Six days had passed since I returned to Trest.
During that time, I continued using Astral World every single day. My routine had become surprisingly stable. Every visit began with transferring mana into the Mana Storage Container before spending the remaining time improving my alchemy through the Creator Tool. The results were gradually becoming visible. The duration of Astral World had increased by almost a minute, while its size had expanded by roughly one and a half square meters.
It wasn't a dramatic improvement, but growth was growth. And growth accumulated over time.
Today was the fifth day of the school week, and I was currently attending classes at Rosaria Primordian Academy[1].
The academy was considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Trest. Most students here came from influential families, renowned researchers, corporate executives, or government officials. The school itself looked more like a university than a normal academy, with towering white buildings, advanced holographic displays, and beautiful gardens spread throughout the campus.
As usual, I sat near the front of the classroom while taking notes.
Professor Spectre continued today's lecture regarding modern energy systems and their relationship with mana-based technology.
Even after spending time in another world, I still found these lessons interesting.
After all, science and magic were beginning to overlap.
The professor eventually finished writing the final formula on the board.
"Alright, everyone. That's all for today's lesson. Class dismissed. Enjoy your lunch break."
The classroom immediately became livelier.
Students packed their belongings while chatting with their friends.
I organized my notes before standing up.
"Hmm... I wonder what I should eat today."
The cafeteria was already crowded when I arrived.
The smell of various dishes filled the air, making it difficult to choose.
After examining the menu for a while, I finally made a decision.
"I guess roast beef sounds good."
I ordered my meal and received it shortly afterward.
Finding an empty table, I sat down and began eating.
I had barely taken a few bites when several familiar faces approached.
My friends.
"Yo, Art! How's life treating you today?"
"I'd say it's going pretty well."
"Haha! Easy for you to say. You're basically allergic to struggling."
"That's not true."
"It absolutely is. Professor Spectre's lecture practically looked like review material for you."
I sighed.
"Can you stop exaggerating?"
My friends laughed while I continued eating.
Then someone approached our table.
Long black hair flowed down her back like silk, while her ruby-colored eyes quietly observed the surroundings.
It was Ruby, my childhood friend.
Unlike me, who could easily hold conversations when necessary, Ruby was naturally quiet and reserved. Despite that, she was one of the most popular students in the academy.
Not only because of her beauty.
But because she was genuinely kind.
"Can I sit here, Art?"
"Of course."
Ruby sat beside me without hesitation.
The boys immediately exchanged knowing looks.
I ignored them.
They were impossible.
Ruby quietly began eating her lunch while listening to our conversation.
Even though she rarely spoke, she always paid attention.
Eventually, she turned toward me.
"Art."
"Hm?"
"After school, the Club Fair starts."
"Oh right."
I nearly forgot.
Various clubs would be recruiting new members today.
"What club are you planning to join?"
"I'm not sure yet. I was planning to look around first."
Ruby nodded.
"I heard the academy recently established a Magic Club."
That immediately caught my attention.
"Really?"
"Mm."
Her eyes brightened slightly.
One of the subtle signs that she was excited.
"I want to learn more about magic."
I smiled.
"So do I."
"Then let's go together."
"Sure."
A small smile appeared on Ruby's face.
For most people in Trest, magic was still considered a developing field.
Science remained dominant.
Most students preferred engineering, robotics, medicine, business, or artificial intelligence.
But for people like Ruby and me, magic represented something fascinating.
Something unexplored.
Something with limitless possibilities.
As the news had recently reported, educational institutions were beginning to integrate magical studies into their curriculum. It would likely take decades before magic became fully integrated into everyday society, but the process had already begun.
And we happened to be witnessing the beginning of that era.
"I'll wait for you after class."
"Okay."
The lunch bell eventually rang.
Our break ended.
The remaining classes passed peacefully.
I continued taking notes, answering questions during recitations, and participating in classroom activities.
Before I knew it, three hours had passed.
The final bell echoed throughout the academy.
School was over.
"You ready?"
Ruby stood beside my desk.
"Yeah."
I slung my bag over my shoulder.
Together, we headed toward the academy's newly established magic training area.
Students occasionally glanced in our direction as we walked.
Ruby and I had become fairly well-known throughout the academy.
Both of us consistently ranked near the top academically, and despite coming from wealthy families, neither of us acted arrogantly.
That made us approachable.
At least according to other students.
Eventually, we arrived at the registration area.
A student volunteer immediately noticed us.
"Welcome! Are you here for the Magic Club registration?"
"Yes."
"Of course. Please fill out these forms."
The registration process was straightforward.
Name, age, grade, section, basic information.
After finishing, Ruby and I submitted our forms.
"Please take your seats. The orientation will begin shortly."
We sat beside one another while waiting.
Soon, a familiar professor stepped onto the stage.
Professor Lucia.
The academy's primary magic instructor.
As expected, she was serving as the club advisor.
"As many of you know, this is the first Magic Club established in Rosaria Primordian Academy's history."
The students immediately became attentive.
"There will undoubtedly be challenges along the way. However, I believe all of you can help build something meaningful."
She paused briefly.
"For today's activity, we'll begin by assessing everyone's magical abilities."
Nobody objected.
It was a reasonable starting point.
"Excellent. Follow me to the firing range."
The students moved toward the training area.
One by one, everyone demonstrated their abilities while Professor Lucia recorded observations on her tablet.
Eventually, Ruby's turn arrived.
She stepped forward calmly.
Raised her hand.
And cast her spell.
"Water Slash."
Three streams of water shot forward simultaneously.
Each struck a different target with incredible precision.
The crowd immediately reacted.
"Whoa."
"That's amazing."
"Three targets at once?"
Professor Lucia simply nodded and continued typing.
"As expected."
Then she looked toward me.
"Next."
The attention of the entire club shifted in my direction.
I stepped forward.
Extended my hand.
And cast a spell.
"Flare Bomb."
The fireball shot across the range.
A second later—
BOOM!
A powerful explosion erupted across the training field.
A wave of heat rushed outward.
Several students stumbled backward.
When the smoke finally cleared, everyone stared at the target area.
The steel training dummies were slightly warped from the heat.
"..."
"..."
"..."
I immediately realized my mistake.
I forgot to lower the output.
Oops.
Professor Lucia adjusted her glasses.
Then calmly typed something into her tablet.
The students, meanwhile, looked completely stunned.
"As expected of Artorius."
"That was insane."
"Did he just deform steel?"
I awkwardly scratched my cheek. Maybe I overdid it a little?
About ten minutes later, the assessments concluded.
"The evaluation is finished for today."
Professor Lucia looked around the room.
"The club will officially meet every second and fifth day of the week. You may all go home."
The students began packing up.
Ruby and I did the same.
Then—
"Artorius. Ruby."
Professor Lucia called out.
"Please come with me."
We exchanged glances.
"Okay."
She led us toward her office.
After everyone sat down, she folded her hands.
"I'll be direct."
Ruby and I listened attentively.
"I'd like the two of you to become the club's first student officers."
"Student officers?"
"The president and vice president."
That explained the assessments.
Professor Lucia had been evaluating leadership candidates all along.
Ruby immediately turned toward me.
"Art should be president."
I blinked.
"You decided that fast?"
Ruby nodded.
"I'm not suited for leadership."
"You aren't?"
"I prefer supporting people."
Her answer was immediate.
"You're better at guiding others."
I couldn't argue with that.
Professor Lucia looked at me.
"What do you think, Artorius?"
"I don't mind."
"Excellent."
She smiled.
"Then Artorius will serve as president and Ruby as vice president."
The arrangement felt natural.
Neither of us had any objections.
"Meet me after classes on the first day of next week. We'll discuss future club activities."
"Understood."
After leaving her office, Ruby walked beside me.
"Wanna head home together?"
"Mm."
Then she hesitated.
"But..."
I smiled.
"The usual café?"
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Mm. The usual."
We walked through the city together.
Hovercars moved across elevated traffic lanes overhead while advertisements floated on holographic displays between buildings.
Despite the advanced technology surrounding us, moments like this felt surprisingly simple.
Comfortable and familiar.
Eventually, we arrived at our favorite café.
The barista greeted us immediately.
"Welcome back. Your usual table is available."
"Thank you."
We took our seats.
After checking the menu, I made my choice.
"Coconut pie and fruit tea."
Ruby studied the menu briefly.
"Tiramisu and caramel macchiato."
The waiter took our orders.
Soon, our desserts and drinks arrived.
"Let's eat."
Ruby nodded.
She took a bite of her tiramisu and let out a small sound of satisfaction.
"Mm."
I smiled.
She always did that whenever she liked something.
I took a bite of my coconut pie.
The sweetness of the filling blended perfectly with the slight tartness of the young coconut.
Combined with the flaky crust, it was easily one of my favorite desserts.
As we ate, comfortable silence settled between us.
Neither of us felt pressured to talk.
That was simply how our friendship worked.
Eventually, I noticed a small smudge of cream near the corner of Ruby's mouth.
Without thinking, I grabbed a napkin and gently wiped it away.
Ruby froze.
Her cheeks immediately turned red.
"Mm... thanks, Art."
"No problem."
She looked away and quietly took another sip of her coffee.
I pretended not to notice.
After all, teasing Ruby was dangerous.
Eventually, a thought crossed my mind.
Maybe someday...
I could bring her to Eiras.
The idea surfaced naturally.
Before I could think further, Travy spoke.
"You can."
I nearly choked on my tea.
"What?"
"Companion slots become available as your Adventure Level increases."
I blinked.
"Wait. You're telling me I can actually bring someone with me?"
"Correct."
I stared at Ruby.
She was quietly eating her tiramisu.
Completely unaware of the life-changing information I had just received.
"The higher your Adventure Level becomes, the more companions you may bring."
"I see..."
The possibility was exciting.
Being able to share my adventures with someone I trusted would make things far less lonely.
"That would certainly be the case."
I smiled.
Maybe not now, but someday.
When the time was right.
I took another bite of my pie while imagining that future.
Tomorrow, I would return to Eiras.
And a new adventure would begin once again.
[1] If you guys remember, it was mentioned on Chapter 1