Chapter 15

### Chapter 15: I Hope We Can Get Along (3)

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#5

I broke through Gabriel's divine protection and inflicted damage.

The reason I was able to do this strange feat was due to the new talent I had awakened before entering the academy.

—What, that’s… isn’t that totally cheating?

The explanation I gave to the genuinely surprised Gabriel was roughly this:

I did indeed destroy your ancient Viking divine protection with a wooden sword, but there are conditions.

First, I must accurately recognize the nature of the opponent's innate talent or extraordinary ability, and at the same time, I must have experienced it physically at least once.

Additionally, if the physical performance based on an innate talent exceeds a certain level, I can only slightly reduce it.

Superhumans like Elena are usually examples of this.

In simple terms, it's a special ability that ordinary people don't have, a divine miracle that has seeped into the body and mind from birth—genius (???).

When this touches any part of my body,

I can eliminate it if I wish.

There should be a standard to distinguish between geniuses and ordinary people. Though I didn't tell Gabriel, I think that standard is probably my former self.

In other words, the ultimate example of having no talent at all.

Actually, I might be closer to an extreme dullard than an ordinary person. It's a bit embarrassing, but… somehow, I managed to nullify the magic of those mediocre beginner mages, so I guess it's true.

In this context,

When the magic of a genius mage touches my body, the spell's power is weakened upon impact.

When facing a swordsman who wields a sword as if it were an extension of their body, they temporarily display weakened sword skills.

However, in the case of the intangible and strange superpower that Yurii von Artina used against me in the elevator, my talent seemed to act in a form close to annihilation.

This might be because Yurii hasn't fully mastered her ability yet.

Anyway, I might be Yurii's biggest nemesis right now. Feels good.

Here's a rough summary:

I don't know the detailed principles.

I did conduct various experiments on my body at the Frontier, but I couldn't determine the exact standards or the limits of my ability.

To put it simply...

There is a certain standard for talent, and I pull down those who meet that standard.

It's a rather miserable ability.

Anyway, it's a new type of ability that I've never had before, and it seems to have research value. That's probably why it was assigned to Epic Class 15. Without this, I would just be a regular Frontier student with average physical abilities.

After giving this rough explanation,

"This is unfair. You should take a hit too."

Gabriel was lying on the grass, rubbing his side, which still hurt from where I hit him.

Thud, thud.

I sat next to him, tapping the ground with the wooden sword.

"You said it wouldn't hurt."

"This is cheating, you bastard!"

"I just showed my ability during my turn. I don't see the problem. I really don't."

Swoosh.

I got up, dusted off my butt, and walked over to put the training wooden sword back in its place.

"I'm going to go rest. I'm tired."

Gabriel ground his teeth in frustration.

"Are you running away?"

I nodded.

"Yeah."

"…Bastard."

I laughed heartily, and Gabriel, after cursing me, lay back down on the grass.

#6

I changed into comfortable clothes when I returned to the dormitory.

As I threw myself onto the bed, the soft cushioning enveloped my body, giving me an extreme sense of happiness.

I could fall asleep within 10 seconds if I closed my eyes now. Isn't this too soft?

“…”

Flip, flip.

Lying on the bed, I went through the files Tyler gave me in the classroom.

The key points to look at were the course registration items.

I needed to check the list of specialized lectures set up exclusively for the Epic Class and submit my chosen courses to the lobby by today.

Since the number of freshmen is so small, the system processing is done early. Since the classes are never full, I can go to the classroom where my chosen course is being held starting tomorrow.

First,

I looked at the required major courses.

Majors.

Since I don't have a specific specialization, it's best to study both swordsmanship and magic.

The level of courses I need to take… I'm not sure. Most of the knowledge I acquired from books during my middle school days is already ingrained in my body.

However, this is the famous Frontier, and they probably won't teach things that are commonly available.

Swoosh, swoosh.

After reading the brief descriptions of the available courses, I checked a few major courses with a pen.

“Hmm…”

Then,

While pondering what to choose for the last one,

Something caught my eye.

[(1st Year) Advanced Extrasensory Perception — Professor Nadia Halenia]

—This course covers the definition of extrasensory perception that surpasses human senses, the evaluation and analysis of unique ESP abilities, and related theories.

—The focus is on the concept and scope of extrasensory perception, its history and future prospects, the evaluation of ESP abilities, the process of manifesting unique ESP abilities, and related ESP theories.

Ah.

The description is a bit complex, but it seems to be a course about abilities that go beyond human understanding.

Is there a more fitting course for me right now? It seems like this is the only answer.

Check.

With that, the selection of major courses was complete.

The remaining part is the general education courses.

Unlike majors, general education courses are taken with other Frontier students.

This means I have to take the tram at the designated time. It's a bit of a hassle.

After passing over religious courses, I chose based on interest and completed the selection of general education courses.

Even if the courses I applied for are already full, the Epic Class doesn't care. We have the special privilege of being able to enter the classroom as extra students.

If you don't like it, join the Epic Class.

After composing the overall course registration list,

“…”

The last thing I looked at was the dormitory rules.

The main points were roughly as follows:

No curfew.

An exit permit is required. It's for record-keeping.

No roll call. You have to sleep and wake up on your own, and of course, you are responsible for yourself.

No point system. It was abolished in the past.

One rule Gabriel mentioned: With the other person's consent, you can enter the opposite gender's dormitory. I don't really understand why this rule exists.

Romantic relationships are allowed. However, if they are deemed to hinder the smooth progress of the Epic Class curriculum, restrictions will be imposed. It seems to mean "be reasonable."

Actually, the Epic Class encourages romantic relationships.

The reason is simple and a bit ridiculous.

How talented would the child of two outstanding geniuses be? That's generally the trend.

In fact, it's quite common for the children of couples who formed after the establishment of the Epic Class to eventually enter the Epic Class.

Perhaps some of my classmates have parents who were former Epic Class students.

I thought about it for a moment.

Romance, romance...

After all, we are still in the prime of our youth.

Without necessarily waiting five years, a few months might be enough for couples to form.

There's no law that says I can't be part of it.

There's no law that says Ruvia or Miu can't be part of it.

“…”

I felt a bit uneasy.

I didn't come to the Frontier to fall in love.

But seeing guys like Gabriel, the Epic Class isn't just a place for people like me. Everyone must have some interest in the opposite sex.

Gabriel, for instance, showed quite a bit of interest in Miu.

I closed my eyes for a moment and imagined Gabriel and Miu as a sweet couple.

Hmm…

It didn't feel too good.

Since we've already broken up, there's no need for me to care or be jealous. I should probably support them.

Miu must have had a tough time. Healing her wounds with a new relationship might be the right thing.

“…”

As I closed my eyes,

The memory came to mind.

—Senior! I had such a fun day today… Squeal!

—Hehe, you get embarrassed by anything, Senior. …I don't really mind showing you.

—Well, you see. Sometimes I get really scared, thinking what if you die before me… So, please hug me quickly. My cute girlfriend is feeling anxious. Hehe.

—I love you, Senior. Really. Truly.

—Senior… I, I, it's me…

“…”

…It's confusing. If I keep thinking about this, I might start having bad thoughts, so I shook my head to clear my mind.

It was almost dinner time.

I wondered whether to go to the student cafeteria or cook in the kitchen facilities in the dormitory.

Of course, as a former loner, I don't want to eat in a crowded cafeteria.

I had tried cooking before, but it didn't go well. Maybe it's different now.

But since I don't really have a hobby and it's a bit of a hassle, I decided to go to the cafeteria.

Swoosh.

I got out of bed, brushing my messy hair.

It was already dark outside the curtains.

#7

Thinking about it, the only person I got to know today was Gabriel. Aldrie seemed to be going around alone. Maybe I should have talked to him.

“Where are you, Gabriel?”

Gabriel wasn't in the dormitory. I don't know where he went, but there's nothing I can do about it. Eating alone is more natural for me than breathing, so it wasn't a problem.

As it was dinner time, I put on a casual gray shirt and pants and headed to the nearby student cafeteria.

Creak—

“I once wanted to live in a place with fresh air, like the countryside! No people, beautiful scenery. It would be so relaxing.”

“Yeah, it was relaxing. But I really didn't like the creepy bugs that kept coming out of the back mountain…?”

As I opened the door to the large building,

I ran into people in the corridor.

“…”

I blinked.

Ruvia, still in her uniform, and Yurii, who was sticking close to her with a smile.

Next to them, Stella de Peltraine, with her silver hair, was nodding shyly without saying a word.

Stella must have thought Ruvia would take care of her, and it seems she was right. She doesn't have to worry about being left behind.

Now, I just need to take care of Aldrie and Gabriel.

“Why are you like that, Ruvia…? Ah—”

As Ruvia stopped and looked at me, Yurii, who had a question mark above her head, saw me and growled lowly.

It was as if she was telling me to go away and not interfere.

Stella was looking down, her hands clasped together. Why is she blushing?

Before the atmosphere became awkward, I spoke first.

“Hi, where are you all going?”

“Mind your own—”

“We, we're going to eat dinner…”

Yurii's words were cut off by Ruvia, who responded with an awkward smile. Her gaze was particularly cautious.

It seemed Yurii wanted to say something more to me, but with Ruvia there, she quietly closed her mouth and gave me a cold look, signaling me to leave.

I was going to pass by anyway.

I was just being polite.

I nodded.

“Got it? Enjoy your—”

“E, Edgio… Do you want to eat with us?”

Yurii's face turned pale.

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