Finally finished with one of the things he had postponed for so long, Logan walked back to the inn, which was less than five minutes away. On his way, he saw a few students here and there, all walking around a little more joyfully than on the first day.
No one seemed too thrilled, but they appeared to be coping with the current situation. They didn't care for Logan's presence, but most gave his tames a few glances before continuing with whatever they were doing.
He walked in silence all the way to the inn, lucky to avoid Brian and his goons, who were too busy showing off their skills to a few girls and maids to notice him.
As others did the same, either with magic or whatever skills their class gave them, Logan noticed that unlike before, they were better at handling their magic or bodies as they moved about. Their movements were more fluid and controlled. One kid even used some sort of wind magic to levitate himself onto the roof of a second-floor building.
Logan's gaze stopped at one corner where various guys were looking at a girl he immediately identified as Alma. She was singing a melody with the inn's musicians that caused those who heard the song to want to cheer for her. It took him a moment to resist her song's magical allure, which made him want to go forth and cheer for her as well.
Around her, he finally spotted one of the people he wanted to see. It was Lisa, clapping her hands and rocking her head to the flow of the rhythm.
He did not want to linger any longer, so he tried to leave before anyone noticed him.
As he finally entered the building, he noticed that, like outside, there were various students around. However, unlike those who were practicing happily, the ones here seemed to be in a far less cheerful mood.
Some sat on the inn's couch with their heads back, resting while sighing lifelessly.
Logan did not know or care what they were doing, so he went toward the dining area, spotting another person he was curious about.
Sitting in a chair, Ms. Claire was listlessly moving what looked like a pea around with a silver fork. She was alone and seemed to have her own problems going on, so like the previous time, he tried to leave before she would take notice of his peeking.
"Hey, don't think you can leave without talking to me, Mr. Logan!" she shouted, her voice carrying an undeniable authority that made him tremble slightly. He felt compelled to turn around by the sheer power in her voice.
Gulping, Logan tried to think of the trouble he would be in for not having warned their only guardian in this world.
"Yes, about that… sorry for not informing you about my leave… Ms. Claire," he said, nervously.
"Oh, are we back to the meek boy? Alright, let me hear what you were doing. Come sit; you were one of my many problems these days, you know!" she replied with a hint of exasperation.
Feeling the magical power in her voice he trembled a little before taking a seat in front of the teacher who looked furious.
"Now then, how many days has it been since I last saw you? Do you know how hard it is for me to keep track of everyone? Three students have already left, do you know how hard it is for me? I am basically the only guardian you all have. Do you know the pressure I have built up trying to keep everyone together!" Ms. Claire exclaimed; her frustration evident.
"Now you know the plan we all had, right? It was to train enough for everyone to make it safely back to Earth! Where were you when we all were bleeding and… killing monsters in order to gain power? Do you know everyone in the class is over level 15? Now tell me, what level are you at, Logan?"
Logan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. He knew he had to face the reality of the situation and answered her question.
"Level 9, ma'am…" he said as softly as possible, trying to keep anyone else from hearing.
"Level what!" Ms. Claire exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "I know, Logan, I know that you don't have your mentor yet, but think of the group. We need everyone together so that no one is left behind."
"Ms. Claire, do you think I want to stay behind everyone? But you should know that my abilities are different. I am not like the rest. I may be weak individually, but look, here is my falcon, the strongest of my tamed beasts. Over there is an ice fox; she can also deal great damage. Do you think I can find beasts stuck in this place?" Logan said, his voice filled with anger.
Ms. Claire looked at the falcon and the tiny fox, recognizing the potential of Logan's unique abilities. She sighed, understanding his struggle but still feeling the pressure of ensuring the safety and progress of the entire group.
"Look, just go for now. I am tired, I am angry, and… it's just not a good time to talk," she said with a long sigh.
"Just know, that I am glad that you are safe, Logan. Thanks for returning," Ms. Claire said, trying to smile.
[Luna, could you do me a favor and sit in her lap for a bit?] Logan mentally communicated with his fluffy baby fox.
[Bad, Lady, Loud] Luna responded, shivering slightly as she reluctantly prepared to follow his order.
Before leaving, Logan heard Miss Claire laugh a little. He did not turn back but knew that she would feel a little better after petting the baby fox.
As he returned to the living area, he tried to think of his next action. He didn't think it was right to leave his fox and go to his room, knowing that anyone could harm his creature if it was left alone.
He turned to the area where the bathrooms were, thinking it was far enough to leave Miss Claire but close enough to spot his fox when it was left free.
[IDIOT!!]
It was when he settled himself against a wall that he heard a voice call out to him, making him almost fall in fright.
Holding his heart, he looked up to see Lisa at the entrance of the girls' bathroom, holding her stomach while laughing quietly.
[You think you were cool standing there nonchalantly, now this is payback.]
Logan sighed, realizing he had been caught off guard. [Alright, alright, you got me.] he communicated, trying to regain his composure.
Lisa's laughter subsided, and she looked at him with a menacing gaze, [Where the hell have you been, Logan! Do you know how long I was waiting to meet you, to show how hard I worked on to make this telepathic thing work!!]
Logan winced, feeling the intensity of her emotions, fearing the same thing that happened with Miss. Claire. [I'm sorry, Lisa. I didn't realize how much effort you were putting into this.] He said, not knowing what else to add, he was hoping his fox would be here soon to comfort Lisa as well.
Logan winced, feeling the intensity of her emotions, fearing a repeat of his encounter with Miss Claire. [I'm sorry, Lisa. I didn't realize how much effort you were putting into this,] he said, not knowing what else to add. He silently hoped his fox would arrive soon to comfort Lisa as well.
[Next time… remember to at least tell me when you will leave for so long, you know… I also worry.] she added.
Logan felt a warmth in Lisa's words, realizing his mistake once again. [Lizzy, I am sorry... I'll keep you informed from now on… and thanks.]
Logan thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but after wiping them again, he saw that Lisa had become more radiant. Her hair, although still brown, now had a golden aura around it—an aura not strong enough to change the color, but enough to suggest that, like many residents of this world, Lisa was beginning to shine with the color of the Great Spirit who had bestowed power upon her.
"Now then, how about you fill me in on how you got those two creatures? You think no one is interested in those two monsters who obediently follow you around?"
Now that they had a few minutes to themselves, he had the time to explain most of his adventures so far. As for Lisa, she did not have much to add; they only trained by killing monsters who were bound by the soldiers and always in a safety net of sorts.
Nothing really interesting happened to her so far, but she did feel more powerful. She also showed off most of her equipment that she got personally made by the church, it would not only help her channel her power but also improve her defense to the point that a tank could not hurt her even if it shot at point-blank range.
[Its only flaw is that it drains so much mana; I could probably only survive one explosion at most with my current power] Lisa explained.
Logan looked at his own armor, which was nothing close to her defense; it was even torn in some parts from today's battle. He did not mind, though. He hoped she was better off than him for now.
He knew that in battle he would ultimately not be on the frontline, as he was amassing power with each new beast he tamed. Logan noted that he needed to save a spot for a well-armored creature to be in the front line.
[I think that is all the time I can spare, Logan. It would be strange to be half an hour in the bathroom. Let's talk more tomorrow if you have time.] Lisa communicated and waved before leaving.
[Master, friend, gone] It was only when Lisa left that Logan noticed his fox had been hiding. Her fluffy fur was ruffled, and she seemed to be panting.
[Sorry Luna, you did well, come let's go brush your fur…]