"I was just discussing with Y/n here about if either of you would be willing to be an interim for the mana manipulation class."

She's met with silence from Arthur, and you open the window to let Fifi in.

Why did you call me Fifi?

You like the name Helios better???

"Is someone behind me?" The boy turns around, and you hold back your laughter.

"What exactly did Feyfey tell you for things to come to this?" You turn around to stare at the professor.

"On a nickname basis with the boy?" The professor raises a brow at you.

"Well, I heard the disciplinary committee call him that..." You trail off. "But regardless!"

"Is it even possible for a student to be a professor?"

"Is it allowed? Yes, as long as I say it is." The professor smiles. "There have been cases of highly qualified upperclassmen teaching basic courses. You aren't that special, my dear."

You choke.

"Ah, what about the professor?"

"We've dismissed him from the academy already," The director smiles. "I launched an investigation as soon as I heard, and with Feyrith's help, Geist had no room to defend himself."

You hum.

"In any case, I still don't understand why you're doing this, director." Arthur speaks up.

"Because a spot opened up, and I want one of you to fill it in." She shrugs. "I have no ulterior motive this time. I believe it would be a good opportunity to build you two's reputation without having to go around winning over my professors. You've been shoved into the spotlight to some extent already, but if I say I deliberately placed you there, then there would be no argument."

"People are bound to complain."

"They may complain, but I am the director, and it's a better solution than cancelling the class." The director smiles. "It's your choice, but wouldn't it be a better use of your time than sitting in a class the two of you are clearly overqualified for?"

You turn around, and for a brief second, Arthur swears he sees purple in your eyes.

"So, either of us?"

You put your hands up in surrender. "Not me."

"Fine," Arthur looks at the director in the eyes. "I'll give it a shot."

"I'm sure you'll do an excellent job."

You crank open the window and wink at Arthur.

"See you later, director!" You jump out, and you start flying.

"What a peculiar student..." Arthur mumbles.

"I'd say, keep on their good side," The director sighs with a smile. "There's no telling what deviant they'll unlock next."

"Deviant?"

"Can you tell what their core is?" The director turns her head to look at Arthur.

"I... there's no..." Arthur mumbles.

"There is," She smiles. "They've just hidden it, you'll see."

"What's our next class?" You stop at a tree, and Helios stares at his watch.

"I can't read it."

"Team-fighting mechanics one," You read. "Oh, I'm alone for that class. Also, isn't it time to eat?"

"Can we fly out for food?" Helios checks the time.

"What's wrong with the cafeteria food?"

He stares at you.

"Right... we should have some in our dorm." You hum. "Off we go!"

-⧖-

"Is that the field?"

You land on the ground, and you dust off your uniform.

"You must be our final students!" The professor walks up to you. "I'm professor Glory, and this is Team-fighting Mechanics one."

"Pleasure to be in this class," You shake her hand, a smile on your face.

"This is our second underclassman." She smiles. "Another strong one."

Your eyes shine slightly, and you measure her core. "Huh... still hidden."

"Then shall we have our underclassmen prove their qualification through demonstration?"

"Are you asking for my ass to get kicked?"

"Nothing to get ruined over about War and conquest." She smiles.

You think to yourself. "Then how about a three on three team battle? We can have the disciplinary council fight against the student council."

"Ah, are you trying to weasel your way out of this one?"

You stare at the professor. "No...? There's only two student council members here!"

"You're right," The professor smiles. "The six of you, gear up!"

You get into armor, and Helios laughs. "Struggling?"

"Sorry, my hands aren't big enough, not to mention my limbs," You roll your eyes, and he helps you tie the elbow pad.

Helios helps you with the other elbow pad as you listen to the teacher explain the rules. "Arthur Leywin plays king. That way, the disciplinary committee has a handicap."

"Who's the king on our side?"

"Princess?" You turn to the girl. "Would you like to do the honors?"

"Ah? Sure!" The girl smiles.

"Let the battle commence!"

Curtis chases Tessia, and Claire takes Clive. Arthur stands there, and you stare at him.

"Shall we?"

"Don't go easy on me."

"Wasn't thinking about it."

Arthur summons his weapon, and the air around him darkens.

You smile. Your staff fades in, and the atmosphere chills.

Arthur launches himself at you, and you change your weapon.

"Sword." A sword replaces your spear, and you take him head-on.

"Not using magic?"

"Would you like to waltz with me instead?" You spin and dodge his attacks. "Let's dance."

Arthur swings his sword in your direction, and your blade meets his every time.

How are the rest of the team?

Your team is losing.

You nearly choke.

"I heard my team is losing," You smile, changing your sword back into a staff. "Sound barrier."

The boy doesn't stop moving, and you spin.

"So, am I ever getting a reason as to how your bond's a dragon?" You twirl, and your staff meets his sword again.

"I don't know what you mean."

"It's pretty obvious that little fox of yours is a dragon." You smirk. Arthur's swing is significantly harder this time.

"Try angling it better," He swings again, this time managing to scratch your staff. "That's better. Now back to-"

A sudden surge of mana explodes, and your eyes widen. "FIFI PRESS PAUSE!"

"Static void." Arthur activates the pause before Helios can, and you ignore everything before.

"Barrier fall," You rush out of the area, and you look for the girl.

"ARTHUR, COVER HER!" You jump in front of the two, and your weapon changes. "absorb."

Your staff activates a magic circle, and you dig your feet into the ground as time is resumed.

I swear if I end up dying here...