After finishing my discussion with the Principal, I left the office and headed toward the dormitory.
Incidentally, Mother was carrying an umbrella despite there not being strong sunlight.
This person always carries an umbrella outside, no matter the circumstances.
” seriously, arms over magic?”
Not happening.
“That’s what being a Wizard is about. I think more than half the students attending this academy take up magic.”
“How about Toko?”
“I’d say she’s more the arms type.”
I think so too.
I wonder about Sharl?
She seems to have a complex about her low magic power, but conversely, what about warriors losing their physical abilities?
“I dunno. Definitely arms.”
“That’s good. Magic is just one possibility. It’s important to take care of your own body.”
When I was younger, I talked about taking up magic, but when you become a parent, I guess your perspective changes.
“Hey, Mom, so from what you said earlier, do we not have to drink that awful potion?”
“No. You must. Since there’s little information, it’s best to take precautions and drink it.”
“By the way, how much does that cost?”
“It costs over 100,000 yen per bottle.”
Five years…100,000 yen a day…
I can’t calculate it, but I understand it’s a huge amount of money.
“Seriously?”
“It’s pocket change. Tsukasa is our top priority.”
Geez…
“I’ll work harder then.”
“How about Curses Studies?”
“Insanely hard. Sharl helps consolidate and teach it to me, but it’s still difficult.”
“That’s right… We can only be grateful to Charlene.”
That’s true.
We walked side by side and arrived at the fork where the boys’ and girls’ dormitories split.
“Well, I’ll take this route.”
Mother had come from Toko’s room.
“Alright.”
And there, my mother and I parted ways, returning to our respective dormitories.
When I got home, Toko, who was unaware of the situation, asked me, “Big Brother, what did you do? Are you suspended?” So I lightly tapped her on the head.
The next day was Monday, and the morning classes were foundational studies.
Apparently today’s foundational studies class would involve some practical training. After finishing the first two hours of lectures, we arrived at the training ground.
The hands-on portion of the class began. After we took turns casting magic on Miss Jenny’s automaton as per usual, we were given free time.
Incidentally, while Toko and I were careful not to destroy the automaton, Yuika tore it to shreds, showing no consideration.
“Tsukasa, Tsukasa! Let’s fight!”
A certain troublemaker grabs the hem of my coat, trying to pull me over to fight, despite class being ongoing.
“Are you sure it’s okay in the middle of class?”
“That’s also at our discretion. The teacher’s not saying anything.”
After announcing the free time, Miss Jenny simply sat there, staring blankly at the papers she had gathered.
“I reinforced it…but while things were fine for La Folle and Nagase, my own property…”
…I’m glad we held back.
“You’re not in the mood to fight today, huh? Why don’t you invite La Folle over there?”
“Toko… Hmm, indeed. The last duel seemed entertaining enough.”
Convinced, Yuika headed towards Toko, who was standing alone.
“Wow, it’s unusual for you to not be in the mood.”
“Really? What’s wrong?”
Frank and Cedric asked out of curiosity.
“Not really, I’m just worried about the upcoming test in two weeks.”
Although it’s actually due to the conversation I had yesterday with the Principal, that part I’m keeping to myself. Besides, it’s true that I’m concerned about the test as well.
“Ah, the test.”
“Right, that is something to be worried about. What are you planning to take, Tsukasa?”
“There’s no room for failure in the foundational studies. The rest…well, whatever.”
Absolutely, I mustn’t fail foundational studies.
I can’t afford to mess it up after Sharl went to so much effort to personally tutor me.
“Guess it’s alright? I mean, even if you’re in the second year, you can still retake first-year classes.”
This school has a rather unique concept of progression and graduation. Students automatically advance until their third year, and subsequently, they can choose what they want to do thereafter. There are supposedly students in the third year who have been attending for several years. There are also people who return after graduation to pursue another type of magic.
“Isn’t your primary focus Curse Studies, Tsukasa? How about them?”
“I think it’ll be impossible. It’ll be better for me to focus on the other subjects because taking it will be futile.”
This was decided after consulting with my home tutor.
“Hmm, those studies really are tough, huh?”
“You should try it once. You’ll laugh.”
“Impossible. I don’t want to laugh, and I don’t want to feel out of place going together with you.”
“Why not? Let’s go together. We’re friends, right?”
“Because we’re friends.”
Ehh…
“What? What’s going on?”
Ilmera and Noel approached.
Noel mentions ‘stopping’ – referring to Toko and Yuika, who are violently clashing with swords and fists without using any magic nearby.
“We’re discussing the test. Leave La Folle and Yuika be. Barbaric, aren’t they?”
“Waiting for a comment? You’re not getting one.”
“They’re just Berserkers, after all.”
Who’s calling them Berserkers?
“Is Yuika going to be alright with the test?”
On hearing this, Ilmera chuckled weakly and Noel’s face darkened slightly.
“Huh? Is she not gonna make it?”
“I believe she’s trying hard…”
“Got it…so she’s officially taking last place.”
“Well, there isn’t really any such thing as ranking anyway…”
Hmph! Still, I’m glad I went the smart route. She’s been dragging out the thick skin strategy for so long, but now it’ll finally come to an end.
“I see, that’s too bad.”
“You don’t look at all disappointed… you’re actually celebrating it.”
Ilmera pointed that out.
“Can’t afford to lose. And what about you?”
“I’m fine. I’ve been doing my pre- and post-lesson reviews properly.”
Come to think of it, she’s an excellent student too.
This school is really filled with only the best students.
“Oof, tough, tough… Toko’s making me laugh, she’s being so mean.”
Yuika returns.
I could tell from a distance that Toko was laughing hard after doing a water skip kick.
The reason is clear.
I had used the same move against Yuika before.
“Miss Yuika, we’re starting daily study sessions from today!”
Noel grabs Yuika’s hand.
“Eh? Why?”
“Because the test is starting in two weeks. If we continue this way, you’ll fail!”
“Fail… is there a competition or something in these tests? Isn’t it not supposed to be about beating others?”
Yuika speaks the truth.
“You’re right. It’s a battle with oneself. You should proceed at your own pace.”
“Ugh… you’re absolutely heartless. You’ve revealed your true self!”
Ilmera, shut up.
“……”
Yuika stares intensely at me.
“You’ll lose, you know… Because Juliet is helping them.”
Who is this Juliet?
“Ugh! I won’t lose to Romeo!”
What are they talking about?
Hmm? Wait a moment… Romeo and Juliet…
I’ve heard of that… but what was it again?
A fairy tale, right?
“Hey, Ilmera, what are these two talking about?”
“Dunno? I don’t get it either. But it must be some sort of nonsense.”
Yeah, it probably is.
Thank you for reading.
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