Ghost of Nova

Mason has been roaming around for about an hour, he seems to have forgotten how huge this place really is. He doesn't want to talk to anyone because it will make him stand out and he is the more stoic, introverted type of person. So he continues to wander about as he is making a turn around a corner in the hallways— he bumps into a girl, she stumbles down. Realizing what just happened he tries to help the girl out by giving her his hand.

"Oh I am sorry about that."

"N-No-No it was my fault— for not looking where I was going I am sorry!"

She takes his hand and he lifts her up, Mason notices that the girl isn't human she has fox ears and a fox tail. Long blonde straight hair, an strange looking dress that looks like some kind of shrine priestess outfit, a golden staff and a soft kind-looking face.

"Are you a fox girl or you are a cosplayer?" said Mason.

"Cos-what? Oh yes I am a fox girl my species are called Kitsunes! It is an h-honor to meet a Commander!" The fox girl bowed to Mason.

"That is cool." replied Mason with a smile.

The fox girl blushed with embarrassment and covered her face with her tail.

"My name is Mason, what is yours?"

"Oh I am Mihara Blomma, 1st Bronze Support Class!" answered Mihara.

"Do you know where the cafeteria is Mihara?"

"Ye-Yes I was heading there, would you like me to take you there Commander?"

"Call me Mason and sure."

"You are so k-kind. I can not do that though. One of the school policy states, we can not call a Commander by his name as that would mean we are his equals." Mihara was having difficulty making eye contact as she was beet red in her face. Her tail was wagging side to side— she tried to hold it still with her hands. 

Mason couldn't help but smile at her. "Alright then, lead the way please."

'She is a good person, I can tell.'

As they passed through all kinds of hallways and corridors Mason noticed and observed the connections between Commanders and Valkyrie. Men were treated with respect and highly sought after and loved by the women. Even so Mason and Mash did not get that same treatment, it had something to do with the Mana System, Mason thought about it. 

"We have arrived C-Commander."

The Lunar Cafeteria was even bigger than the Assembly Hall, There was even a marble fountain of the Goddess Luna in the center, neon flowers everywhere, vines grew around the walls and ceilings, some of the neon butterflies where flying about, there was a second floor, hundreds of tables and thousands of chairs. There were nothing but female chefs behind the food counters— serving what looked like 5 star meals and this was all indoors. The students here are living a luxurious life here.

"This place is amazing. Hey Mihara want eat with me?"

"R-Really I can eat with you?" Mihara was very mirthful— her tail can not contain her excitement as it wagged side to side.

"Sure, I don't really know many people here besides one other person— it would nice to have another friend."

"F-Friend!" Mihara looked like she was about to faint right then and there. She slowly calmed herself and took deep breaths.

They both walked up to the food counters, where all the hot items are placed, for the students to pick up and go. After choosing their favorite items they picked a table where they can sit down and eat. It seems anywhere they went it— it was always lively with the guys flirting with the girls and them being surrounded by a bunch of them. Another thing Mason observed was that not a single girl approached him or even look in his direction. To an introvert like him that is a good thing besides he has a soft spot for the kind girls anyway.

As Mason and Mihara were enjoying their meals they noticed a bunny girl with brown ears getting bullied by 3 Commanders and their Valkyrie. Mason quickly got up and Mihara grabbed his sleeve asking him to sit down.

"Th-There is nothing you can do for her M-Mason they have Valkyrie and you don't seem to have one. They can seriously hurt you or worse."

After the bullies got bored of her— they let her go and she left the cafeteria crying. Mason was frustrated, letting it go but Mihara had a good point. If he went in there— what could he have really done against 3 other guys let alone against their Valkyrie?

"I am sorry grabbing you like that M-Mason." She looked at him with sad puppy dog eyes like if she was begging for forgiveness.

"No I was just fired up for a bit, you saved my life Mihara, thank you."

"Ahh!" she covered her face with hands her as soon as she started blushing again.

"Mason you really are a k-kind person."

"I see." Mason replied.

"Did you notice, look around."

"Huh" Mason was puzzled and did not understand what she meant.

"The other people, they do no care." answered Mihara to Mason's confusion.

As Mason started to look around— he did notice something, the other Commanders were just ignoring the situation completely. They continued to flirt with the girls as if nothing happened around them. 

"I understand what you mean now."

Mihara nodded and explained to Mason. "Commanders do no value our life as important, to them we are just another tool or weapon to be used and disposed of. However there are some Valkyrie who wanted to help that girl but were afraid of the consequences. If we tried to defend her it would mean going against a Commander and that would be a crime. The Goddess would see that as heresy and would either banish, imprison or end us."

"You know a lot of the world, you are very knowledgeable."

"N-Not at all it is something all Valkyrie should learn growing up you know like common s-sense."

'I would need her help to understand the world better.'

"By the way. Where is your Commander?" Mason asked.

"Oh. I don't have one." Mihara's ears folded down and her tail touched the floor.

"I see. Since you don't have one can I ask a favor?"

"Sure anything!" Mihara said happily.

"Can you teach me about Commanders, Valkyrie and the world?"

"Of course I can!"