Unveiling Secrets

The following days at Eden Academy were a blur of activity. The sudden attack during the magicless excursion had left the academy in a state of heightened alert. Security was tightened, and teachers seemed to always be on edge. Whispers of the ambush filled the halls, and rumors circulated about the identity and motives of the attackers. Aira could feel the shift in the atmosphere; the carefree energy of the academy had been replaced by a quiet vigilance.

Aira, however, had more pressing concerns. The translucent window that appeared before her eyes during the attack had provided not just a summary of her favorability with others but also a new quest:

New Quest: Find the Attackers

Objective: Uncover the identities of the assailants who ambushed the students during the excursion.

Reward: 500 Experience Points, New Skill - Shadow Step.

Bonus Reward: Hidden reward for discovering the leader's true motive.

Aira pondered over the new quest. It was clear that whoever had attacked them had done so with a purpose. But what was it? And why target students during a school event? Her mind raced with possibilities, but she knew she needed more information. The quest wasn't just an opportunity to gain experience points; it was also a chance to uncover the truth behind the ambush and perhaps learn more about the academy's hidden dangers.

That evening, after her classes had ended, Aira returned to her dormitory. She closed the door behind her and retrieved the diary. She hadn't had a chance to read through all of it, but she had a feeling that there might be clues inside that could help her with her new quest.

Aira sat on her bed, the dim light of the setting sun casting long shadows across her room. She opened the diary to where she had last left off. The pages were filled with neat, careful handwriting, and she began to read:

"I know something is wrong with me. I've tried to cast spells, even the simplest ones, but nothing happens. The others laugh at me behind my back. They call me the 'magicless wonder.' If only they knew…"

Aira's breath caught in her throat. The words seemed to echo her own feelings of frustration and isolation, even though she now understood this world's rules better. She continued reading, her eyes scanning the pages quickly.

"The healers don't understand. They say there's nothing wrong, but I can feel it. It's like a part of me is missing. I can't connect with mana the way everyone else can. Father thinks I'm just not trying hard enough, but I know it's more than that. I have to find out what's wrong with me."

Aira's heart ached for the original Aira. She knew all too well what it felt like to be misunderstood and underestimated. She turned the page and continued:

"I found something today in the library—an old text about rare diseases of the mana channels. One of them sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing. It's called 'Nullis Magica,' a condition that prevents the flow of mana through the body. The text said it's extremely rare and almost always fatal without treatment. There is only one known cure, but it's said to be nearly impossible to achieve…"

Aira leaned forward, her pulse quickening. This was it—the information she had been looking for. She continued reading with fervor.

"The cure involves creating a special potion, a concoction made from several rare ingredients. Some of these ingredients are incredibly difficult to find. They are said to grow only in the most dangerous parts of the world, guarded by powerful magical creatures. The final ingredient… it's the heart of a dragon. A dragon! How am I supposed to find a dragon, let alone take its heart?"

Aira's mind raced. A dragon's heart? It sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, but in this world, such things were real. She knew dragons were not just rare but also immensely powerful. The idea of hunting a dragon seemed almost impossible, yet if that was what it took to cure Nullis Magica…

"But I have to try. If I don't do something, I'll never be able to use magic. I'll be an outcast forever. No one can know about this, especially not Father. He'd never understand… or worse, he'd try to use this against me."

Aira closed the diary, her mind whirling with the revelations she had just read. The original Aira had been desperate to find a cure for her condition. And now, as the reincarnated Aira, she was left with the same dilemma. Could she find a way to cure herself? Was the quest to find the attackers somehow linked to this disease?

She needed more information. The library. The original Aira had found a text in the library. If it was still there, it could provide more details about Nullis Magica and the cure. Aira made up her mind. She would go to the library tonight and find that book. And she would also begin her search for the attackers, starting with any clues the academy might have overlooked.

As she prepared to leave her room, a soft chime echoed in her mind, and another translucent window appeared before her eyes:

New Sub-Quest: Discover the Cure for Nullis Magica

Objective: Locate the ancient text in the library and uncover the details of the cure.

Reward: 300 Experience Points, New Ability - Mana Infusion (increased mana recovery rate).

Bonus Reward: Special item if the cure is obtained.

Aira felt a sense of determination settle over her. She had two quests now, and they both seemed equally important. She knew the road ahead would not be easy, but she had no choice. The path forward was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but Aira was ready. She had to be.

With a determined look in her eyes, Aira grabbed her cloak and slipped quietly out of her dormitory, heading toward the academy library. The night was dark, but her path was clear. She was going to find the answers she needed, no matter what it took.

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over Eden Academy as Aira made her way through the quiet corridors toward the library. Her steps were light and deliberate, the only sound the soft rustle of her cloak. The library's imposing wooden doors loomed ahead, and she pushed them open with a determined resolve.

Inside, the library was a sanctuary of silence, the vast rows of bookshelves stretching into shadowy corners. Aira moved with purpose, her eyes scanning the titles and seeking out the ancient text she had read about. She had already found a spot near a large window where the moonlight provided just enough illumination to read by.

As she was engrossed in her search, she noticed a figure approaching from the far end of the library. It was Asahi. He moved with a quiet grace, his white hair slightly tousled and his blue eyes scanning the room with a look of focus.

Asahi approached her with an air of casual confidence. "I didn't expect to find anyone else here so late," he said, his voice smooth and slightly amused. "What brings you to the library at this hour?"

Aira looked up, momentarily surprised. "I'm just researching something. It's important."

Asahi raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Researching, huh? I was actually planning to look for some information about the attackers from the excursion. I've come across a few leads and thought you might find them useful."

Aira's interest was immediately piqued. "Really? That could be very helpful. What have you found so far?"

Asahi's gaze softened slightly as he pulled out a few documents from his bag. "I managed to uncover some details about the attackers' origins and possible motives. It's not comprehensive, but it might give us a starting point."

Aira's eyes lit up as she glanced at the documents. "I'd definitely like to see those."

Asahi placed the documents on a nearby table, and Aira moved closer, her focus shifting entirely to the new information. Asahi, eager to share, leaned in closer as well, his body unintentionally brushing against hers. The proximity was sudden, and both Aira and Asahi felt a jolt of awkwardness.

Aira's cheeks flushed a soft pink as she realized how close they were. She turned slightly, her gaze meeting Asahi's. Asahi's face mirrored her blush, his usual composure giving way to a hint of embarrassment.

"Sorry," Asahi muttered, straightening up quickly. "I didn't mean to crowd you."

Aira, flustered, cleared her throat. "It's fine. I—uh, I appreciate the help."

Asahi gave a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess I got a bit too close there. I'll, um, let you get back to it. Continue with the documents. If you need anything else, just let me know."

Aira nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Asahi. I will."

Asahi took a step back, trying to regain his usual calm demeanor. "I'll see you around," he said, offering a small, awkward smile before walking away, his cheeks still tinged with pink.