"I've made up my mind," Ryoshu declared with determination. "My goal in Chapter 1 is to snatch... no, borrow! I will borrow that Complete Grimoire at any cost."The importance of this decision weighed heavily on him. Only by obtaining the grimoire could he hope to reduce the difficulty of Chapter 1 from impossible to achievable. The Complete Grimoire held the key to unlocking knowledge and power to make the challenges manageable."But... I wonder if that old blacksmith is still okay?" Ryoshu mused, his thoughts drifting to the eccentric yet kind-hearted craftsman who had helped him in the past. "And I really want to see that fat cat again. I'm curious about what kind of cat it is to be so formidable."The memory of the strange, plump cat brought a smile to his face. He recalled the moment when the cat had perched on his shoulder without him noticing at all. Its weight and presence should have been impossible to ignore, yet it moved with such stealth and grace that Ryoshu had been
"I need some fresh air..."With each step, Ryoshu walked over to the window, feeling the soft carpet under his bare feet. He reached the window and flung it wide open, allowing the crisp, cool night air to rush into the room. The sudden temperature change made him shiver slightly, but it was a welcome sensation. He rested his hands on the windowsill, feeling the smooth, excellent wood beneath his fingers. It had a slightly worn texture, a testament to the many times he had leaned on it, lost in thought. He took a deep breath, letting the refreshing breeze fill his lungs, and closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the sensation.Opening his eyes, he looked up at the moon, which hung brilliantly in the night sky, casting a silver glow over everything. The moon was full, its round face shining with an almost supernatural brightness, illuminating the landscape with a soft, ethereal light. The stars twinkled more brightly around it as if they were drawing attention to the moon's magnifice
Renggg…The bell's resonant sound began to ring, breaking the serene silence that had enveloped the area. It was a crisp, clear tone that echoed through the surroundings, signaling the end of a quiet moment. As the sound reverberated, a late summer breeze swept through the trees, causing the crimson leaves to dance before gently drifting to the ground. The delicate cherry blossoms, caught in the wind, fluttered down like soft pink snowflakes, creating an enchanting and poetic scene that seemed almost otherworldly.A young girl with silky white hair strolled leisurely down the path, a path she knew she would come to walk many more times in the future. Her steps were slow and deliberate, as if trying to soak in every detail of her surroundings. The air was filled with the sweet, faint scent of cherry blossoms, mingling with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves. The sun casts a warm, golden glow over everything, making the entire scene look like a painting brought to life.Shimmering like
The exam had barely concluded, yet Charlotte and Katia were already waiting in their usual spot under the giant oak tree near the entrance of the school courtyard. The spot was their favorite, providing a mix of shade and comfort, making it a perfect rendezvous point. Esther noticed them immediately as she exited the examination hall, her heart warming at the sight of her two best friends already there as if they had eagerly anticipated her arrival."Shall I go say hello?" Esther pondered momentarily, a small, mischievous smile playing on her lips. She could never resist the urge to greet her friends in the most cheerful way possible. With a newfound energy, she decided to make her way towards them. Her steps were light and quick, and she waved energetically, her hand high to catch their attention."Halloo~" she called out, her voice carrying a musical lilt that echoed through the courtyard. This was her warmest and most affectionate greeting, one she reserved exclusively for Charl
"You're good at ending conversations, aren't you?" Charlotte's tone was sharp, her frustration evident. It was clear she was not in a good mood. Her ordinarily cheerful demeanor had been replaced by an edge that made Esther wince inwardly.Esther felt a pang of guilt. She hadn't meant to upset Charlotte, and seeing her friend this way made her feel awful. Desperate to fix things, she quickly seized the opportunity to keep the conversation going."But Esther—" Charlotte began again, her voice softer this time, almost as if she regretted snapping.Sensing a glimmer of hope, Esther eagerly asked, "What's up?" She leaned in slightly, trying to show Charlotte she was all ears and genuinely concerned.Charlotte hesitated, her eyes darting around the bustling corridor. The hallway was packed with students milling about, searching for their room numbers, and collecting their keys. It wasn't the best place for a private conversation, and the noise added to her discomfort. "Well, it's just th
"Now, I must push myself harder to catch up with Haruki and Charlotte! I can't afford to rest on my laurels just because I secured the top spot in the entrance exam!" she resolved, feeling a surge of determination. She stood by her window, gazing at the horizon as the sun set, casting a golden glow over the academy grounds. With its towering spires and sprawling courtyards, this place had become her new world, where every day was a test of her abilities and resilience.The memory of the exam still lingered in her mind. The grueling hours spent pouring over books, the sleepless nights practicing spells and techniques, all leading to that moment when her name was announced as the top scorer. It had been a moment of triumph, a validation of her hard work. But now, standing at the brink of a new challenge, she knew it wasn't enough. The competition was fierce, and she couldn't afford to be complacent."But the title of Star Student definitely won't be mine anymore," she muttered to hers
That day was an incredibly joyful one for Esther. It might have been the most beautiful day she had ever experienced... until she encountered that mysterious guy.Earlier in the morning, Esther had been eagerly leading her friends to the venue for the celebration. This party was being held in her honor, celebrating her remarkable achievement of scoring the highest marks in the Spiral Academy entrance exam. This accomplishment filled her with immense pride and happiness. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on everything, and the air buzzed with a palpable sense of excitement.As they strolled through the bustling streets, Esther was utterly absorbed in a lively conversation with her friends Haruki and Charlotte. They laughed heartily and chatted animatedly about their plans at the academy, eagerly sharing their hopes and dreams. The streets were alive with people, their laughter blending seamlessly with the city's ambient sounds, creating a symphony of joyful noise.
"Are you okay, Ryoshu? You look... different. I mean, you've changed a lot. No, maybe a little bit. Two weeks ago, you looked so different compared to now," she said, her voice filled with confusion and curiosity. Her eyes scanned his face, taking in the gaunt cheeks, the shadows under his eyes, and the air of weariness that seemed to cling to him. There was something profoundly altered in his demeanor, a certain gloominess that hadn't been there before.She stood there, her mind racing to understand the transformation before her. Just a fortnight ago, Ryoshu had been a vibrant young man with confidence in his step and a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. Now, he seemed almost a shadow of his former self, as if his life had been drained.Then, a mischievous idea sparked in her mind. She decided to mock the person standing before her, hoping to provoke a reaction. Turning to Charlotte, she sneered, "I can't believe this idiot confessed to you, Charlotte."Her voice carried a biting edge,