However, after a while, the students who felt an indescribable pleasure welling up within them began to burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! This is a masterpiece! Yes, they've done it! It was a presentation worthy of the Supernatural Psychic Research Society."
"Yes! To be honest, I've always been interested in this! Please, do more entertaining presentations!"
"It's been so long since I've sweated. You've won! You're the best!"
The teachers were puzzled by the sudden change in the students' attitudes, but Shirone had expected it. Every reasonable human being is instinctively curious.
Where do we come from and where are we going?
That might be the most important question for humans, and also the reason why the Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group must exist.
Alpeas nodded satisfactorily.
"They show the invisible without being seen. I didn't know such a form existed. The kids have done a wonderful job."
"Do you intend to let the Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group remain active, director?" asked Neid.
"Well, that's not my decision. What did you think? If anyone has any objections to the children's argument, speak up now."
None of the teachers stepped forward. Even Siena had no choice but to remain silent this time.
"To be honest, I felt as if my disciples had given me a good beating."
"The Society of Psychological Sciences Research must exist. Hundreds of students gathered here are proving the fact," Neid asserted.
"But what if it's discovered that the academy's rules have been violated? There must be a sanction. It's a bit uncomfortable to approve the research group as it is."
Several professors confirmed the illegal entry into forbidden areas like Siena. When several people pointed out the same issue, the teachers' meeting was held on the spot.
Siena expressed her opinion first.
"It's true that it's obvious the children have violated the academy's rules. But I think this is independent of whether the research group will survive."
The teachers seemed surprised when she, who had been at the forefront of dismantling it recently, defended the research group. But she thought it was enough. It was a deal with them. Shirone's group met the requirements, and all they had to do was acknowledge the achievements.
Apart from the professors' discussions, members of the Shadow Investigation Society spoke in secret in a secluded part of the park.
"They said it was lost, but it's quite alright. Haven't the stubborn and daring graduates left?"
"Well, with this, the war is on hold. For now, the psychic sciences group will continue, so our Ant Language Research Group won't step forward."
"Well, they're still in class 5. Someday they'll be in the final year, but by then, I won't be at this academy anymore."
"I wouldn't be so sure. If we fail this year, we might have to compete with them next year. Looking at it that way, maybe it's better for you to graduate this year."
"What? Are you saying I should run away because I'm afraid of them? You're..."
"It's curious that we, who don't even see each other face to face, do something like this. If you want to test them, you can, right? Of course, our hide-and-seek research group won't participate."
"Haha, after saying that, I'll watch every move you make. You usually get into messes to hide, don't you?"
"It's because people's eyes are interested in it. This meeting will only damage the research group's reputation."
The shadow-ruling academy heads decided to come to an agreement and headed toward the graduation building. Siena's forehead wrinkled as she watched them walking together.
"Ugh, those guys."
She was fed up with just looking at their faces. They were the worst troublemakers who had harassed Siena until she entered the final year after going through lower and upper classes.
However, the reason she couldn't do anything was that they abused the talent that heaven had given them and hid their tails like ghosts.
"How many guys are there like this in this school? All of this is because they acknowledge the ridiculous research group."
The reason Siena tried to dismantle the Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group was not because she hated Neid's group, but for its symbolic position in the Shadow Investigation Society.
"But it ended up like this."
Siena clicked her tongue and headed to the building.
"We will announce the results of the school council meeting," he shouted to the crowd.
The applause and cheers from the students subsided.
"The Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group was going to be dissolved shortly. This was because there had been no official activity for a year and there was a shortage of people. However, following today's presentation and after discussions among Director Alpeas and many teachers, it has been decided that the 3-person research group led by Neid, the Supernatural Psychic Sciences Research Group, will continue for the time being. But..."
Siena choked while trying to continue speaking. However much she tried, she couldn't bear the growing irritation and shouted while pointing her finger.
"The three of you are suspended for a week! Suspended, idiots!"
"Hahahaha!"
The children burst into laughter. The idea of testing the research group was excellent, but in the process, the offense of installing unauthorized machinery in the academy was committed.
Shirone, Neid, and Eruki opened their mouths in disbelief. Then they looked at each other. The corners of their lips rose, and their eyes filled with joy.
"Us! We did it!"
"Hahaha! We did it! The research group will stay!"
Siena was dumbfounded looking at her students who hugged her even after being suspended; it was absurd but genuine.
It was the result of giving their best and having no regrets. She was genuinely happy with the current outcome because they had given it their all without holding anything back.
"Hahaha! Hey, congratulations! Keep it up!"
"Where's the lab? I'll come to visit you from time to time."
The students congratulated them. Among them were Mark and Cerielle, enthusiastic friends of Shirone.
"Ah! Shirone! I knew it! I knew from the start that it wouldn't end like this. As expected, you're on a higher level than me! No, two levels above me!"
"Yes, the existence of the group was at stake in the presentation. I didn't even dream about it. Anyway, you did a great job this time too, right, Amy?"
Amy was supposed to be the happiest at that moment, but unexpectedly, she had a grumpy expression on her face.
"Why are you so happy about being suspended? Why are you doing something so pathetic? Even if you study fast and get into the advanced class, it won't be enough."
Cerielle looked kindly at Amy, who wasn't very good at expressing herself. It was impossible not to understand her desire to go to the academy with Shirone.
"But isn't it wonderful? Of course, I could never do it if you asked me, but everyone thinks that from time to time. The idea of wanting to surprise the world."
She looked at Shirone enviously.
Shirone's face, smiling cheerfully at the children's cheers, showed no sign of concern.
Amy's eyes were filled with longing feelings. She knew the truth. She knew she was the one who longed most to be by Shirone's side.
But she shook her head as if wanting to ignore her feelings.
"Well, I don't have time for this. I have to graduate. I'll never admire you."
Amy turned away coldly.
'Catch up to me quickly... you idiot.'
***
It was 4 in the morning.
It was a deep night when all the night shift workers were leaving work and all the students and teachers were asleep.
Shirone's group was at the central park's meadow, where the historic presentation took place, gazing at the stars.
The cheers and loud noises of the children disappeared, but they still seemed to hear auditory hallucinations.
"In the end, we did it, we made it," said Neid, in a hoarse voice.
"I know, but I feel a bit sorry for Shirone. It's your first time being suspended, isn't it?"
Shirone chuckled. It didn't matter.
"But it was interesting. It was a lot of fun."
"Yes, it was the best. Will I ever experience a day like today again in my life? I still can't forget the cheers of the people."
"The three of us have combined our strengths, and that's how it should be. Because, in any case, a new history has been recorded in the Aldeas Magic Academy."
Shirone stood up abruptly.
"And it's not all that bad. I've also gained a lot. This presentation has greatly increased the photon production level. I think it'll work in my final year."
"Me too. I've gained knowledge about optical fiber and, above all, I've experienced the mass production process myself. Honestly, I've learned a lot. All thanks to you."
"I feel the same. I've gained a lot by applying 400 behavior patterns to practice. It would have been absolutely impossible if I hadn't used the function."
"What are you talking about? You're the best. The students would never have been deceived without the Wise Syndrome behavior equation."
"Similarly, Neid achieved a great feat. He installed hundreds of mechanical devices flawlessly. His concentration is incredible."
Shirone's group, excited, realized something and fell silent at the same time. For a moment, the cold wind passed by.
"Let it go. What's the point of praising ourselves?" said Neid, leaning back the body he had raised.
"Well, you can't be a frog in a well. It's natural to enjoy the results, but don't let your guard down."
Shirone looked at the shining stars as if they were pouring down on him.
"I want to rise higher."
"I can be the brightest star."
Eruki felt the same.
"I think we've done our best while working. I think it's time for us to climb higher. I mean, in my final year."
Neid stood up, somersaulting.
"Well then, let's set a new goal! Let's rise in class as soon as possible! And let's graduate at the same time! Let's have fun in the real world!"
Shirone and Eruki nodded.
"Alright. Until then, don't stop and run."
"Haha. I'm so motivated after a long time."
The three clasped their hands and cheered.
Their eyes sparkled like stars as they looked at the night sky with such determination.
The only brightest star.
The North Star watched them from above.
***
When Shirone returned to his room, he immediately collapsed and fell asleep. It was a shame to have been suspended for a week, but the mental and physical fatigue was too overwhelming to feel otherwise.
The day passed uneventfully.
The sound of the piano in the morning, the sun floating in the sky, had nothing to do with Shirone, who had been suspended.
"Hey, Shirone. Shirone."
Shirone opened his eyes, furrowing his brow as he saw someone shaking his body. Two faint figures blinked, revealing the smiling faces of Neid and Eruki.
"Hmm. What's up?"
"You're quite something too. Are you still sleeping?"
"I don't know. I'm tired. Leave me alone."
"Don't do that, get up! Anyway, we can't attend classes. Don't be like that, let's go play."
"Are you going out to play?"
"There's a casino Eruki knows where they give free drinks and there are plenty of beautiful girls. Now that we're done with this, let's enjoy and come back."
Shirone didn't even want to respond from the moment he heard it was a casino.
"Aren't you tired? I'm going to die."
"We've been sleeping all day too. You've been asleep for 27 hours. Don't do that. I'll be back in three days. With Eruki's Wise skill, you can earn a lot of money in a short time."