Academy Life [4]

The hot liquid trickled down my throat, bitter but, at the same time, kind of sweet. Releasing an overpowering aroma, I couldn't help but shiver a bit. As I felt the warmth start to disperse through myself, my body released a relaxed sound.

*Aaah*

'What would I do without you, my love?'

Sipping my coffee, I was trying to mentally escape my current predicament. With James and Brad in front of me, Sarah had inevitably ended up at my side.

Even though we had just been in an "unfortunate" situation, a statement my physical being strongly disagreed with, it seemed to have completely dissolved any looks of caution from them Although the shining knight had been an exception from the start.

It seems like James didn't care at all about my status or me falling unconscious, he still treated me as a friend.

"So what are you guys gonna do after this? I was thinking that we go together to see the city. I heard it would only take a couple of minutes to get there with the bullet train."

James suggested, completely disregarding the state of me and the succubus. Me, trying to calm my raging hormones down with my hot brew, and Sarah staring down at the table in embarrassment.

Fortunately enough, the rarity of Brad taking a social initiative had saved us both.

"Oh yea, it's the weekend now, is it? I think it's a good idea."

'Brad actually agreed? Isn't he supposed to be a bit anti-social? Maybe I got the wrong impression...'

Though Brad's response had already almost shattered my view of him, the words that came next were the final nail.

"I've heard that the nightlife is supposed to be good here, maybe I can find some nice lady to spend the night with."

...

'You were that kind of guy? Wait, aren't you 16?! No! That can't be, there is no way a 16-year-old has more experience than my combined 40 years!'

I wasn't the only one taken aback by his statement, both James and Sarah were looking at him with two very different expressions. Sarah wore a look of disgust, but at the same time curiosity, while James appeared to be dumbfounded.

'Guess they haven't got to see this side of him either.'

*Cough*

Sarah recuperated the fastest, utilizing the renowned 'coughing technique'.

"I also think it's a good idea to experience the nightlife, but only if James is fine with it."

'And the tiger strikes!'

Impressed by the fact that she openly expressed she wanted to go drinking with the prince, I took another sip of my coffee, awaiting James's answer. Flinching at the sudden inquiry, appearing to be caught off guard by Sarah's demand, he awkwardly said:

"Well, I know most people have experienced getting intoxicated before they turn 16 but..."

"But what? Don't tell me you've never had a good ol' bottle of lager before!

Intrigued Brad pushed forward, wanting the rest of the story.

"I haven't. In fact, I've never touched alcohol before. Ah, it's not because I couldn't, I just didn't see the need to."

Both Sarah and Brad looked stupefied, but I could feel my temperature rising.

'Why do you look like he is an alien?! I know this is a different world and all, but you are kids! Kids shouldn't be drinking no matter what planet!'

"But I wouldn't be opposed to trying it if Miren were to come along..."

...

I couldn't help but put on a frightened expression. At the same Sarah seemed to have reached the same conclusion from his words, as a dreaming face, almost drooling, emerged.

'Was it that kind of game? Does that mean I was into something like that in my previous life? No, is he actually that socially inept to not understand the misunderstanding he just caused?'

Switching her earlier resolution, of possible getting closer to James, she spoke while appearing to have found a greater prospect.

"Yes! Miren must absolutely come! You are also our classmate, so we won't take no for an answer!"

'Really? Was your longing for James that weak? Would you really throw that away, just for the minuscule chance of getting to see us holding each other tight in the lights of the night?'

Analyzing my surroundings, I was encircled by expectations. Brad, wanting to have a group to go party with, and James wishing to get along with his friends. Lastly, the golden-haired girl in heat looked as if she would drag me out if she had to, her eyes already instilled with the intent of, literally, not taking no for an answer.

*Haaaa*

I quickly arrived at the conclusion that I wouldn't be able to get out of this. At least not without completely destroying any future of getting along with them in the future.

"Fine... I'll come with you, but I won't be able to go right after this. I am going to meet the goril.. our teacher before I can go."

Sarah took a quick peek at her watch before talking.

"It's 13.20 now, the bars won't open until 20.00 anyway. So if we meet at the trains at 19.30 we can go and grab a quick bite before going out."

Then she continued in a low voice.

"-I need to make sure my camera is charged anyway..."

'Why do you need your camera, you beautiful cow?! Keep your emotions in check, because you underestimate the social awkwardness James possesses.'

And with that, we finished our lunch together and went our separate ways, with me going to the jungle.

****

"Oh, little hare! You came after all. I thought you would ignore me again like you did yesterday."

"I'M NOT A LITTLE HARE!"

As we were now alone in his office, I didn't hesitate to finally speak up against the oppression, attempting to stop getting compared to a small animal.

"But that's what the principal calls you right? With his clairvoyance, there should be a reason. Even if you might think it's something bad, I think it speaks to a lot of your qualities!"

"What qualities, that I'm weak or the fact that I'm small?"

With a warm smile, he continued.

"No. You might be small and physically weak, but there is so much more to it. As you already figured out, we got to see the true potential you have at the measuring room."

Unknowing to me, as to what degree he truly meant this, I felt a bit of reassurance. Hearing him speak positively about my elemental talent, it did make me grow a small seed of pride in my chest.

"A hare isn't just a weak little animal, it possesses immense nimbleness and quickness. Wouldn't you agree that these would be valuable qualities for a close-combat assassin?"

Unable to retort, I agreed with him while I was pouting like the kid I currently was.

"You're right... But I still don't like it!"

'Holy shit, did I just say that? I guess I am a kid after all. A kid who is gonna go out drinking later!'

Finding a little comfort in the fact that at least society in this world saw me as an adult, we finally got to the reason I came here.

"I saw that you chose dagger-mastery, close combat practice, and flexibility as your physical courses. "

"Yea, those seemed like the most logical choices for my stats."

'Did I pick the wrong classes? Should I have picked strength training, even if it would take years for me to increase its rank?'

"Hmm. I agree."

'Why even ask if you agree, you monkey!"

Flinching a bit, I still wore a polite smile to keep trying to have an affable relationship with my teacher.

"But I'm not gonna let you attend them for at least two months."

Confused by his words I questioned him.

"Why? You know better than anyone that I need to get stronger as fast as possible. Why would you keep me attending classes that would help me with this?"

Carrying an intense gaze, he responded bluntly.

"That's exactly it. You need to get stronger a lot faster, and the fastest way to do that is not gonna be through having lessons with other students."

"You want me to train by myself? Isn't the point of dividing students into A- and B-class to stimulate growth by introducing rivals?"

"You're right. But there's an even better method for us to make you grow quickly. After talking with the principal, we decided that before the ranking matches happen in two months, we will personally train you."

'They will what?'

Getting caught completely off guard by the fact that he was willing to train me personally, I couldn't help but feel a bit suspicious.

"Why? Why would I get preferential treatment? Isn't James or Lindsey more deserved of such a favor?"

Not missing a beat Mike said with a serious tone:

"Unlike you, we didn't force James or Lindsey to attend Kirkegaard. Nor did we purposely put them in a torturous situation where they would lose all hope. We owe you this. I owe you this, after what I did to you."

There was no way for me to try and argue with Mike now. He told me the entire truth of why I would get personal training, and with my impression of the man, this would probably be his redemption. I am not immature enough to rob him of his way of apologizing to me, even if I still felt a bit overwhelmed by his emotions. It was also a nice opportunity to finally get some guidance, not to mention how it would probably be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get the principal as a teacher.

*Cough*

"I guess that would be the most effective way, but how would this play out exactly?"

In an instant, the sorrow was replaced by happiness, and Mike happily explained to me what his plan was.

"I will be training you for most of the days, except for Thursdays and Fridays, where the principal will personally instruct you with your mana control and meditation.

"Wait, doesn't that mean I will miss every single lesson I have registered for? Won't I become an outcast like this?"

"Don't worry, you will still have homeroom every morning!"

'Will that really off sett the fact that I won't meet my classmates for 90% of the school days?'

Unable to retort because of his giant smile, I kept my social concerns inside.

'Wait, didn't I want to avoid the other students? Why am I suddenly about to go out with James, why would I be concerned about damaging my social life?'

These thoughts made it clear that something had changed within me during the few days I had spent in the class of 1-A. Unbeknownst to me, this change was directly related to the time I had spent around a certain golden boy.