Chapter 87

### Chapter 87: Change (1)

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#1

"Didn't find much, huh?"

Monday evening.

The group members of "Mana Control I" gathered as promised. During the time that included the past weekend, each of us had collected information, and as I presented the document I had written with as much effort as possible, looking somewhat embarrassed, Alphris looked at me and said:

"I'm sorry. There really was nothing about white."

"You're not the type to be lazy, I know that..."

Alphris stroked his chin.

"I don't know if we can write anything with this, either."

Reni, Alphris, and Hector, who was sitting in the opposite chair with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, all had documents that were quite substantial. If we combined all of these into one paper, it would be enough to hold a separate seminar, but that probably won't happen. We need to prune the unnecessary branches and distill the important points.

Among us, I only had three pages. I tried to dig through other books and cram in all the related information, but in the end, it turned out to be a bit messy, as if I had forced the volume. I can understand why Alphris reacted that way.

"Look at this. There really is nothing."

I had brought the books I had referenced, knowing he would think that.

Though he didn't seem to doubt me, he thought there must be some reason why I couldn't find the information. The group members looked at the pages of the books I had spread out with a curious expression, except for Hector.

"Really. The explanation ends in just one page. Moreover, this book is a relatively recent new release. Are the other books the same?"

"Seems so."

"I've never heard of white, either. I tried to look it up when I had some free time, but... I wasn't the only one who couldn't find it."

Reni nodded, muttering.

"There's nothing we can do. Let's at least try to compile what we've investigated. The deadline is in four days, so we should aim to finish the first assignment here if possible."

Alphris tapped the neatly organized document on the table a few times.

Given that he was in charge of the research paper, it was clear that not finishing here would cause significant delays. Even if we can't do anything without information, if it's due to my failure to find information that might exist somewhere, it would be embarrassing. The only thing I can do is to prepare for the presentation on Thursday more diligently.

"I'm the brown series. Commonly proficient in magic, especially earth magic. The progenitor is one of the ten thousand, Akiel Vina. She's said to be a figure who raised the level of human magic by a century... Why have I never heard of her?"

He then went on to talk about the brown series, and after a brief explanation, Alphris turned to the front. Reni was preparing for her turn. She cautiously opened her mouth, gauging the timing.

"I'm the yellow series. The progenitor is one of the ten thousand, Robart Hord... He showed exceptional talent in physical abilities and martial arts... and is said to have a high affinity for fire. I've never properly learned magic in my life, so is this real?"

"Magic isn't the only thing that has elemental affinities. I know there are quite a few knights and warriors who can use elemental magic. Reni, you're diligent, so you might do well if you try."

"No, no. I'm not that good... I'm not even proficient with a single sword. If I try to handle more than one at once, I'd need two bodies... "

Indeed.

Seeing Reni read the neatly written lines in her round and pretty handwriting, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. She looks so innocent and small, making her even cuter. Like Yurie, I like cute things. It's a healing feeling.

"Why, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Huh? No, keep going."

Reni stopped explaining and stared at me. I shook my head to indicate it was nothing, and she tilted her head, lowering her gaze again.

After Reni's turn, it was Hector's turn.

"Indigo series. The progenitor is one of the ten thousand, Heinkeles Yessod. According to this, he showed excellent talent in mana manipulation and water magic. I've never served such an ancestor, but it doesn't seem to be a lie."

Ah, yes.

The short explanation and the not-so-short document showed that Hector had not taken the assignment lightly.

Ah, well. Maybe it's because of the words he said when we first met, but I don't like it. Still, he's better than the corrupt nobles who look down on others and are full of vanity. He attends every meeting and completes his assignments properly. As a group member, he's a flawless character.

When it was my turn, I finally spoke.

"I only have what you've already told me. I have nothing to add. I'm sorry. But if I have to explain briefly..."

I extended the paper, which seemed to flutter weakly even if I squeezed it tightly, and continued speaking to the group.

"You might not have seen it, but it seems the progenitor of the first thousand, Sia Kether. The typical affinity is..."

Alphris muttered for me.

"...shows affinity to all elements and attributes. Some elemental series require abnormal mana sensitivity or manipulation. This is essentially the same as saying it has the potential to be a great mage, right? No, it's just that you can do anything? Is this the level required to enter an epic class? It's crazy."

"I was also surprised when I first saw it... The unique mana is said to be granted to the soul, but it seems that the essence becomes blurred over generations, while white did not. There were very few individuals..."

"Considering that, your magical talent seems to barely reach Pent (5). Ezio Cranil."

Alphris and Reni showed a surprised reaction, and Hector looked at me with a very displeased expression. It seemed to be a look of why he was still at that level with such talent. I couldn't tell the exact meaning.

I couldn't just stubbornly argue. It was the truth.

But I didn't learn this in middle school. I only gained new talents a few months ago. I think this level of development is very fast. I had no intention of telling Hector about the secrets inside me.

"Anyway, I'll develop well in the future."

"Hmm."

Hector seemed to dismiss it, as if telling me to do it myself.

#2

After about two hours of discussion.

"Good. I think this is enough for the first assignment. Wow, it ended faster than I expected. I thought it would take about three hours."

Alphris, who was in charge of writing the paper, smiled. He put the documents in his bag, saying he would take them home and return copies tomorrow.

"Are you going to stay up all night writing from today?"

"Um... Probably. I need to give it to you in two days. You can't prepare for the presentation on the morning of the day itself, right?"

"You'll have a tough time. I'll buy you a meal next time."

"Really? I'm not the type to refuse such offers. Can you take me to the most expensive restaurant in the 2nd district?"

Even if they are rich, there's a difference between spending their own money and someone else's. Especially in the Frontier, known as the golden city of the empire, the most expensive restaurant would make even the wealthiest nobles shed tears when they pull out their wallets. But I felt a newfound confidence.

"Once won't be a problem."

"Okay. I'll start working on it as soon as I get home."

Alphris, who was smiling casually, turned to me.

"Reni, are you okay?"

"Me, me?"

"Let's eat together later. Dinner."

"I didn't really help much..."

"Stop that. It's a meal to celebrate our hard work together. Do you want to or not? I'm only asking once. No second chances."

"...I'll go!"

That's right. That's what you should do.

I glanced at Hector, who, as expected, showed no intention of joining the group. He just closed his eyes without any reaction.

Alphris didn't bother to ask Hector either. He was always busy, even outside of group assignments. I wonder what he has so much to do.

"Anyway, the first assignment is done."

There was one thing left.

The second assignment. Completing the star.

"Has everyone practiced a lot?"

Yusuf and I have no worries. We succeeded cleanly from the first step. On the other hand, Alphris needed a little more effort, and Reni... as you can see, she looked embarrassed.

"Well... I'm sorry... I've practiced a lot, but... it doesn't seem to work..."

You can't suddenly become proficient in mana manipulation overnight. If the professor sees that you've tried hard, they might give some leniency. I shrugged my shoulders to show that it was okay.

"It's fine. Let's try our best. I brought some sheets, so let's each draw a few times and combine them when we're done. If we can't finish today, we can meet tomorrow or the day after..."

"No. We all have prior commitments then."

"...Ah, really? Then we have to finish today."

What a busy guy. If it doesn't work, we can meet on the morning of the submission day and rush to complete it. The top priority was to finish all the assignments before we dispersed today.

I took out the sheets from my bag and distributed them to the group members. As I was looking at my share on the table, I noticed something.

White, I can understand.

But the remaining one seat caught my eye.

I wondered what to do. Yusuf Deria, who had been absent from everywhere. He hadn't harbored any ill will or tried to harm me. Was he just going to completely withdraw from the group assignment and grading?

Yusuf was the main culprit who tried to sabotage the smooth completion of the assignment, so I thought it was right to exclude him. I didn't regret the decision.

I just wondered if his absence would result in a deduction in the evaluation of the second assignment.

"I'll go downstairs. The food seems to be ready."

"Ah, okay."

As time passed and the group members got hungry, I ordered something for each of them. When I heard someone calling me from downstairs, I got up and said:

On my way, I placed the empty cups on a tray and put them on the shelf.

Ignoring the occasional glances as I walked, I slowly descended the stairs to the first floor.

"Customer 53, your honey cheese cake is ready."

It must be Reni's. There were other things ordered as well. I approached the plates on the tray. When I went to pick up the food I had ordered, I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

"Thank you. Enjoy your time...?"

What is this?

...What is it?

"...Yusuf?"

"...Ah."

Yusuf, wearing a cafe employee's apron, was standing in front of me, smiling happily, but then he froze like a stone.