The next day, after suffering through a morning of difficult lectures, I headed back to the dormitory to grab lunch with Frank and Cedric.
"What are you two up to this afternoon?" I asked.
"Going into town to hang out," Frank said.
"I was actually planning on showing you around," Cedric added.
"Oh... come to think of it, I still haven't actually been to town yet."
"Right? That’s why we were inviting you."
"Let's go tomorrow instead," Frank suggested.
Tomorrow was Saturday, so there were no regular classes. Apparently, the school did hold some sessions on the weekend, but they were mainly for working professionals or students who needed extra review. I decided to pass on that. I needed a break.
"I'm heading back to my parents' place tomorrow," I told them.
"Me too," Cedric said. "I'd love to go play, but I really have to help out with family business. I'll be back by Sunday, though, so we could go then if you want."
The distance they had to travel was nothing like mine, yet they made the trip every week. That was impressive.
"In that case, show me the town on Sunday."
"You got it."
"Sure thing."
The two of them nodded in agreement.
"I'm counting on you guys. Well, I guess it’s time for me to head off to Curse Studies."
"Good luck."
"It's a third-year class, so don't sweat it if you're lost. Curse Studies is notoriously difficult, so don't let it get you down."
With the two of them seeing me off, I left the dorm and headed down the hill.
As I walked through the crowds of uniformed students, Building C caught my eye. I watched the students filing inside, but they didn't look particularly stuck-up or different from the students in Class D.
I kept walking until I reached Building A. Despite being five minutes early for our meeting, I found Sharleen waiting for me in front of the bulletin board near the entrance, looking sharp in her uniform. I quickened my pace when I spotted her.
"Sorry, sorry! Did I keep you waiting?"
I had intended to get there before her, but I’d spent a little too much time chatting with Frank and Cedric.
"Hmm? It's not even time yet. I just finished my lunch a bit early."
"At the dorm?"
"Yes."
Sharleen was from France, so she was likely a full-time boarder, unlike a semi-boarder like me who went home frequently.
"It’s fifteen minutes until the lecture, but is it okay if we head in now?"
"It’s fine. Third-year classes attract a lot of working adults, so it’s actually pretty easy to slip in unnoticed. Let's go."
We entered the building and climbed the stairs to the third floor, where we entered a specific classroom. There were already about twenty people inside, but more than half were in private clothes or suits rather than school uniforms. I even spotted someone wearing a classic, stereotypical pointed mage's hat.
"Shar, Shar, let's sit in the back."
"Well, we are underclassmen, so that makes sense."
We walked to the very last row and sat down side-by-side. A few people glanced our way, but for the most part, they seemed completely uninterested in us.
"This is a lot easier to get into than I expected..."
"Told you. It’s not that unusual. Even when I was in junior high, I used to sit in on third-year classes. No one ever said anything or gave me a second look."
"You were taking third-year classes back then?"
"Alchemy. That subject runs from the first year through the third."
Huh. Come to think of it, I’d had an Alchemy class around Wednesday. Just like everything else, I hadn't understood a single word the instructor said.
"I was always terrible at science," I muttered.
"Science... well, I suppose it does involve a lot of physics and chemistry..."
Yeah, definitely not for me.
"Did you actually get the credits for it?"
"I did, but it's mostly a hobby for me. I just love the subject."
I figured as much. She had given me that potion, after all.
"So, you aren't going to become a professional alchemist?"
"I won't... There have been many times I wanted to, but I'm the heir to the Hivert family."
That sounded like a heavy burden.
"So your future is already mapped out for you."
"I suppose so. What about you, Tsukasa?"
"I haven't decided yet."
I had a goal, of course. I wanted to learn Dispel and get these bracelets off my wrists.
"Isn't your goal Dispel?"
She’d logically assumed that since I was going out of my way to attend this lecture.
"I don't know. I only just became a mage, and I haven't even properly memorized the basic spell formulas yet."
"Ah... well, if you've only just started, that's only natural."
"Out of curiosity, have you memorized every single spell formula in the Basic Studies textbook?"
"They were hammered into my head when I was a child."
Is everyone in this school like that?
"Wasn't it miserable?"
"At first, yes. But once I got hooked on alchemy, I wanted to learn as much as possible, so I studied them willingly. In a field like alchemy, you can't even hold a conversation if you haven't mastered the formulas... The same goes for Curse Studies, actually."
You have to be kidding me.
"Well, I'll give it a shot for now."
"Right. Look, the professor is here."
Just as Sharleen said, an elderly woman entered the room. The Curse Studies lecture began.
Once again, I didn't bother taking notes and focused entirely on listening. However, just like my other classes, I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.
This might be impossible. I was starting to think I’d be better off sneaking into other classes to focus entirely on Basic Studies instead...
I stole a glance at Sharleen next to me. She was listening intently and taking meticulous notes. Even though she was only here as a favor to me, she was taking the lecture so seriously.
She’s on a different level...
I continued to listen, feeling thoroughly impressed, until the long two-hour lecture finally ended.
"How was it?" Sharleen asked.
"Yeah... well..."
I didn't even know what to say.
"It was difficult. As expected of a third-year course—especially Curse Studies, which is considered one of the hardest."
So even she thought it was tough.
"Sorry. Can I be totally honest?"
"Go ahead."
"It was at a level where I couldn't even tell it was supposed to be difficult. It felt exactly the same as the classes I took earlier this week."
"Well, I can't say I'm surprised."
I figured.
"I feel like I'm completely out of place here..."
"I think everyone feels that way at first. After all, this is nothing like the classes we had in elementary or junior high. It’s like an elementary schooler trying to sit through a university lecture."
"So it's impossible?"
"That depends on you, Tsukasa. As they say, 'Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.' There are no shortcuts."
That made sense.
"I get it. Thanks for today."
"Don't mention it. I'll have to take this class in two years anyway, so look at it as early preparation. So, what about next week? Are you going to try again?"
I hesitated. It was clearly beyond my current level. However, this was definitely where my ultimate goal lay.
"I'll try one more time. Even if it makes zero sense..."
"You might get used to it eventually. If you're serious about learning Curse Studies, I think it's a good idea. Plenty of specialists take this path."
"Specialists?"
"For example, people from apothecary families might only take classes relevant to their trade so they can take over the family business. Conversely, those people often have no idea what's going on in a first-year combat magic class or anything unrelated to pharmacology."
I see. An apothecary wouldn't have much use for Reinforcement Magic.
"I didn't realize it worked like that."
"It does. If you're coming back next week, want me to join you?"
"Are you sure?"
"Like I said, I'll be taking it in two years anyway, and I've already started my notebook."
I really couldn't see this girl as a "problem child." My sister Toko had to be the one in the wrong. I was sure of it. I mean, Sharleen had such a cute smile.
"It’s pretty brutal being there alone, so if you don't mind, I'd appreciate the company."
"Then it's a date. Let's do it again next week."
What a sweetheart. I know I’m a member of the La Forge family, but I’m ready to defect to the Hiverts.
"Thank you."
"You're very welcome. Well, shall we head back? Oh, I almost forgot to give you this."
Sharleen reached into her bag and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"What's that?"
"A map of the town of Ain. I told you I'd give you one."
She spread the map out with an exasperated but kind expression. From what I could see, the town was laid out in a circle.
"Thanks!"
"Don't mention it. This is just a broad, simplified map. Let’s see... this part here is the Academy District, where the school is located."
Sharleen pointed toward the northern section.
"So it’s divided into districts?"
"Yes. Broadly speaking, it’s split into the Academy District, the Residential District, the Industrial District, and the Commercial District. If you’re looking for entertainment, you'll want the Commercial District."
I couldn't exactly imagine hanging out in an industrial zone.
"For shopping and stuff?"
"Exactly. It's quite fun."
Didn't someone say they sold magic tools there?
"Huh... I'm going into town this Sunday, so I'll have to check it out."
"Oh? Really?"
"Yeah, Frank and Cedric said they'd show me around."
"Ah, the Haedrich and Seager boys."
Frank, Cedric... sorry guys. I had completely forgotten your last names.
"Yeah, them. They're in my class, and their rooms are right next to mine in the dorm."
"That’s good. Having good neighbors is a blessing."
"Who lives next to you, Shar?"
When I asked, Sharleen suddenly froze.
"Uh... what's wrong?"
"Oh, sorry. My neighbor is... Toko-san."
It’s her?!
"You poor thing..."
"Eh?"
"Ah, sorry. You mean La Forge-san? Do you two not get along?"
I figured I might as well ask while the topic was open.
"Um... well, I wonder? No, I mean... ah, but..."
Sharleen’s eyes darted around as she struggled for an answer. Apparently, I had stumbled onto a topic I shouldn't have touched.
"Sorry, just forget I asked. Shall we head back?"
"Y-yes, let’s."
We walked together until we reached the point where the paths to our respective dormitories diverged.