episode_0034

The weekend passed, and once again, the weekday arrived.

Yes, it’s Monday.

Whether you’re a working professional or a student, everyone struggles on Mondays.

Even in this fantasy world, Mondays here are just as exhausting.

Though the desire to rest is strong as ever.

Yet, one cannot afford to be lazy.

So, I rose early today and did some light stretching.

That’s how you can start the day feeling refreshed.

While I may not know much else, consistent magic practice is essential.

Residual stats come from repeating specific actions for experience points or are granted after clearing events.

Of course, stats are important, but in a world of magic, mastering magic manipulation is crucial.

Last time, I used magic amplification to achieve that level of power without relying on traits; one must know how to cast such spells.

Hence, mastering the basics is vital.

A solid foundation allows you to tackle advanced techniques.

Anyway, the more magic you use, the more your capacity expands.

It’s subtle, but it grows.

Beginnings may be modest, but endings shall be grand. Isn’t there a saying like that?

Regardless, I always follow the same routine for magic practice.

Finishing my routine, it’s almost 6 o’clock.

I return to the dormitory, quickly shower, towel-dry my wet hair, then meticulously dry it with the new hairdryer I purchased.

Dressing in a white shirt, black pants, fastening a leather belt, throwing on the school blazer, and slinging my bag over my shoulder, I’m ready.

Fully prepared, I step outside the dorm.

The morning breeze was not chilly but rather refreshing.

Pink cherry blossom petals were gradually disappearing, making way for fresh green buds on the trees.

Yes, the cold spring has ended, giving way to a warm one.

Well, things may have changed, but I remain the same.

I still only have Elin, Ron, Lloyd, and Lucy as friends.

Lucy being a bit of a stretch to call a friend.

Anyway, the streets weren’t bustling with people.

Shopkeepers were preparing outside, but students were scarce.

Understandable that they’d be tired on a Monday.

With plenty of assignments and exams, fatigue is expected.

As some time passed, I reached my classroom.

“Will I be first again today?”

Since I arrived early, maybe I should look for Siliana.

“She’s not here.”

No matter how hard I looked, Siliana was nowhere to be seen.

So, I headed to the rooftop.

You can see students well from up here.

Glancing down, I watched students shuffling in for class.

Each had a different colored hair, like a rainbow.

Anyway, I need to find Siliana.

Her usual look matches my black hair, so she should stand out.

After scanning around, I spotted a girl with black hair.

Even from a distance, I could tell it was her.

Although I claimed Siliana as my favorite character, there wasn’t a character I disliked while playing the game.

Unless they were truly despicable villains, I found all characters unique and charming.

There’s no way I wouldn’t recognize her.

I hurriedly descended from the rooftop.

Meeting Siliana a few days ago was quite a unique occurrence.

She’s like a legendary Pokémon, hard to find usually.

So, if there’s an opportunity, it’s now.

Enrolling her in the club, we can protect her within our circle.

Though it sounds awkward to protect someone stronger than me.

Regardless, it’s a perfect plan in my opinion.

Elin is in the club, along with Ghost Member and Lucy.

They’re all good folks, so they could become good friends with Siliana.

If she can open up to them, she might find reasons to smile.

Yes, it all starts with friendship.

Ordinary, it’s not as simple as you think.

Just having someone to talk to by your side, someone to eat with. That’s what being ordinary is.

Of course, I know it will be difficult.

Her trauma won’t easily wash away.

The nail embedded in the heart cannot be removed by others.

The blood stained on the hands won’t wash off easily.

So, one must overcome their own wounds and rise up.

I’m just here to assist in that role.

To help her overcome the painful scars and stand tall.

To be able to smile like everyone else, normally.

Yes, that’s all there is to it.

So, Silia.

“Join a club.”

“Ugh, I really don’t want to.”

Like this.

She is a half-blood vampire.

With skills to handle dark magic at an advanced level and possessing a large mana pool.

As such, she is currently enrolled in Class B, which is considered mid-tier within the academy.

Even though she belongs to the 2nd class in the mid-tier of Class B, she remains a skilled individual.

Therefore, I waited leaning against the wall in the corridor until she arrived.

As I waited leaning against the wall, I overheard passing students’ murmurs.

“Isn’t that Bern Flame? What’s she doing here in Class B?”

“Is she trying to pick a fight again? Maybe she got placed wrongly. Must be something like that.”

“For someone like her, she seems to be working hard these days without causing any trouble.”

“I heard her grandfather Joseph also works at the store.”

“Is that true? Grandpa Joseph?”

“And she was helping rescue students during the practical training.”

“Now she’s trying to clean up her image?”

“She’s not causing trouble anymore. Just leave her be. She seems to be working hard.”

“Still, just in case, let’s not make eye contact.”

“Yeah, she looks kinda scary…”

Hmm, calling me scary.

Do I really look that scary? That’s a bit hurtful.

Anyway, as soon as I met the disheveled Silia, I immediately suggested she join the club.

“Because of that thing we did last weekend, do you think we’re friends now? Spare me the sweet talk. Don’t pretend to know.”

Silia furrowed her left eyebrow and grumbled to me.

If she says that, there’s nothing more to say.

Should I give up today?

No, I can’t give up.

If I can’t get her to join the club. Somehow.

I have to think of a way.

“Ugh, I can’t force you because of the oath… Seriously…”

“Don’t bother me from the morning. Just quickly explain about the club or whatever,” she said with a sigh.

Is this giving me a chance?

《Veteran-exclusive skill, Skip Conversation.》

“That kind of club.”

“What, that unusual club. Are you asking me to join now?”

Their reactions are all the same.

Lucina, Silia, all the same?

“A club? What are you talking about?”

Someone interrupted the conversation between Silia and me.

A girl with shining silver hair and deep blue eyes.

Bern’s former fiancée and the youngest of the Aisis family, Elysia Aisis.

She suddenly popped up from behind.

“Elysia?”

“Bern? A club, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just as it sounds. I was recruiting members to create a club.”

“What’s this? Who is she? Hey, who is she?”

Ignoring Silia beside her, Elysia persistently spoke her mind.

“Bern, you’re starting a club? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Surprised, why did you suddenly appear and say that?

Elysia, you’re already a member of the club, and we’ve broken off our engagement.

It’s awkward between us. Since you’ve been avoiding me since the internship, I didn’t specifically tell you.

“Elysia, didn’t you already join the Magic Department?”

“T-That’s…”

“But, Elysia. Why are you here? Aren’t you in Class A?”

“Teacher called me to the office for a moment, and very coincidentally, very~ coincidentally! I happened to find you standing here. That’s why I came.”

“I see.”

“….”

“Anyway, I thought it would be uncomfortable for both of us to suggest joining a club after we’ve already broken up.”

“E-Even so..! Ugh..!! Bern, why on earth! Why! Why are you only doing this to me!”

What, what is it.

Elisha suddenly starts getting angry.

What’s wrong. What is it.

….

The more she thinks about it, the angrier she gets.

After growing up like siblings, suggesting breaking up as soon as we meet again.

And continuing to meet other girls.

Who is it this time?

“Sigh…”

She puts her head back against the wall and hides her body behind it.

“…Bern.”

Actually, I know. I know too.

That we’re broken up.

That we’re now strangers.

I found out recently.

That you’re living diligently, studying hard, working part-time without causing any trouble.

Good. It’s all good.

It’s good to see you trying to change back to how you used to be.

But when you talk to other girls, you’re affectionate. Why do you speak coldly only to me?

I say that, but I know too.

When you were struggling, I couldn’t do anything and turned away from you.

Even after coming to the academy, I only thought about my family.

It might sound like an excuse that I was too busy to care…

You comforted me whenever I was having a hard time, but I just gave up on you because you were having a hard time.

I know, I don’t even have the right to say anything to you.

But still.. still, I mean.

Seeing you talking so warmly with other girls…

Something… something… makes my heart feel suffocated…. Yes. This is all Bern’s fault.

Why do you speak so coldly to me and avoid me?

To think I’m having these thoughts now.. It’s quite funny.

Last year, I didn’t even care, but now that Bern is trying to change a little, I’m having these thoughts.

“Instead of supporting me…”

As I turn around to leave, Bern’s voice reaches my ears.

“Join the club.”

What? Club? A club??

Wow, I’m speechless with disbelief.

Ugh, really… Why didn’t you tell me anything?

Are we really strangers now? Is that it?

Feels like I’m just nitpicking..

Well, I’ll have to go and find out first.