The Forgotten Existence

The disciplinary action came without warning, but just realizing the particle of God made it all worthwhile.

However, that too would only shine when he officially became a magician.

Starting tomorrow, he had to fully dedicate himself to studying again in order to advance to Class Four.

'Nade and Iluki must be thinking the same thing.'

At Alpheas Magic Academy, student promotions were determined at the end of each semester based on overall grades. The requirement? A minimum score of 80 in every subject.

It wasn't an average score—every single subject had to be above 80. Given that personal aptitudes varied, having a weak subject was inevitable.

Still, the school's policy was unwavering.

To choose a specialization, one had to master the foundational disciplines at a certain level.

As such, a graduate of Alpheas was expected to be proficient in the basics of all branches of magic.

This was precisely why the magic society favored those who came from prestigious schools.

Many magicians in the field came from non-academic backgrounds—former apprentices, self-taught individuals who gained enlightenment, or those who trained through the darker routes.

Their advantage lay in their wealth of field experience and their mastery of highly specialized combat magic.

Ultimately, the choice of whom to hire depended on the employer's preference and the nature of the job. However, it was undeniable that magic school graduates had broader career opportunities.

The strict 80-point cutoff was a reflection of these societal expectations.

Shirone clutched his head in frustration.

"Hah… So, what? In my case, that means I have to raise my average score by more than 30 points."

Even if he had grasped the particle of God, this was still a school. To advance, he needed 80 points in every subject.

'It's not completely impossible. If I use the Knowledge Spine with a goal-oriented approach, I should be able to increase my scores.'

More than anything, Shirone had another reason why he absolutely had to succeed.

'Iluki and Nade have a high chance of getting promoted. If I'm left behind in Class Five all alone…'

Just imagining it was horrifying.

Shirone shook his head to dispel the thought and forced himself to find the positives.

'This is something I'd have to face eventually. Besides, once I get into Class Four, I can apply for the graduation class. Then, I can finally keep my promise to Amy…'

At that moment, it hit him.

"That's right! Amy!"

Since the presentation ended, he hadn't even thanked her. He had been so overwhelmed that he had completely forgotten she had been there.

'I was too careless. She must have felt disappointed.'

Looking back, she was always there, cheering him on from a distance whenever he faced a tough challenge.

"Alright! I'll go now!"

Entering the graduation class was nerve-wracking, but this time, he wanted to express his gratitude properly.

A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes as he left the dormitory.

"She's going to be surprised."

Shirone climbed the hill, carrying coffee in both hands for Amy and Seriel.

At the top, an arch known as the Iron Gate stood tall, waiting for him.

Seeing it up close, the structure was far larger and more imposing than it had seemed from a distance.

'The pinnacle of the magic academy.'

The monument symbolized the spirit of magicians. Passing beneath it filled one's heart with solemn reverence.

Just then, as the sixth-period class ended, students from the graduation class began streaming out of the building.

Spotting Amy and Seriel chatting near the main entrance, Shirone called out to them.

"Amy! Amy!"

A few students turned their heads, but the two remained engrossed in their conversation, seemingly not hearing him.

Mischief sparked in Shirone's mind. Quietly sneaking up behind them, he held out the coffee right in front of their faces.

"Ta-da! Surprise gift!"

Amy's eyes widened in shock. Chuckling, Shirone handed another cup to Seriel.

"Here, one for you too, senior! Drink this and recharge your energy!"

Seriel tilted her head in confusion while Amy furrowed her brows and asked,

"Who are you? Why are you giving us this?"

Shirone thought she was joking.

"Haha, sorry! I was so busy that I didn't send word. So, I came to see you in person."

Amy's guard only heightened. When Shirone took a step closer, she hastily pushed his arm away.

"Get that away from me! How do I know what's inside?"

The coffee spilled.

Shirone stared at her in disbelief.

This was far beyond a joke—she had genuinely crossed a line. And her face, flushed red with anger, told him she wasn't playing around.

"Who are you, and why are you acting like this? And why do you call Seriel 'senior' but speak informally to me?"

Seriel also looked displeased.

"Are you from the advanced class? I don't know if this is stalking or some kind of prank, but this approach isn't okay. And show some respect to your seniors, will you?"

Shirone was dumbfounded.

"Seriel, it's me! Shirone! Don't you remember me? Amy, you really don't know me? You're joking, right?"

Amy grabbed him by the collar.

"How the hell would we know you? If you're a student, go study instead of causing a scene. Do you not even know when to back off? Just when I thought we had some peace around here…"

All of this… it was because of him.

The one from before.

'Who was it?'

She felt like she had made some kind of deal with someone, yet she couldn't recall anything.

The only trace left behind was a faint memory of warmth.

"Stop lying!"

Shirone slapped her hands away.

"Ow."

Amy winced, rubbing her wrist, but Shirone felt no sympathy.

It didn't even feel real. If this was a prank, it was a cruel one.

"Why are you messing with me like this? If you don't like me, just say so! I have feelings too, you know!"

Seriel shoved him away with both hands.

"You! Get lost!"

Shirone landed on the ground with a thud, unable to resist the force.

"Why are you harassing my friend? And disrespecting a senior? What class are you from? You want to get disciplined?"

Tears welled up in Shirone's eyes.

'Seriel…'

Amy's closest friend.

A skilled magician, yet a romantic who cried over love stories.

Shirone remembered her clearly—how she cheered him on with all her heart through every hardship.

But now, she was someone else.

Her sharp eyes pierced through him like needles, and her tightly pressed lips held nothing but hostility.

Shirone shook his head.

He didn't want to believe it. This couldn't be real.

"No! This is a lie!"

Overwhelmed, Shirone bolted away.

Seriel shouted after him.

"Don't ever come back! If you pull this again, I'll report you to the teachers!"

Breathless with lingering rage, she turned to Amy.

"Seriously, what was that about? He looked innocent but was so persistent. Are you okay?"

"Uh… yeah, I'm fine."

Amy released her grip on her wrist.

Though she couldn't remember anything, something about his retreating figure left her with an inexplicable sense of longing.

"…Who was he? He really seemed to know me."