“The truth is rarely pure and never simple”( part 2)
Not even two minutes had passed when someone else finally entered the room. More precisely, two boys walked in. One wore a mask that covered almost his entire face, while the other was clearly an elf—his ears, which couldn't be altered, gave him away immediately.
Uituba's eyes lit up the moment she saw the elf, but she quickly turned her gaze away, regret evident in her expression.
As the two boys headed toward the back seats, Csendes turned to the elf girl beside her and asked:
"Do you know that elf?"
Uituba, who had seemed somewhat deflated, suddenly came to life.
"Yes! He's my favorite Ludus player! You probably don't know this, but he's already part of our planet's team! The way he plays is just so mesmerizing…"
She then launched into a passionate retelling of matches she had attended, enthusiastically describing every goal and strike in vivid detail.
At first, Duga didn't seem particularly interested. What was so great about that infernal game? But as the elf girl continued, she found herself getting drawn into the stories.
Csendes appeared to be looking outside again, staring at the sun. A red flash flickered in her dark pupils for a brief moment. Then, as if nothing had happened, she turned her attention back to the elf girl's animated narration.
No one else entered the classroom for quite some time.
The girls who were listening to the elf's stories paid no attention to this detail, nor did the two boys, though they occasionally cast glances toward the door.
Then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway.
A group of students rushed into the room, panting as if they had been running for quite a while. Even a few of the girls among them looked exhausted.
"What a shame that using magic of any kind is forbidden in the academy."
"Yeah, we shouldn't have had to run this much. First, we drained ourselves solving those time-based magic puzzles, and now we had to race against the clock too…"
"We're not late, are we?"
"I don't think so… I don't see the homeroom teacher yet."
Within moments, the once-empty room filled up. And just as the last students settled into their seats, the homeroom teacher arrived.
He was the instructor for 'Magic Control' class, and his reputation was solid. His research achievements were well-known in certain magical fields. His species? A unicorn. Though his human form didn't display a visible horn, a small, black, star-shaped mark adorned his forehead—easily overlooked if one wasn't paying attention.
The professor's long, wavy white hair cascaded down to his waist. His face was somewhat angular, but a feathered hat obscured most of it. He wasn't particularly tall, standing around 1.80 meters. His eyes were an ordinary shade of brown. He wore a long black coat over a dark red suit.
The only thing that seemed out of place was his bare feet. No shoes, no socks—just a simple pair of modest sandals.
It was well known that the 'Poenitel' species had a complicated relationship with footwear…
As the professor casually took his seat at the desk, a few books floated into place before him, their covers facing the students.
He then swept his gaze across the room before beginning his introduction.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I will be your homeroom…"
He abruptly stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto Csendes. His expression flickered for a moment before returning to normal. He frowned slightly but resumed speaking.
"…your homeroom teacher for the foreseeable future. We will study various subjects related to magic and beyond. I will also be working alongside Professor Bilgja for spell combat lessons…"
Uituba nudged Csendes lightly with her elbow.
"Why did he look at you like that?"
Csendes simply grinned cheerfully, offering no answer.
Seeing that she wouldn't get a response, Uituba quickly lost interest.
At the front of the class, the teacher continued discussing the subjects they would be covering.
"Now, moving on to another topic. Our class is Group 1, meaning you are the top 30 students in the ranking. This is an achievement, but don't let it go to your heads. Being powerful isn't always a good thing—everyone has weaknesses. If you made it here due to extraordinary physical attributes, your magic capabilities are likely lower, and vice versa."
The professor cleared his throat and glanced once more at Csendes.
"Of course, there are exceptions. In this class, we have students who maintain a balance between physical, magical, and mental strength."
A girl with spiky hair in the front row raised her hand.
"Professor Talo, how were the points assigned for class rankings? And can you tell us how many points each of us has?"
The professor hesitated slightly.
"Normally, the decision was made with the other homeroom teachers to only reveal rankings if at least half the class agrees. So, raise your hand if you are in favor."
A wave of movement spread through the classroom as numerous hands shot up. There was no need to count—it was overwhelmingly in favor.
"Very well. I'll display the rankings."
He took a scroll from one of the books and unfurled it onto the blackboard. The parchment extended until it covered the entire board.
The first name on the list was Csendes. When the students read it, a collective gasp filled the room.
1. Csendes Mez – 32,332 points
2. Shu Mo – 8,000 points
3. Gatas – 7,900 points
…
Many eyes now turned toward Csendes with curiosity. That number was… terrifying.
"So how exactly are the points determined?" someone asked.
"As I mentioned, they reflect physical, magical, and mental strength."
Even the professor regarded Csendes with newfound respect. However, she herself seemed completely uninterested, gazing idly out the window.
After everyone had absorbed their rankings, students started asking about academy rules.
"Now, let's go over those." The professor leaned back comfortably on the desk and picked up a book titled 'Academy Regulations'.
"Each of you received this book along with your brooch. I'm not sure how many of you have actually read it, but you should. The academy operates under a well-structured system. Some aspects may evolve over time, but overall, everything is set in place. The book is divided into chapters that should answer most of your questions."
A student in the back raised his hand.
"Is it true that our magic will be sealed once classes begin?"
"Yes. At the end of this lesson, you will receive the Academy's System. This will allow us to monitor your progress and seal your abilities. As you were informed, this System is a 'Fixed Evolutionary Parasite.' In other words, it will function like a personalized artifact. Over time, you'll be able to enhance and refine its usage. However, the contract you signed states that you agree to our policy of monitoring specific information and restricting access accordingly."
The professor reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, leaf-shaped pendant.
"Even we, the professors, have received one. Our agreements differ slightly from yours, but in general, it's the same. I chose mine as a pendant. You all submitted your preferences by mail, I assume. If you changed your mind, you'll have the ability to alter its form as it evolves."
Just as he was about to continue explaining the academy rules, a sudden melody rang throughout the classroom.
The professor blinked in surprise before pulling out his glowing pendant.
"Looks like someone is contacting me… Accept call."
His expression shifted—confusion, then a deep frown. He listened intently before suddenly turning toward Csendes.
She was still smiling, but this time… her grin seemed just a bit too mischievous.
Professor Talo stepped toward her.
"I was going to ask you privately after class, but it seems I must do it now. What rule did you break?"
The room fell into silence, a few students glancing at each other knowingly.
Csendes tilted her head, feigning innocence.
"Me? You'll have to be more specific. I've broken quite a few."
She let out a small, cheerful laugh.
The professor's expression darkened.
"Do you have anything to do with the delays in the other classes?"