T/N: one more week of exams and then I can go back to the daily schedule, sorry! ;-;
The relaxed atmosphere of the festival was fleeting, as Greta Academy swiftly returned to its regular routine.
Amid the unseen but fierce competition, the midterms came and went smoothly. The practical exam for the second years was a duel, a testament to the academy's dedication to hands-on learning.
Naturally, the greatest challenge for Helmut, given his skill level, was prolonging a duel for more than a minute. The gap between him and his peers had only widened since the previous semester.
Compared to the first semester, he had chosen elective subjects that were easier to score in, so he didn't need to prepare much for the exams.
Helmut had selected "The Founding of Greta Academy" as his elective. It was a memorization-based course, requiring no special writing skills or critical thinking, making it exceptionally easy for someone with his remarkable memory.
"This semester, maybe I'll aim for perfect scores in all subjects."
While it had been a challenge both in the magic department before Alea's arrival and in the swordsmanship department, Helmut was brimming with confidence, evident in his demeanor.
"Looking confident, did the exams go well?"
Asuka grumbled, sensing he would be the runner-up once again. While Sian had grown accustomed to not topping the class, Asuka had harbored some hopes, only to have them crushed.
"Did you take some kind of potion over the break? You seem even stronger. What's your secret?"
Helmut's progress was evident even to Asuka, though he had improved as well, his skill level was still far behind Helmut's.
If there was a secret, it might involve battling demonic beasts under the scorching sun, akin to a Paladin Commander's rigorous training—an explanation Helmit chose not to divulge.
Instead, Helmut smoothly changed the subject.
"With midterms over, we're up for a practicum assignment soon."
"Yeah, I heard it's similar to what the magic department did last semester, but there's a twist this time. They'll post the details on the bulletin board at 5 p.m.," Asuka replied, marking a rare occasion where clear instructions were given beforehand.
"A practicum assignment..."
Helmut mused. Alea had mentioned needing to talk about something today, sparking a feeling that it might relate to the upcoming assignment.
When they checked the bulletin board, Helmut's hunch turned into reality.
"A week-long joint practicum assignment with the magic department? What if you don't know anyone from there?"
"Look, it says you can work alone, but they encourage pairing up to foster interdepartmental cooperation. No group should exceed three members."
"It's probably to prevent everyone from just hanging out instead of working."
"Right? Wait, doesn't this hugely benefit someone?"
"Oh, right. Hey, Helmut! You're close with Alea."
"Being in a group with Alea pretty much means you can relax and still score high."
"That's so unfair!"
Asuka's protest was met with rebuke from the swordsmanship students.
"You're planning to team up with Sian from the magic department anyway! He's also a top student, so be fair!"
"No, we haven't discussed that..."
Asuka muttered, though he was already considering talking to Sian about it.
Despite belonging to different departments, the duo often stuck together. If one were female, they'd likely be deemed a couple without question.
"Looks like teams will be formed based on grades again. Disgusting."
"Shouldn't we protest against top students teaming up?"
Following the cross-dressing contest, Asuka had grown closer to his fellow swordsmanship students.
Participating in department events had made him seem more approachable, though it didn't change his unpredictable nature. He just scowled.
"Hey, having connections is also a skill! Don't complain, or you'll regret it!"
This was a preemptive strike to avoid being stuck with an undesirable partner.
"Isn't that a threat?"
"What are you going to do about it?"
Despite the complaints, Asuka's intimidation was still a source of fear. Only Helmut could stand up to him.
Helmut, stepping away from the commotion, pondered.
"What kind of practicum assignment will it be?"
Considering a week was too short for a mercenary job, the task remained a mystery.
It seemed designed to challenge the swordsmanship students, hence the collaboration with the magic department.
Given the circumstances, Helmut saw no need to worry. Alea likely had a plan.
He had heard this practicum wouldn't heavily impact their grades.
Asuka, having reprimanded his peers, turned his attention to Helmut.
"You'll talk to Alea, right? Since it's a three-person max, if he decides to go solo, join us."
The strategy was clear: better to have Helmut in their group and share the scores than let him join another and potentially outperform them. Asuka's intentions were clear.
Yet, it seemed he had no plans to abandon Sian for Helmut and Alea's team.
While relations between the swordsmanship students and Asuka had improved, the same couldn't be said for Asuka and Alea. At best, they tolerated each other's presence.
"Sure," Helmut quietly agreed. First, he needed to speak with Alea.
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"Did you see the announcement? If you team up with me, I'll waive two of your wishes. Let's partner for the assignment." (T/N: poor sian :c )
Upon returning to the dormitory and finding Alea, these were his immediate words. Alea looked at Helmut seriously, prompting a question.
"Why offer two wishes for a joint assignment?"
"I have a challenging task in mind, potentially dangerous. I'd rather not tackle it alone, and a skilled swordsman like you is needed."
Alea's violet eyes conveyed deep thought, suggesting the task was no ordinary assignment. Yet, he didn't seem worried.
"I'll give you the details the night before we leave. Just know it won't be easy."
Helmut responded casually, "A tough assignment might mean higher scores. I'm in."
"Good to hear."
"I'd prefer not to cancel the wishes. It benefits me too, so it'd be unfair to use them."
Helmut usually favored deals advantageous to him.
By joining forces, he could eliminate the possibility of using the wishes against Alea, a scenario too good to pass up.
Yet, he couldn't understand why he insisted on keeping the wishes. The words had slipped out before he fully grasped his own reasoning.
'Right, it would be unfair.'
Helmut justified his decision with the notion of friendship, despite recently feeling the term had lost its effectiveness.
"Appreciate it."
A smile graced Alea's lips, his dazzling eyes making the gesture seem almost magical.
That alone made Helmut's inexplicable feelings somewhat understandable.
'...Am I weak to Alea?'
He realized there was a different kind of strength at play, one not measured in physical prowess.
This realization seemed long overdue. Although Alea's magic was concealed, his allure seemed particularly potent to Helmut.
Perhaps it was something intrinsic to Alea.
"Likewise."
With that, their partnership for the week was set. This would be their first time venturing outside Baden together, despite having shared a room.
What seemed like a simple journey could signify a shift in their dynamic, both sensing a potential change on the horizon.
It was an exhilarating prospect, evoking more anticipation than any battle.
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"Everyone, since we'll be outside, remember to conduct yourselves in a manner that doesn't tarnish the reputation of Greta Academy. And since this is a group assignment, avoid going solo!"
The instructor's briefing aligned with the notice. Patricia, in particular, emphasized caution, her gaze lingering on Asuka.
"Damn, that witch is always singling me out."
Asuka's grumbling was expected.
Alea decided to handle the paperwork for their group, leaving Helmut with little to do but pack some clothes and essentials—a welcomed simplicity.
"So you and Alea are pairing up?"
At Sian's question, Helmut nodded. Asuka quickly interjected.
"Where are you guys headed? Our destinations might overlap."
He was half-hoping to join them, treating the assignment like a semi-vacation.
Outdoor activities under the guise of academic assignments were more fun in larger groups.
"Alea hasn't told me. Even if he did, he'd likely swear me to secrecy."
Helmut knew Alea well enough to anticipate his need for discretion.
Despite the necessity for a skilled swordsman, being chosen for such a mission felt oddly flattering, hinting at a unique trust between them.
To Helmut, Alea was special, but to Alea, Helmut was irreplaceable, given his reluctance to share even minor details with others.
Asuka frowned.
"What, going on a treasure hunt? Just the two of you whispering secrets."
"And where will you go? If we knew, would you avoid us?"
"Planning to steer clear?"
Asuka asked skeptically. Unlike him, Sian shared their plans openly.
"We're heading east of Baden, to a valley rich in natural energy. Might even catch a spirit if we're lucky. Plus, there's fishing!"
The emphasis on leisure was clear; they were almost exclusively going for enjoyment.
Sian offered a half-joking caution, "You two seem like you're up for something grand and risky. Stay safe."
"I'd join if I could. Danger's fun."
Asuka's complaint was met with a suggestion to prepare for a leisurely trip to Baden over the weekend.
Helmut declined, "I'll be leaving sooner, likely tomorrow."
Their destination required magical travel, demanding an expedited departure.
'So that's why he offered the wishes.'
Helmut finally understood. The timing and secrecy likely aimed to avoid drawing attention during the semester.
Though unsure of Alea's exact plans, they promised to be extraordinary.
'Intriguing.'
The details would probably be revealed tonight, with departure set for the next day.
Alea planned to submit a decoy project description.
"What? So soon?"
"This might be our last meeting for a while. Safe travels!"
As they embarked on this new journey during the semester, anticipation for what lay ahead grew.