The time is still ongoing for the section C class.
Most were already done the Impedimus cancellation magic while the rest are still doing their best in allocating their magic molecules and fine-tuning it based on the percentage of the required mana. Modern magic requires a small percentage of the individual's magic molecule but it still depends entirely on the level of magic that they are trying to perform and how complex the magic sequence is.
For the Impedimus cancellation magic, in order for the user to cancel the magic sequence, they need to extract the content which is specified and zipped inside the spell of the modern magic system. By extracting the content, the user induces light energy particles and its job is to tweak and overwrite the current activation sequence in which it will be the jolting point to cancel it. The process is not complicated if the user's mana can achieve the correct assignment and if they reach the required percentage of it.
Such spells were redesigned to categorize it as low-tier magic. There are more intricate levels of magic and they are grouped by rankings. From low tier to advanced tier.
"Good job, everyone! Seems like all of you have the potential to be a magician as well despite the overwhelming bearing in close combat fighting abilities. I can see that some of you are fast learners. This batch is better than the last one!" Julia happily pressed her body in joy after perceiving that much entertainment in guidance on completing the first magical activity spell activation.
"Uwa... She didn't sugarcoat that one." Eunice mumbled, she was displaying an annoyed reaction. She leaned on the back and sighed.
"Mmm? What's wrong?" Aran asked.
"Nothing, she is just too straightforward for me that's all..." her reply marks the same annoyance she has when she was still fighting with Huck about the scores.
"Well, I'm glad that our batch is better." Aran twisted his body to stretch his belly and arms. He then lean back as they continued the lesson.
Eunice opened her eyes, her distant gaze from the board moved slowly to where Aran is. She moved her legs on the left side to get a better view of Aran's physique. She noticed that there's a lot of scars on his face.
(This guy...) She can't help but wonder where did Aran get his scars.
"Aran, do you play any kind of event that has strenuous exercises?" She asked. Aran turned around.
"Not that I know of, why do you ask?" He replied.
"You have a lot of bruises and I was concerned by the way you move like you have a limp or something. Are you enduring some pain right now?" She is observant, Aran gasped in surprise, knowing that he is trying his best to not show his condition in order to avoid worrying the others.
"You noticed that?" He smiled.
"I'm a trainer myself so I would notice everyone's body condition. I have been trained by a lot of Masters and watching them guide someone made me keen on physique examinations and magical attribute examinations. I can see that you are currently setting fatigue right now." She answered.
Eunice can tell if someone's been in pain based on unordinary movements. She can point out where the pain is coming from. Aran noticed that her skills are quite incredible.
"I didn't know that you can also use perceptiveness. Well, you are correct. My training with my master really got into me and I literally beat myself a lot of times. I am in pain right now but somehow I can still manage." He replied with a soft endearing tone.
It seems vague for her to receive the reason why. She decided that it would be better to ask him and so she moved closer to him. Aran noticed her forward scoot and his cheeks began to flutter.
(Too close!)
"Why though...?" She whispered near his ear.
Her breast pressed forwardly near Aran's chest, a little inch left before they can touch each other. Her eyes are like a touch of gold, sparkling in beauty. It was partnered with her attractive and charming aura, embezzling his attention as she moves. Aran's heart rate began to ascend as he displayed a combination of guilt and embarrassment. He didn't know what was going on with her.
"I-I, umm— Can you..." Aran reclaimed a few spaces near Huck and moved his hand to drag him out.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to!" Eunice finally returned to her senses and diverged herself from Aran. She was flustered over the fact that she became assertive towards him for a few seconds. She twitched her body before turning on her serious mode once again.
(That was close! I kinda lose myself there! I mean, I can't help it! I'm curious about him. What he displayed during the previous entrance examination was beyond something I could imagine. His movements are sharp, he is like a different person! Just how hard did he train himself?) Eunice wondered.
"No... That's okay hehe." Aran moved again. He tried hard to forget about what just happened.
A few hours have passed and they finally took a break. Julia Primrose left the Section C room and they were told to go to the cafeteria to eat some snacks as well. Most of the candidates didn't hesitate as they excessively rushed through the next hall to buy a lot of snacks. Only a few were left inside the room and that includes Aran, Huck, and Eunice.
"Looks like everyone is pretty hungry," Huck said while eating a loaf of bread. He chews it down piece by piece and then swallowed it.
"Magic doesn't only deplete your energy and mana, but it also makes you tired and hungry. That's why they are craving. They probably used too much magic in accordance with the trial and error multiple times. You can't blame them if are starving." Eunice answered confidently.
Aran sat on the next row near the left window. He felt a bit alive staring outside. While enjoying their free time, a familiar face came down walking across the stairs. Huck noticed her first followed by Eunice.
It was Nikki Shimizu.
"Umm, hello... Can I join you?" She asked but she seems to be nervous. Huck and Eunice smiled as they allowed her to join them.
"Oh yeah sure! Take a seat here, Miss Shimizu." Huck gave up his seat and moved to the other one. He stepped back for a little to join Aran. Eunice smirked, it was pretty rare for Huck to have a gentleman side.
"Heh, so the meathead does actually have a gentle side. That's pretty surprising considering that all you know is a fight." She taunted.
"What did you say?" Huck gritted his teeth. Both of them faced each other again in an infuriating state.
Nikki chuckled for a little and then approached Aran. He seems to be distracted by the view itself so she tapped Aran on the shoulder two times with her pointing finger.
"Umm..." Her voice doesn't have that much loudness. It was meek but solemn. Aran snapped back to his sharp senses and slowly turned his head to see who it was. He stared wide-eyed, stunned by her entire beauty.
"Sorry! Umm... Can I help you?" He asked.
Nikki moved forward and sat close to him on the other row. She joined him in gazing outside the academy. The sky was pretty, clouds were all over the horizon.
"I didn't give a proper apology last time, didn't I? I'm so sorry, I was just not feeling myself earlier." After saying that, she turned her body to him and bowed.
"Oh no no no, that's okay! I umm, it's okay... No need to be formal with it, you can raise your head. I am pretty sure most people are like that nowadays. Even me hahaha..." Aran stood up from the chair and raised his arms forward trying to cheer her up.
She seems happy to hear this. Nikki smiled and raised her head.
"Thank you!" The confidence that was missing in the puzzle was finally discovered.
(Now that I get a good look at her... She's pretty cute!) Aran was punched in the face by the cuteness of Nikki Shimizu.
"Y-Yeah... It is all right. By the way, good job on the magical test earlier. You were so good at casting magic. Have you studied this in the past?" Insisting in his favor, Aran kept their conversation forward, not letting it end. He wouldn't let this chance pass by now that he managed to find someone he can converse with using the topic he was good at.
"Well yes, I have studied them in the past, but they are mostly a story coming from my father. He told me various things about the world and its past but then he suddenly disappeared. My knowledge came from him." She answered while frowning a little. Aran noticed sadness flowing through herself.
"I am sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up to you..." He looked down.
"That's okay, I have been asked by a lot of people regarding my intellect, so I don't really mind. How about you?" She then returned the question to Aran.
"Me... Well, I have been scavenging and reading books for the past five years. I am totally into a lot of context about the world as well and I want to know everything outside of it. That is also the reason why I am planning to graduate from this academy so I can join expeditions with the other seven divisions. I have been studying a lot but I think I can never beat you when it comes to answering..." Aran answered.
"Hmm? What do you mean about that?" Confused, Nikki tilted her head slowly while questioning him.
"I uhh... I have trouble with my confidence. And I am not always sure about my answers. I am nervous all the time when speaking with a lot of people. I don't like that many people staring at me. Does that reason makes me weird or anything?" Aran asked, there was an unease building over his tone.
"I don't think that's weird. I have trouble with crowds too. But I have to overcome it. Confidence will bring you to the good side of the world. I think you should consider interacting with more people. It is not too late." She happily gave him a piece of advice.
Nikki stood up from the chair and moved towards him. This time, she is rather close. She leaned her hips on the corner of the table, allowing herself to relax as she talked to Aran.
"I will try my best for that, thank you, uhh..."
"Nikki. Please call me Nikki... Nice to meet you, Aran." A beautiful introduction followed by a raise of a hand. Aran slowly took her hand and shook them.
"Nice to meet you too, Nikki." He smiled.
"Ara! They seem to be far more closer now. Didn't you say she was a rival a while ago?" Aran burst out in a scream as he got startled by the sudden interference of Eunice.
"Hmm... Interesting. Aran, I didn't know that you like that type. Lisa would not be very happy with this." Huck placed his hand on his chin.
"Don't be stupid! We just shook hands! And why are you bringing Lisa to this?!" Countering this, Nikki burst out laughing as well. All of them smiled and joined her in her guffaw. It was the start of their friendship in section C.
A few moments have passed. Aran glanced through the window again. Within the entrance of the academy outside the gate, he noticed that there are several people lined up. It was matching the clothes that he is wearing. His expression turned fierce, thinking about what is currently happening outside.
Several knights wearing the Mark II uniforms dispersed around the area. Without their body armor, most of the civilians that are walking past the Academy are not in a state of doubt as to whoever they are. The other knights contributed to their mission of canceling the intersection to avoid any reckless havoc that might start because of the masked magician's presence.
(Those guys... They are wearing the same uniform as me. Wait, they are indeed similar but mine is somewhat special? Are those emblems? That's the emblem of the League of Knights. There's no mistaking it, those guys are knights from the capital. But what are they doing here? Why are they scattered around the academy? Did something happen? I have a bad feeling about this.)
"Sorry guys, I'm going to the bathroom real quick! I'll see you!" He left.
"What? The next session is almost starting!" Eunice shouted. Aran waved without saying anything as he heads out of the classroom.
"Hm? where is he going at this point?" Eunice followed.
"He said on the bathroom... I think?" Nikki answered her but she was still not quite sure.
"Knowing Aran, I have seen that face of him. He probably has something in mind that is going on." Huck replied.
"What do you mean about something?" Eunice asked.
"Well, he probably knows something bad that is likely going to happen. When he makes a face like that, he can be either aware of something dangerous or he has a bad feeling." He explained.
The minor details that he observed throughout his days with Aran came in handy. The fact that he can consider a lot of criteria just by looking at his expressions tells that he is indeed looking out for Aran's action. Observing and battling him while trying to understand his nature. A very unique skill of Huck that is far from being observant. Contrary to this is the actions that Aran creates when he is lying or hiding.
"Then if that's the case, do you know that he is enduring pain right now?" Eunice asked Huck.
"Wait what? No? What do you mean about enduring pain?" He returned the question back to her.
"Oh my, I thought you know your friend, but it looks like you only know him outside but not inside. Come on, let's go after him." After ridiculing him with the truth, Huck was left in distress while standing out.
"Nikki, are you coming?" Eunice asked.
"Sure! I don't think I will be able to think clearly in class if there's something bad going on." She replied. Eunice smiled and grabbed her arms. They head out of the class and bring their weapons. The rest of the other candidates were entering the premises now.
"I don't know what happened but I feel like I have been slapped by the truth in an instant..." He mumbled. Huck didn't hesitate as he goes after them as well.
Within the hall, Aran dashed through the main front door wherein there's a lot of candidates going back inside for their next class. After reaching the front door, he goes outside the field to get a better view of what is happening. Numerous guards were positioned on the corner of the gates while the other knights who are setting security inside the academy are dealing with them.
(There are so many groups, where are they coming from? This uniform that Nash gave me, is similar. I had to make sure that there is no problem before I go back.)
"May I?" Among the prestigious border of the lined-up knights, Commander Bill walked towards the gate to confront the knights working inside the academy. While partially extracting the information and permission that he has obtained from Henry, he began telling the situation.
"I am Commander-in-chief Bill from the Western Department. I am here to request a major provision of guidance proposed by Commander Henry for a joint operation mission. The situation is currently in demand and has a great risk of losing a lot of civilians in bloodshed. We need to make sure that the academy is safe before we leave this place." He laid the information to the guard.
As they followed the order, the two knights inside the academy opened the gates.
"They went it... What are they going to do?" While hiding near the front door of the hall, Aran made his way on the stairs and peeked.
"What seems to be the problem here?" After a few seconds, Master Himawari approached the entrance of the academy with a bunch of other committees following him from behind.
"We have determined that there's a loose criminal who is capable of massacre inhabiting the whole city of the central capital. We are here to analyze every part of the city including the academy for safeties. This is an order from Commander Henry of the Knight Department. The information is considered to be confidential but since you are one of the heads of the academy, we would like to give an insight on the current situation." Bill confronted Master Himawari.
The guards let the others in, Himari raised his hand to uncover and give permission to enter.
"I would like to hear it." He agreed.
"The criminal that we are talking about is currently unidentified. He has a strange white mask covering his entire face and he wears dark purple clothing. With our engagement to him yesterday, he seems to be capable of releasing and enchanting advanced modern magic, and his combat skills are beyond what the officers can handle. He is an exceptional fighter, a criminal who has slain a lot of people from the past few years. He was seen fleeing from Croalea this morning and was headed towards Knightstar which is here in the central capital. We are worried that he might be hiding and we wish to have your cooperation so we can protect the candidates and monitor the whole academy." Bill has outlined the idea and the plan of the knights with the joint operation.
"Hmm, I assume that this operation is not meant to be publicized?" Master Himawari asked.
"Yes, we are avoiding the constant mass for the sake of not executing havoc. A panic state would hinder us from working with the other places and the criminal might become wary that we are here waiting for him to come out. As much as possible we would like to keep this operation a secret. A discreet joint operation is by far the suggestion of the Commander as well." He answered.
(A criminal that is too strong for the knights is leading this place?) Aran's heartbeat raised as he felt nervous.
(If that's the case then that would explain the reason why there are lots of knights here at the moment. But I feel like they are trying to overexaggerate it a bit? There is no way that a criminal would be seeking his way on this academy now that it is opened to the public. Oppressing him on the other side of the city is likely, I wonder why they prioritized this place?)
Behind him, a sudden tap from Eunice was felt. Aran screamed but she immediately covered his mouth to prevent sounds from leaking out. Aran turned his head to see the other three behind him.
"What are you guys doing in here?" He whispered.
"We know that you know something is up." She answered.
"What? No... There's nothing wrong, I promise I was just looking outside–"
"You say that, but you are sweating profusely like you are trying to hide something. Please tell us, Aran. What is the situation? What is worrying you?" Eunice asked nicely as she gazed at him. He sighed and began to talk.
"This is what I heard from the knights outside: Apparently there's a criminal right now lurking in the whole city of the capital." He told them.
"A criminal? That's unlikely, there hasn't been anything wrong with the city because of the advance defense." Huck replied.
"Well, I don't think he originated from the capital. The commander said that he was from the western city." Aran answered.
"West... That would be from... Croalea city!" Nikki answered.
"Croalea? Have you been in there, Nikki?" Eunice asked.
"Apparently I do, but I didn't stay that long. It is quite a beautiful city with waterways and bay walks. A marine-type city if you would like to call it." She replied.
"So uh, what kind of criminal is this?" Eunice asked.
"The commander told him that it was capable of a massacre. He is quite proficient in advanced-tier magic and close combat."
Everyone suddenly froze. The chilling aspect of Aran's voice was glazing down from the bottom of their spine and made them feel uncomfortable. Their eyes are wide open and they couldn't say anything but feel the fear.
"I don't think that he is ordinary at some point. There must be a reason for his strong affinity and abilities. It almost looks like he was from a group of an organization. And I think I heard that he is also wearing a mask. A white mask to be exact." He continued.
"That's absurd, to think that he is now in the capital. What do you think?" Huck asked him.
"They are starting to monitor the place. If my deduction is correct, they would be starting their operation at night. It is already 1600. If the masked magician truly is in here, it would severe the academy for such a prolonged state. We need to be careful not to tell this with the other candidates." Aran instructed them.
"Alright, but what are we going to do?" Eunice moved closer to him.
"What do you mean?"
"Like, are you saying we're just going to stay right here waiting for that killing machine to harm us and the others?"
"Well, no, but we don't have any authority as of now. I don't think we would be able to do something even if we force ourselves." Aran countered her.