Shirone's Trial: The Path to Class Five

"Today's class ends here. And I have an announcement."

The students cheered. If class ended early, they'd tolerate even the most tedious lecture.

"An early promotion candidate has been decided. Arian Shirone, please stand."

Shirone jolted.

'Me?'

Meanwhile, students familiar with such situations scowled, displeased it was Shirone.

"Shirone will advance to Class Five. Attend classes according to that schedule starting tomorrow. Others, strive harder for your own opportunities. That's all."

The classroom erupted. Students looked as shocked as if they'd heard war had broken out.

'This isn't just early promotion—it's skipping two classes at once!'

"Professor! I object!" Mark, Class Seven's unofficial leader, stood. A bulky student with a square jaw.

"How can Shirone jump two classes? He can't even cast a single spell!"

Sienna frowned. 'Ethela never mentioned this.' Perhaps even she didn't know—magic wasn't required in integrated classes.

"Is this true, Shirone?"

Classmates turned to him, their eyes pleading: Say you can't. Admit it.

"Yes. I still can't cast magic."

"Hmm." Sienna adjusted her glasses. 'But promotion is valid. Magic isn't assessed until Class Five.' Yet Shirone's inability was unusual. 'Is he choosing not to learn?'

"The objection is noted," Sienna said. "However, magic isn't part of Class Seven's criteria. Shirone's promotion stands."

"We won't accept this!" Mark slammed his desk.

"This is favoritism! You've said Spirit Zones aren't everything! Why bend rules for him?"

"I'd beat Shirone academically!" another shouted. "He barely keeps up in theory!"

"If this proceeds, we'll petition the student council for a hearing!"

The backlash stunned Sienna. These students thrived on competition—why such venom?

'There's more here.' Their hostility felt personal.

"The decision isn't final. Official announcements will follow faculty discussions. Class dismissed."

Back in the staff room, Sienna pondered. 'Why this hatred?' In a meritocratic magic school, skill-based advancement was expected. 'Unless…'

Maria, a 19-year-old stuck in Class Seven for four years, approached timidly.

"Professor… I need to tell you something."

She revealed everything: the bullying, sabotage, and jealousy Shirone endured.

"I… went through this too," Maria whispered. "They'd gag near me, whisper insults. I couldn't focus. But Shirone… he stays calm. How?"

Sienna's fists tightened. 'This goes beyond rivalry.'

Past midnight, Shirone washed up when a knock interrupted him.

"Shirone? Are you awake?"

Sienna stood at his dorm door, hair damp from the baths.

"May I come in?"

His room—unusually tidy for a boy—was piled with advanced books. Sienna noted titles far beyond his curriculum.

'He's building foundations, not chasing quick wins.'

"Is school difficult?" she asked, sitting on his bed.

"No. I enjoy studying."

"Why didn't you report the bullying?"

He met her gaze.

"It's fine. If they dislike me, that's their choice."

"No resentment?"

"I'm human—I want friends. But forcing relationships by denying myself? That's foolish. Even if all 40 here hate me, someone out there will understand."

Sienna nodded, reassured. 'His resolve is unshaken.'

At the faculty meeting, Headmaster Alpheas reviewed documents on Class Seven's bullying. Teachers grimaced at the petty sabotage.

"Promote Shirone immediately," one urged. "He'll graduate in four years—perfect for our rivalry with other schools."

"Objection." Sad, a traditionalist teacher, countered. "His lack of magic fuels the students' resentment. We can't ignore their morale."

Sienna glared. "You'd stifle talent over jealousy? Class Seven's main metric is Spirit Zones, not magic!"

"Enough." Alpheas silenced their argument. "We'll give all Class Seven a chance."

The notice stunned students:

1. Class-wide promotion test to Class Five via teleportation magic.

2. One winner only.

Panic erupted.

"Teleportation? I can't even…!"

"It's a Class Five spell! We tried it years ago—it's terrifying!"

As whispers died, the crowd parted. Shirone stood before the board, calm amidst the storm.