Chapter 58

〈 Chapter 58 〉 The Same Path, Different Dreams (2)

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#3

There are a few general education courses that Frontier students are supposed to take. Given the scale of the institution, the number of courses offered is vast, but among them, there are some that are particularly considered essential.

The "Mana Control Studies" course, in which we were forced to collaborate through a group project, falls into this category.

It doesn't teach magic. It teaches about mana (Mana).

One of the fundamental elements that make up this vast and expansive planet. A natural resource that flows abundantly throughout nature. At this very moment, mana is gently flowing around us like a calm wave.

It's not just wizards who use mana.

If you know how to handle it, ordinary people can also use mana to make their daily lives more convenient.

Moreover, knights and swordsmen who have reached a certain level of mastery in controlling mana can perform grand feats, such as sword energy techniques imbued with their own magical power.

Additionally, by channeling mana to strengthen parts of their body, they can face multiple opponents who are armed with highly trained bodies, even without weapons. This is what mana can do.

"Mana Control Studies" argues that, as promising talents who will become the future of the empire, one must know how to properly control mana, the fundamental element of all things in this world.

Therefore, to control something according to one's will, a broad understanding of the subject is required.

Starting from the basics of what mana is, all the way to the main topic of this group project. Over the five years of the Frontier program, students are gradually taught how to control mana.

...But.

To be honest.

Although it's a required general education course at Frontier, it's more of an unwritten rule. It's not officially designated as a mandatory course.

In other words.

Those who are born shouting with a loud voice, spewing mana-filled shouts, don't need to take this course.

So-called children of God's love.

Prodigies.

They figure out the answers on their own without being taught and can accomplish in a single day what ordinary people can't achieve in a lifetime, leaving a legacy for generations to come.

They are already far beyond the first-year level by the time they enroll. What more can they gain from a basic course?

Theoretical knowledge?

Practical experience is more important than theory.

Of course, there's no harm in learning, but those who are already well-versed in the fundamental principles of how mana works have no real reason to take this basic course.

So, I was a bit puzzled.

Why was Rubia taking this course?

Mana sensing. Mana control.

In any field, Rubia is far beyond the level of an average Frontier student.

She figured out the most difficult magic series on her own in elementary school, so... I guess that's the end of the detailed explanation.

What is her purpose for taking the course?

Is she here to massacre us commoners?

I have no idea.

...Why does she keep sending me subtle glances?

When our eyes met for a fleeting moment, she tightly closed her lips and turned her head back to its original position. Then, she started talking to her group members as if nothing had happened. Did she hear our conversation?

"Why aren't you answering? Do you have a girlfriend? Huh?"

The end of her smooth legs is wrapped in white socks. Using her slippers, which look like they might fall off at any moment, she started tapping my knee. A strange smile appeared on her lips.

"Are you ignoring me? Just a word would do. Or are you secretly dating someone? Is it awkward to reveal? Well, if I were you, I would—"

"Yusfil Deria."

I silently called her name.

But the fact that I only intended to do so means that someone else stopped Yusfil.

It was Hector, tapping his fingers on the desk.

"Enough. Be quiet."

His calm, intellectual, and authoritative voice pressured the air between us.

Hector was staring intently at Yusfil.

Seeing this, Yusfil laughed mockingly and was about to say something.

"Your family seems to lack a family tree. Otherwise, there would be no reason to disgrace your family with such vulgar language. Isn't that right?"

"…Huh?"

Both I and Yusfil were quite surprised by this boldly insulting remark.

The other group members who heard Hector's words were also taken aback.

In essence, he was saying that as a daughter of a family with no history, tradition, or legitimacy, it's no wonder she is so crude and frivolous. He was denying the very roots of what makes a noble.

While it might seem like an excessive insult given that he doesn't know what kind of family Yusfil comes from, it's not entirely baseless.

If she had sufficient pride in her family and knew how to maintain her dignity as a noble, she wouldn't act this way.

"Was there any mistake in what I said?"

Hector asked mockingly.

Indeed, it had an effect. Yusfil's face turned red with anger, and she twisted her lips.

"Ha... You look like a fox and act like a complete ass. I wouldn't eat you even if you were given to me. Damn. I thought you'd sound cool, but you're just a moron."

"So, do you have a family tree or not? If you do, I'll praise your courage and send a wreath to your family. I hope it's not a mass grave. Just a personal thought."

"Just call me a bitch. Don't beat around the bush. Do you not feel embarrassed saying such crap? I'd cut it off with scissors right here."

Whether it's Yusfil, who immediately resorts to personal attacks and profanity when her family is insulted, or Hector, who calmly and confidently returns her insults with a high level of noble profanity, there's not much difference between them.

—What? Are they fighting?

—I just heard something strange...

—Isn't that Ezio Crani? What's going on?

The sound of their argument spread, and many students started looking in our direction.

...Damn. I feel embarrassed.

Stop it, you two.

"Annoyed—"

"Stop it, both of you."

"..."

"..."

Fighting any further would be dangerous.

Oh.

My grade is in danger.

I tried to stop their argument by speaking with a bit of magic, knowing they wouldn't listen if I just spoke casually.

"Did you ask if I have a girlfriend? What's wrong with that?"

Yusfil grumbled at me.

...Yeah, Yusfil. You're the root of all evil. I kind of expected this. With this free-spirited kid in our group, it's hard to see how the group project will go smoothly.

"You can try to speak and act a bit more nicely."

"Why? You also acted like an ass? Then I'll apologize. Sorry."

"..."

Yusfil immediately stood up, clasped her hands, and bowed. Her skirt might have ridden up, but she didn't seem to care.

Is this even an apology? She's a character I can't quite figure out. It would be nice if she could just behave properly...

But it seems Hector has no intention of apologizing. He calmly sat back down in his chair while the students were murmuring. Seeing this, I couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

What are you trying to do by causing division already?

An A+ is slipping away from me.

"Let's meet at the 3rd Academic District Ordo Class station at 7 PM after classes today. If you can't make it today, write down when you're available tomorrow or the day after."

We don't have much time. To establish the overall flow and direction, we need to hold meetings as soon as possible.

I didn't particularly want to, but it seems I naturally became the leader.

...This doesn't feel good. Am I heading towards a similar ending as in middle school?

It doesn't matter.

The one who is always disappointed ends up in a subordinate position.

I'll try my best as long as I can.

—Squish, squish.

Hector, who was apparently displeased with our intervention, glared at me and clicked his tongue, then started writing on the paper.

#4

Originally, there was a swordsmanship class on Thursday afternoon, followed by a Super Sensory Theory class.

However, due to the aftermath of the previous incident, Professor Nadieri has disappeared, so the Super Sensory Theory class is on hold for now. It's not clear when it will resume, but it probably won't take too long.

I still can't believe it. I remember her trembling and tightly holding my hand as if it were yesterday.

...Why does only this memory stick?

Shaking off my thoughts, I waited for the tram at the station to return to the dormitory. Next to me, I saw a girl in the same uniform.

A girl with long, warm pink hair.

"Rubia."

"…Ah! What?!"

I quietly called her name, and Rubia jumped as if burned, her eyes wide. She must have been deep in thought.

"Why, why? Ezio?"

Holding what looked like a briefcase with both hands, she turned her head and managed to give me a smile. But it was a forced, artificial smile, unlike her usual self.

Her expression wasn't good either. It wasn't that she looked particularly upset, but her eyes were slightly sunken, and the corners of her mouth were drooping. The vibrant atmosphere that usually surrounded her, like a flower in full bloom, seemed a bit dull.

Additionally.

I noticed her fingertips, which were gripping the handle of the bag, were trembling slightly. I spoke casually.

"Nothing, I just noticed we have the same class. I was wondering if you're up for the group project."

"Ah, ah... group project... yeah..."

"How are the other group members? Do they seem okay?"

"Um... they're all good friends. They all seem nice and are working hard in class, so I like them."

Of course, that's to be expected. Who would look bad to you from the start?

"...By any chance, have the kids suggested you be the leader or tried to make you the group leader?"

Being a leader isn't a huge problem. Rubia is capable. But I'm a bit worried about her ability to lead the group, separate from her skills. There are bound to be a few who will try to take advantage of her gentle and round personality.

"Nothing's decided yet... why?"

Rubia tilted her head.

Why, indeed.

I looked at the approaching tram and then back at Rubia.

"Being a leader is tough. I just don't want you to push yourself too hard. You look tired lately."

"..."

Rubia's eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment.

Come to think of it. Have I ever told Rubia that I lost some of my memories?

Probably not.

If so, when I told her that I searched for her for a long time after she dropped out of Lorssen Academy, that might explain why her usual energy and vitality have faded.

In other words, if Rubia is struggling both internally and externally, it might fundamentally be my fault.

Considering that she was deeply worried about me as she approached graduation from middle school and that I treated her coldly after enrolling in Frontier, is it right for me to worry about her and say something like I just did?

The tram is pulling into the station.

Students who were sitting on the benches started to stand up, and as the doors opened with a creak, they boarded the tram. However, Rubia and I were still standing still.

"Thanks for worrying, Ezio."

While gently touching her closed eyelid with her finger, Rubia quietly continued.

"I'm fine. I'm not tired. I'm still okay."

I see.

I couldn't find anything to say to Rubia, who gave me a fresh, genuine smile.

We walked towards the tram.

After entering the tram, Rubia sat down first, and I sat across from her.

Seeing the seat I took, Rubia seemed to give a weak smile. I thought she was being considerate because she still felt uncomfortable around me, but it seems her thoughts were different.

—Rumble...

The interested gazes of the students in white uniforms, which were directed at us, gradually faded as the tram passed through the stations.

I'm not tired. I'm fine. Rubia, who said this and smiled at me, was suddenly nodding off in a corner.