At the academy's clinic.
The doctor's hands glowed with greenish-blue energy, that covered them like shining gloves, as he placed and moved the magicked hands over Gregory's body slowly and gently, reaching every area of his body that had sustained an injury.
"Is he doing that without a wand?"
Elizabeth blurted out her words of surprise unknowingly, making the doctor laugh.
"Impressive, huh?" the doctor asked with a smile on his face.
Elizabeth nodded. "Mm-hmm."
"Doc, how are you doing that?" she said, "That's if you don't mind me asking."
The doctor laughed again.
"It's not hard really since it's something we, healer-type mages, are trained to learn and master right from the time we discover our magic. Just as you use your wands, our hands are our wands. That's it."
"Wow... that's really incredible!"
Gregory made a slight turn in the opposite direction from the doctor, wincing in pain as the doctor started to heal his abdomen, the part that took the most damage from Williams.
"Don't worry," the doctor said to him, "I will be done soon. Just breathe slowly and think of the pain as a feeling that I'm washing away."
As the doctor performed his healing magic, Gregory Broomborn released a huge exhalation of pent-up breath.
His sigh carried along with it the pain he felt, allowing the soothing effect of the doctor's healing magic to work its wonders all over his body.
...
...
...
Albert moved around the class taking the headcount for the hands that were raised.
After he was finished, he walked back to the front of the class.
"Guess that's it then. Everyone present is in support of the picnic. That's good."
I smiled, not because the picnic was going to happen but because I had beaten the system twice in a few minutes.
If it had a form, I would have mocked it to my satisfaction.
[ You have gained +3 Pimp Points for completing the quest 'Get the majority to agree to the idea' ]
[ Congratulations! You have impressed the system ]
"Huh?"
[ You have outdone yourself and convinced 100% to agree to the picnic idea ]
[ You will surely be rewarded ]
"That's a first. I love it!"
Albert looked around, put his closed hand on his mouth and hawked.
"Ahem, now the next thing would be to choose a location for this event. I suggest—"
"Hold on, Albert," Sheila interrupted him.
"Yes? You've got something to add?"
Sheila stood up and turned around to face the rest of us who sat behind her.
"I don't think that the location is the next issue to tackle."
"Hmm," Albert breathed.
"For me, I'd like to know how we are going to get our permits from Miss Dorian. I feel that's an even bigger issue than a venue."
"Yes, she has a point," one of the students muttered.
We looked at each other, many bobbing their heads in agreement with what Sheila said.
Looks like you're on your own from here, Albert.
I quietly sat down, folded my arms and turned into an observer of this proceeding.
The concern of one person, Sheila, turned into murmurs from many of the students as they chattered amongst themselves and their cliques.
...
...
...
The low, indistinct sound they were making soon turned into noise, about to become a wild one.
"Hey, everyone. Let's calm down," Albert pleaded with them calmly.
Albert's words insignificantly floated in the air of the classroom for a while before vanishing without reaching anyone's ears.
He sighed and took a deep breath.
Albert's patient gaze swept across the bustling classroom, his voice now carrying a soothing authority.
"Class!" he shouted, "May I have your attention, please?"
There was a quick moment of nigh absolute silence that was established by his voice.
Slowly, the chatter diminished as all eyes turned toward him.
"I understand that we're concerned and would want to share thoughts, but let's respect the need for focus. Take a moment to re-centre yourselves. Breathe in deeply, and exhale slowly."
I chuckled at what Albert said. Has he gone mad?
Now I can see why he was impressed with my way with words.
As the room filled with calming breaths, Albert continued, "Thank you for your cooperation. Remember, our time here is valuable, and by maintaining a quiet environment, we can all engage more effectively. Let's work together to make this picnic a success."
Meanwhile, I was scanning the entire class in search of the person I'd take to the picnic with me.
If Elizabeth had been here, I would have straight up asked her and I'm sure she would agree, making my life easier.
"Should I ask Big-Eyed Bridget?" I thought as I stared at her.
I felt she would also agree to go with me but I changed my mind. Even if I was no good at conversing or wooing these females, I wanted someone I'd appreciate by my side.
I didn't exactly find Bridget attractive in that kind of way.
The other options I was left with were Sheila Molize, Teresa Bokkins and finally...
Jasmine Barley.
Sheila was out of the options. I wouldn't want to get into a fight with my man, Bolzen, over a girl.
Tch, that's not me at all. Quite embarrassing.
Teresa Bokkins or Jasmine Barley.
...
...
...
Amidst the chatter in the hallway, I leaned back on my chair and turned my face in Jasmine's direction, staring at her until I caught her eye.
I flashed a charming smile as we stared at each other.
She scoffed at me but I kept my smile on and confident.
"What are you staring at?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
He leaned towards her.
"Hey, Jasmine. What do you say we go for the picnic together?"
Jasmine froze, startled by what I had said. I saw her face turn red as she gaped at me.
I looked around and back to make sure it was still me she was looking at.
"W-What d-did you say?" she stuttered.
"Let's go to the picnic together... as a—"
"I-I he-heard you the first time!" she yelled, standing and storming out of the class.
Her antics drew everyone's attention and now they were staring at me.
I laughed nervously and shrugged my shoulders.
"Continue. Don't worry about me, hehe."
Albert cleared his throat loudly and continued.
"Most people agreed with the Sunsun Beach. So Sunsun Beach it is."
...
...
...
By the end of our class meeting, we have come to three conclusions.
The first was that the picnic was going to happen.
The second was that it would hold in five days' time.
Finally, it was going to happen at the Sunsun Beach.
After the meeting, we all left the class and headed back to our dorm rooms.
On my way, I stopped to tie my laces properly since they have been looking kind of weird in my eyes for the past few minutes.
I crouched, grabbed the two laces and began to tie them.
By the time I was done, a shadow was cast over me and I glanced up.
Standing over me was the self-crowned queen herself, Jasmine Barley.
"Hey, creep. Is this a date?"
I sighed.
Do I have to spell everything out?