Volume 1 Chapter 9 Special Sweets Ah-n Biting Event
"Should I look over the textbook for a bit?"
In the Z-class classroom, Ran was eating her bento while flipping open the textbook for our next class—Introduction to Magic. She turned to today's section. Since it's self-study, I just read whatever page I landed on.
Let's see... what is this...
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Magic is divided into two main types: mana summoning and spellcasting. The two are fundamentally different. Most practitioners can only use one. Spellcasting relies on the user's skill and strength—more powerful spells become available as one levels up, but casting takes time, leaving the user vulnerable. Mana summoning, on the other hand, is instant, but its power depends on the mana density in the environment, making it less predictable.
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"I see."
I nodded to myself. But honestly, I already knew this from games. Still, I had to admit—whoever wrote this, they really knew how to make it feel like a game system.
"There's a prank note in the margin," Ran said, leaning over to peek.
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So yeah, that's what it says, but apparently there are rare users who can handle both types or even hybrid magic. This textbook's ancient—who knows how many decades old it is?
I've heard those rumors too, but no one's actually seen it happen.
Anyway, it's not like we in Z-class can do any of that, so who cares? Come up with something funnier. Like, what if you threw an eraser at that bald teacher's head while he's sleeping?
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"Everyone's really writing all kinds of stuff," Ran giggled.
"Yeah. That note's from twenty years ago. I guess that teacher's been dozing off in Z-class since then."
"Hehe. I think he's cute."
"More like unmotivated, honestly."
I let out a small sigh. This textbook had clearly been handed down for decades. And in the games I played, there was no such thing as combining mana and spellcasting. Not even the strategy wikis mentioned it.
"Z-class students sure are laid-back, huh?"
"Yeah, they are."
I replied half-heartedly, but seriously, Ran... are you okay with this?
Z-class is full of unmotivated students. Most are children of nobles or royal officials, here more for networking than learning. Even those with "almost no aptitude" on the entrance exams end up here, as long as they made generous enough donations. That's just how it works.
Unlike me and Ran, who got in based on our abilities, the others didn't have to struggle. Students with actual talent, even if they were commoners, scraped together enough money to get into the academy, and usually land in at least C-class.
We're below even D. Technically, we should be E, but they skipped straight to "Z," like giving up on us entirely.
Each class is named after a legendary creature—SSS is "Dragon," SS is "Salamander," S is "Qilin," and so on. Their uniforms have cool crests to match, showing off class pride.
There's even this one guy in our class obsessed with crests. He used to go on and on about how the Dragon crest's pearl symbolized treasure-hoarding, analyzing every little detail. But ever since he got dumped into Z-class, he just sulks in silence. Poor guy.
And us? Our class crest is just a lonely embroidered "Z." No cool nickname. Nothing. It's like we were forgotten.
"Ran, isn't it lonely being the only girl? Don't you want friends?"
"I'm not lonely at all," she replied with wide eyes, genuinely surprised.
"As long as Mobu is with me, I'm happy."
Z-class has no other girls. Girls are usually more serious, so even the worst of them only fall to D-class. That's why Ran's alone here.
You'd think a pretty girl in a class of twenty boys would be treated like a princess. But nope. No one dares approach her. She's got SSS-level skills and stunning looks, which probably scares them off.
And honestly, she's always sticking close to me. She's really open about it, so the others don't even try. The pampered noble boys probably feel too humiliated to make a move.
"Can't say this out loud, but Z-class really is the worst."
"Really? I'm enjoying the classes. And lunch."
Ran didn't seem bothered at all.
But... most of these guys are going to drop out next year.
At Hector, there are no grade levels. You get sorted into a class based on ability. At the end of the year, in March, there's a graduation exam. Pass it, and you graduate. Fail, and you repeat with a new class.
Some students never graduate, no matter how many years pass. But most give up after a few years. Especially those in Z-class—they're not expected to pass the exam. By next spring, many will be gone.
The dropout rate is highest in Z and SSS. One's the bottom, the other's the top. SSS students almost always graduate. Z students almost never do.
"I'm happy just being with you, Mobu. If I had been placed in SSS, we wouldn't get to eat lunch together like this."
"That's true."
"Besides..."
She placed her two empty bento boxes back in her bag and pulled something out.
"Tada!"
She set two small jars on the desk. Inside was a golden-colored dessert.
"Dessert today!"
"Whoa, fermented honey cake?"
This stuff's amazing. It's rare to see it served.
"I think it's leftovers from the VIP room yesterday. Not enough to go around."
"I don't care. It tastes great."
"Hehe."
"So Blaze got to eat it fresh, huh?"
"Don't bring up Blaze."
She gently touched my cheek.
"Right now, it's just us, having fun every day like this."
"You're right, Ran. I guess I was being dumb."
Yeah. I agreed. But Blaze still keeps picking fights with me. I try to ignore him, but it still gets to me.
He should know by now—Ran isn't going back to him.
It's not like I stole her. Back when she was still free, she chose me. That's all. The world just took a different path than what the game had written. She was meant to be Blaze's main heroine. But she changed it herself.
"Let's eat. Together."
"Yeah."
She nodded with a soft smile.
Even if it's from yesterday, this dessert is still amazing. Would've been a waste to throw it out. And more importantly, this moment with Ran—it's something I want to remember.
In my old life, I was a master of the half-price bento wars. Same idea, really. I was doing my part for waste reduction and sustainability. The mottainai (Don't waste what is valuable) spirit lives strong in me. Though back then, saving money mattered more—corporate slave salary and all.
"Mobu, say 'ahh'..."
Ran scooped some cake with a spoon and held it out to me.
"Ahh—" bite.
A rich sweetness, layered with a subtle bitterness, spread through my mouth. The taste of fermented honey filled my senses. It was delicious.
"Does it taste good?"
"Yeah."
"Mobu's so cute when he eats!"
She waved her hands in front of her chest with joy. Her big eyes turned just a bit droopier than usual. There's no way Blaze is getting moments like this. A sweet "ahh" scene doesn't suit a serious guy like him.
Oh—looks like the teacher's here. A little early for once. Maybe he's actually motivated today?
He glanced at us eating cake and... smiled? Maybe? Hard to tell.
But then he slumped onto his desk again.
Seriously, old man? No motivation at all. Just wanted a longer nap, huh? He's got that ageless "bald monk" look, and rumor is, he can't be fired. That's why he's stuck with us in Z-class.
I guess we're expected to just read the textbook quietly again.
Z-class really doesn't get any events, huh?
Notes:
• Ran - Female. An orphan and a close friend of Mobu. She has long, dark hair and a gentle appearance. Ran is kind and trusting, often relying on Mobu for guidance. She survives the demon attack by hiding in the secret base with Mobu.
• Hector - A prestigious academy located in the kingdom, known for training adventurers. It is primarily for the children of nobles and wealthy merchants, with a few spots reserved for those with true ability. The entrance exam is practical rather than theoretical.
• Blaze - Male. The protagonist of the game, born into the wealthy Rosinore family. He has blond hair and a heroic appearance. Blaze is kind and lacks arrogance despite his status. He is destined to become a hero and defeat the Demon King. His relationship with Mobu and Ran is complex, as they are not part of the main story.
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