Chapter 45: I Want to Become Stronger

Leave a Comment / Level 999 / By IX

After the end of the final exams, we returned to our usual daily routine.

The truth behind the infamous incident still remained unknown.

Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries, but the negligence of the school’s supervision became a minor issue, causing a decline in trust from the surrounding people.

It seemed that the school principal had put in a great deal of effort to restore that trust, but as students, we had no knowledge of those details.

By the way, the make-up exams for those who couldn’t take the regular exams were conducted in a similar format and concluded successfully.

“Are the second-year students okay?”

While having tea in the Magic Device Research Club’s laboratory, I asked Pita Jia senpai.

Pita Jia senpai was tinkering with something on a small desk by the window, but when I called out to her, she raised her face adorned with glasses.

“We didn’t experience anything particularly unusual here. The exam consisted of facing the instructors in simulated battles, so we didn’t have to go outside or fight magical beasts.”

“I see…”

Well, troubles like this are absolutely unlikely to happen during exams within the school. I don’t know about the third-year students, but the topic of discussion revolves around the first-year exams only, so they were probably fine as well.

It was quite a disturbing incident, but the fact that there were no casualties was fortunate amidst the unfortunate circumstances.

“But why did something like that happen? The teachers mentioned that the incident occurred due to either ‘an unknown phenomenon’ or ‘external forces.’ Are such things just coincidences?”

Although Pita Jia senpai isn’t an all-knowing sage, I threw out the question as a topic of conversation.

Pita Jia senpai returned to her tinkering and answered while her hands were moving.

“If we consider it as an unknown phenomenon, it’s one of those inexplicable occurrences that magic itself hasn’t been able to explain yet. As long as we live in this world, everyone has the potential to experience inexplicable phenomena.”

“Um… that’s starting to get complicated.”

I’d rather not strain my brain. I was hoping for a simpler response like “That’s right” or “It’s dangerous,” but it seems Pita Jia senpai intends to continue this discussion.

“In the same vein, we can’t completely rule out the possibility of external forces. It could be that someone intentionally caused this incident with ill intentions, intending to put the students of the Magic Academy in danger.”

“Intentionally… but is that really possible? Even though magic is convenient, I’ve never heard of manipulating other people’s magical energy or making magical beasts stronger…”

Raising an eyebrow in skepticism and tilting my head, Pita Jia senpai suddenly grabbed something that was placed on the desk and held it up.

“With ‘this,’ I think it’s possible.”

“This? Is it a magical device, like the glowing pen you have?”

“No, no. Although this is certainly a revolutionary device, what I’m talking about is the ‘magic device’ itself.”

“A magic device…?”

Finally realizing what she meant, I nodded as Pita Jia senpai observed my reaction.

“If you use magic devices instead of magic, it might be possible to cause such inexplicable incidents. I did say that ‘most magicians can do what magic devices can do,’ but if a skilled magic device craftsman gathers materials from special magical beasts or minerals and conducts hundreds of trials, they can create magic devices that defy the common sense of magicians.”

Pita Jia senpai gently rubbed the pen she held in her hand, wearing a slightly lonely expression.

Within those possibilities, it wouldn’t be strange if a magic device were created that could manipulate others’ magical energy or temporarily make magical beasts more aggressive. And it’s not surprising that there would be individuals who would misuse them…

“…”

Certainly, Pita Jia senpai had mentioned before that there are quite a few inexplicable magic devices in the world that break even the common sense of magicians. If such a magic device were to be born by chance and unfortunately fall into the hands of someone with ill intentions…

It would be possible to deliberately cause incidents like the one this time.

Suddenly, I recalled something.

“Oh, speaking of which, during the entrance exams, I felt something strange about the magical beasts in the forest. There were several high-level magical beasts in the forest that shouldn’t have been there, and they attacked the exam participants.”

I remembered that at the time, one of the teachers who was either an exam participant or an examiner claimed to have seen a strange light, and it was speculated that the magical beasts had grown as a result. They also mentioned having an idea of who the culprit behind it was.

Their name was…

“The Anti-Magic Society—’Mistral.'”

“Ah, I’ve heard that name a few times as well. Weren’t they an independent group opposing the magic nation of Orchid?”

They were a group of people who harbored dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, where magical talents are highly valued and magicians rule the era. Many of them hold intense grudges against the State Magicians and are said to be working in the shadows to bring about the destruction of the magic nation itself.

That’s why they seem to have a hostile attitude towards the Magic Academy, the world’s largest institution for training magicians, and have caused some trouble in the past.

“If it’s them, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were engaged in the production of magic devices to crush magicians. With the resources and materials they possess, it wouldn’t be strange for them to accidentally create ‘magic devices that weaken magical energy’ or ‘potions that activate magical beasts.'”

As Pita Jia senpai said that again, I felt a shiver down my spine.

Those who aim to crush magicians, and ultimately bring about the destruction of the magic nation, are targeting this Magic Academy.

If my speculations are correct…

“If the entire series of events was the work of Mistral, there’s a high possibility that they will continue to approach us using similar methods. The teachers are probably already aware of this, so let’s be cautious and make sure we can protect ourselves.”

“Well, that makes sense.”

There’s nothing we can do other than be cautious in the current situation.

And precisely because there’s nothing we can do, it’s scary to think about.

If the work of Mistral or someone else puts the students in danger once again…

If the people who are important to me are unfortunate enough to be involved.

Just thinking about it fills me with fear.

While I can protect myself, I don’t know if I can perfectly protect other important people.

My abilities mostly have effects that are beneficial to myself.

So, to be able to protect them thoroughly the next time they’re in danger, I want to gain strength once again.

As I silently solidified that determination, I suddenly came up with an idea.

“If senpai could create a magic device that neutralizes their magic devices, you could become a hero of the academy in no time, right?”

“A magic device that neutralizes Mistral’s magic devices? Well, that does sound interesting. And if I could curry favor not only with the Magic Academy but also with the magic nation itself, there would be tremendous rewards in store for me at my future atelier…”

I couldn’t help but respond with a wry smile to Pita Jia senpai’s mischievous grin. She certainly has a strong business sense.

“By the way, I’ve been wondering, what about Mil? I feel like I haven’t seen her around lately.”

“Oh, Mil? She’s out on a subjugation request again today.”

It seemed that Mil, due to the ongoing subjugation requests, couldn’t make an appearance in the laboratory. And for the past few days, she hadn’t been coming to the research club for the same reason.

“A subjugation request? Even though there’s still plenty of time until the next final exams, is she already trying to earn points? She’s quite cautious.”

“Oh, no, it’s not about earning points, per se… Well, it’s…”

I wanted to explain, but to be honest, I didn’t have a clear reason either.

However, one thing I could say for sure was that it wasn’t about earning points.

Mil had already earned enough points for the next final exams through the requests assigned by the school principal.

Then why was she pushing herself with more requests? I tried asking myself, but I had no idea.

Even when I invited her to come to the laboratory together, she often declined, saying she wanted to take on requests alone.

I just couldn’t understand Mil’s feelings.

“…Could it be that she’s avoiding me?”

I didn’t want to consider that possibility, but it was something that could very well be true.

I tried reflecting on the past to see if I had done something to bother Mil, but I couldn’t think of anything.

Perhaps without realizing it, I had unintentionally hurt Mil’s feelings.

Just thinking about it made me increasingly anxious, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I abruptly stood up from my seat.

“Huh? What’s wrong, Sachi?”

“Well, it’s a bit early, but I’ll take my leave now.”

I quickly washed the cup I had been drinking tea from and hastily left the laboratory.

Afterward, I decided to return to my dorm room, hoping that Mil might be back.

If she had finished her subjugation request early, there was a high chance she would already be in her room.

I wanted to meet with Mil and resolve this uneasiness as soon as possible.

She’s not really avoiding me, right?

Come to think of it, her behavior has been strange since the end of the final exams. Maybe I unintentionally did something that bothered her.

Feeling the urgency in my heart, I quickened my pace and soon found myself outside the school building.

As I exited through the entrance, I spotted a familiar blue-haired girl sitting on a bench just a few steps away.

Wait, isn’t that Mil…?

“Hey, Mil!”

“Ah, Sachi-san.”

As I called out to her, the girl on the bench raised her head, revealing her familiar youthful face.

It was indeed Mil.

I hadn’t expected her to be this close by.

What is she doing here?

“You’ve already finished your request and come back?”

“Yes.”

“Mil, you’re amazing. You work quickly.”

“…”

Mil’s face turned complicated, and she turned away from me.

What’s with this awkward atmosphere?

Maybe she’s in a bad mood after all. I thought that while trying to maintain my usual demeanor.

“Can I sit next to you?”

“Y-Yes, please.”

Mil slid to the side, making space for me to sit.

Cautiously taking a seat, I nervously asked the question that had been on my mind.

“Hey, I’ve been curious about something. Why have you been pushing yourself with subjugation requests lately? It’s not just about earning points for the upcoming exams, right?”

“If it’s about earning points, I have already reached the target score, so there’s no need for that.”

Yeah, that’s right.

I know that, which is why it’s mysterious.

“Then why have you been continuously taking on subjugation requests? Could it be that you’re avoiding me…?”

“Huh?”

Mil widened their eyes in surprise.

Her reaction was unexpected, but I continued with a wry smile.

“N-No, it’s just that you haven’t been coming to the research lab with me lately and haven’t taken me along on your requests, so I thought maybe you were avoiding me…”

“I-I would never do that!”

“O-Oh.”

Her composed demeanor disappeared in an instant. Mil leaned forward, strongly denying it. The sincerity in her voice put my mind at ease. I was relieved. she wasn’t avoiding me.

“I’m not avoiding you, Sachi-san. I just wanted to go on subjugation requests alone.”

“Alone…? Why again?”

“After taking the final exams this time, I realized my own weaknesses. Even though I was selected as a special scholarship student in my year, I couldn’t pass the exams satisfactorily on my own, and I couldn’t help anyone. I felt useless…”

Mil tightly clenched her fist on her knee, frustration evident on her face.

“In the end, I ended up being saved by you again. I’m just a weak person who always relies on you, Sachi-san.”

“…”

So that’s why she’s been pushing herself with subjugation requests alone. She wanted to prove that she could solve incidents on her own. I never expected that incident during the final exams to weigh so heavily on Mil. Overwhelmed with emotions, Mil sniffled.

“That’s not true. Mil, you were able to handle the task assigned by the school principal on your own, and you were able to protect that girl with green hair, right? If it weren’t for you, who knows what would have happened to her if she was left alone with the magical beasts?”

I knew my words weren’t very convincing, but I continued.

“In the end, I just wrapped things up, but thanks to you, we were able to save a student. So pay more attention to the people you help.”

My attempt at encouragement fell short, and Mil continued to sniffle, tears welling up in their eyes.

What should I do?

Mil has already proven multiple times that she’s an amazing mage, and I don’t think she should be so down over a single failure. Maybe her goal or ideal has become too lofty.

As mischievous as it may be to enjoy her tearful expression a little longer, I feel like it’s time to genuinely help her regain her spirits.

Just then, I spotted a figure behind the entrance, constantly observing our interaction and looking restless. I could sense her desire to approach us with just a glance, and I mentally gave her a thumbs up for the perfect timing.

“Besides, you know, it seems like I’m not the only one who thinks that Mil is amazing.”

“Huh?”

Without hesitation, I waved to the person near the entrance, beckoning her to come over. She showed a brief moment of surprise in her reaction before composing herself and confidently walking towards us. Her wavy green hair swayed as she adorned her arms and neck with flashy accessories.

“Oh, you’re…”

“Long time no see, Miltiyu Grasse.”

I didn’t know her name, but she was the girl Mil had saved during the exam.

Seeing her eagerness to speak, I intuitively felt that her words would have a positive impact on Mil’s current state, so I entrusted her with the task.

The girl with green hair straightened herself in front of Mil and lowered her head in a slight bow.

“I’m sorry for spreading those rumors. After seeing your power as a special scholarship student firsthand, I realized how amazing of a mage you really are. And I also realized that I was wrong.”

“Huh…”

“I’ve asked my friends to spread the word that those rumors were false, so you can rest assured. Also, I know it’s late, but thank you for helping me back then.”

“N-No, it’s…”

“Also, um…”

The green-haired girl reached behind her waist and pulled out a small wand that had been hanging there, tossing it to Mil. Caught off guard, Mil hurriedly accepted the wand.

It was a magic catalyst, with a blue gem embedded at the tip—a convenient tool for casting spells.

Blushing and turning away, the green-haired girl seemed embarrassed.

“I-I’m a member of the Catalyst Research Club, and… I made that one. I noticed you didn’t have anything when you used magic…”

Well, I could understand her intentions very well. In other words, she’s a bit clumsy.

She wanted to express her gratitude for being saved but felt embarrassed to do it face-to-face, so she casually threw the wand to her.

I still didn’t know the details of what happened between the two, but this scene seemed very heartwarming to me.

“Um, that’s all then.”

With those words, the green-haired girl quickly walked away from us.

On the other hand, Mil stood frozen in surprise for a moment, staring blankly at the wand she had received.

To make sure that the gesture from the girl wasn’t wasted, I decided to speak up again.

“There’s nothing wrong with being helped by others. The worst thing is not being able to rely on anyone and trying to bear everything alone.”

“Not being able to rely on anyone…”

“And for the help you receive, you can repay it in other ways. For example, with that wand. However, Mil, there are limits to what one person can accomplish alone. It’s fine to have high ideals, but even if you can’t achieve them, I hope you won’t become pessimistic. No matter how frustrating or difficult things may be, believe in your own strength.”

“Do you ever rely on someone, Sachi-san?”

“Huh? Me? I rely on people all the time. Like when I ask Mil to wake me up in the morning or teach me things I don’t understand in class. And when there’s a dish I like for dinner, I snatch it from Mil.”

“But you’re not relying on me, you’re just using me, right?”

Well, she has a point.

In any case, I rely on others so much that Mil is much more admirable for trying to do everything alone.

“I repay the help I receive from Mil little by little, like I did during the exam. So Mil, instead of trying to do everything alone, why don’t you rely on someone and repay that help in another way?”

“Another way…”

Mil stared at the glowing wand in her hand, and finally, a soft smile appeared on her face after a long time.

“I see… Hearing that I can repay the help I’ve received in some other way has made me feel a little lighter. Thank you, Sachi-san.”

I’m glad she seems to have let go of her worries.

“I’ll become even stronger and show you that I can be an amazing mage who won’t lose to anyone. And then, I want to become a mage who can help you, just like you’ve helped me.”

“Oh, that sounds exciting.”

As a mage, I have asked for Mil’s help several times, but I guess Mil’s imagination involves swooping in to save me when I’m about to be attacked by magical beasts or something.

Well, I’m not that easily defeated, but if the time comes when Mil can advance through that, it might be a step forward for her.

Thinking that the matter is settled for now, Mil suddenly tugged at my sleeve.

“Um, by the way… Can I rely on you right away, Sachi-san?”

“Hmm, what is it? Don’t hesitate, if there’s anything I can do, I’ll do it.”

“C-Can you come with me to the research lab?”

“Huh? Right now?”

With that, I accompanied Mil to the research lab as she requested, and naturally, Pita Jia senpai looked surprised.

“Oh, Sachi-san? Weren’t you supposed to go home already?”

“Oh, well, it seems like this child wanted me to accompany her.”

As I said that, I slightly pushed Mil, who was hiding behind my back, forward.

I heard in detail what the request was on our way here, but it’s still a bit embarrassing, you know.

“Oh, it’s Mil-kun! Feels like it’s been a while. It’s good to see you. By the way, why are you two ‘holding hands’? It’s nice to get along, but…”

(Note: “holding hands” here could be interpreted metaphorically, as in being close or relying on each other)

Well, there’s a reason for that, you see.

In fact, I came back to the research lab with Mil just for this reason.

It might sound like an excuse, so I didn’t respond with anything smart.

Instead, Mil started the conversation.

“Um, I’m really sorry for skipping the research club without permission.”

“Huh? No, no need to apologize. As I’ve said before, we don’t have strict rules or anything, so it’s fine as long as you come when you want.”

“Th-Thank you…”

Mil let out a sigh of relief.

On the other hand, Pita Jia senpai seemed somewhat relieved as well, with a gentle smile on her face.

“More importantly, I’m glad you finally looked me in the eyes. I’ve been a bit worried that I couldn’t get closer to my kouhai (junior), and I started to think maybe you didn’t like me…”

“I-I don’t dislike you. It’s just that there are some complicated circumstances.”

Mil finally revealed what happened.

“I have a luck value of 0. Because of that, I always end up in unfortunate situations, and I drag people around me into that misfortune too.”

“So, you didn’t talk to me much because you thought being close to you would bring misfortune to me?”

“Being close to someone would bring misfortune to that person.”

Mil raised her hand, showing it to senpai, the hand that was holding mine.

“But if I’m with Sachi-san, who has a luck value of 999, I thought everything would be okay.”

“Oh, Sachun’s luck value is that high? I see, that’s why you’re holding hands.”

Yes.

Maybe by doing this, we can suppress Mil’s misfortune.

There’s no certainty yet, but my intuition says it will probably work.

In any case, I got senpai’s permission.

Now, as long as we’re holding hands, Mil can interact with senpai without worry.

It’s not clear if this will truly be effective, but I’m grateful for senpai’s experimental spirit.

“Hehe, can’t leave it at that. Now that Mil-kun is taking a new step, I’ll also start working on a new magical tool.”

“W-What kind of magical tool are you planning to make?”

“Summer is approaching in full swing. Last year, we almost dried up in this lab, so I want to develop a magical tool that can adjust the room temperature from now on.”

That would certainly be a useful magical tool.

If we can freely adjust the room temperature, we can be comfortable not only in summer but also in winter.

If we succeed in creating something practical, it could be showcased as a revolutionary invention at a major research presentation.

Honestly, I can’t imagine that a high school student can create something like that in a storage room-like lab, but who knows?

“Well then, I’ll go collect materials that resemble that idea! It may leave the lab empty for a while, but feel free to do whatever you want. Of course, you can come back anytime.”

With those words, Pita Jia senpai-senpai swiftly left the research lab.

Just like last time, silence filled the room with only Mil and me.

She always comes up with ideas and rushes out like that.

She may look like a researcher, but she’s somewhat unplanned.

However, I admire her enthusiasm.

Inspired by senpai’s spirit, not that I’m trying to imitate her, but I also came up with something.

“I’ve found something I want to do in this research club.”

“Now?”

“Y-Yes, right at this moment.”

Just like senpai trying to make an amazing magical tool to prove herself to those who belittle her family, and just like Mil trying to repair her father’s broken pendant with her own hands, I also found something I want to do in this research club.

“I will create a super lucky charm magical tool, like those mysterious prayer beads or crystals that Mil wears or decorates the room with. As the lucky girl I am, I will make a powerful version of such lucky charms as a magical tool to bring fortune to Mil!”

“A-A lucky charm magical tool?”

“Yeah, just like that. It’ll be better than those unidentifiable prayer beads or crystals. Instead, it will be a proper magical tool that can bring good luck. And you won’t have to buy those mysterious items anymore. And…..If I can make it, even when I’m not around, you can get along well with others, right? The end of the first semester is coming, and summer vacation will be here soon. We have plenty of time.”

And I’m also interested in magical tool creation.

Although creating a super high-tech magical tool like Mulburry-san might be difficult.

While I’m still attending this school, if I can create a magical tool that can help my friends, maybe just one, I might be able to do it.

“So that Mil can make friends with more people, Lucky Girl Sachi-san will bring good fortune through this magical tool!”

“Sachi-san, you really seem like you’re going to create an incredible magical tool.”

Well, I feel the same way.

It further fuels my motivation for the research club.

As we did before, we burst into laughter, finding it funny.

At that moment, warm sunlight mixed with the scent of grass entered through the window.

It was the time when the evening glow approached, but the sun hadn’t set yet.

Our summer was beginning.