Chapter 2

It was Monday:

"Hey, Riku," Shiro called out and nudged him while I glanced over at them from the corner of my eye. The morning was just as boring as always.

I'm about to fall asleep. Can't Shiro just chill for once and keep his morning energy to himself?

He can be so exhausting. His magic... is useful though. Not that I'd ever use it – but Shiro's summoning magic is rare. He's the only one I know who can actually wield that kind of magic.

"I learned a new spell, you've got to see this!" Shiro said excitedly, his face glowing.

"And what can you do now?" Riku asked, curious.

Why does he even care? "Probably got some of that special training from his dad again," I said. Maybe that'll tone him down a bit so I can sleep in peace.

"I can summon five warriors now instead of three!"

Ah, Shiro's ignoring me too now. And now he's giving me that "Haha, I beat you" look. Whatever. As long as he leaves me alone, it's fine.

"Wow, that's awesome! Two more – that's a real improvement!" Riku said enthusiastically, smiling.

"Riku!" the teacher's voice suddenly rang out through the room. "Seems like my class isn't interesting enough for you. Then surely you can explain all the magical power classes in detail, can't you?" Seriously? Easy.

Riku:

"My apologies. Of course, I can explain them."

Why is she still staring at me? Shiro won't even look at me. Shiro, you traitor.

"Well, where do I start…" "The lowest magical rank is E-rank. Every person can use E-rank magic of a certain type – for example, Water Magic C-rank. That level is only reached through focused magical training. Actual combat strength, though, depends greatly on the type of C-rank Water Magic – same principle. When we talk about combat magic, an A-rank mage is obviously much stronger than a C-rank user. Above that is S-rank – and beyond that, Double-S and even Triple-S. Only people with natural, extreme talent reach that level. The odds of being born with such an ability are 0.000001% or less. Our country officially has only six Double-S rank fighters – and two with Triple-S. But I'd like to note: Someone who masters C-rank magic can reach B- or even A-rank with enough patience and training. For many, A-rank is already too difficult or time-consuming. Of course, there are exceptions – some are born with A- or B-rank magic without much training." "So: Never give up and believe in yourselves – then you'll all become great magicians!"

"That was nicely said," the teacher replied dryly. "Zero points."

A few students giggled quietly in the background.

"Huh?! Why?!", I shouted.

"Because that's first-year material. Everyone already knows that. We're currently talking about the sub-levels of combat magic classes!"

Great, thanks, evil witch.

Did you say something?

Huh – can she read minds?

The teacher slammed a book on the table. "As you all should know, each rank has five sub-levels – from level five (the lowest) to level one (the highest). Riku, sit down. And you'll be staying after class today."

"Hahahaha!" Shiro laughed loudly. "You really messed that up, Riku – even Yuna's laughing!"

Or Kaede.

Pssst, pssst.

Yeah, yeah, I know I messed up, and Kaede's probably grinning at me too. I looked to the left.

No, not again?

Yuna was trying to suppress her laughter – but no surprise, because Kaede had fallen asleep in class again.

The teacher was now standing directly in front of Kaede, who was sleeping.

Smack!

Kaede:

"Ouch, my hair! Are you crazy?"

"I could ask you the same, little princess. Was your nap pleasant?"

Kaede:

"Yeah, until you interrupted it." My shoulder twitched slightly, my eyes wide open. I looked her straight in the eyes, but all I could see was pure disgust. You hate me. But why? What did I do?

"That's detention, and tomorrow you'll give a presentation on magical domains."

"Why."

"Seriously, Kaede. How many times have I told you not to sleep in my class?" our teacher yelled at me.

"Ugh, does it have to be? I really don't feel like it." Is the old witch messing with me? I looked annoyed – just thinking about all the work. Then I shrugged.

"I'm not in the mood, but if it'll get you to leave me alone…" Better to give in – saves me a lot of trouble.

"You're never in the mood. I don't even know why you came to the Royal Magic Academy in the capital for no reason. You're a disgrace. Shame on you."

My fingers clenched into fists and trembled. I'd love to use my magic right now – but better not. I forced myself to grin.

"Well, I'm here anyway. And it's your job to teach me. If I fall asleep, it just means you're bad at your job."

Great. Maybe I went too far. Should've just kept my mouth shut, huh?

Yep. She's already giving me that look.

"Um, I sincerely apologize—"

"Silence."

Oh crap. This is really bad. I can already feel extra work coming. This is going to be exhausting. I am not dealing with that.

"Well then, since I'm not doing my job properly, the whole class will meet on the sports field tomorrow. You'll get special training."

By "you," she means me. Yep. Totally screwed it up.

Thump – I slammed my head against the desk.

"And before I forget: Kaede, because of your cheeky behavior, Shiro, Yuna, and Riku will all have detention for a week."

Shiro stood up abruptly. "But why us? What did we do?!" He looked like he couldn't handle life anymore.

"Yeah, what did we do?" Yuna asked, confused.

"Well, you're his group members, so you're partially responsible for his behavior. If you don't agree with my decision, you're welcome to accept a worse group grade."

The teacher adjusted her glasses and grinned at me. Just like Shiro, she knew exactly how to push my buttons. As if detention wasn't bad enough, now I had to deal with the three of them too.

I stared desperately at the floor. That teacher – she's the devil in disguise. How does she do it? How does she always know our weaknesses?

"So, class is over. Kaede, Shiro, Yuna, and Riku – you'll be helping the janitor clean up."

Evening:

Teacher's Office:

Principal:

"Thank you all for coming today."

"I won't beat around the bush. As you've all heard, there have been multiple incidents in the capital recently. At the same time, our school was being spied on by our physics teacher, Mr. Osuka. Turns out he was part of the same organization causing the disturbances in the city. Thanks to Ms. Susuna's thought magic, we were able to learn more about their goals. It seems the organization has its eyes on class M2f, though we couldn't uncover why. Mr. Osuka was murdered that same evening. Therefore, I ask all teachers to remain on high alert and ensure the safety of the students. Teachers not currently teaching should take turns patrolling in shifts. As for M2f's protection, I fully trust in Susuna's abilities."

"If anyone has questions, come see me."

"Um, yes, I have a question."

Mr. Watsukawa, homeroom teacher of 4C, electricity magic.

"If they attack us, does martial law apply? Meaning, are we allowed to kill?"

Principal:

"Since it concerns student safety, the state has authorized lethal force. However, I advise against it unless absolutely necessary."

"Very well, agreed. I can handle the patrol shifts but would like to leave now to prepare tomorrow's lesson."

Teacher from 3M:

"I suggest all teachers without current duties set up an extra barrier around the grounds."

Meanwhile, at Kaede's apartment:

Knock knock knock

Unknown:

"Hello, anyone there? Kaede, open up."

Weird. Where is he? He should be home by now. Knowing him, this is unusual.

"Kaede, are you in there?"

"Hey, time's up. They're already taking measures. Plan A is no longer viable – we're switching to Plan B."

"Aww, I really wanted to see him."

"That'll have to wait. If we don't leave now, we'll have a huge problem."

"Fine, fine."

School building:

"Oh man, if this keeps up, I'll die. Why, why me..." Shiro kept whining like a monkey.

If things don't go his way, he completely loses it. He's got quite a weird side, but this constant loud complaining is getting on my nerves.

"Why me? What did I doooo—"

Bam. Direct hit. My fist landed square on him.

"Hey! What was that for, Kaede?!"

"I don't know. Someone had to shut up that annoying voice of yours."

"You'll pay for that, Kaede!"

Huh? What now? He's summoning a warrior. Gotta keep my distance!

I jumped back quickly.

The warrior's hand reached for me.

Whew, that was close. Almost got grabbed.

"Uhm, you know what? Let's calm down, Shiro. Why not have your warriors clean for us instead?"

"On one condition, Kaede: I want you to fight me."

I stared at Shiro in disbelief. His expression suddenly turned serious – nothing like before – and just now, Riku and Yuna were gone.

"Excuse me? You want me to fight you now? Has he lost it completely? First of all, I'm not in the mood to exert myself for no reason, and second, this could get real problematic."

I mustn't use my magic.

"Why do you suddenly want to fight, Shiro? I don't want to, and I see no reason for it. I'd rather clean."

Whoosh.

His warrior charged at me like a mad bull. Shiro wasn't listening to me at all. He probably never cared whether I agreed or not. What's gotten into him? Did he plan this?

Now his soldier stood before me. The strike was lightning fast. I dodged to the left just in time. I felt a gust of wind brush past my cheek. He's serious. I guess I have no choice but to use magic.

"Dude, Shiro, what's wrong with you?!" I yelled, having put some distance between us. His magic radiated intensely – bright green. He's like an overcharged mana energy drink.

"You've been hiding your true strength from us long enough! As a group – no, as friends – we have the right to know how strong you really are, Kaede! Not just for your safety, but for ours! We need to gauge our combat power in case of a real fight! You're putting us all in danger by holding back!" Shiro shouted like a madman.

Damn. He's completely lost it. But I can't do anything – talking? Forget it. I have to use magic. Where can I get away... ah, there.

I ran for the exit with all my strength while creating a weak smoke cloud using my shadow magic.

I can make it... just barely.

"Not so fast, buddy!" – his voice echoed through the smoke.

A large arrow flew past me and hit the ceiling above the side exit. I reacted instantly with my shadow magic.

"Shadow Hand!" I shouted – but too late. The ceiling collapsed before my shadow hand could reach it.

My fists clenched instinctively. I was already in a bad mood – but now... now it's enough. I feel pure bloodlust. My body moved into a defensive stance on its own.

"That's enough, Shiro! Stop! You're wrecking the school and provoking me!"

Shiro:

"No, Kaede! You're going to show me your true power now!"

I don't want to... he didn't say it in an annoyed tone – he sounded agitated.

Just as I thought... this must have something to do with his powers. Otherwise, he would've resisted more. Oh man, I guess I really have no choice but to fight back a bit. I'm going to hear about this later – from Yuna and Riku. They'd never have let me do this.

"Very well, Kaede. If you won't..."

"Summoning Magic – Veteran Warrior."

My warrior emerged from the ground, aiming a magic rifle at him.

"That's not all – Summoning Magic: Ancient Soldier."

Another soldier rose with a massive spear.

"That should be enough to draw him out... or not."

Kaede bit his lip.

Kaede:

"This is bad. Really bad. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. He's so annoying."

"What's wrong, Kaede? Come on, it's just a friendly match. I won't die or anything. Come on, you fake weakling! It's obvious – even your eyes are glowing purple now. Come on already."

"You asked for it..." I said with bitter, angry voice. But it wasn't just annoyance anymore – there was a hint of motivation. But not the good kind. My eyes glowed even brighter and a faint shadow veil formed around me.

"I'll end him. I swear. I'll end him."

"Shadow Magic..."

Yuna and Riku:

Boom.

"What was that, Riku?!"

"I don't know. Sounded like an explosion. Came from below. And I can feel magical energy too."

"That means..."

"There's a fight going on!" they both said simultaneously.

"Come on, let's go! Hurry, Riku!"

Yuna:

"This is bad! Riku and Kaede were in that wing – are they being attacked? Then we should get help."

"Riku, go to the teacher's lounge. Quick!"

"Okay!"

Riku turned left into the corridor to the west wing. I have to be faster. I ran down the stairs as fast as I could, my whole body tense and my heart racing. What's going on here? The school should be protected by a barrier. No one should be able to sneak in. And I don't sense any foreign mana either.

The sounds grew louder. No doubt – it was a fight. I reached the second floor and looked down to the first.

My eyes froze.

I couldn't believe what I saw. Shiro and Kaede were charging at each other – using mid C-rank magic. This is really bad. If they keep this up, they'll destroy the school.

Why are they even fighting?! Doesn't matter now – I have to stop them. But I won't make it in time.

"Shiro! Kaede! Stooooop!"

My voice echoed through the room – but they didn't notice me. They kept rushing at each other.

It's too late... hopefully—

Whoosh!

Just as I braced myself for the worst, I felt a breeze rush past me. In the next moment, I looked up.

Slap. Slap.

"Thought Magic: Endless Sleep."

Teacher Susuna's hands lay on Kaede and Shiro's heads – and within a second, both were fast asleep.

Shiro:

Crap... I guess... I went too far.

Yuna:

Wow, how fast is she? Our teacher is seriously amazing. My muscles relaxed, and I started breathing normally again.

"What the hell is wrong with you two idiots?! I guess detention isn't punishment enough..."

He's really the only one who's made me question my job choice in ten years.

Susuna's eyes blinked weirdly – she's pissed.

"Um, thanks, Susuna."

"It's still Teacher Susuna to you, Yuna."

"I'm sorry... What happens to them now?" I was worried, my thoughts scattered. Just then, Riku came running in.

"Yuna, are you okay?" Riku asked, breathless.

"I'm fine." Right now, what matters most is knowing what happens next.

The last thing we heard was her muttering "Unbelievable," as she stormed off angrily.

Teachers' lounge shortly after the incident:

Principal Welsoran sat at the large round table, rubbing his temples. The other teachers were already in their seats. The atmosphere was tense – no one spoke until the door burst open.

Teacher Susuna entered, floating behind her were the unconscious Kaede and Shiro, held by her thought magic.

"What the..." murmured Mr. Watsukawa, homeroom teacher of 4C. "Are they... unconscious?"

"Asleep," Susuna explained calmly and gently lowered the boys onto a cushioned bench. "Endless Sleep. Effect: at least two hours, depending on willpower."

"I assume that was necessary?" asked the principal seriously.

"More than that," Susuna replied. "They damaged part of the north corridor. Had I not intervened, it could've been worse."

A murmur went through the room.

"What triggered it?" asked the alchemy teacher.

"A personal conflict. Shiro pushed Kaede into a fight. Kaede didn't want to – I verified that with my thought magic. He tried several times to withdraw. Only when he had no other choice did he react – and even then, minimally."

"So no outside attack? No threat?"

"No. Just youthful recklessness, it seems."

"We shouldn't overreact," said Watsukawa. "Kaede didn't seek escalation. I've been watching him since last year – he keeps to himself, avoids attention. This wasn't his fault."

The principal nodded. "And his magic? Anything unusual?"

Susuna shrugged slightly. "Not directly. There were... small irregularities. It was hard to follow. And strangely, his shadow spirit – typical for his magic type – is never visible."

"Could be a quirk. As long as there's no danger, we shouldn't make a fuss," said the security chief.

"Agreed," the principal confirmed. "We'll keep an eye on him. But no special treatment. No prejudgment."

"I'll look after him more closely," said Watsukawa. "Kaede's not an easy student, but I think he just needs a consistent contact person."

"Very well," the principal concluded. "Then that's settled. Shiro will repair the damage with the maintenance team – under supervision. No punishment, but responsibility."

"Agreed," said Susuna. "And we'll stay alert. Just in case."

At that moment, Kaede stirred slightly in his sleep. A flicker ran across the floor – silent, unnoticed. No shadow spirit, no reaction. Just silence.

Susuna noticed. But said nothing.

Next day:

Ugh... where am I? My head felt heavy and groggy. How much time has passed? I slowly sat up and looked around. There were a few chairs nearby, the windows were slightly open, and sunlight streamed onto the floor in angled beams.

Suddenly, a voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"You're already awake."

I blinked. This person... wasn't he a teacher?

"I see you're still not quite up to date – because of Susuna's thought magic. But yesterday, you fought Shiro."

It hit me like lightning. Right... that fight! But – where's Shiro?

"Is he okay?" I asked hastily.

"Yes, he's fine," the teacher replied calmly.

Phew, that was close. No expulsion. Strangely enough, I'm not in a bad mood right now. But why? I scratched my head and stared blankly into the room.

Maybe... it's because I can't feel my magic right now? Is that it? It feels like something's missing—and at the same time, it's peacefully quiet. No darkness. No pressure.

"Um, I have a question… Who are you, actually?"

He smiled slightly, as if he had been waiting for that.

"All right. I'm Mr. Watsukawa, and I teach Class 4C. I'm here today because I wanted to talk to you... and see your abilities, Kaede."

I frowned.

"You use shadow magic, right? Can you show me a level E or D spell?"

What? Why does he want me to use the weakest kind of magic? And in front of a teacher?

"Uh… okay, if you say so."

I focused—but nothing happened.

"Huh?" I said quietly. "I… I can't use my magic."

There was a brief moment of silence. Then it hit me—this had to be because of Susuna's spell.

"Right!" Watsukawa suddenly said, grinning. "Totally forgot—that's still the aftereffect of Susuna's 'Endless Sleep'. The spell dampens emotional stress and temporarily suppresses access to mana. Usually lasts a few hours—in rare cases, up to a day."

"Mhm…" I sank back into the chair. Honestly, it felt… pleasantly empty. Maybe it wasn't so bad not being myself for a while. No—now that I think about it, it actually felt great.

"You don't have to prove anything to me, Kaede," Watsukawa suddenly said seriously. "I'm not here to test you—but to understand you."

I looked at him. His gaze was calm. Kind. No pity. No suspicion. Just… attentiveness.

I didn't know how to deal with that. I barely knew him—so why was he being so nice?

Bam! The door was thrown open.

"There you are!"