17 Victoria Supermall [2]

After getting tailored, the six decided to explore the mall together.

They stopped by different stores, trying on new clothes. Though it was mostly the girls that did.

While in some stores, they decided to window shop.

Reinhard held all the bags that contained the new clothes that the girls bought.

He then proceeded to stop walking and took a good look at the two boys who were carrying nothing in front of him.

"Hey, you two. Aren't you gonna help me?!"

"Nope."

Raven answered, while Brandon didn't even spare Reinhard a single glance.

"Heartless bastards…"

After roaming for a while, the group took a breather, and stopped by a coffee shop.

Seated at a table for six, they each ordered their own coffee.

Brandon was astonished once again with the technological advancement of the world.

Each table had a small circular device, that–once you channel your mana on to it, a holographic menu would pop up, showing all the things that were available for order.

After it was prepared, your order would appear through a small shiftporter that was placed in the middle of the table.

When it was Raven's time to order, except for Brandon–the others let out a shocked expression.

They initially thought Raven was a rare case of someone that didn't have mana.

But to their surprise, he actually did. 

It wasn't a secret for Raven or anything, but he couldn't explain to them why he couldn't utilize his mana the way mages could.

Of course, Brandon already knew this, it was because of his system.

The system kind of held back his potential to be a mage.

But in return, his individual growth was progressive, just like a game.

Meaning, he had no limitations, just like Brandon.

The whole time everyone shopped together, Brandon felt out of place .

After all, he was the lowest ranked within the group.

'Plus, I don't belong here…'

They were the main cast, and he was just an extra.

No, he wasn't even an extra, knowing he was a transmigrator who took over Brandon Locke's body.

'But it feels nice to actually interact with the characters I've read about for so long.'

These were his genuine feelings.

There were times when he'd miss his old world, and his mother. But moments like these made him feel welcomed in the new world he was brought into.

'Still, I shouldn't get too attached to them. The plotline was already changing, I shouldn't meddle with it more.'

But he knew there was no getting out of it, just his appearance in the story had already altered some events of the storyline.

'This event happened in the novel, but…'

Brandon Locke wasn't supposed to be here.

Taking a sip on his coffee, Reinhard turned to look at Raven and asked,

"So Mr. Ranked 1, what do you plan on doing?"

"What are you talking about?"

"About our classmates.

Amy decided to chime in as well,

"What about your classmates?"

Since Amy wasn't in their class, she didn't know anything.

Claire wasn't in their class as well since she and Amy were classmates.

'But she's one of those girls who likes to gossip.'

It was then when Reinhard told Amy about what had happened during the announcement of the First Year Rankings.

From the opposition of the other students, to Reinhard sticking up for Raven. He spared no details, telling everyone how he felt, and how unfair everything was.

Amy furrowed her brow, furious about the whole thing.

She then turned towards Brandon.

"Isn't your Sister the Student Council President? Why don't you ask her to do something about it?"

As if the realization dawned upon him, Reinhard spoke up,

"Ah, no wonder the last names were the same. Now that I took a good look, you and President Belle do look alike."

Raven was shocked as well, but he didn't question Brandon.

While Rachel, who was reading a book while drinking her coffee, didn't really care about the conversation.

"Right, I'll ask her if she could do something about it."

Raven shook his head, and responded to Brandon,

"You don't have to involve your Sister. It's fine, I can handle it myself."

"No, we're friends, so let me help you out."

Raven seemed reluctant to accept the gesture, but eventually agreed.

"...If you say so."

Since Raven grew up alone in the rural area of the city, he wasn't used to others giving him a helping hand.

Brandon knew this, which is why he decided to give him a push.

He wasn't alone anymore, he now had friends he could rely on.

Amy clasped her hands together.

"Well, now that's all settled, let's talk about the electives we're all planning on taking. I think we should all go together."

Electives were courses that a student can take part of to gain experience and polish their skills.

Unlike other academies, Astrea Academy takes their electives seriously.

Meaning, electives were mandatory for each student.

It also has to be noted that failing an elective would result in expulsion.

Which is why they had to choose wisely.

But of course, there were some students who would take an easy elective to avoid expulsion.

But in doing so, they would hinder their growth and potential.

And since Astrea Academy was an incredibly competitive school, improving was the only way to survive.

It was then when Rachel decided to put her book down, and joined in on the conversation.

"I'm planning on taking Magical Music and Harmony."

"Eh? Are you sure? I know you love playing the piano, but that wouldn't benefit you at all."

"I know, but we're allowed to choose three electives, I'll join in whatever you guys decide to take."

Reinhard placed his hand on his chin, and said,

"She's right, let's all join whatever electives we like. And for the other two slots, we can join that one together."

Amy gave her response,

"Hm, okay. You have a point, for my first elective, I'll probably join potion crafting."

As if her curiosity was piqued, Claire spoke up,

"Hmm, interesting. Care to explain why?"

"Since my family is the leading manufacturer of potions, it would be best if I polish my skills while I'm in the Academy."

"Okay, fair. You are the only heir after all."

"Exactly..."

It seemed like Amy had a sorrowful look as she spoke. But only Brandon was the one to notice.

'After all...'

It was then Claire's turn to speak,

"For me, I think I plan on joining a Duelist elective."

Clink-

Amy and Raven's eyes shot wide open. Even Rachel wasn't an exception, as she dropped her fork.

She was eating a blueberry cheesecake.

They seemed taken aback that Claire wanted to pick up the sword while being a full fledged mage.

Mages who used the sword weren't rare. But most of the Duelist faction could only use magic to a slight degree, which was the main reason why they were often looked down upon.

But in Raven's case, he showed no signs of using any magic prior to this point.

Instead of Claire, it was Reinhard who informed them, while laughing.

"Haha, I can see the shocked looks on your faces. Claire's actually been learning the sword since we were kids."

Amy's gaze shifted from Reinhard to Claire and asked,

"Is that true?"

Rachel leaned in, nodding her head repeatedly, wanting to confirm it as well.

"Yeah, I'm going for a duelist and mage hybrid."

Claire solemnly stated.

Brandon just took a seat back the whole time. He already knew what electives everyone was going to choose.

'For Raven, he's going to choose a Duelist related one as well. And for Reinhard, he's going to choose Artificing.'

Truly, a loyal reader.

*

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[AN]

As promised, an extra chapter today.

Just a simple slice of life chapter to introduce the rest of the main casts.

Hope none of you mind, as a lot of future slice of life chapters would be built upon this structure.