Oh well. Air it will be.
So who cares?
As I climbed the stairs, the Great Hall spread out before me in full view.
"So big…"
Nobody was really looking at me, not after four guys just helped the academy reach a record that'll be envied by the whole world. That was a relief.
It was only natural to feel a little anxious in front of such a big crowd.
Right?
The orb in front of me was different from the one used earlier, since Elinor had destroyed that one with his energy.
"Crazy bastard…"
I closed my eyes and placed my hand on the orb.
Um…
What am I supposed to search for?
Actually, I never really thought about it.
I just assumed I had to close my eyes and it would come naturally!
…
Oh dear air, come to me!
…
Or maybe it's already showing and I just didn't notice? I mean, it wouldn't be strange. How are you even supposed to feel air?
It was different for everyone. Some had strong winds, others couldn't breathe anymore.
Maybe mine is just… breathing. Darcandon should know what the signs are.
"…Lord Atlas, open your eyes."
I did. Darcandon, standing beside me, frowned slightly.
"It seems the orb isn't working." He turned toward who I assumed were the professors.
One of them stood up. "That can't be the case. They were all made by me." She floated down to the platform. "Call the next person on the list. Let's see if it works on them."
What the hell is going on?
The orb is probably just not working… right? Right?!
"Yes. Come forward, Mandneil Honers."
That's right. I should keep my cool. It's probably just broken.
I mean, an attribute literally belongs to your soul. It can't just disappear.
As the boy placed his hand on the orb, I squeezed my eyes shut for a second.
I beg of you, please, let it be broken…!
A few minutes passed like that, fortunately, I must say.
Then he started radiating light.
"Mh…" The professor looked deep in thought. "For now, let's continue. We'll take care of it after all the other students understand their attributes."
This can't be.
Why? Why is this happening? It was supposed to be air…!
"You will sit there." She flicked her finger, and a chair suddenly appeared beside the other professors. Then she floated back, bringing me along.
"Ah—!"
I'm flying?!
I couldn't see my face, but it must've looked incredibly stupid.
I foolishly glanced down, and, as if by some cruel joke, everyone was staring at me with ominous eyes.
At this point, those four aren't even the biggest problem anymore…
The chair was at least comfortable, but what was terrifying was that the other professors didn't even glance at me.
Does that mean they already know what's happening?
Think. Han Joon-ho, think.
Why did I get nothing?
Let's go back. Kinetic energy is something a soul must have, without question.
It's tied to your personality, your capabilities, your destiny.
And Atlas did get air. I'm sure of it.
Wait…
"Ugh…"
This soul, it's not Atlas'. It's mine. Of course I'm not the same as in the game! Am I an idiot or something?!
But then…that means this is a real world, not one inside a game.
And that also means the teachers must know I have no kinetic energy.
I'm doomed.
I might die in the next few days, if not today.
The way I'm going pale must look pathetic.
Damn it.
***
"Come."
The professors stood up and led me into another large room.
It was undeniably beautiful, with something like a starry sky stretched across the ceiling.
It feels…familiar.
"Atlas, you may sit."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
I tried to plan my words, but in front of such powerful people, I couldn't utter a single one.
I never thought I could feel this pressured, like I'd committed a crime.
"Listen, about the orb," the woman from earlier spoke. "It couldn't sense your attribute."
Well…up to that point, it wasn't hard to understand.
"Come here." She gestured.
"? Of course..."
The moment I got closer, she snatched my wrist and looked at it intently for quite a while.
I was so anxious I couldn't even count.
"Honestly, as I already said, it just seems he doesn't have a soul attribute." She frowned. "However, he does have everything else."
"That's interesting to say the least but, how can he have a core that produces nothing? It's not possible for him to even be alive right now."
I couldn't not interrupt. "What consequences will I have to face?"
Another teacher spoke. "Why? Have you done something wrong?" His face was hidden behind a black veil.
Well, even if I'm pretending to be someone else entirely, it's not my fault I ended up in Atlas' body, so…
"No, I did not."
"Then there is no reason to punish you. Molianis, Principal Molianis, won't be back until next week. Until then, please attend your lessons as usual. We'll monitor your health closely."
Aren't they… too calm about this?
"I will do as you say. But does anyone have an answer to this…" My voice trembled, my vision blurring. "I can't understand why. Just why…"
I still can't believe I'm in a completely different world. I thought I could handle it and survive. Handle it and forget.
But it's getting harder.
And it's only my second day here.
"Atlas." Another professor, bulky and with scars all over hir face, looked at me calmly. "There are many particular, unique people in this world. Today, we witnessed Elinor Seraphim reveal two main attributes and two subtypes. That is completely unprecedented in the entire world. We will also call him later to understand it and, of course, we won't punish him."
And that's the problem. I'm not special like Elinor is.
I lack what your souls have.
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your words."
The professors looked at each other, like a silent agreement.
"You may go. Classes are going to start now."
"Of course. I shall take my leave."
I walked slowly.
I walked normally.
I walked fast.
I ran.
I moved like a fugitive, which, to be fair, would most likely become a nickname of mine.
Slam.
Of course. Life never respects you.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness?"
He literally pierced me with his eyes. They were far more terrifying than yesterday.
Then, he harshly grabbed my face and pulled me closer…?
I grabbed the hand on my face, unable to speak.
'What is it? Why is he doing this already?!'
How come he's already this hostile, we only talked once! Actually, that was a simple greeting, not a conversation.
"What do you know?"
Huh?
What is he talking about? It can't be about Sybille, he doesn't even know her yet!
Or maybe it's about what happened earlier at the Great Hall?
'Maybe he knows...no, it can't be.'
Whatever, I can't stay put while he's squeezing my chin to the point it might crack.
So, I slightly patted his shoulder!
Don't laugh, I can't be too aggressive or he might kill me on the spot.
I could overthrow him if I wanted to.
As expected, he raised an eyebrow, not too impressed.
"Think," he let go of my chin, "Think about what you did wrong."
'What the hell is this bastard saying?' I wanted to sigh heavily, but I knew better. 'I didn't do anything against him or the female lead, that's literally the last thing I need to go through right now...'
He frowned at me like I was stupid, and walked away.
Um, excuse me? Like, shouldn't I be the one looking at you like that?!
"What are you doing. Follow me."
"Huh? Why?! If I may ask..."
I'm not following a crazy man!
"First class is kinetic energy studies. We're in the same class, I have to make sure you get there."
???
So he was here to do that from the very start?!
'Crazy bastard.'