Under the pulsing barrier, Alum found himself in a familiar situation. But this time was a little different. Instead of cool coastal winds and sulfurous ocean scent, it was warm, gentle winds that caressed his skin as his naturally soft hair flowed, poking him in the eyes while each breath caught the slightly bitter smell of grass.
He rested his chin on the palm of his hand—it probably left a mark by now since Chely had been going on and on answering questions the others had for her. It wasn't that he was disinterested—he listened carefully as anyone there.
But it was too comfortable under the barrier, making the sun's heat less oppressive. It was warm, and he'd just had a meal made by Noel, making him drowsy. Alum didn't know how his best friend could cook with ingredients he'd never seen—just like the fish yesterday.
…I'm complaining, Alum thought as he eyed the large pot.
Not everyone had the appetite he did; there were some leftovers, and Iristolth noticed that he'd been eying the pot with interest for a while now. A small smile cruised over her complexion before she turned toward the others to further explain what they couldn't understand.
The powers we display are elemental magic—fueled by either logic or belief; sounds ambiguous but plausible from experience—while I used the 'logic' I knew from our world. It's likely the laws of physics are very different here. If so, it would fall under 'belief' in that likely hypothetical situation.
But Chely said it wasn't that simple. A mage needed both and the mana required. So, the question is, how could one cast a spell if they don't believe in their own reasoning? The same applies to beliefs—how can one believe without a form of reasoning? It's a paradox. The only basis as to why they're separated is because of the existence of magitech, which is purely based on the logic of the world, while divine relics or weapons just are.
Although Alum found magic intriguing, he didn't want to dwell on it for too long.
Still, she said they worship light itself? Divine Light, huh? It smites world abnormalities but never mortal-made events. It doesn't interact with mortals and believers reason it is because mortals are responsible for their actions. I see. The event she mentioned in her speech five years ago only happened because mortals caused it—hence, the abnormalities weren't smitten. Even though spatial quakes fall into the category of abnormalities, there seem to be exceptions—such as ours. How peculiar.
While Alum compartmentalized the topics, he felt a light, almost reluctant tug on his sleeve. He noticed a pair of wide and round ruby-red eyes. The girl looked like an abandoned puppy; her face was slightly flushed—
"Are you overheating again?" Alum inquired, his voice slightly raspy.
"Ah… no, I'm okay. it's just that… it's so much to take in at the same time my head is about to burst, eh..hehe… or I'm just weak—she's not even giving us too much information. It's… just the content. I… guess," Miu replied in a whisper, looking somewhat strained. "But you seem to be handling it well," she added with a faint but tired smile.
"I see—"
She's anxious and wants someone to rely on. Her friends aren't an option—they're as vulnerable as she is now. They depend on her, yet she doesn't want to burden them with her worries. Meanwhile, Noel is occupied with extracting information, so she's trying to find solace in me, as Emy already has much to do.
Alum pondered over how he should reply. He wasn't good with this comfort thing, except from what he knew from childhood.
I used to ruffle YB's hair or treat him to popsicles. But I can't do that to a girl my age—she's not a kid; we aren't children. I can't hug or hold her hand as I do Emy—unlike Noel, my words are harsh—how do I comfort her? She's a friend, but I don't consider her a best friend—this is difficult…
After a short pause, Alum said, "It is as you say. I'm handling it well. However, we're different. You shouldn't look toward me about how to handle a situation."
Alum's words caught Miu off guard—even the students who happened to overhear were surprised—was that really the way to comfort a struggling girl? They thought.
Miu was unsure of how to reply. "Y-yeah…" she stammered, looking down at the table.
"What do you usually do when you feel overwhelmed?"
Alum's question made her look up—the grip on his sleeve tightened. "What… I usually do?" Miu wondered as if she was asking herself. "I… look at cute things?" she answered.
"…Do you need a mirror?" Alum asked, tilting his head slightly—she's liken to an abandoned puppy right now… he thought.
"…"
Everyone who couldn't help but listen to them instead of Chely was left speechless—Oliver was glaring daggers at Alum while Miu's friends turned to each other, trying to hold but failing as low, excited squeals could be heard.
Miu puffed her cheeks. "I'm not a narcissist!" she protested. Her lips squeezed into a pout as she huffed, "Mou!" as she then turned away from him.
"…?"
I see. That didn't work, Alum noted.
With a subtle glance, Miu saw Alum reflect with a perplexed face, causing her to sigh. "…I feel better. Thanks, Njihihi~" Her sulky expression was replaced by amusement and quiet giggles.
"I see…?" Alum averted his eyes, scratching his cheek lightly.
Jeez, I know Noel's been teaching him a bunch of stuff, but… to think he even picked up his spontaneous flirting too is concerning—is he perhaps easily influenced? Miu wondered.
Meanwhile, Alum noticed that the hostile gaze from Oliver still lingered. He looked displeased by the distance between Alum and Miu; it wasn't difficult to deduct that he saw Miu in a romantic light, and having a guy he thought was uncaring for romance flirt with her irked him even if it was just in jest.
Alum, on the other hand, didn't care, but… Suddenly recalled the black-red space and his conversation with his younger self. That promise lingered in his mind—the promise that he was to try to bring new colors. However, it proved more difficult than he'd anticipated.
He knew he tended to ignore his own feelings, whether emotional or physical. So, he had to actively think about what he was feeling, but sometimes he forgot—such is the case when he failed to realize his physical comfort.
Alum had gone with the flow for the past years. He didn't think too deeply about things, but… Alum realized he was comfortable and enjoyed himself. If it wasn't for him believing he was dying at that moment, he might've perhaps not recognized these feelings.
Emely was there and cared for him even though he'd been so harsh toward her—even threatened her on their first meeting. At that time, he was distrustful, angry, and alone. Yet, she showed him her compassion. He came to regret replying with hostility. He could clearly recall their first meeting—it was crystal to him.
..
"It's nice to meet you."
One day, after I washed away the red stains on my hands, I met her. I was dazed, but she had a smile on her face. Those 'tutors' also had a smile. Even that man had a smile on his face. He had a gun, yet he chose to stab them.
I recall the dark room. The echo of crimson ran down his blade. The puddle. The ripples and the faint moonshine. It was cloudy. I was shaking, struck by fear. My chest was tight as I clasped it hard. I was hyperventilating and fell to my knees.
When I did, the man slowly walked to me and kicked me in the abdomen, sending me rolling as I hit the counter. When I looked at my hands, they were red… as was my body—I already knew, and the iron stench had already filled the mansion—everything was red. I had taken my pills. I couldn't do anything but listen to his words.
"Good… Good. You're not a crybaby," the man's voice echoed deep into my core. He slowly walked towards me and crouched down.
"Say. How much do you know, Kid? What about it? If you tell me where all the valuable things are. I can convince the others to let you live. How about it?" he suggested—his eyes filled with madness as his—thud! His blade dug into the wood behind me—in the blade was a pathetic reflection.
"You're a good boy, so you'll tell me, right?" his dark tone inquired.
I grasped my chest tightly, gritting my teeth—I had to stop hyperventilating. And as I hit my chest and held my breath to make it stop. Blood drained from my face as everything became more numb—I've become dull to many emotions until now, I thought. But… even fear was consumed by the switch to complete apathy.
"Oh? Smart, but you're one creepy kid," he remarked as he laughed.
After I showed him and his team everything of value, he threw the blade, causing me to lean my head to the side cut past me, missing my neck by a strand of hair. Surprisingly, he spared my miserable life after that—I'll make it his biggest mistake…
"—My name is Emely, and I am your cousin—we'll be living together from now on, so you can tell me anything on your mind, Alum!" Her words abruptly brought me back—I see, she'll take me in.
"What? Are you also after the inheritance?" I was starting to lose control—the drug had stopped having an effect—you should leave before I bleed you out, twist your organs, mince your flesh whilst I grind your bones.
"Take what you want. I do not care. But get in my way; you had better prepare a competent criminal lawyer—you will need it; it will be a bloody scene."
Although I said it as a threat—and meant it; I was prepared to criminalize her, yet she told me…
"In that case, I'll take you!" I could see she was scared, but she said that either way… Her words left me speechless.
"Hey, Alum! Boys your age think this is super cool, right? I think you'll be cu—I mean cool in this!" She would drag me to buy clothes—I don't have preferences, so I let her pick.
"Ugh… I'm sorry, I'm not good at cooking… ahaha… uni life, you know? But… I'll do my best from now on!" I didn't understand; she was a student, yet she took me in—she hadn't even mentioned money.
"So… um, how is it?" I had been a few years. Her cooking had gotten better. I suppose.
"Hic, sob… hic… sniff…" One day, I saw her cry. I wasn't used to comforting people—so I let her embrace me until she fell asleep as I patted her head. I thought it only worked on children. After that, whenever she was overwhelmed by negative emotions, I would comfort her—she's done a lot for me.
..
But in the end, I opened her my monochrome gates, Alum thought as he reminisced.
There was a tug on his lips as they curved gently; his expression softened out of nowhere. He then thought about Noel.
In contrast, he'd climbed Alum's walls. Even if they'd only known each other since the start of university—and it's been over half a year. During that time, Noel had managed to trespass into his monochrome garden—he persisted so that in the end, Alum gave him a ladder since he seemed to enjoy the climb. He still remembered how it all started with one corny line.
..
"This drink is heavy. Will you hold it for me?" Noel said when we first approached me. And then, he complained about the cold the next time.
"Ugh… it's cooooold! Here, you should dress more. I'll go inside." It was fall at the time, but I was dull to the cold; despite that, he put a coat over me and left as I continued to watch the ocean with a book in my hand—he'd even left black coffee.
After that, he tried to give me sweets. "What? You don't want these delicious fluff buns?! Ugh, fine, you get the chocolate muffin then!"
"Huh? So cats do get stuck in trees… here I thought it was just a trope—" That time, a kitten got stuck in a tree. He spoke aloud, seeming surprised, but I could only sigh when I saw a grin.
"Hey… um… I don't think I can get down…" And then, the idiot couldn't get down on his own—I had to get a ladder somehow to rescue him and the cat. How does one get up and not down? It was a mystery to me.
"Aluuum~! They don't allow pets at my placeeee…" The day after, he knocked on our door while cradling the animal in his arms—his words were troublesome.
"Hey, there's this pastry shop I know you'll love!" I thought he was persistent as usual, but I admit I did come to like sweets because of him. He said it was his treat since I took in the kitten. But…
"So… um… I found this injured bird." At this point, our place had become a zoo. However, Emy seemed fine with it as we temporarily sheltered the animals. Then, without my realizing it, I'd brought home an injured puppy on my own and found it a new home—I perhaps felt lonely when all the animals left.
"Ha-ha-ha! Witness the greatness of my cooking!" But for some reason, Noel came over more frequently. Of course, Emy was happy that it was more lively in the apartment—it was way too big for two people anyways.
"Hey! I brought a console with me! Let's game—" Is he moving in? He'd come with a trolley bag as if to declare his stay—apparently, he'd spoken to Emy about it and she helped him to hook up the system.
"Dammit! How are you starting to crush me even though you've never touched a controller until now!?" He pouted for whatever reason. I just held the controller the way he did and watched the way he played. I don't understand why he was pouting, but his frustration was mildly amusing.
..
"Alum…?" Suddenly, a voice called out to him.
Miu's words had awakened him from the daze. Alum realized he must've zoned out since they took a small break. He'd barely gotten any sleep yesterday or the day before—the day of the transfer. During that time, his body suffered trauma and hadn't fully recovered. But neither had his mind. He barely had the energy to stay awake but fought through it anyways.
"Um… are you okay?" Miu asked.
He didn't reply to Miu; his already cozy, warm body surged with mana as he reached his hand towards her. His palm emitted a faint blue light. Almost instantly, a water bubble levitated in the air. It grew larger as Miu's gaze shifted between it and Alum as he directed it towards her. Miu shut her eyelids and braced herself for what was to come.
"Nnnh… that's… nice…" she sighed as Alum pressed the bubble onto her forehead.
"You're too hot." His words were blunt, to say the least—anyone there would agree that Miu is 'hot' or 'too hot' as Alum put it. But… they all knew Alum meant it literally. His voice was calm and almost unchanged, though absent of the usual cold.
A little flustered, Miu's heart raced, as did her mind. She couldn't help but think he might've also meant that he looked at her in 'that' way—h-he did ask if I wanted a mirror or not… she thought.
"I've noticed before, but you got naturally high body temperature," he added.
"Oh… I do… So, thank you. I feel a little better now. Also… I relaxed a little when you said… 'that.' I was able to focus, and I didn't notice… But what about you? You're red too, and you… used magic—"
I suppose I am pretty exhausted, Alum noted when Miu pointed it out.
"I'm not bothered. It's not even hot—I even compartmentalized what's been answered thus far," Alum replied, switching subject midway through. He playfully poked her forehead directly, causing her to lean back slightly, her eyes closed involuntarily.
"…"
A second later, her eyes flung open wide as she saw Alum smile casually. "You're mean…" Miu pouted as she placed a hand on her forehead; her cheeks were slightly puffed while her lips pressed closely together.
"I am," Alum shrugged. His overall complexion did not change, but his eyes were open and not half-lidded like before.
"You're supposed to deny that!" Miu huffed and crossed her arms, displeased by his words since he was so nice to her.
I never know what he thinks; his expressions don't tell me much. Sigh… I wish I could read him as well as Noel and Emely could. As Miu sighed inwardly. She began tapping her feet and twirling her hair—jeez… when he raised his hand toward me, I really thought he was going to cup my cheeks again…
Miu's face was slowly getting rosy again, but not because of the heat this time. Alum noticed and broke the silence. "I suppose that's usually the case—enough chit-chat. If you're too overwhelmed, take my hand; it might make you feel better," he stated calmly as if it were a fact.
"Na—?!" Miu squealed quietly, looking down. "I'm not a kid…" she said, her eyes slowly darted up toward his. "Do… you want to hold hands?"
"No."
"…"
Then why did you suggest it!? She exclaimed inwardly. Her blood rushed—she was frustrated that he would reply no so bluntly—or… it wasn't even that, it was perhaps his quick response…
"H-huh…?" Miu felt something cool brushing against her hand—then grasping it. "O-Oh…" Bashfully, she looked away—Alum had clasped her hand under the table.
…What's going on? It's so awkward! Her mind raced—but… it's nice…? H-huh? M-mou! Wakan'naiiii yooo! Hmph! As if she was in a burning house, Miu tried to find a solution but ran around in a circle until she became light-headed. I'm anxious and overwhelmed… for an entirely different reason now! But…
When she noticed that Alum turned his attention else where, she realized she might've read too much into it. She knew he saw her as a friend… if there was anything to learn from how he was with Noel, physical proximity wasn't ever an issue.
Mou mattaku… Miu sighed yet again. I almost had the wrong idea… but… I dunno… holding his hand feels nice—perhaps he was right… it does help… A smile surfaced on her face as she squeezed back.
"Thanks…"
At her words, Alum briefly glanced toward her. "We're friends. Don't mention it," he said before turning back.
Miu couldn't help but softly giggle—we're friends… huh? She thought as she echoed his words. Her gaze lowered as she relaxed. A faint smile tugged her lips. He's so innocent… but… A small sigh escaped her lips. Friends our age don't do this unless they're the same gender… or… like each other…
On the other hand, Alum thought—it's not too different from holding Emy's hand… I see. She's like them…
While all of that was happening, Chely decided to ask Noel, who was taking notes of everything she had said.
"Is that what… normal friendship looks like over there?" Her contemplative face displayed some sort of hesitation.
"No, absolutely not," Noel replied bluntly.
"Romantic interest?"
"Hm, debatably one-sided—though, I doubt she's even aware herself."
"…Then what have you been teaching that child?" she inquired quietly, yet her voice rang clear.
Child? Noel raised a brow.
"…Alum?" Noel took his gaze off the notebook and looked up confusedly. "Uh… I dunno, honestly, he sorta does what he wants—though I find it funny, he's imitating me like a kid sometimes."
"Do you do that to your friends and call them 'hot' too?" Chely crossed her arms. Her eyes were chilly and scarier than her initial impression.
"…I prefer not to use those words. Although that expression is common, it depends. Is it frowned upon here?" he asked casually.
"Oh… I don't know… Maybe it depends? I found it odd, is all. Still, I knew he meant it literally…" Chely averted her gaze. She didn't mean to come across as rude to their culture just because she found it indecent.
"Ah, I get it. You just have a dirty—"
"Aah~ for some reason, my fist wants to give your cheek a big ol' smooch." Chely smiled calmly while clenching her fist. "You showered me in admiration earlier; I thought to return the affection impactfully."
"I… uh…"
Crack crack—her knuckles popped a few cracking sounds.
"…" Noel gazed quietly into Chely's eyes.
"…" Chely closed her eyes with a smile, tilting her head to the side adorably as her shoulders rose a little.
"…" He felt death closing in.
"…"
"A-ahem… You might've realized. But… he's not exactly known for being delicate with his words… he's blunt, and if he doesn't say anything, he likely thinks you're a lost cause. He just shows care in a more direct way." Noel shrugged. "So yeah, he has a weird sense of distance—he's either too distant or close… physically and emotionally."
"Is that… so?" Chely leaned her head slightly to the side. Her hair fell off her shoulders and brushed against her cheek.
"But… it's interesting."
Noel's one-liner left Chely perplexed—what did he mean by that? she thought. "What is?" her voice rang, perplexed.
"Oh, I just thought we could understand each other based on intention alone, but it seems like there are sets of vocabulary, huh?"
"…What? I don't understand," Chely said, furrowing her brows in contemplation.
"Aand my point exactly. Note that we understand each other yet we don't always interpret each other correctly. For example, Alum meant hot as literal heat, and that was his intention. You understood but were also able to interpret it as sexual appeal, which wasn't his intention."
"I… suppose?" Chely's eyes widened as she gazed deep into Noel's blueish-silver eyes.
"So, I first assumed it was because we understood each other based on intention since, y'know? We clearly spoke different languages—I couldn't really make out what you said, but I still understood you. It's interesting, have you noticed that we are speaking in your language now? Or so it seems. I don't know what it might be, but it must be some kind of sophisticated translation. Well, perhaps it's both?" he said, flashing Chely a grin before noting it down.
"…"
I didn't think of that—throughout history, we and the wanderers were able to communicate, yet the reason was unknown—assuming it to be some kind of blessing. But he already noticed something so simple yet profound… Chely thought.
"You really are more capable than you seem," she murmured to herself aloud.
"Really now? I'm usually called smart, y'know?" Noel grinned as he chuckled playfully.
"…"
As if a vein popped on her forehead, she thought, I take it all back, this cheeky guy! You should pretend you didn't hear that and quietly accept the compliment!
…
..
In the capital, Amethely found herself drowning in research papers. She'd been helping the labs build delicate medical devices. Still, since her mana foundation was awry, she was incapable of proper mana control, and creating a circuit for what she specifically wanted to control would take longer than waiting for her recovery. And the general circuit wasn't good enough.
I can't do my research like thiiiis. She agonized and bounced into bed, diving into the soft pillow.
She rolled around and hugged the pillow nearby. The flora in her room all had a pleasant, sweet scent. But… some of them had begun to wither as she was gone for more than a week.
My poor flowers… Amethely lamented as she recalled having to throw them out after she was unable to save them. But then, her mind cleared up in a bright light. Wait… I can make a device to care for them automatically!
Elated by the idea, she returned to her desk and sorted her previous work—since she couldn't continue it anyways, she planned to head to the academy and forward it. Still, the idea hadn't crossed her mind since she enjoys taking care of her plants in her free time.
"Let's see… should I create a golem?" she softly pondered aloud…
Scribble scribble
"This… and… should I contract a spirit to the body…?"
Knock, knock, knock—suddenly, there was a knock on her door. When Amethely went to check, Keilyn had shown up with a tray filled with food.
"Kei? Huh? Aren't you still working?"
"Haaah…" Keilyn sighed in exasperation. "Ame, the sun has set. You've been in your room since we returned. The paladins thought you were depressed or something since you didn't show up to join them in the afternoon sparring sessions," she said and walked in.
"Huh…?" Amethely's eyes widened as she slowly but softly turned toward her window—the sky was dark with clear stars in the sky.
Growl… The smell of food made her realize that she was hungry as she hadn't had a proper meal—her face turned beet red as she swiftly turned toward Keilyn, who giggled as a grin surfaced on her face.
"My, that's uncouth for a princess—let alone a saint. But your bestie is here with your favorite food on a tray!" Although Keilyn teased her, she'd been worried since Amethely tended to neglect her meals when she did her magitech research.
"Kei… I love you!" Amethely expressed childishly. But strangely enough, her voice still had its soothing quality, making Keilyn wonder how she did it.
Keilyn chuckled as she put the tray on the dining table by the window and pulled out a chair for Amethely. "I love you too. Now, now, come and take a seat."
Amethely nodded eagerly and said, "Yeesh!" while she sat down happily.
"Still, what a dilemma… you'd be considered naughty to be eating this late~" Keilyn voiced, her head tilted to the side with a finer resting on her cheek.
"…" Amethely blankly stared at her friend—her expression was that of defeat…
"What a dilemma, right, Ame?" she asked, grinning teasingly.
"…Kei, you meanie!" Amethely huffed in protest, her cheeks inflated while her soft lips were tightly sealed.
"Hahaha," Keilyn laughed lightheartedly. "The food will get cold," she said.
"…"
While Amethely began to eat with a happy expression quietly, Keilyn wondered if she was going to be alright and not fumble. She gazed into the night sky. Her sapphire blue eyes reflected the stars—her light blond hair danced in the wind as she opened the window.
The wanderers should have boarded the airship by now and would arrive by morning. I wonder. What are they like? she thought.
A/N
Sorry, the chapters are late nowadays. I have a massive writer's block currently, and it's… rough… maybe you can tell, but… uh, yeah, I don't want it to be sloppy, so I'd rather for it to take longer with few mistakes instead of it being rushed with a noticeable quality drop.