Law and Fist (1)
Even in a fantasy world, a student's daily routine doesn't change. Classes continue steadily even after midterms, leaving no choice but to study hard until the next finals. The United Academy is no different. There's just one day off after midterms, then classes resume as usual. At least the afternoons during the week-long exam period are turned over to self-training. And above all, the weekend starts the next day.
While zoning out, thinking about what to do over the weekend, time slips away unnoticed. As I expected, I'd probably spend it learning all sorts of training from Lize.
Luna will join too, right?
Luna trains with Lize every weekend too. Special training that boosts physical abilities in a short time. She groans through it every session, but it must be effective. After all, it's Lize's training.
Anyway, originally, I was supposed to train with Kara in the afternoon class.
"Ahem. Ahem. Student Sivar?"
"?"
"If it's alright with you, could you stop by my lab this afternoon? Just for a quick chat."
That was until Godin came looking for me after morning classes ended. I stared at him curiously at his request, silently asking what it was about. Godin read the meaning in my expression and gave a wry smile. It didn't seem like a pleasant topic.
"As you know, what you did during the exam period... you know, that thing?"
"Ah."
I had a rough idea. He meant the water torture and other bizarre antics. This was consultation material even without me—it was bound to come up. There's a reason they say "nip it in the bud." Skipping the talk would look suspicious.
So I could understand.
"Then Sivar's going to the professor's lab alone?"
Luna's question, as we were about to head out together for training. I no longer needed a guardian and could go alone. Still, her slightly anxious expression showed her worry lingered. Anyone who didn't know better would think I was a walking disaster.
Come to think of it, that's pretty much fact.
Just the stuff I pulled during midterms was shocking enough. To Luna and others, I must look like a ticking time bomb.
But I had no choice back then. With attack restrictions, I couldn't do much, but I did my best.
"Yes. It's a sensitive and personal matter, so it's best if Student Sivar comes alone. You've officially enrolled now, so no guardian needed, right?"
"Hmm..."
"I'll report to the president myself."
"Aw, man. Guess afternoon training's with the boring one today."
With my consultation settled, Kara grumbled. "Boring one" clearly meant Luna. Luna caught on and shot Kara a sharp glare. Kara just played dumb with shameless ease. She was getting more relaxed.
"Haha. Come to my lab after lunch, then. It won't take long, so no need to worry."
"Yeah. I mean, yes."
I slipped into casual speech by mistake but quickly corrected to polite. Godin seemed pleased at my formality, smiling warmly for some reason. His suspicious looks aside, he was too kind. Maybe I'd ask about a few spells during this consultation. I still stuttered, but I could use language, so magic should be possible too. Even if just simple ones, it was a start.
"Sivar. Here."
"Hm?"
It was around the time we'd finished lunch and I was heading to Godin's lab. Kara called me over and held out her hand. I looked at her palm.
A few candies sat there.
"Eat these on the way. Give some to the professor too when you get there. But don't eat during the talk—that's rude. Got it?"
"Yeah. Thanks."
"See ya later."
With candies from Kara in hand, I headed to Godin's lab in the main building. On the way, I popped one in my mouth. Strawberry flavor, not the scorched rice ones Lord liked.
Does Kara like strawberry? Not sure.
I entered the main building and navigated from memory. I might get lost briefly, but not for long. Some professors and staff recognized me but I just passed by. They were just curious—no intent to get close.
Soon, I reached the floor with Godin's lab—and ran into an unexpected face.
"Hm? Sivar?"
"?"
A familiar woman's voice caught my ear. I turned toward it. Sharp-featured Grace stared at me in surprise.
"What brings you here, Sivar? Did a professor summon you?"
She approached, asking. Come to think of it, she'd left right after morning classes. So she didn't know about my summons for consultation.
I told her straight.
"Professor Godin."
"Professor Godin?"
"Called me. For consultation."
"Professor Godin called you for consultation?"
She got the gist. But her face showed she didn't know why.
"Midterms."
"Midterms... Ah."
Mentioning midterms clicked it for her. She hadn't seen my antics firsthand but must've heard rumors. Plenty of students were still complaining about aftereffects from my water torture. And Grace had watched the bomb vest making up close.
"I see. I get the situation."
"And you, Grace?"
"Me? I have a consultation scheduled with Professor Delphoi today."
"Delphoi?"
I frowned. Unease crept in immediately. Delphoi's incident was supposed to happen much later—between midterms and finals. But maybe because of my warning, Grace was switching to Godin instead.
"Yes. Consultation today, then assistant to Professor Godin starting next time."
"Oh?"
"Anything you want to say? Your face looks tense."
I touched my face. Thinking of what Delphoi might do to her made me grimace unconsciously. Used to my blank expression, Grace noticed.
"Be careful."
"Pardon?"
"Be careful. Bad feeling."
To take Delphoi down, on-site arrest was best. The bastard was sneaky, leaving no evidence. Even in Soul World, Godin caught him by sheer luck. But even that was tough—Grace got silenced by family pressure, and other victims too.
The timing didn't match perfectly, but I could at least warn her. If not, I'd check later.
Grace stared at me after the warning, glanced around, then leaned in to whisper when no one was near.
"...Sivar."
"Yeah."
"From what I heard, the professor who restricted attacks was Professor Delphoi."
That bastard, huh. Made sense—he was political. I'd been too focused on the absurd restriction to think of him.
"So I recommend you avoid getting tangled with Professor Delphoi if possible. Even working near him, he doesn't seem like a good person."
"Got it."
"Good. I'll head out then."
"Wait."
"Yes?"
I stopped her before she left, rummaging in my pocket for a candy. Plenty left from Kara. I always kept uneaten ones there—like Porori storing acorns in his cheek pouch. Acorns for him, candies for me.
"Here."
"Candy?"
"Yeah."
I gave her grape flavor, matching her purple hair. Color suited her.
She blinked between the candy and me, so I continued quietly.
"Eat when tough."
"...Pfft."
She stifled a laugh and took it. Smiling softened her sharp eyes, highlighting her beauty. She pocketed it, gave a gentle smile, and thanked me.
"Thank you. It's tough now, but I'll eat it later for sure."
"Yeah."
"Want cake as thanks?"
"Really?"
If she meant it, great. Candy for cake—miracle trade.
She nodded at my question.
"Of course. I said I'd buy you cake whenever you want, right?"
"It's okay? For real?"
"It's fine. You might not know, but House Berche is filthy rich."
Felt like she was talking down to my level. Not condescending—considerate. It showed her kind heart. Just sharpened by harsh family upbringing. She had a spark of innocence inside, and her occasional true personality shone through her charm.
"Thanks."
"No need. I've gotten so much help from you. See you soon."
Grace thanked me, waved, and left. I waved back. Watching her go, I started walking again.
The ominous feeling from earlier intensified right away.
Is it really today?
I pushed down the unease and arrived at Godin's lab. It always reeked of musty books.
"Ah, you're here. Have a seat?"
"Yeah."
"Do you like coffee, Sivar?"
"Never had."
Come to think of it, I'd never drunk coffee. Only sweet drinks at cafes. Time to try. I eyed the cup Godin brewed and took a slow sip.
"How is it?"
"Bitter and sweet. Or sweet and bitter?"
"That's coffee for you. They say you drink it with your nose, not tongue."
"Oh?"
"...Not literally with your nose. You smell the aroma."
Maybe sensing my unease, Godin explained hastily. He thought I'd actually snort it. Even I wouldn't self-tort like that. Water up the nose hurts bad enough—and I'd made others feel it.
Still solid consultation material.
Grace...
Even during Godin's talk, I couldn't shake the bad feeling about Grace. Timing aside, Delphoi was Delphoi. And once that incident hit, I'd never see her again. As I said before, her family basically abandons her.
Tap-tap-tap-tap—
I couldn't hide the unease; my leg bounced on its own. Godin's words went in one ear and out the other. Wild Instinct? Or just my gut?
Either way, I needed to check Delphoi's lab.
"Godin."
"Yes?"
"Bathroom."
"Go ahead. I'll wait."
Using the bathroom as excuse, I slipped out. Then headed straight for Delphoi's lab.
I didn't know exactly where it was. But following Grace's direction, I'd find it easy.
Found it.
I reached it soon enough. Pretty far from Godin's. Busting in might miss the timing. And who says it'd happen today?
Knock-knock-knock—
So I knocked lightly. Movement from inside. Click! Lock unlocking. Normally he'd just open, so why lock?
As I pondered, the door creaked open slowly.
But not fully—just a crack.
"...You?"
A familiar face through the gap. Uneven bob hair that didn't suit him. I craned to see past Delphoi. Too bad he was tall; couldn't see.
"Grace?"
"Grace?"
"Yeah. Here?"
At my question, Delphoi glanced back briefly.
"No. What do you want?"
He lied brazenly.
You're done for now.