The silence in the classroom pressed down on me.
Leaning against my desk, I couldn't help but stare at the empty chair at the front.
It had been more than two weeks since Eldric's fight with Orion and he was, still, nowhere to be seen.
He hasn't attended lectures since that day.
'Suspended, no doubt.'
A whisper snaked through my mind.
Glancing down at the protagonists diligently taking notes at the front of the class, I noted a distinct lack of concern on their faces.
They didn't seem disturbed by Eldric's absence which meant that everything was most likely fine.
But the question gnawed at me: How long would Eldric's suspension last?
I don't want to seem like I'm concerned about Eldric, but the truth is, I am.
I can't have one of the protagonists missing for more than a few months of Academy because that would impede his growth.
However, if the Academy decides to suspend him for an extended period, I can't do anything about it.
Ripping off another student's limb intentionally, even though he is no longer able to fight, is a serious offense.
However, I suspect there was more to the story than what meets the eye.
I believe since Orion's family is well-connected and influential, they could easily sway the decision of the Academy in their favor.
Not even the Academy would want to make an enemy of the number 1 ranked guild.
"Fate will decide then..."
Muttering under my breath, I closed my eyes, planning to nap till the lecture was over.
It was theory anyway, and I already knew everything there was to know about the subject.
...
"Class dismissed!"
The professor's voice jolted me awake from my light slumber.
Slightly confused, I took my time gathering my things and getting ready to leave the classroom.
As soon as I stepped out of the room, I noticed a small commotion near the entrance.
At first I wanted to simply walk past and ignore it, but something caught my attention.
Near the wall there was a guy with disheveled hair and a tired expression.
Even from a distance, I recognized him.
It was Azriel.
For a moment, our eyes met and I pointed my finger toward the library
After a few minutes, we found ourselves seated in one of the secluded corners of the library, away from prying eyes and curious ears, in the romance novel section.
"I've got the tickets."
After a few minutes of silence, Azriel finally spoke, placing two tickets on the table in front of us.
'Already?'
I'm going to be honest, I was quite surprised. I thought that it'd take another week before we could get our hands on those tickets.
A slow smirk spread across my face, like honey dripping down a cracked flagstone.
"Efficient, I must say, Azriel. I almost expected more… floundering."
He scoffed, the sound laced with a hint of defensiveness that tickled my dark amusement.
"Don't underestimate me."
We spoke for a while, the silence of the library punctuated only by the rhythmic scratching of quills and the occasional hushed cough.
Azriel actually believed I was interested in idle chatter.
Finally, with a sigh that rattled his thick frame, he cut to the chase.
"So, when exactly do I get my hands on this mythical six-star manual?"
I chuckled.
"Patience."
He narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering like a dying candle.
"Just don't try anything funny."
I raised an eyebrow, feigning offense.
"Do you take me for a common swindler? Our agreement is sealed with a Mana Contract. Betrayal would be… unpleasant"
He grumbled something unintelligible, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly. A good sign.
"Here's the plan."
I continued, leaning forward.
"The auction is in a few weeks. After that, there will be a short spring vacation. During that week, we'll embark on a little… field trip."
A flicker of excitement sparked in Azriel's eyes, momentarily eclipsing the ever-present wariness. The prospect of power, of surpassing his brother, was a potent aphrodisiac, even for a creature of… well, let's just say his literary preferences.
***
"Lunch time..."
Strolling through the bustling hallways of the academy, I couldn't help but feel a rumble in my stomach.
After talking to Azriel about the upcoming trip, I realized that we hadn't eaten anything all morning.
Without wasting any time, I grabbed a couple of sandwiches and made my way to one of the outdoor benches where I could enjoy my meal in the fresh air.
As I sat down and unwrapped my sandwich, my mind wandered toward the current state of the story.
As of right now, everything seems fine.
Although the plot had taken some unexpected turns, the characters were still on track to fulfill their goals.
It is still manageable.
"Hello, can I sit here?"
As I was about to take my first bite, a soft voice interrupted my thoughts.
Raising my head, I felt my jaw tighten slightly.
It was a girl with short dark hair and obsidian-like eyes.
I knew those features all too well.
How could I not?
It was Lily Averill, one of the people I so sought to avoid since my transmigration into the book.
[ End of Volume 1 ]