Chapter 35 - An Hour Past Four

After the queen's speech. The examiners lift their robes and masks, revealing their appearances. The ranges in their ages vary greatly. Some look like they were still in their early 20s, while some others are old enough to have grandchildren.

" Greetings, new leaves. I am Frey Miordan, Your future lecturer in alchemy and medicine. " Listening from his voice alone, Zio immediately figured out that he was the one who looked after him in the magic aptitude and capability test.

" From here on, you are allowed to freely roam around the academy. Make use of this chance to know better about the place which you will spend your years. Is there any question? "

" Excuse me mister Frey- " Zio raised his hand in question. Suddenly, someone let out a burst of water from above him, drenching all of his body, even his underwear.

" How insolent! Do you know whom you are talking to?! Sir Frey is the state's most prominent alchemist! A living legend! You have no idea how many titles and achievements that he has! "

" Stop it, Klaus. You are scaring the freshmen. "

" B-But sir-! "

" They will learn in time. "

" V-Very well, if you say so... Uhm. I apologize for my rudeness. Anyway, you should address Sir Frey in the most respectful way or not at all. "

" Well then, you are... Salzio right? Let's hear your question, young lad. "

Sir Frey give another chance for Zio to speak, but unfortunately, thanks to the sudden free shower, now he had forgotten what he’s about to ask.

" Yes, sir! Never mind sir! I apologize for wasting your time! " Zio answered with his body being all tense and bend down towards sir Frey.

" Haha, very well then. Before you are all dismissed, make sure to return by the fourteenth bell for the medical check-up. "

Zio was so ashamed to the point that he can’t look at the others. He kept looking down as the others are leaving the hall. He hasn’t even asked the name of the blonde guy beside him even though he was somehow indebted to him. Until suddenly someone called out to him.

" Brother! Ahaha, as I thought it was you after all! "

" You're that guy who bumped on me! "

" Yes, I am! And my prayer was granted! Here we are meeting each other once again on a better occasion! "

" Actually, not so better. Considering I'm completely soaked down to my underwear. "

" Hmm, don't you worry. I can fix that. "

The big man raises his palm on Zio, manifesting his mana into magic. Zio can feel warmth envelopes his entire body, drying every thread on his clothes. ‘What a wonderful and convenient magic that he got.’ Zio thought.

After a few dozens of seconds, his clothes are finally as good as new. Even though it's a little bit smelly.

" Fire magic? "

" Mmhm. That was 'heat'. A more precise method of exerting fire magic. "

" Oooh. How can you do that? "

" Ahaha. I would love to explain, but I believe there's somewhere nicer to talk, am I wrong? "

" Sure sure. "

The two of them went for a walk around the academy together. Clearly, the academy was made without pulling any punch. The royal government has invested a large deal of gold into building this place. It's as if the High Academy is a town on its own.

There is a lot of diversified building where each of them is dedicated to their own purpose. Alchemy tower, gymnasium, library, amphitheater, research-dedicated garden, and even a bathhouse. Zio hopes that he can take Ana here someday; she definitely needs to see all of these wonders.

" ....that's how we reach a greater understanding about magic! ...Um, hello? Are you listening? "

" Oh? Yes, I am. So, since you're good enough to give specific visualization of your magic and maintaining its output, you can pull off such a delicate way of using your mana, right?

" Indeed. Otherwise, I would've burned your clothes to ashes. ”

“ Well damn, I’m glad you have a great focus with your magic. Haha. ”

They’ve been talking and walking with each other for almost an hour now. But funnily, they haven't known each other names yet. The big man is so absorbed in explaining magic as if Zio has been attending a class much earlier than anybody else. But that didn't bother him at all, instead, he feels lucky to be on good terms with such a knowledgeable man.

" Oh right, by the way, I haven't known your name yet. "

" Dear lord! Where's my manner? It’s pleasant to meet you, brother. I'm Sa'ad Alram. " The big, dark-skinned man bowed a little in a perfect manner.

" You're one of the best ten?! "

" Ahaha, too bad I didn't come out first though. But yes, I am. "

It’s a lucky strike for Zio. Gissel told him to look out for the top performers and establish a good bond if possible. But who would've ever thought an average joe like him could pull it off right after the exam? ‘I'm too competent for my own good!’ Zio praised himself full of confidence.

* Ding... Ding... Ding...* The academy bell rang fourteen times

" I'm Zio. It's nice to know you Sa'ad. "

" It's nice to meet you too, brother Zio. But I guess Sa'ad is a little bit hard on your tongue, isn't it? Please call me Aram instead. "

" Well then, Aram. Let's get back to the hall. "

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" What do you think, doc? "

" Yes, Sir Frey. This is truly an extraordinary phenomenon. "

" Told you, right? Nobody should've survived mana combustion as severe as this. "

Zio is lying on the bed, staring at two old men playing with his body and listening as they spouting words which he’s not familiar with. The thing is, it doesn't matter to Zio whether you call it A or B. All he wanted to know is how he can get better and get over his illness.

" Zio... right? Consider yourself lucky just to be alive and well. Can you tell us what caused this? "

" ...Believe me, I'd love to know about it myself. "

" So, you don't know? "

" No, doc. I'm sorry I couldn't be much of help. "

Zio has been trying to ask everyone, but no one is willing to answer, even his own sister. He is the only that was left wandering in the dark. Zio didn’t know what he has done to deserve this treatment. He wanted to know so badly about what had happened back then, to the point that he even considered it to be his death wish.

" Listen carefully, Zio. The condition of your mana roots leaves you unable to make use of 85% of your mana potential. And also, there's something... peculiar... within your mana pool. "

" Mana pool? "

" Mana is like blood. It has vessels which we referred to as 'roots' and it also has a heart which we referred to as a 'core or pool'. "

" And what's wrong with my mana pool? "

" Your mana pool doesn't have an output as much as to cause such severe mana combustion, as mana combustion happens when one is forcing the surge of magic to be faster than they can handle. "

Zio can easily understand it. It's like when an iron wheel is being spun so fast until they turn red and breaks. But then again, Zio has no power to spin the wheel that fast in the first place. Thus, the big question in his mind is, where does that power come from?

" Therefore, what you should've experienced is mana deficiency. Yet, we still don't know why you are experiencing mana combustion instead. "

In a place where might and magic are everything, losing 85% of his mana equals participating in a marathon run with no legs. " ...Can it be fixed? " Zio plead to both the doctor and Sir Frey. Hopeless and dejected.

" Normally, it’s going to be very tough, next to impossible if I may be honest. But since you're lucky to be accepted into this Academy, I suppose we can try on few things to improve your condition. "

" Don't be so blue, young lad! That doesn't suit you at all! Where did all those courage and yelling go? " Sir Frey tapped Zio’s shoulder repeatedly.

" Thank you, sir. But... it will cost me a great deal of fortune, isn't it? "

" Huh? What are you talking about? All expenses regarding the primary needs of the students are fully covered by the royal government! Health cost included! "

Zio feels as if his soul is coming back to him. He found this to be very unbelievable, he even feels bad for those who paid the taxes. But still, there's no other way. He has to take this chance, otherwise, he would stay handicapped for the rest of his life.

" Now that's a better look! " Sir Frey tapped on Zio's shoulders.

Afterward, the doctor gave him a note and some medicaments. Sir Frey also told him to keep his condition a secret. That much is obvious though, because who would want to scream around and telling others about their own weak point?

Finally, Zio can go home. It seems that he was the last person to leave the building. From afar, he can see Aram is already hanging around the gate. Aram looks like as if he was waiting for someone.

Zio didn’t pay much attention until Aram waved at him. At this point, he realized that the big man might have been waiting for him all along. Zio couldn’t judge whether he is being very suspicious by being a little bit too nice for someone who had just met, or it is just simply in his nature. One thing for sure is that he might need to mind some distance.

" Yo! Ar-! " Zio’s mouth stopped as he took a closer look at Aram. His head is bleeding and his body is full of filth, dirt, and rotten eggs.

" Aram! "

" Zio! You finally came, brother! What took you so long? "

" 'What took you so long' my ass! What the fuck happened to you?! "

" Nothing in particular. It's just... not everyone is fond of outsiders, especially to a black man like me. This is fine. "

" As if it is! "

Zio immediately helped Aram to clean up his clothes. Zio deplores such uncivilized acts towards him. His clothes were all white just a moment ago. Now it's all dirty and will likely never go back to how it used to be.

" W-Wait! You'll get yourself dirty! "

" Stay still! ...Damn it, dude! Why don't you stand for yourself? Have you no backbone? You're such a pussy for someone so big! "

Aram keeps cleaning himself in silence, not answering any of Zio’s question. When they were busy cleaning up the mess, someone tapped Zio’s shoulder from behind.

" U-Um, excuse me. "

" Whoa! Shit! Don't sneak up on me like-! Huh...? Why are you still here? Didn't you fail the test? "

" T-That's so rude! I passed the test! "

The one who startled Zio was no other than the mushy girl from before. While Zio is utterly surprised that she passed the test, but what he’s wondering about what she is doing here this late. ‘Does she want her knife back?’ Zio asked himself.

" Oh wow... So? What do you want? The knife? Take it, I don't need such a cheap steel. " Zio brushed her off while keeping himself busy cleaning Aram's clothes.

" Wha-! Kuh, I'll just let you know, I can help you cleaning his clothes if you want! "

" No, thank you. " Zio replied in instant.

" Hahaha. Interesting individuals always attract each other, aren't they? " Aram suddenly burst into laughter.

" Nice to meet you, kind girl, my name is Sa'ad Alram. You can call me Aram. "

" W-Wait, Sa'ad Alram?! The one who placed sixth in the exam?! "

" Ah, that's right, albeit only by luck. And you are...? "

" Y-Yes, my name is Cecilia! Nice to meet you too, Aram! And also, please hold for a moment! I'll help you clean up! "

Cecilia cast basic water magic on Aram's clothes, washing all the dirt along with it.

" And here I thought you are completely useless. " As soon as Zio sneered at her, Cecilia turned her hands on his face, spraying him with her water in a pout.

" Y-You! "

" Ah~ sorry sorry, that was completely unintentional. "

After they are finished cleaning Aram's clothes, they walk together for a while, accompanying each other with light talks before they parted ways. Although it’s more like, Zio and Cecilia parted their way with Aram.

" Why the hell are you following me?!! " Zio yelled.

" I-I-I'm not following you!! It's just a coincidence that his place is also through this way! "

Zio’s temple twitched as he was irritated by how the girl keeps following him around. She’s getting on his nerves even more when she is pretending with her alibi, even when Zio is clearly just circling around the corner, looking for a way to shake her off his tail.

*Tap* Zio stopped walking and the girl also did the same.

" What's wrong? Go on, keep walking. I thought your place is somewhere around here? "

" I-I... U-Uh... A-Aaah~ I'm so tired, m-might rest a bit. " Cecilia averted his eyes while stretching her arms to her back.

" Oh-ho?! Is that so?! Hmm?! Hmm?!" Zio pinched her cheek and pulls it here and there.

" S-Stuf... p-pwease! Iz hufts...! "

Zio finally gave in. He let out a big sigh and squatted down in the side of the road with his head resting on his hand, looking inside the hazy grey eyes of hers.

" Alright, here I am listening... What do you want, Lia? "