Chapter 1. Part1

"The world is not fair. It never was."

I learned that at a young age.

Like everyone else in this world, I have magical powers. I was lucky enough to be born with immense magical abilities. That made it easy for me to pass the entrance exam for the highest magic school in our country. Yes, you heard that right: magic exists here.

It's not like there are many schools in our country, but I guess it's better than nothing.

Ding dong.

So this is the Royal Magic Academy of Velmaria. Pretty small, I thought when I first walked in. Velmaria is the country at the heart of the continent where I come from. It's small and neutral – surrounded by major powers constantly at war, tearing each other apart with powerful magic and massive armies.

But this country is different. Here, it's not about status or bloodline – it's about performance. In Velmaria, everyone is supposed to have a fair chance. At least in theory... I was so naïve back then.

"Hey Kaede, how'd the test go yesterday?" Riku Kanzaki leaned back casually, his uniform spotless, his smile confident. His eyes sparkled with motivation – like those of a life coach, or someone having the best day of their life.

Everyone in class admires him for his strength and chivalrous attitude. Actually, "chivalrous" isn't enough – you could call him a real knight. Who would've thought someone like me would be friends with someone like him? Well, I always said you can't choose your fate – and I was right. It gets forced on me every single day.

On the scale of annoying people, Riku is number 3.

Kaede, a boy with messy hair and a tired gaze – yeah, that's me. I slowly turned toward Riku. "Went fine," I replied briefly, avoiding further conversation.

"Same here," Riku grinned. I still don't know what's more annoying – his grin or the guy himself.

"Hey Riku, let's go shopping today, okay?" Yuna suddenly jumped over to Riku's desk.

Ah, look at that – number one on the scale of annoying people just showed up.

"How about you say 'Hey, how are you?' before throwing plans at me again?"

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. So, how are you today, Riku? Feeling good?"

She smiled at him. Her long brown hair slightly covered her left eye. The light blue school uniform suited her perfectly. She's slim and about a head taller than me, but always kind and hardworking. I also think she's into Riku – unless I'm completely off. Not that I care. Honestly, I couldn't care less about those two. Oh, and by the way: Yuna thinks I'm a good friend too. Well, you can't always be lucky.

"As a hero, I can't turn down such a request," Riku said proudly, striking a heroic pose. He loves that kind of thing – it's basically his trademark. A knight through and through.

"Well, you haven't actually done anything heroic yet, Riku."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll get there."

Kaede:

Man… girlfriends can really be exhausting. I couldn't stand it if someone were that clingy. Not that I have one – I just prefer being alone.

"And you, Kaede?" Yuna suddenly asked, looking at me full of curiosity and hope.

Ugh, no way. I really don't want to go anywhere or do anything. No thanks – I'll stay the inactive party member farming free EXP (grades).

"What, me? I already have plans today," I said quickly, waving her off. That was close.

"Let me guess: 60 points?"

"Heh, uh, yeah, exactly," I muttered. Where did that topic switch come from? And how does she know my score? She knows me better than I do. Scary.

Riku laughed. "I really wonder how you always manage to hit exactly 60 points. No one but me consistently scores over 60, Kaede. And then there's your complete lack of motivation. If you tried even a little, you'd easily get 90 points – if you didn't give up and actually worked at it."

These tests were never hard. In the end, they just check how well you can memorize things. Also, I'm very motivated – I mean, it's about getting a free apartment.

But I guess I'm the only one who thinks that way. Can't blame anyone, though – I wasn't always like this. This negative, blank way of thinking is just a side effect of that stupid power I never even wanted. I bit my lip.

The sky's cloudless and blue again today – just like it's been all week. Probably no rain. Shame.

(Kaede loves rain.)

A breeze blew through the open window, carrying the scent of blooming trees. Voices echoed through the classroom, but they sounded dull, meaningless. My eyes wandered outside. The academy garden was huge and well-kept – almost majestic.

Yuna:

"Do you like the sky that much, Kaede? Or are you secretly watching female students?"

Kaede:

Stare…

Stare…

Stare…

"Hello? I'm talking to you."

Stare…

She's so annoying. Can't she just leave me alone?

"Yuna, could you please stop being so annoying?" I finally said, expressionless.

"SORRY, YOU BAD-TEMPERED EMO, SHUT-IN, NERD,

DEPRESSIVE FREAK, IDIOT, MORON,

DONKEY."

For those still not getting it – this is my life.

VICTIM, PIG…

"HEY, CAN YOU JUST SHUT UP ALREADY? YOU'RE SO ANNOYING," I yelled, looking her straight in the face.

Yuna scratched her head, and her eye twitched slightly. Then she walked off with a worried expression. "Who does he think he is?" she whispered.

The last thing I saw was her stepping into the stone hallway, leaving our large, slightly dusty but still modern classroom.

I glanced after her. Then I laid back down on my desk.

What's wrong with her? Did I upset her a little too much? I couldn't think of anything better to say at the moment. Hopefully not – that'll just cause more problems later this week, which means more human interaction. Ugh.

Shiro:

"Kaede, you're just gonna brush her off like that? She's just worried because you always look so miserable and uninterested," said Shiro, who sat behind me.

"Yeah, that's the plan."

Speaking of problems – the guy behind me is one. He's number two on the list.

Shiro's always been like that. Of the three, he's the one who cares the most about the group.

Unlike Riku, it's not him but his money that magically attracts girls. His light, curly hair makes him easy to spot from afar.

"Easy for you to say. Who's the one turning down girls all the time again?" I said with a smug grin.

Shiro:

"Well, I don't really have a choice, do I?"

He probably has a snappy comeback for this too. Like always, this dull potato sack.

"Sure you do. Just use your summoning magic and summon two bodyguards."

"Easy for you to say. I can't just do that."

"Why not? No one cares. And you should make use of your B-rank magic, shouldn't you?"

Kaede:

Of the three, Shiro is definitely the most empathetic – but to me, he's the biggest threat, because he has no qualms about using his magic for personal gain.

Also, Shiro is too nice, and I don't trust people who are that nice in the morning.

Shiro:

Oh boy, he's serious about the magic. Alright, guess I'll help him a little. Let's see… what would provoke him the most?

"Hey, what's this supposed to be?"

"I'm using my B-rank powers to drag you to the cafeteria with Yuna."

Maybe I should play matchmaker between those two. Then again, this killjoy makes that impossible.

Kaede:

Hey wait stop Shiro – that's not good. I shouldn't have brushed Yuna off like that.

If his summoned warrior grabs me, I'm done for.

I'm running, but since I'm always so lazy, I'm not exactly fast.

"Well well, look at that – you can move when it comes to staying alone."

Of course – anything is better than those three.

"Gotcha."

"Oh no, not again. That means I'll have to walk all the way back later," I said dully, hanging limply as the summoned warrior carried me away. My legs, my head – everything was just dangling.

"Miss Teacher, I'm being kidnapped! Do something!" My motivationless voice echoed through the classroom. She's my last hope.

Teacher:

"I think some physical activity and interaction with other students will be good for you."

Then she looked to the side proudly and adjusted her glasses, like she had done something wonderful and saved me from something.

And that no need to thank me look…

Seriously – she must hate me. What did I ever do to her? I swear, I have more emotions than she does.

Narrator:

Shiro carried Kaede through the stone corridor of the large school. It had five floors, and they were currently on the top one. The cafeteria was at the bottom.

"Ugh, so much walking. I really don't want to climb all the way back up," Kaede whined as he was carried toward the cafeteria.

"Shiro, if you let me go now, I'll forgive you."

"If you want to be free, then use your magic," Shiro said with a smile.

Kaede fell silent. His gaze dropped back to the floor, which reflected the bright sunlight.

"I mean, you barely ever use it. I'd really like to see it sometime."

It got quiet. Kaede seemed lost in thought.

Why not, actually?

"Magic equals effort. Effort equals bad for Kaede," Kaede said flatly.

"Plus, I really don't want to draw any attention."

"I get it. You're just not good with people. But hey, that's okay."

"Yeah, exactly," Kaede replied in a tone that sounded like he wanted to say something more… or maybe to someone.

"But hey, Kaede – you've got us. And we've got your back."

Kaede:

Yaaay, not like anyone ever asked my opinion. Not like I was forced into this group a year ago against my will. But sure, I've got you guys – the ones I've been trying to shake off ever since.

Cafeteria:

The cafeteria was loud. Students in school uniforms were everywhere. Some were eating, others playing around with their magic, and others just chatting.

Sunlight streamed in through the windows set in the red-painted walls, and the school buffet was packed with high-quality food.

I don't come to the cafeteria often – it's a horrible place for people like me. The sheer number of people explains why.

Whatever, maybe if I stand still and don't move, no one will notice me.

Shiro:

"Hmm, today there's chicken and duck. Two portions, please."

"Got it," said the slightly chubby cook dressed in white, whose apron was covered in stains. He might not look it, but he's actually a nice guy.

"That'll be 10 Rul."

Kaede:

"I don't have any money," I said quickly, still hanging around like a dead weight.

"I dragged you here, so I'll pay for you."

Very suspicious… what's he planning? I looked at him suspiciously, but he ignored me.

I was still hanging there limply. In the end, I didn't really care whether I got food or not – I wasn't that hungry anyway.

But once something's free… that's a different story. I'll gladly accept.

Still dangling, I hoped no one would notice me – but by now, everyone probably was.

Shiro:

"This is awful. Did he die from too much sunlight? Hey, Kaede, are you dead?"

Kaede:

"Sadly, sadly not. But could you let me down, please?"

"Okay, you sleepyhead."

"Here, an extra portion to help you regain your strength," the cook interrupted with a kind smile. I think he pitied me or something.

"Haha, thanks – but that's just how he always is," Shiro said.

Well, Shiro's right on that one.

The cook laughed and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

So yeah – he pitied me. What the hell? I'm not someone to be pitied.

There we were again, in the huge, overcrowded cafeteria – only this time, with food in our hands.

Shiro glanced quickly around the room.

This is my chance. I'll sneak away now. Step by step, very quiet. Almost there… just one meter to go.

"Gotcha! There they are – hey, stay right here, buddy, or do I have to summon my warrior again?"

I felt his grip on my collar.

Crap. Against his warrior, I don't stand a chance. That's totally unfair – a cheat.

Yuna and Riku were already waving at us.

Well, damn. Guess I better get this over with, I thought, and sat down at the wooden table with Shiro.

Well, more like laid myself down. At this point, I'm used to being kidnapped by Shiro against my will.

"Did you miss me that much, Kaede, or is that why you're here now?"

I shrugged.

Is she messing with me?

"Absolutely not."

Well, at least the food's good.

Yuna:

All these people are clearly getting on his nerves. He's so tense and already staring out the window again.

How can I help him? He has to learn somehow. He can't stay alone forever.

Kaede:

Why is she smiling at me like that? She's definitely up to something.

I instinctively crossed my arms and legs and put on a sulky face to keep her away.

Riku:

"Come on, try to have some fun!

"Yahoo."

"Wow, no emotion at all. You've completely given up, huh, Kaede? You know you can open up to us. We've been friends for a whole year now."

A whole year – and he's still keeping everyone at arm's length. What a stubborn, lazy guy.

Kaede:

"So, Kaede, are you coming to town with us today? I'd love it if—"

Before I could say anything, Shiro cut in.

"Kaede already has plans with me today, right, Kaede?"

Shiro had nudged me under the table a few times.

"Come on, Kaede, just play along. I know you're not in the mood," he whispered.

Ah, Shiro, thanks – but why's he being so nice? What's he planning?

"Yeah, unfortunately. He's using me to keep the girls from bothering him. Shiro says they find me creepy. But whatever – as long as I can sleep while I'm with him, I don't care."

Shiro:

"Hey, knock it off! What the hell?! Why are you making me sound like a freak?"

I helped him out and this is the thanks I get?

Okay, I only helped because I didn't want to ruin Yuna's date.

Did he know that? Ugh, whatever.

Kaede:

Shiro was trying to signal something with his hands – probably that my lie wasn't half bad.

Shiro:

What's he doing with his hand now? Thumbs up? He looks grateful?

Kaede, you idiot.

Oh no, Riku and Yuna are already laughing at me.

And Yuna has that "I'm about to slap you" look.

Ahhh, I need to change the subject fast!

"Let's drink to our friendship!"

"Yes!"

"Sure!"

Kaede:

"First of all, it's just orange juice. Second – since when are we friends?"

"Since last year. Also, you don't even drink alcohol," Riku said, grabbing the arm I was holding the glass with.

What is this now?

"Body Magic: Enhancement! Now come on, cheers!"

Now he's smiling at me and squeezing my hand. Man, that smile is seriously scary.

Is this some kind of dumb ritual or what?

Is this supposed to make me a better person?

I don't want that – no way, never.

"Just toast already!"

"But I don't want to – argh! You're gonna rip my arm off!"

Clink.

"To friendship!"

How did I even end up in this group?

It all started a year ago…