I took a few classes in the morning, mostly lectures on different elements. There were, of course, no practical demonstrations or magic duel lessons that I could take for my Dark element, but I decided that it would be worth taking classes in the other elements regardless. I was capable of absorbing mana with Dark, then using it to cast whatever spells I had absorbed, which meant that I was capable of, under certain conditions, using just about any element.
That’s why I thought that it’d be worth taking those classes at least, but I’m gaining nothing from them. The problem is how inefficient they are, spending ninety minutes going over things that I could grasp in five. If all the other classes are like that, I don’t need any of them. I’ll just make use of the instructors and the books when I have questions.
Right now, I’m in the Great Library of Aslan Magic Academy, and this place really is a treasure trove. It was worth entering this school just to gain access to it. If the classes are useless and I can’t challenge any of the upperclassmen to rank duels for the next month, then I’ll spend the time studying magic in here, I guess.
I’d found a couple classes that seemed promising, though, like one called Magic Pharmaceuticals. I planned to venture out for that in the afternoon, but otherwise, I’d stay holed up in the library. It’s about time I got moving if I want to make it to that class, actually.
“…Ah.”
I stepped outside the Great Library and immediately heard a voice. I turned to see Abel standing before me.
“H-haven’t seen you since yesterday…”
He was less than a commoner yet refused to address me with appropriate formality. Honestly, though, that did not trouble me.
I suppose that’s a sign I respect him. At least to some extent.
“Abel, was it?”
“Yeah… Um, can I call you Luke?”
“Call me whatever you please.”
Abel looked awkward and hesitant, constantly on alert for my reaction to his every word. There were none of yesterday’s injuries on him, despite the fact that they should have been quite significant.
Those priests sure are impressive with their Healing magic.
“You can’t use elemental magic, can you?”
He hesitated. “No. You sure know a lot, Luke.”
“What did you do all morning?”
“Oh, uh…one of the instructors, Brad, saw us fight the other day…”
“Oh?”
“He said he’d train me up good…sorta forced me to go with him.” Abel gave an exhausted little laugh.
Brad’s training must’ve been tough, huh? Well, he’s lucky. He’s got this power to draw the people around him to his side, which is fitting for the main character, I suppose. He’s a formidable foe indeed.
“Why did you come to this academy?” I asked.
“Huh?”
“Answer me. Quickly.”
“Ah, um,” Abel stuttered, “t-to get stronger, I suppose.”
“Why do you need to get stronger?”
“Well…” My question was casual and rather mundane, but Abel’s demeanor shifted completely the moment I asked it.
This might actually be interesting, I thought to myself with mild amusement.
“So that nobody takes anything from me again, I guess.”
Ha ha ha!
What’s with that look in your eyes?! Are those really the eyes of a main character?
For just a brief flash, truly just an instant, I saw black nothingness in Abel’s eyes.
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the original novel. What happened to put that darkness behind his eyes?
“I see. And what if…?” I paused thoughtfully for a moment.
For some reason, I felt the urge to tease him a little. I wanted another glimpse of the abyss within him.
“What if I took something that was truly precious to you?”
Abel stood still and silent.
“You can’t beat me—you learned that yesterday, right? So, what would you do? C’mon, tell me. What would you do if—”
“I…”
I don’t need to be asking him this.
But I just can’t help myself. I’m dying to know how he will answer me.
“I-I…I would do what I had to do.”
Abel’s answer was simple, but I sensed the real meaning implied by those words. There was something dark that lurked behind them.
“Ah ha ha! Good answer.”
I won’t underestimate him. This unknowable strangeness is who he really is. Good. I’m sure it’ll pay off in the future that I’ve experienced it now at such close range.