Chapter 21

As we walked out of the dormitory building in a group of three, we were indeed met with curious gazes. It was only natural for people to be intrigued when a bullied student and the bully's sister walked together. Even I, who am used to being the center of attention, felt uneasy under the different kind of stares.

Ruby seemed unaffected by the gazes, maintaining her usual demeanor. The most awkward one was Wendy, who had been fidgeting with her hair more than usual.

However, this situation might not be all bad for Wendy. It could give the impression that her relationship with Ruby, unlike her brother, is not hostile. If it were just Wendy and Ruby, it might look like a sister avenging her brother's enemy, but with me in between, it felt just right. It might be too much to think that Ruby suggested we tour the festival together with this in mind.

"Hey, do you plan to keep walking like this?"

Wendy looked exasperated.

"Are you hungry?"

"No, that's not it. What are you trying to achieve by parading around like this?"

"Indeed. What is the correct way to enjoy a festival?"

"Hmm... Fine. I'll decide where we go from now on. Follow me properly."

Wendy seemed exasperated with me for just walking aimlessly. I couldn't help it; I didn't know how to enjoy a festival.

Ruby and I walked side by side, with Wendy leading the way. The first place we visited was a club displaying small magic-powered vehicles. One of my dormitory seniors was a member. He was the senior who took a hit for me during the plan to ring the 'Bell of Hope' at the end of the year. I call him 'Follower Senior' in my heart because he is one of my followers.

"Ah, High Priest... I mean, Aviram. Did you come here just for me?"

"Ah, yes. Wendy-senpai brought me."

"Hmm? Ah, Wendy is here too. And Ruby Rivi. What a rare combination."

"More like a group of misfits. Wendy-senpai is the president."

"Is that so?"

Follower Senior asked Wendy.

"…Something like that."

Wendy didn't deny it.

"By the way, you're working on something interesting, right?"

A magic-powered vehicle, or 'magic car,' is a vehicle that runs on magic. Currently, horse-drawn carriages are the main mode of transportation, but magic cars have the potential to replace them.

"Are you interested?"

"Yes. I've heard that the output of magic cars is insufficient."

"Exactly. They can move in miniature form, but not in a size that can carry people. There's a lot of loss when converting magic into power."

As Follower Senior started to explain in detail, Wendy and Ruby were led by someone else to start operating the mini magic cars. The awkwardness between them seemed to have diminished. Seeing them like this, it was easier to understand why Wendy is Ruby's sister. I've heard that their family relationships are not good, but it seems that the main issue is with their parents. Liam and Wendy reportedly have a non-interference policy.

"From what I understand, even if the best conversion efficiency is achieved, the amount of magic a person can produce is not enough, right?"

"Exactly. That's why, you see, this is the kind of magic car we should aim for."

Follower Senior picked up one of the mini magic cars and showed it to me. It was a particularly small two-wheeled magic car.

"Is this... a single-seater?"

"Yes. Theoretically, the magic power is sufficient. A person with a lot of magic can make a short trip... in theory."

"I see. I look forward to its completion."

"Hehe... I'd be happy if you could wait patiently."

Follower Senior laughed uncertainly. Comparing it to Earth's history, magic cars will never become widespread in their current state. The amount of energy a single person can produce is simply not enough. While magic batteries and systems to convert magic into power will continue to improve, they will ultimately hit a wall due to energy shortages.

I believe the problem lies in the system of magic production by living beings. In the near future, humanity will likely move towards the artificial production of magic. If this doesn't happen, the numerous inventions created by recent magic engineering will remain luxury items for those with a lot of magic or wealth.

However, there is a significant challenge in the artificial production of magic. The magic produced by living beings has unique patterns for each individual, meaning the standards vary from person to person. Without standardized magic, industrialization is a pipe dream. We need to create a form of magic that everyone can use freely, known as 'Unified Magic,' to achieve the democratization of magic.

After finishing our tour of Follower Senior's club, Wendy suggested we have a meal. She treated us to sandwiches and fruit water. We sat on a bench with Wendy in the middle.

"Fortune sandwiches. They seem to have predictions inside."

Wendy's voice was lively. Her usually gloomy expression in the common room seemed a bit brighter.

"Predictions, you say? They're probably written by students, right?"

"Hmm... You really are..."

She sighed.

"What?"

"You're not cute."

"I don't use cuteness as a weapon."

"Ruining other people's fun will get you disliked."

I couldn't think of a response. She was right; I didn't need to say that, especially since she was treating us.

"...I'm sorry, that was a slip of the tongue."

"Fine. Just enjoy these things without overthinking. —Ah, what does Ruby's say?"

While we were arguing, Ruby had been quietly eating and was now unfolding the paper.

"'If you believe in the path, you will achieve it.'"

"Wow, that's great. It means what Ruby is doing now is right."

"That's good."

Ruby's expression softened slightly. She might have something in mind.

Next, I found my prediction. I unfolded the small, folded paper.

"How is it?"

Wendy asked me.

"'A turning point is coming.' It doesn't sound peaceful."

"Is that so? Believe it will turn out well."

"It's already going well?"

"You can't know that. It might be dark ahead if things stay the same."

Wendy gave me a mischievous look. But it didn't affect me. My research is going well, and the 'Boundary Theater Troupe' is gaining recognition. I feel like I'm on the right path.

"Then I'll think it's a turning point leading to an even better future."

"That might be good. —Ah, I've found mine too."

Wendy pulled out a folded paper from her half-eaten sandwich and unfolded it, but her expression was a bit off.

"What does it say?"

"Ah... Nothing."

"You can't keep it to yourself when you've shown us yours."

"Fine, fine. 'The one you wait for will come. It might be your soulmate!' But it's just something written by students, so it's not reliable."

"That's different from what you said earlier."

"It's fine. It's part of the fun to complain when the prediction doesn't come true."

"True, that's a good point."

Fortunes and predictions are ultimately up to the interpretation of the receiver. It's up to you whether to force a positive interpretation or ignore an unfavorable result. It's best to see it as a good opportunity to pause and objectively reflect on your current situation.