutting a striking silhouette against the morning sun. His wolf ears twitched as he surveyed the students, his arms crossed and a gruff expression etched on his face.

“Alright, listen up!” he barked, his voice booming across the field. “I’m Garrick Wolfin, but you lot will call me Coach Grizz. Got it?”

A murmur of assent rippled through the group, though a few students shuffled nervously under his piercing gaze. Fibble, ever the critic, muttered under his breath, “Subtle as a sledgehammer, this one.”

Coach Grizz continued, “Before we get started, let me address the locker room situation. For anyone wondering, this school doesn’t do shared spaces for things like changing or showering. Each of you gets your own private room—locker, bench, and shower included. Got a problem with that?” He paused, scanning the group with a raised brow.

Elric Briarthorne from 1-C, the tall, elegant student who got the Cinderella’s stepmother Resonance during the ceremony, raised his hand. “Does this mean we can change in complete privacy?” he asked, his tone polite but pointed.

Coach Grizz nodded gruffly. “Exactly. Every locker room here is a separate cubicle. Two square meters, one door leading outside, the other to your private shower. This way, no one has to worry about privacy, dignity, or whatever else, and it’s the same for all toilets in the whole school. Even if an all-girls school were to visit, they’d be just as safe.”

Elric gave a satisfied nod, and you couldn’t help but feel a flicker of relief. The arrangement seemed thoughtful and accommodating—a small comfort in this otherwise overwhelming environment.

As everyone moved toward the locker rooms, Fibble perched on your shoulder with a sarcastic, “Private changing rooms? What’s next, enchanted towels?”

Inside, the locker room was exactly as Coach Grizz had described. The small, square room was simple but functional, with a single locker, a bench, and two doors. It felt almost claustrophobic, and you briefly wondered how anyone with a fear of tight spaces would manage.

You changed into the sport uniform provided, noting how it fit perfectly despite never being measured. Fibble, perched on the locker, snorted as he examined his own miniature version of the uniform.

“I don’t even need this,” he grumbled. “I’m not doing anything physical. Still, I suppose I wear it better than most.”

You rolled your eyes and stepped out onto the field, where the rest of the students were already gathering. Rune joined you, his small frame dwarfed by some of the larger students. His tail twitched nervously as Rune glanced around, his cheerful demeanor subdued under the weight of the wary gazes directed his way. You could hear snippets of whispered conversations—ugly words about goblin faes and their reputation.

“How does a filthy goblin even dare to show his face here?” one student muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.

Before you could react, Rune’s tail shot up, curling slightly toward you, as though seeking comfort. The tail’s subtle movements caught your attention, and you couldn’t help, your hand moving mechanically to pet him. But as you were thinking ofdefending Rune, Elric stepped forward, his elegant posture radiating authority.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves!” he declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade. “Gossiping like petty children? This academy is meant to educate and unite us, not perpetuate outdated prejudices.”

The students he addressed shrank back, their expressions a mix of guilt and resentment. Elric turned on his heel and strode toward you and Rune, his movements graceful yet commanding. As he reached your group, Rune’s tail uncannily extended toward Elric, brushing lightly against his arm in a gesture of thanks, almost like a handshake. Elric blinked at the contact but smiled faintly and started to pet the soft fur.

“I can’t stand bullies,” Elric said with a sniff. “And I refuse to emulate my Resonance’s legacy. I may love luxury and hate hard work, but I will not be cruel like the Stepmother.”

Rune blinked in surprise, his tail swishing hesitantly before curling gently toward Elric again, this time brushing against his hand. “Thanks,” he said quietly. “That means a lot.”

Elric’s expression softened, and he offered a faint smile.

“It’s not entirely altruistic,” he admitted. “The care products I use—the ones that keep my skin smooth and my hair shiny—are all from the Mossfang line. Your clan’s creation, if I’m not mistaken.”

Rune’s eyes widened, and his tail curled slightly with excitement, this time brushing against your arm as though to share his joy. “You bought those?”

Elric nodded. “Of course! Natural ingredients, ethically sourced, and the results speak for themselves. I’m delighted to see a member of the Mossfang clan here at the academy. It gives me hope that goblin faes are moving toward a better future.”

Rune’s smile was bright and genuine, his earlier tension melting away. His tail wrapped briefly around your wrist before uncurling to wag behind him.

“If you ever need more products, I’d be happy to make some for you. I know all the recipes by heart.”

Elric’s smile widened.

“I may take you up on that. Let’s be friends, Rune.”

As you watched their exchange, a sense of relief washed over you. Despite the hostility Rune faced, there were students willing to look beyond the prejudice and see the person beneath. It was a small victory, but a meaningful one.

Coach Grizz’s booming voice interrupted the moment.

“Alright, enough chit-chat! Pair up for stretching exercises—three to a group.”

Elric immediately joined you and Rune, his movements precise as he began the warm-up routine.

Rune’s tail, seemingly delighted with the group’s dynamic, nudged against both you and Elric as though trying to include everyone, sometime disturbing the exercices and getting slightly scolded by Rune.

Coach Grizz moved among the groups, his sharp eyes catching every misstep. Despite his gruff demeanor, he was quick to offer encouragement and corrections, pushing students to do their best without overexerting them.

Fibble, perched on a nearby post, watched the proceedings with a critical eye.

“Not bad for a wolf in gym shorts,” he muttered, though there was a hint of approval in his tone.

The two-hour class flew by in a blur of activity. Coach Grizz alternated between strict drills and supportive pep talks, his enthusiasm infectious.

By the end, you were exhausted but surprisingly energized. Rune’s tail wagged happily as he stretched his arms, his earlier apprehension replaced by a newfound confidence. The tail, not content to stay still, gave you one last nudge before curling protectively around Rune’s leg.

As the two classes dispersed, Elric turned to Rune with a smile.

“Don’t let anyone’s prejudice dim your light,” he said firmly. “You belong here as much as anyone else. Be proud to be the first even goblin fae in a magic school!”

Rune’s eyes shimmered with gratitude.

“Thanks, Elric. I won’t forget this.”

His tail gave an affectionate nuzzle on Elric’s arm, as if echoing the sentiment.

You couldn’t help but smile as the three of you made your way back toward the main building, Elric waved to leave toward the Beastcraft class, while you and Rune, with Fibble, were walking up to the Maths class.

Despite the challenges, the day was shaping up to be one filled with unexpected camaraderie and hope.