(Ken POV)
After Paul has given us a basic idea of what we are going to expect from that lesson of his that he dubbed Combat Magic 101, the next classes resumed without issue until it was four in the afternoon, marking the official end of the academic period for the day.
Survival.
Despite the drunken, carefree bastard he seemingly was, the man proved to be cynical with his choice of words earlier.
Still, I can't deny his logic that we Mages must not stick too much with magic and be close-minded about other means. Maybe the horrors of his past experiences had shaped him to be the man that he was today?
Anyways, from here, the students may do so as they please, from their afterschool activities like clubs that was explained by Alex to Ana and I since we were absent when that particular topic was brought up during orientation, to enjoying the leisures outside of the academy, right at the heart of the capital city of Magnaria. The ones who focused more on their studies usually cope up inside the library, where an abundance of knowledge, research, and spells are free and theirs for the taking.
And the library was also the place where I usually went, at least during my first week here. I was either expanding my understanding of magic overall or trying to learn a new spell, both of which I'm failing immensely thanks to my curse that was mentioned by Miabi. But still, that did not deter me from learning for even a single word may prove to be valuable in my path to becoming a full-pledge Mage. During this period, either Alex, Ana, Phil, or during that one time, even the three of them together, would sometimes accompany me in my studies.
While normal books are fine, it was books that involved learning magic are that's fucking me in the head.
Regarding the three classmates that I have mentioned, I can confidently that they're considered to be my close friends here, the ones who I get along with the most out of my eleven classmates of 1-S.
Sure, I took time to interact with every member of 1-S as my way of being friendly, but it was only at a minimum and only consisted of some small talk.
Although Nora would sometimes surprise me with a bunch of weird questions while Miki, the social butterfly that she was with her bubbly personality and all of that, also chatted with me every once in a while.
And there's also the recent talk with Miabi that Phil and I had.
The rest simply were indifferent and minded their own business.
Well, it's still the first week, and I had more than plenty of time to get to know them all better. There's no need to rush.
While the library was usually where I went as I've said before, there was a significant change of plans.
Since I'll be meeting with Miabi later at midnight, I decided to head straight to my dorm for some early sleep, right after a quick dinner from the academy cafeteria.
But first things first, I have some business I have to attend to.
(Ken POV)
As the hand of the clock almost made its way to midnight, Phil and I headed to the designated meeting area, right at the middle of the academy courtyard.
Since this was not the period of academics, both of us were dressed in our casual attires instead of the blue robes.
While I'm in my usual set of a black outfit, the ones gifted to me by the Headmaster when I first woke up inside my dorm a week ago, Philip was now seen to be wearing a white polo long-sleeved shirt with a green bow tie, brown long pants with a black leather belt, and a pair of black dress shoes. His outfit was kind of neat and comfortable, perfect for a leisurely stroll in the outdoors such as this.
Of course, this endeavor of ours was anything but a stroll.
At the sight of darkness with no people around, I made my comment about how suspiciously empty the place was.
Not to mention, whenever I activated my Mana Sense to detect anyone within our vicinity, all I got was some faint signature that I had trouble grasping.
This was all uncanny indeed.
"It's my first time setting foot outside here during at night. I can't say I'm all too thrilled with this eerie atmosphere and all. Really, are there at least no patrolling guards around here? What's up with that? For a magic academy, the security here is pretty lax."
Phil shared my concern with a wary look.
"Yeah. I know that the academy is protected by a powerful barrier to defend us from any outside forces, but there's a possibility that spies could be among us and invade us from the inside."
I agreed with his viewpoint and the uneasiness only served to heighten our sense of warning.
"Could this be Miabi's doing perhaps? Her way of taking care of things? Tsk, if such is the case, then she really is up to no good."
"Then, should we back down and retreat for now? Her plans won't come to fruition without you around, probably."
Phil suggested as I pondered about it. He does make sense. Maybe it's for the best that we simply go back to our dorms and save us the trouble of whatever schemes that this mad chick had in store for us... for me rather.
"Fufufu, I'm so pleased that you have finally arrived, Ken Bruce and Philip Oswold."
Welp, there goes our plan B.
Miabi Aventus made her entrance as she suddenly emerged from our behind.
Like the both of us, she was also clad in her getup outside of school hours, dressed in a sleeveless gothic lolita dress with a skirt, both of which have a black-violet color design. She also wore a pair of black gloves and black leather boots with transparent black stockings that accentuated those fine sexy thighs of hers. In addition, she's as well equipped with a black shoulder bag draped around her right shoulder.
In short, she looked lovely and attractive with her overall attire, something that I can't resist taking my eyes away.
Crap, my tolerance with women sure is low. Hopefully, this won't be the case in the future as I gradually get used to it, given that I'm often in the company with fine ladies like Ana and my other female classmates.
"Perv."
Damn it, Vivian!! Can you not blame me for having hormones? At least I have the decency to keep that only in mind, just like any sane guy would do.
Tsk, one of the disadvantages of having a lady in my head was her capability of reading my thoughts like an open book.
Thoughts that include some of my darkest desires and secret fantasies that should never be revealed unless I want to make myself known as the Pervert of Infinity instead.
I forcefully shove my indecent thoughts away and proceed with what Phil and I were here in the first place.
Alright, I guess we should get this over with then.
I suppose that she won't do anything too drastic, given that we are still in the middle of a magic academy of all places. If worse comes worst, Phil and I are not so helpless as we can defend ourselves against one crazy girl.
Besides, if I make things explode with my magic, it would alert the entire populace of the academy and compromise Miabi right on the spot.
With that in mind, my confidence grew substantially and I stood resolute in facing my black-haired classmate.
"Alright, let's cut to the chase... how are we going to do this?"
"Fufufu, straight to the point, I see. Such a shame. I've thought of many scenarios a while ago about us having a nice little chat first, with that particular discussion leading to that enthralling backside of yours. I suppose Phil can also join us if he wants to."
"Eh?!"
I instantly pointed my her in sheer protest.
"No. Our asses are off-limits, pervert lady."
"Hmm... a pity. And here I thought that I finally get to use something long and hard that I whip up from a certain collection of mine, fufufu. It will be painful at first yes, but after pain comes undeniable pleasure that you won't absolutely regret."
Nope, certainly not. Not in a million years.
Long and hard? What the fuck? She's, even more, derange than I initially thought!!!
Away with you horny lady!!! Keep your vile dirty hands away from our precious man bottom!!!
In my mind, I could hear Vivian cackling like the madwoman she was in our situation.
"Ahahahaha!!! This is gold, absolutely gold!!!! I like her, Ken. If you decide to get a girlfriend in the future, then you have my blessing if you want her. She's a keeper, I can tell you that. Oh, how your life is full of wonderful entertainment, my dear student. You certainly live up to your promise."
Goddamn it, Master!!! This is clearly not a good time for you to be pulling out another one of your silly jokes!!!
As beautiful as Miabi was I have to admit, especially in that black enticing outfit of hers, she kind of scared the crap out of me with that comment of hers.
Hot but scary!!!
No way in Hellas am I going to be the sheepish one of the relationship, assuming that I pursue the Miabi route of course.
As Phil and I were absolutely contemplating on plan B, Miabi suddenly burst into pure laughter as well when she saw our horrified looks.
And as much as I loathe to admit, she looked kind of charming when she laughs like that.
"Hahahahaha!!! Oh, how the expressions on your faces were absolutely priceless. Now that's out of the way, are the both of you feeling less tensed now?"
We both stare in confusion at the last question that she inquired of us.
"Less tense? What in Arkadia you mean by that?"
I was the one who questioned her while Phil opted to remain silent.
Miabi never ceased the amused look on her face and answered.
"I noticed that the two of you were rather quite jumpy as evident by your apparent looks of anxiety, acting all painfully troubled. Let's just say that it's my twisted way of easing up the tension, a joke you could say, so we may progress our meeting and ritual without any drastic issues. Hmm, maybe I've got a little bit too far to your liking, fufu. The looks on your faces sure were entertaining. Messing with you was definitely a delight."
Wait, so she intentionally did all of this to cozy up the atmosphere a little bit?
Huh, so Miabi Aventus was actually a nice person, to begin with? Pranking us with her hoax of defiling our butt holes?
But really, was there no other way? Getting all riled up by messing us instead? With the notion of fucking our asses?
She's quite the she-devil, that I can only say.
Phil, blessed his kind heart, seemed to have realized her intentions and abandoned all his fear, now smiling in his usual nice guy state.
"Wow, now I feel bad for doubting her earlier."
Meh, not really. Even if it was her intention and all of that, it still does not explain the lack of guards around us. Her so-called joke, while chilling to the core, I have to admit, was also hilarious. But even so, that does not mean that we should let our guard down just like that.
In the end, I decided to go against my better judgment and give her the benefit of the doubt. She's still my classmate, a comrade of 1-S. I still wanted to get along and be friends with her, no matter how eccentric she was.
Besides, as Vivian mentioned, she can sense any foul magic or play. I guess that's one factor adding to my assurance.
With everything said and done, Miabi took out something, a blue book from her shoulder bag, and gave it to me, much to my confusion.
"Before we begin, I want to see firsthand this curse of yours."