Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: I Hate Attention (4)
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"...Aaaah!"
In the empty clearing, I screamed toward the sky. Why did I have to get involved? Why did I butt into Zenon's fight and make everything such a mess...! If things were going to get tangled up, they might as well have gone properly tangled. But no matter how hard I tried to avoid it, there was no escaping this one.
I was the one who'd stepped in to stop a fight even the teachers hesitated to intervene in. Naturally, all eyes were on me, the main player. And they knew the ice I'd created wasn't something an ordinary ability could produce. They must have realized that in terms of firepower, it outclassed the heroes on site by a wide margin.
At least it was a positive in that sense...!
But despite that, my head was spinning. Zenon would ask why I stopped the fight. What was I supposed to say? Because I didn't want to see you get suspended? No—that was pure flag material. I knew from the moment I intervened that I'd left an opening, but still.
Becoming the heroine was something I sincerely hated.
Was it even my choice to stop it? I'd wandered into the middle of the fight without realizing it and had no option but to intervene. It wasn't my fault. Really.
And the fact that I couldn't just stay here forever made my head throb. Only I could dispel the ability, which meant I was the only one who could melt that ice. I'd fled the auditorium like my life depended on it, but now I had to go back and melt it myself?
...I really hated this.
But with no choice, I pressed my temples and turned my steps back toward the auditorium.
"You're back!"
"...Yeah."
The person holding the sign labeled A greeted me. Fortunately, all the students had left, leaving just me and the teacher. At least I wouldn't have to face those stares again.
The ice was frozen solid in place, without even a hint of moisture. Abilities really were something else— even at room temperature, it wouldn't melt easily. Then again, in the novel, it took fire to barely thaw Aisha's ice.
The teacher eyed the ice with a troubled look before turning to me.
"We'd have been in real trouble without you. Fights between Carmen family kids are hard to break up. Probably need a bunch of top-tier heroes to subdue them without injuries."
"...Um, sorry."
"No need to apologize. If anything, we owe you thanks. Your ability is incredible, by the way. That much firepower... You okay after freezing them like that?"
"Ah... Yeah. This much is fine."
Her eyes lit up. Curiosity, wonder, and... desire? She grabbed my hand and spoke again.
"You know the academy encourages club activities, right? If you don't have one in mind, join ours!"
"I'm not really familiar with clubs..."
I might care if it was the protagonist's club, but otherwise? They weren't even mentioned.
"Heard of the magic club 'Hari'? It's newly formed, focused on exploring the 'mysteries' humanity can't access with abilities. We just need you and one more member..."
A club I'd never heard of. Exploring magic in a world of abilities? Pointless, sure... but since the protagonist wouldn't join, I was tempted to give it points. Honestly, I wasn't here to become a hero anyway.
...Why not?
I nodded slightly, and she beamed, shaking my arm wildly. Ow, ow... that hurts.
"Really!? Awesome! Thank you! I'll make you our mascot!"
"...You don't have to go that far."
"I'm Raysha. Come find me in the staff room when you're ready to join. Remember my face?"
"My memory's not that bad. Don't worry."
"Great, great. I love it!"
I had no idea what she loved so much, but her red bob bounced happily, so she seemed thrilled. If I actually showed up later, she'd probably faint...
Only then did Raysha remember Zenon and the girl trapped in the ice. Her face hardened as she looked at me.
"...So, could you clear that ice now?"
"That's why I came back."
"Heh, right? Sorry anyway. I meant to just ask that, but I got carried away talking."
"It's fine. What after I melt it? Don't we need to take them to the infirmary?"
Being encased in ice had to affect their body temperature. Even a few minutes could lead to colds if left too long. I didn't care if Zenon caught one, but if it was my fault, it'd bother me... Better ensure they got basic treatment.
"You carry them. Teachers are busy."
"...Pardon?"
What kind of irresponsible... I tilted my head in disbelief, and she scratched hers before speaking.
"Truth is, I shouldn't even be here. Got second-years waiting. I stayed till you came back, but once you melt it, I'm off to class. Got it?"
"I get it, but..."
Me carry Zenon? To the infirmary?
I wanted distance from him, so why me...? Reading the doubt on my face, Raysha leaned in and whispered.
"That guy on the ground? He's hot, right? If you take him to the infirmary, who knows? He might want to thank you later and meet up."
"No... I mean..."
"Give it a shot. Teacher's cheering for you?"
Don't play matchmaker on your own. I wanted to say it to her face, but held back since she was a teacher, just pouting instead. Fine, whatever. Carry him and play dumb about who did it.
"...Got it. Just drop them off?"
"Yeah, then head to your class."
"...Sigh."
Melt, lift, drop off. With that resolve, I waved at the ice. Unlike regular ice melting into water, it was sucked back into me. Raysha watched in fascination before handing me two blankets.
"Here. Even so, better cover them after being in ice."
"So I am carrying them."
"Heh, sorry. I'd help if I weren't swamped. First day and all. I'll leave it to you!"
She waved lightly and left the auditorium. She really meant for me to do it. Sighing at the two unconscious from the ice, I wondered if the world was doomed with teachers like her.
#
"Ugh... my back..."
With Zenon on my back, his heavy weight pressed down. I could probably stand, but wasn't this a bit much? His solid chest against my back was slightly unpleasant, but I couldn't just dump him.
So I'd carried him to the infirmary... and my back felt broken. I'd have managed fine before, but this female body had slashed my strength.
I'd considered using my ability, but chilling him again after the ice would guarantee a cold. Direct carry was the only way. And splitting them to different infirmaries doubled the pain.
Finally laying him on the bed and covering him with a blanket. He'd be touched if he knew, but please don't find out it was me. If he did, he'd come bothering me with thanks, and one slip could plant a flag.
Gazing at his face, he really looked the protagonist part. His neat hair was mussed from the fight, breathing rough... yet still attractive.
No, not attractive. Just a guy lying there, perfectly average face.
"You almost caused a huge scene."
Thinking even for a moment he was attractive? Must be the protagonist's aura. I needed to be more careful.
*Cough*—
Then he coughed. Cold? I touched his forehead—no fever. Where's the thermometer? Looking around, none in sight. No thermometer in an infirmary? Absurd, but first things first. Maybe in the storage?
I adjusted his blanket to cover his stomach and stepped into the hall. I'd followed signs before, but now the layout looked maze-like. Where was storage...?
Wandering the halls, I spotted a storage sign. Thermometer right there—grabbed it and dashed out. No permission, so if caught...
...Why was I even checking Zenon's temperature?
The thought hit, but I shook it off. Just confirming a cold. No big meaning. If my ice raised his temp, checking was fair.
Yeah, right.
Nodding, heading back—rustling from inside. Like someone moving stuff. Zenon woke up? As I neared the door, it burst open.
"......"
He stared at me, stunned. I poked his dumbstruck face.
"Where you going?"
Check your temperature first, even if you're leaving.