Filial piety? We're not even close. Is this some language mix-up because she's new to the country?
"When did you even join our class?" Ivan asked, still baffled.
"While you were napping during class," she replied, returning her focus to her book. "If you've got more questions, save them for later. Right now, I just want to read and study."
Ivan: "..."
Reluctantly, he gave up on continuing the conversation. As he turned to leave, curiosity got the better of him. He stole a quick glance at the book's cover, wondering what could possibly captivate her so much.
"Building a Nuclear Bomb from Scratch."
What the... Are girls nowadays all this hardcore?
Although he's borrowed the same book from the library before, conventionally speaking, girls should prefer romance novels. This blonde girl was truly an oddball.
◇
This week marked the school's semesterly Fishing Week, where every class took turns heading to the large lake nearby to fish. Today happened to be the turn for Ivan's class.
An entire afternoon was devoted to fishing.
The fishing class was a special curriculum unique to the local schools. According to the principal, who seemed to be an advanced fishing enthusiast, fishing helps cultivate patience and inner peace.
Thus, even for senior students, there was one afternoon per month reserved for this leisurely lakeside activity.
Initially, this somewhat peculiar fishing class was met with skepticism from parents, who deemed it frivolous. However, after witnessing improved test scores post-implementation, they quickly became supporters.
Besides, students used specially designed hooks that didn't harm the fish, and all catches were released at the end of class. Even animal welfare groups couldn't find fault with it.
"Remember, under no circumstances are you to cross the lakeside fence or enter the water. Dispose of trash in bins or bags, maintain harmony with your classmates, and avoid conflicts. Violators will be sent back to the classroom for self-study!"
The homeroom teacher adjusted his glasses, the glint off the lenses flashing intimidatingly. Any mischief brewing in the students' minds was instantly quelled—no one wanted to miss out on such a rare chance to unwind.
Even students disinterested in fishing could lounge on the grass, chat, or nap. With a gentle breeze and the sun painting the horizon, it was a paradise compared to the classroom.
Ivan slung his fishing rod over his shoulder and joined the lively procession toward the artificial lake. Aside from chatting with friends, his gaze flitted among the crowd, quickly landing on the peculiar blonde girl.
She carried no fishing rod, reading a book as she walked, entirely detached from the surrounding chatter. It was as though she existed in a separate realm.
Her petite frame made him worry someone might accidentally bump into her.
Thud.
No sooner had he thought that than a lively girl in the class, laughing and playing around with friends, bumped into the blonde. Her book fell to the ground.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to!" The girl hurriedly picked up the book and handed it back, repeatedly apologizing.
"It's fine, it wasn't your fault," the blonde said, retrieving her book before walking over to Ivan's side. She spoke in a distinctively languid voice:
"Don't overthink things."
"Huh?" Ivan looked baffled. He wanted to ask what she meant by "don't overthink things." Could it be that he was born with some kind of prophetic curse? And without needing to speak, no less—a top-tier ability!
But seeing her dive back into her book, Ivan decided against pursuing the question further.
Whatever.
Reaching their designated area, the first wave of fishing enthusiasts pulled out their folding stools, claiming the best fishing spots. Ivan, not one to be left behind, used his quick reflexes to secure one of the top three platforms.
Baiting the hook. Casting the line.
Then, all that was left to do was wait. No need to anticipate anything; catching fish was a matter of course, a certainty.
Just wait…
Wait…
And wait…
By the time the homeroom teacher called for everyone to head back, Ivan hadn't caught a single fish.
Carrying his empty fishing bucket, he squinted his eyes. "Something's not right—this doesn't make sense. How could I not catch a single fish?"
"What's not right about it?" his mischievous friend teased. "You've come back empty-handed plenty of times before. Besides, with these specially designed hooks, it's tough to catch anything. It's perfectly normal."
"No, it's not normal!" Ivan stared at his fishless bucket, his eyes as round as saucers. "Something's definitely wrong... something's definitely wrong..."
A deep sense of discord lingered in Ivan's mind, akin to growing up believing that taking responsibility was a virtue, only to realize after entering society that shirking responsibility was the ultimate survival skill. The conflict between perception and reality gave rise to an absurd feeling.
"Bro... it's just being 'fishless,' no need to go that far, right?"
Friend A, spooked by the increasingly deranged Ivan, took half a step back. Then, as if suddenly recalling something, he raised his fishing bucket to show Ivan.
"Look, I only caught two fish myself. If you're really upset, I can even share one with you. Later, we can release them for some good karma. But seriously, act normal, bro, you're scaring me..."
"It's not about being 'fishless.'"
Ivan's eyebrows were practically knitted together as he began gesturing strangely in the air with his right hand.
Before long, the mental tether that had been binding him finally snapped.
"Ha! I remember now! I finally remember! I am the Fishing Sage—how could I not catch a fish? It's fake! This world is fake!"
Ivan put down his fishing bucket and strode toward the blonde girl with determination. "Serie, I've seen through your illusion. It seems I've won."
Although the realization came at the cost of the humiliation of being 'fishless,' as long as he could see through it, it was worth it. He'd have to treat Frieren to a good meal after this.
"How surprising," Serie said as she closed her book and stood up. "I didn't expect you to see through the illusion so quickly. Truly impressive. After all, this move was designed to deceive even gods. Every aspect, from the setting to the logic and even the NPCs, is flawless."
So, was this a roundabout way of saying that Ivan was destined to fail miserably in fishing class? While that did align with his real-life memories, it was far from a comforting thought.
"But none of that matters," Ivan declared. "Now that I've seen through the illusion, there's no point in continuing. End it."
"Indeed, it's a shame that I won't be able to continue observing the unaltered version of your past self," Serie said with a faint smile. "But why do you assume I can end the illusion at will?"