I left the Abode of Knowledge just before midnight. Zanh Kiem had assisted me in adapting to the unfamiliar technique, and he didn't settle down until I was able to independently transfer an image from my mind onto paper. I felt a bit embarrassed that I was distracting such a busy individual with my trivial issues in this case.

Sensing my discomfort, the sensum bluntly stated that his main responsibility at the moment was the Break Knights. As I was one of the key figures among the nation's raigs, it was his direct obligation to devote time to me. If not for the spark of amusement in his eyes, I might have taken his explanation seriously. It seemed to me that he found my company as relaxing as I did his; we could share the burden that the Creators had dumped on us.

After changing and storing the First Angel, I returned to my dormitory room. There, I sat on my bed for a while, holding a stack of prana-sensitive paper. I still found it hard to believe that the drawings spread out on the table, which I was examining, were created by me. Even though I hadn't drawn them in the literal sense, I still found it unbelievable because they were so well-crafted. Not just well-crafted, but each piece also had a unique, distinct style. I owed Ketsu Sugawara a debt of gratitude for shaping this style, as it seemed that I subconsciously imitated his drawing style in each of my images.

Zanh Kiem explained that it's usually immediately obvious when an image is transferred onto paper via the Spark. There would be none of the uneven lines characteristic of pencils or brushes due to variations in applied pressure and the likes. But in my case, because I was unconsciously mimicking Ketsu's art style that I admired, my images hardly differed from those produced by a professional artist. However, showing images on prana-sensitive paper to outsiders would reveal my identity as a sensum, which was certainly not part of my plan. The peculiarity of my Spark is such that even other Gifted individuals of much higher rank don't detect the awakened Gift in me. Accidentally exposing the presence of the Spark because of my drawings would be rather foolish.

Additionally, upon closer inspection, there are subtle differences from hand-drawn images. They're minor, but professionals would certainly notice them. Does this mean I can't utilize my newfound talent without revealing myself?

This thought stirred up a fair amount of frustration. I even sprung out of bed and began pacing around my cramped student quarters. However, this didn't last long, as a solution quickly sprang to mind. To avoid exposing myself as a sensum, I need to invest in a professional scanner and an image processing program, then scan the drawing created by Spark. After digitally modifying the image, I could print the edited version. To anyone curious enough to ask, "why do you have a printout and not the original", I could simply reply that I drew it on a tablet, meaning it was already in digital form. Of course, it will require some effort, but the plan should work.

Comforted by this revelation, I stashed the paper in the desk, undressed, and flopped onto the bed with a faintly contented smile. However, the smile was short-lived as, for some reason, Zanh Kiem's words about me declaring my love for Maya popped into my head. Maybe he's right, and this could divert the girl's attention, but the mere thought of such a move sparked a vehement rejection. Sure, I like Maya, but to put myself out there like that, to expose myself as some sort of lovesick teenager... No, I really don't feel like doing that.

After envisioning various scenarios of such confessions, I felt extremely uneasy. I mean, I'm a grown man, all this youthful fuss should be simple and stress-free for me, but no, for some reason, it's unnerving and anything but simple! And why Maya? I like Claire too - not in the same way, of course, but that's only because I barely know her.

Realizing I was starting to think like a seventeen-year-old, I slipped into the Break, then returned and calmed myself using meditative techniques.

When my morning alarm went off, I treated it as a godsend because my dreams had been filled with such nonsense that I was relieved to wake up. People are right when they say you shouldn't go to bed with irritating thoughts on your mind; I ignored this advice and suffered a night full of nightmares.

My first lecture today was supposed to be on astronomy. As I predicted when I read the schedule, this class was mandatory for everyone in our small group.

Despite arriving at the appropriate building fifteen minutes early, Claire and Christian were already seated on one of the benches. Claire sipped coffee from a sealed cup while Christian eyed her enviously, occasionally swallowing hard. As soon as I came into their line of sight, they waved at me in unison.

"Ave!" I greeted them as usual, approaching and taking a seat next to them.

"You seem a bit out of sorts," Claire prodded me with her sharp elbow, as though attempting to stir me into action. "You look completely drained, just like this one here." The girl motioned towards Christian. "Really, what's the matter with you two? It's morning! The birds are singing! The weather is splendid! A beautiful girl is in your company, and yet you're both so glum!"

"Should we screw open her head and see what's inside?" Christian jokingly suggested to me. "She's not human, she's a machine! An android! No human can be as alert in the morning as she is! There's definitely something fishy going on."

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"Buuuu..." Claire pulled a frightful yet adorable face. "You just need to sleep at night, that's the whole secret!"

"And what about the beautiful girl you mentioned?" Christian glanced around theatrically. "I don't see Maya here."

"Oh, you!" Claire exclaimed, pretending to dump the remainder of her coffee on his head.

While they were occupied, I noticed with surprise that Christian's jest might not be far off. The barely perceptible trembling of the air next to us indicated the presence of a raig hidden in the Break just a few steps away. For some reason, I had a hunch I knew who it was.

Trying to ignore the shadow of the Knight nearby, I turned my attention to Christian and Claire's antics. However, they wrapped it up quickly. Christian brushed himself off dramatically and changed the topic.

"By the way! I just found out that the previously exclusive clubs for nobles are open to regular students this academic year," he announced, capturing our attention before continuing. "I've already signed up for the Kendo club! The first class is tomorrow."

"Uh-uh..." Claire drawled in puzzlement but also with intrigue. "Why do you need that? It's not practical for everyday life, and you're not one of those duel-obsessed aristocrats."

"How can you say it's not useful?" Christian straightened his back proudly. "What if I become a Break Knight? Hey! Why are you two laughing?! The Break will choose me, and I'll be ready!"

"Aha-ha-ha!" Claire was nearly in tears from laughter. "The Break will choose him... Oh, Izao, I hope you don't have such delusions?"

"Of becoming a Break Knight?" I hesitated. "I don't think that's likely. No, it's definitely not possible." I wasn't lying here because becoming a raig for the second time is impossible.

"You're at least realistic," Claire gave me a thumbs up, wiping away her tears of laughter.

Out of the corner of my eye, I kept an eye on the shadow next to us. She was still observing. This conversation was veering into dangerous territory for me, especially with an outside observer. I rose from the bench:

"There's only seven minutes before class starts. Don't just sit around here. Let's go, especially since Claire needs to freshen up."

"What do you mean freshen up?! Are you suggesting I need to cool down?" The girl reacted immediately.

"Your mascara is smudged," I clarified.

"Eh... Really?"

She instantly stood up, fumbled in her purse, pulled out a mirror, squeaked something unintelligible, and dashed off without another word.

"Women..." Christian drawled, sounding like a seasoned man, slightly haughty, as he watched the girl's retreating figure.

The shadow behind him rippled faintly, as if about to slap the guy but seemingly changing its mind at the last moment. For a moment, I considered warning my classmate to be more cautious with his remarks, but I quickly stifled that urge.

"Alright, let's get going..." the black-haired guy said, rising from the bench and stretching.

The lecture hall was relatively small, designed to accommodate no more than three dozen students. But even such a limited seating was only three-quarters full. Among the familiar faces, Jan was already here, casually waving at us from the first row. Christian and I took seats in the third row, while Claire, arriving slightly after us, deliberately positioned herself at the far end of the room.

About a minute before the bell, Christian caught my attention with a click of his tongue. I turned my head to follow his subtle gesture. Behind the last desk of the back row, Maya Grimm was pulling a notebook from her bag, her head still bowed. It was noteworthy that she hadn't walked through the classroom door. Clearly, being an open Knight had its advantages.

Zanh Kiem certainly has a knack for persuasion! I wondered when he found the time - after all, he was preoccupied with me until midnight. Nonetheless, I was witnessing the result of his efforts. Since Maya was now here and not with the rest of the robotics class, it was clear that she had accepted the so-called "count's" offer.

Catching my gaze, the Knight maiden locked eyes with me in a defiant manner. I held her gaze for about ten seconds, then, unexpectedly, I blew a kiss her way.

Truthfully, I didn't know what came over me in that moment! I was probably flustered. I had assumed she would ignore me as usual, acting as if I weren't there. But she didn't. Additionally, I was somewhat disoriented because I hadn't heard the characteristic "Ra-a-a-a-i-i-i-ig!" when she appeared behind me. I understand this isn't an excuse, but I can't rationalize my behavior otherwise. I was lucky most students were preoccupied and didn't glance my way at that moment. They didn't even notice Maya's presence in the classroom. However, some did see everything... Claire's eyes widened in surprise as she missed her mouth with her lollipop. Christian buried his face in his hands.

Maya...

The girl blinked as if in disbelief, then vanished into the Break, her ballpoint pen clattering to the floor. Damn... What have I done? And it's all because of that damn Maker! Yes! Exactly, his words from yesterday nudged me into such folly!

Before I could process it, Maya reemerged from the Break. The look on her face made me turn away hastily. The arrival of a teacher saved me from immediate retribution. Never before had a lecture appeared so welcome to me!

However, this time, the class seemed to end unusually quickly. It was supposed to last an hour and a half, but it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye. All the while, I could almost physically feel her gaze burning into my back.

Christian rushed over to me as soon as the bell rang and the teacher finished the lecture.

"You... You're quite the daredevil!" He said, his eyes brimming with admiration.

"Or is he just a lunatic?" Claire countered, joining us.

"I..." I tried to defend myself but couldn't find the right words.

"Yep, you!" The pigtailed girl twirled her finger at her temple. She wasn't angry, though, more amused.

We left the auditorium together and stepped outside. But before we had taken ten steps, Maya Grimm appeared soundlessly before us.

"Claire, Christian," the maiden Knight nodded at my classmates. "With your permission, I would like to speak with Izao privately."

"Uh..." I glanced back at my classmates, seeking their support, but they promptly sidestepped me and pretended to examine the nearest tree.

'Traitors!' I thought genuinely, steeling myself and taking a step forward.