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Chapter 1.7
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Igarian Calendar, Year 10013
“Aaaaaaaaaaah! We’re gonna be late! Hurry it up Lulu!”
“Just a second! A girl needs to look good on her first day!”
“Who are you trying to impress?! Nobody would like such a stubborn girl like you anyways!”
“How dare you!”
I begin running to class as I hear a door slamming behind me. Sol, she really is easy to provoke. We might just make it on time at this rate.
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“Hah…. huuuh.”
“Huuuuh… I finally… hah… got you…”
“Haaaaaah… it seems like we’ve made it on time.”
Sol... my body could barely handle that. I really need to go out more. After I take a brief moment to catch my breath I try to prepare myself mentally. I grab the large metal bars and pull the doors wide open.
Crrrrrrrrr!
The murmurings inside the class suddenly go silent at the sound of the door creaking. Woops. Maybe I pulled a bit too hard…
Lucia and I quickly climb the rows of seats to avoid embarrassment. We eventually find two spots in the back that weren’t taken. It seems fairly isolated which is perfect for me. I quickly take out my notebook and prepare my quills, when I overhear some buzzing amongst the other students.
“Pssh. Aren’t those two the -”
“The special kids…? Yeah. I hear they get their own rooms. How lucky.”
“I also heard that one of them is a you know what.”
“Oh really? I never knew he was a commoner.”
Did he really have to say that out loud? I can hear the murmurs begin to grow deafening as if they were kindled by the word ‘commoner’. Hah… why does it matter if I’m a noble or not. All the nobles I’ve met have just been stuck up pricks who don’t seem to care about anyone but themselves.
“Ah geez. Those lousy nobles are at it again it seems.”
“Ah… you have experience with them, Lucia?”
We tactfully agreed to address each other formally in public locations.
“Hah… yes, perhaps too much at this point.”
It seems Lucia has something she’s holding back from me. Well there’s no need to inquire about it right now. I just hope she can open up to me eventually. My thoughts began to wander when suddenly a familiar booming voice resonates within the classroom.
“Quiet down! This is a classroom, not a bar!”
The entire room suddenly grows silent at the commanding voice.
“Good. Looks like you kids do have some manners after all.”
Is this the voice from registration day? I believe so…?
“Since this is your first day, I won’t go too harsh on you. But I have to say, judging from most of your entrance exams, most of you likely won’t make it to year’s end. Well, maybe with one or two exceptions.”
I have a sneaking suspicion she’s talking about us…
“Well then. Let’s just cover the basics for today. What do you call the...”
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“So what do you think of Miss Besi, Lulu?”
“Meh. Strict but upright. She’s fine with me.”
“Yeah… I think so too. Anyways, let’s head to our next class. It’s held outside if I remember correctly.”
“Mmmmph. Physical education, specifically.”
“Cool. Physi - wait did you say physical education?!”
“Yes...? What of it?”
“W-wait… why do we need physical education if we’re gonna be mages?!”
“Are you going to everything through magic once you learn it? Will it walk and breathe for you? Obviously no, so we have to have some physical training so our body can keep up. Casting spells is pretty draining, y’know?”
Huh. I never thought about that. Wait why didn’t I ever consider that?! Ahhhhhhhhh! I think a child would have better stamina than me! Dear Sol, please spare me…
“Ahhhhhh! It’s over, Lulu! My school’s life already come crashing down!”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Huh? Why? There’s no way you could be that out of shape, is there…?”
“Oh forgive me father for I have sinned. I will offer my meagre days left on this world for the chance of releasing me from this hell. I pray that you would consider helping me out in my time of need. I have prayed for years and years…”
“Relax, Cece. Just like you said, nobody’s good at everything, so don’t stress so hard.”
“Kuuuuh. You’re probably right, but I just can’t get this bad feeling out of my head.”
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to see and find out…”
“Yeah… I guess so.”
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“Listen up, you brats! I don’t have time to deal with your bullshit so you better listen well! I’ll be the instructor in charge of keeping all you lazy kids in shape. Don’t even think about skipping this class because I. Will. Find. You.”
Oh Sol. It seems like my fears have come true. Of all the things… why physical education…?
“Alright. Since I’m feeling nice today, we’ll only do five laps then the usual ten. Now get going! You have thirty minutes to finish or you’ll have to attend some remedial classes that I will also graciously host.”
Nononononono…! I force my shabby body forwards as I pace forwards. I can hear people passing me every second and soon I realize...
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I’m in last place. H-huh? H-how did this happen?
“Hey, silver-haired boy, you might want to hurry it up, you’re not even done your first lap yet! You really do want to attend those remedial classes, don’t you?!”
Aghhhh… hah… I want to keep going… but my body just… won’t… listen. I feel like my heart will explode! Ahhhhhh! I don’t think my body can… handle… hah… anymore. The last thought I had in my mind was that I probably should of bought kneeguards...
“Hey! Get up, brat! I don’t accept no quitters!”
“Uh… sir, he’s fainted.”
“What?! What do you mean he fainted?! Ah fuck it! Alright everyone! Class is dismissed for now!”
How the fuck does a kid just pass out from running? He's in the prime of youth, he should have more stamina. How has he lived till now for her to be this fragile? Ah let’s just get him to the infirmary. As I’m going to pick him up, a young girl approaches me. Ah shit, it’s the little princess from the central continent. What does she want with me?
“Are you bringing him to the nurse?”
“Ah… yes. What does it have to do with you, Miss Lucia?”
“He’s my friend. Can I come along?”
What?! Friends? Last time I checked, she could barely approach anyone other than her attendant. When did she get to know this kid? Ah whatever, it doesn’t concern me.
“Of course, Miss Lucia.”
Fuck… why do I have to be so respectful to a little brat? This damned academy! Why did I ever agree to come here anyways?! I swear imma just straight up quit one day!
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“Yo, Vera. We got a kid who fainted on the field.”
“Hmph? Fainted, you say? Why are you here as well, Lucia?”
“He’s my friend.”
Friend? Little Lu finally has a friend?! Ah it’s been so long! I’d never thought it’d happen. And with a boy as well?! Maybe we’ll have a scandal afloat, ohohoho…!
“Ah, I see. Well let’s check up on this little guy.”
Wait. This is the boy that got first on the exam isn’t it? Silver hair is pretty unique here. Hmm… he seems to be breathing fine… just burnt out it seems. Well then, let’s just give him some relaxants. I apply some medicinal pads to his chest and throat and feel his rapid heartbeat begin to calm.
“Alright, he should be alright now, he just needs some rest. You said you were his friend, Lucia? Do you also happen to know where his room is?”
“Yeah, we’re roomi- I mean roommates.”
“Could you carry him back to his room then?”
“Sure. Thank you very much.”
“No need to thank me. I’m just doing my job.”
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As I began to carry Cael to his room I think back to what he told me. I know he told me he wasn’t the most athletically inclined but I didn’t expect him to be this fragile, hahaha. Ehehehe… at least I’ve found one thing that I can beat him in. Take that, Cece! Anyhow we finally arrived back at rooms and I try to scan his arm on the door.
Beep!
Huh? It’s not working? Let’s try that one more time.
Beep! Beep!
Well... ain't this tragic? Hah… I guess he’ll have to rest on my bed for the time being. Wait... on my bed?! Ahhhh! Calm your heart, Lucia! It’s just because he’s injured! There’s no other intention behind it! I quickly lay him on my bed and cover him with a thin blanket.
Ah I should prepare some porridge for him… right? Mom says its the cure for all things. I quickly enter the kitchen and begin cooking...
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“Ahhhhgh… it hurts.”
“Oh, you’re awake.”
“L-lucia…?”
“Who else would it be, dummy? You sure made quite a demonstration at the field today, ehehe…!”
“The field…? Oh… right. I was running… then…”
I felt my lungs were about to burst right through my chest and before I could take another step I just...
“You blacked out. The instructor took you to the nurse and I carried you back here from the infirmary.”
“A-ah. You did? Thank you…”
“No problem. Oh right. Here’s some porridge. I’ll feed it to you. Say ‘ahhh’.”
“A-ahhhhh…”
Eugh…! She must of made this herself. It doesn’t taste bad… it just has no flavour. This texture as well… it’s too slimy. She’s certainly improved from last time though.
“So… how’s the taste?”
“Kukuku… better than last time.”
Yes! I knew I couldn’t be that bad at cooking. It seems like there’s some hope left for me.
“Hey Lucia…”
“Mmmhm?”
“You finished those five laps, right?”
“Yep. With top score as well.”
“Could you perhaps train me?”
“Huh? Train you?”
“Yeah… to help me get in shape as you say.”
“I mean I guess but…”
“I’ll owe you one.”
“Ah, when you say it like that I just can’t refuse. It’s a deal!”
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Cael spent another hour stabilizing before returning to his room. Hmm. Training… huh? I’ve never taught anyone before, but I think I can do this. The question is how to train someone as fragile as Cece… oh I got it! Ohohoho… you have no idea what’s in store for you, Cece.
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