So there I was, just like any other student. Facing the huge board that was ever so slowly filling up with incomprehensible symbols and definitions, my mouth twitched and a sigh escaped me.
My head looked up to the board that Instructor Claire was writing on, then back down onto my own blank notebook. I paused for a moment before I hummed in acceptance.
Gracefully, I let my head fall onto the desk and totally ignore this bullshxt class that was 'Mana Studies'. Let's just say theory never really made sense to me even in this world. I was more of a practical type of learner.
As for why it was currently Instructor Claire teaching in this massive auditorium, because it was such an important subject, the academy had decided it was best to leave it in the hands of the Calamity grade ex-hero. And since the instructors had limited time, every class was moshed into one massive room to hear and learn from her at once.
Made sense.
Except for the fact that every important cast character was now in this room. Not only did I not understand whatever topic she was talking about, the nonsense that was ongoing with the main characters bewildered me.
Remember how I said the author of the original novel was immature when he was beginning this novel, well he had quite the love for love triangles.
Thinking of this I watched how Arthur was having one of his arms being snuggled by the cleavage of some chick he thought was called 'Daisy'. Then on his other side, donning long dark hair and long ears peaking from her head, Ella looked on with some complexity of disgust and/or jealousy.
This was fine in of itself, but the triangle continues to expand just a few rows behind them.
My fellow tribesman, Damien, was clenching his fist hard around his pen that his knuckles burned white. He was furious that the girl of his dreams was chasing after a sucker of a guy. Then just beside him, a girl looked on in envy as her crush gazed at another girl with such intensity.
Not only did he have no react to her falling over Arthur in an 'accident'. He was always blatantly looking at Ella when she was right there. Perhaps... looking at the chest of the elf that was as flat as a runway, did Damien like those types.
I gazed with pity at the poor girl. Not only was she going to be ignored by Damien, she was absolutely fated to be with Arthur. This is how this novel works.
The whole situation just reeked of adolescent maturity.
"What, you wanna fxck Arthur as well?" A head with pink pigtails shoved itself into my peripheral. In an apt maneuver, I planted my hand on her face and shoved her back onto her own seat.
My body shivered in disgust at the thought of Alicia's comment. "Please don't ever say something like that, really, please don't." It was nothing short of begging because, honestly who could control that tongue of hers anyway.
"Heheheh, but it's funny?" Her head tilted and I could only roll my eyes.
It's a strange feeling. Being with Alicia that is. I was so sure she was a future Arthur harem member, so whenever she hung around me a sense of scrutiny always arose in me.
The major question that was bugging me was: 'was I cucking him or was he going to cuck me later?"
Truly one of the most questions ever.
Shaking my head, I ignored the implications of our friendship growing oddly close. Ever since our first bout in the entrance exam, to our sparring in combat simulation class, to classes like mana studies. We had grown strangely comfortable with each other.
"Do you have gum or anything? I'm bored the fxck out of my mind."
Reaching into my own pocket I pulled out a piece of gum. Like my own posture, Alicia was now arms folded on the desk with her chin resting on her arms. At my gesture of the gum, she simply opened her mouth with expectancy.
Seeing the opportunity, I tossed the still wrapped gum into her mouth and returned to my position of sleeping.
But unlike what I expected, she didn't choke or feel bothered by the wrapper. Instead she chewed on it dutifully and quickly. Was she a psychopath? Well... considering many things about her, there was great potential.
As the class was coming to a close, I heard a sound of something wet being launched at rapid speeds. It was happen so suddenly that I didn't have time to react when a pinkish gooey ball took to the skies and soared across the classroom.
Landing directly on Arthur's hair.
Watching how he erupted in shock and bewilderment, I couldn't help myself let out a devious grin and suppressed laugh. Alicia was doing likewise, marvelling at her own mischief.
Hiding together unsuccessfully from Instructor Claire against the desk, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a while.
This was nice.
...
...
Part of each student's enrollment into their additional courses, were introductory classes that were scattered across the week's schedule. Looking at another joyous pamphlet, I navigated the school in search of my room.
Usually, especially amongst first years, nobody was looking at enrolling in an additional five courses. Not only was it thoroughly demanding on one's work ethic, but there was only so much time one person could have for themselves.
Plus each course had their own separate exam you'd have to pass in order to continue into the next semester. But the tomorrow's Khael will worry about that. As for today's Khael he had much better things to do. Upon reaching my destination, I slid the door open and looked inside with anticipation.
It was an ordinary classroom setting. Chairs, desks, a board in the front of the classroom. Written on it in bold letters was, 'Introductory Class of SpiritualCreatures'.
Standing at the forefront of the classroom, in his sleek and clean black attire, Instructor Q brushed his hair back and gestured for me to sit. Although he wore a decent-looking face and commanded some semblance of power known in the wider world, the class was largely empty.
Mostly in part, due to the niche of it being about spiritual creatures. But also because the system of power in this world was centred around knights and mages. Not witches or tamers, but very traditional and reliable classes.
So when I sat down to the only other person in this class, I gave them an up-and-down look.
Long black hair tied back into a ponytail, wispy and gentle facial features. A very symmetrical looking person which gave for a pleasant appearance. Her pink lips parted slightly and her eyes narrowed onto me.
"Aren't you Arthur's friend?"
I controlled the part of me that wanted to lash out against the bastard. More specifically, the fist that was growing harder to restrain.
"...We're just acquaintances." I sighed. "His relationship with me is purely unrequited."
My body deflated as I stressed about the cheat existence that was Arthur. Why was he so persistent with me? This guy needs to learn social cues.
A chime-like giggle filled the air and a seed of irritation took root in my heart.
Ella covered her mouth, her eyes smiling as she looked at me.
"Your funny..."
"Thanks."
Your annoying.