"Look, over there..."
"Yeah... that’s him."
"The Withered Wizard..."
"I heard he can't even perform a Material Shift."
"Seriously? He’s a total lost cause."
"Well, I guess that’s as far as an Ordinary can go. He did his best, though. Just getting in here was a feat."
"I heard a rumor he used the back door to get in."
"Gross... He’s even worse than I thought."
It was morning. As I walked from the dormitory, those whispers drifted into my ears.
I see. It seemed I had become quite the local celebrity.
With those thoughts in mind, I continued toward the classroom until the sound of light, rapid footsteps approached from behind.
"Ray!"
"Hm? Amelia. Good morning. It's a beautiful day, isn't it? Look, the flowers are in bloom. Doesn't witnessing the breath of life make you realize how beautiful the world is? Finding joy in everyday scenery is a vital part of life, I think."
"It is... Wait, this is no time for that!"
"Whoa... What's with the shouting?"
"Don't you know?! They’re mocking you! They're calling you the Withered Wizard!"
"Of course, I’ve heard. Honestly, I have to tip my hat to their naming sense. It’s a clever double meaning. Whoever coined it must be incredibly gifted—it’s a level of wit I simply don't possess. They have my sincere admiration."
"No, no! Why are you admiring them?! Aren't you frustrated?!"
"Why are you getting so worked up? You aren't the one they're talking about."
"Because... because this kind of discrimination... it’s just not right!"
Amelia looked down and muttered the words softly.
I had spent most of my life around adults. I had seen my fair share of human drama and had lived through environments that made this look charming by comparison. Being the target of a few words didn't bother me in the slightest, but...
I see. Amelia was clearly a good person with a powerful sense of justice.
"You're right. Discrimination, insults, and contempt are never good. However, it is an undeniable truth that humans possess such malice. It is a biological reality. Even animals exhibit bullying behavior. It’s likely a result of environmental factors and the destiny of living creatures. It just so happens that I’m the target this time."
"I... I know that, but you can't just brush it off with logic!"
"It's alright, Amelia. Everyone is probably just finding me a curiosity. Besides, rumors only last seventy-five days. It’ll all blow over soon."
"...Aren't you even a little frustrated?"
She peered up at me with a sharp, piercing gaze. I could see a genuine flicker of anger in her eyes—not directed at me, but born of righteous indignation. I felt a surge of genuine respect for her strong sense of justice.
"Well... I wouldn't say I feel absolutely nothing about being looked down upon, but it’s a fair assessment. Currently, I don't possess high-level sorcery skills. I simply need to use this as motivation to work harder. Ability is composed of three elements: talent, effort, and environment. As long as I'm at this academy, the environment is more than sufficient. That just leaves effort to compensate for my lack of talent. Right?"
"Haa... I suppose... but you really are something else, aren't you?"
"I think it’s perfectly normal reasoning."
"It might be logical, but most people can’t think like that."
"Is that so? Being 'normal' is quite difficult, then."
I walked to the classroom alongside Amelia after that, though the stares directed our way remained cold.
◇
"Yo, Ray. Let's grab some lunch."
"Evi. Sounds good."
Morning classes were over, and we headed toward the cafeteria.
I had used it a few times already, but the food here was genuinely incredible. It was so good it made me wonder what I had been eating my whole life. As expected of the world's premier magic academy, the environmental support was top-tier.
"Hey, Ray."
"Hm? What is it?"
We secured a table first, then picked up our food at the counter and sat back down to eat. Just as we started, Evi spoke up.
"About those rumors."
"The Withered Wizard?"
"Yeah. You holding up okay?"
"I have no mental issues with it. However..."
"However?"
"I would prefer if things didn't escalate to physical violence."
"I don't think... that'll happen. Getting into a fight is grounds for expulsion. I doubt the people running their mouths about the Withered Wizard have the spine for that."
"I see. Then I don't mind. As long as it's just talk, there's no real harm."
"You know..."
"What is it?"
"You're really mature. You don't exactly think like someone our age."
"Mm... I suppose not..."
I set my spoon down and sank into thought.
People often told me I was strange or that I didn't seem like I was the same age as my peers. I knew exactly why: it was the environment I grew up in. I wasn't born into a typical sorcerer household or raised specifically to become one. My reasons for using magic were fundamentally different from the students here.
Still, I had anticipated this. I might have panicked if I had been thrown into this blindly, but that wasn't the case.
"Ray. There are a few things you need to keep in mind when you enroll in the academy."
"What would those be, Colonel?"
This was a conversation I’d had with Abby right after the Far East Campaign ended.
"Your background is that of an Ordinary."
"Yes. I am well aware."
"On the battlefield, lineage is irrelevant. Strong sorcerers survive, and weak ones die. That's the only rule. However, in the place you’re going, lineage is valued above all else."
"I see... I'll take that to heart."
"The nobility especially has that tendency. I remember struggling with it myself in the past."
"Even you struggled with it, Colonel? Human relationships are truly complex."
"They are. You'll be dealing with many sorcerers of your own generation at the academy. I'm sure you'll face your share of hardships because of it."
"Yes. Thank you for the warning."
"...Well, perhaps I'm just worrying over nothing."
She had warned me in advance. Because of that, even in this situation, my only real thought was that things had played out exactly as she said they would.
Besides, people would eventually find something else to talk about. Humans aren't patient enough to stick to one topic forever. The world is in a state of constant flux—everything changes eventually.
"Well, never mind the past. I’m sure you have your reasons, Ray."
"I appreciate you saying that."
"But let me know if things get messy, okay? I'll have your back."
"...Heh. It seems I’ve been blessed with a truly good friend."
"Heh, you’re making me blush. But it’s a given, right? Helping a buddy when they're in a bind."
"Yeah. You're absolutely right."
As we spoke, I felt a gaze... though I sensed it wasn't born of contempt or disdain. It felt like someone watching from a distance, hesitant and uncertain. I turned my head and saw Elisa standing there.
"If it isn't Elisa. Mm... care to join us?"
"Oh... is it okay? You two seemed like you were... having such a good talk..."
"Evi. It's fine, isn't it?"
"Of course. I don't mind a bit!"
"I-In that case... if you'll have me..."
Carrying her tray, Elisa walked over slowly and took an empty seat. She gave us a small, shy smile.
"Um... thank you... both of you..."
"Think nothing of it. Sharing a meal with friends is important."
"Exactly! Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Evi Armstrong. Just call me Evi."
"I'm... Elisa Griffith. You can call me... Elisa... too?"
"Got it. Nice to meet you, Elisa."
"N-Nice to meet you... Evi..."
The two shook hands, concluding their introductions.
"So... what were you... talking about?"
"Hm? Oh, just that everyone is calling me the Withered Wizard. Even for a derogatory name, don't you think it's quite witty?"
"Eh... um... no, but... Ray, they're making fun of you, aren't they? I... I know how that feels... so, are you really okay?"
"I'm fine. You and Evi don't think of me that way, do you?"
"Of course not! You've got something hidden under the surface. I can just feel it!"
"I-I do too...! I think you're incredible, Ray... You don't seem bothered at all... It's amazing! Wait... that’s basically what he said. Ahaha..."
"Mm. As long as I have companions I can trust, that is enough for me."
Ironically, things had played out just as Abby predicted, but I had allies. Just as I’d had comrades on the battlefield, I had found irreplaceable friends here at the academy.
I would celebrate that first.
Regardless of what others thought, I would simply do what I had to do—to fulfill the purpose for which I came to this academy.