After explaining to us that we would advance in our courses and eventually reach the final grade (there are two types of "classes": one meaning the grade or stages of the academy—what we can call the respective levels—and the other meaning a group of students, for example [A1] or [specialized class]. There are four grades: the first class, which is the entry class of the academy; then the upper classes 1 and 2; and finally, the terminal class, which is the last year at the academy. And since we are 16 years old, we must also use chronological magic to reach 19), the king also made us understand that we must reach the age of 19, and therefore use chronological magic.
So, I asked him:
"But how will Saru manage? He doesn't use chronological magic."
He quickly explained that there exists a specialized treatment that allows him to grow faster, both mentally and physically. However, Saru still has the right to choose whether he wants to enter the terminal class or go to Upper Class 1. (Also, each class has a letter: First Class [A], Upper Classes 1 and 2 [B and C], Terminal Class [D]).
As soon as we left the academy, I suggested taking a short walk to talk—and since there was a festival going on. Yes, even if students are in the middle of exams, there are still festivals, and even students who haven't finished their exams can participate. Plus, it's free for students. It's a simple way for merchants to promote their products. I proposed meeting at the fountain. Then, everyone went home to prepare. This time, unlike many other occasions where I only wore joggers, I decided to wear nice clothes.
At 5 p.m., before sunset, we met at the fountain as planned. We started talking about different things: the food that might be at the stands, the idea of doing another outing like this during vacation, or that they could come to my place to play video games. During our conversation, I asked Saru what he thought about joining us in the terminal class. He said he would think about it.
A few moments later, the sun began to set, so we rushed to see it. It was a magnificent view. The clouds barely hid the sun, and the sky shifted from yellow to red, then to orange, then to blue mixed with orange. The wind was soft, and the warmth was steady. From one point of view, the sun seemed still, but from another, it was moving. It felt like sorcery. After a while, the sun finally set, leaving behind an orange glow as if it hadn't truly left. As soon as the glow disappeared, the stands lit up their lanterns.
With a confident tone, Saru said to me:
"Well then, our contract is over. I am no longer your servant, and you are no longer my master. So take this thing off my neck. Really, Henray, you're treating me like a slave."
Laughing, I removed the "master's collar," which is a collar used by slave owners.
Then, we all ran to the ice cream vendor. When we got there, we saw the line was very long. So, I used chronological magic to travel into the future with Aruna and Saru, grab our ice creams, and return to the present—skipping the line entirely. Afterwards, we went to our favorite ramen restaurant, Ochinaka Ramen, the one where I first tasted ramen when I arrived here.
After enjoying our meal, we headed to Ichika Corner to watch the fireworks from a good spot. I sat next to Aruna, and she sat beside her brother, Saru. While waiting for the fireworks, I suddenly felt warmth: it was Aruna's hand placed on mine. A little embarrassed, I turned toward her, and then—WHOOSH! The fireworks began.
It was a beautiful show. Delighted, I wanted to clap, but Aruna's hand was still holding mine. I couldn't escape, so I turned to ask her why she was doing that. That's when I saw her face—so cute. Strangely, I had never really found her cute before, but in that moment, it was as if she looked more beautiful than ever. Carried away by sudden confidence, I leaned closer, aiming for her lips to kiss her. She looked back at me and leaned in too—but Saru saw us and shouted:
"What are you two doing? Are you kissing?! AHH… Aruna, don't tell me you drank a charm potion to seduce Henray!"
I didn't understand what they were talking about. All I knew was that I suddenly felt very tired… and then, I fell asleep.
"And why did you take it? You knew it had a side effect! Don't tell me you used that secondary effect to sleep with him? Are you insane?!" Saru shouted even louder.
"But don't worry. It's true I wanted this, but nothing bad will happen," Aruna reassured him.
The vacation passed quickly. We had a lot of fun and laughter, but now it was time to study again. School was starting. Saru had completed the treatment, and Aruna and I had trained together inside a loop. On the first day, the headmaster assigned the classes. Just like last year, I was placed in the special class, along with Saru and Aruna.
The first lesson was practical training on what we had learned so far. In geography, we studied the continent of the Ancients and the Demons. In history, we studied the Fifth Clan War. Finally, we succeeded in learning all the demonic spells. Yes, when you're a prodigy, you understand everything easily—and since I had studied all the spells with Aruna inside the loop, we were already ahead. We also helped Saru grasp them quickly so he could catch up.
The next day, the same. The day after, the same. And so it went for an entire month. Until the day of the gathering arrived. Just like last year, I made wonderful memories. But this time, something happened that changed everything…
You will see in the next chapter: Welcome My Parents. Tomorrow.
To be continued...