20 Chapter 19: Class of 1-S (1)

(Ken POV)

My joy was inevitable and the smile on my face spoke more words than I could utter them concretely from my mouth.

The reason for my highly spirited manner was the fact that I'm donning the academy's blue robes, a marked gesture of my acceptance as a distinguished student of Moonlight Magi Academy.

While some or perhaps most may think of it as no big of a deal, it was quite the contrary for myself.

Growing up in the farmlands of Rivershire, I always appreciate the simple things in life, no matter how seemingly insignificant they are to the others, most especially in the eyes of the Nobility.

While the robes constituted as simply a mere set of garments to be worn as per compliance with the academy's rules and regulations, it meant something a lot more to me.

In my opinion, these robes exemplified the student's right to stand among the privileged; potentially allowing oneself to rise above the bar and make a lasting change in this world for whatever goals that they strive upon.

Of course, my goal was the same as ever: To help the people as best as I could and strive to be the best damn Mage that this land has to offer. In this path, I also wanted to be a Noble as well, even if I find some of them pretty much annoying. For the privilege of a Noble is undeniably powerful and their words held merit and authority that shape the very foundations of the Kingdom itself.

And with I being the Magus of Infinity, the once perilous path that I have undertaken was clearer than ever. All doubts were completely abolished and I have finally caught the glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it was considerably still far away.

Although, we commoners usually are the ones who act directly and took the brunt of grunt work on behalf of their will. In a more simple explanation, the Noble gave orders while the commoner has little choice but to follow.

Such was the system, the usual happenings in this world that we lived in.

Haha, with all this damn speech, I might as well mistook myself as a revolutionary leader or something.

Not that I'm starting one or anything, even if it's probably possible due to my new status as Arkadia's chosen and with Master's guidance.

Throughout history, revolutions are the focal point of change, where one or many got dissatisfied with the current status quo and wished to incite a new era of transition, one of their own making.

If we analyzed this even further, then we could say that Asmodeus's war against the world was a revolution itself. He was not contented with the ongoing peaceful circumstances and spark a conflict to further his fire branding ambitions.

Thus, revolution, while mostly associated with the side of good, can also mean the opposite. Furthermore, this was also used to whitewash the term "War", to encourage and motivate the hearts of men in joining the gruesome affairs of discord.

Of course, I knew all of this because I read a lot of books forced by my grandpa who's a former Knight. While the information that I cited was not presented in any pages of the books, this was merely my own opinion formed after I have read all of it.

As such, I kind of half lied when I mentioned earlier during my mental ramblings at the Headmaster's office that I knew nothing of war when the Headmaster and the Dragon siblings turned their attention to me for my opinion in the debate of "Reason".

The other half was the truth since I don't really know and underwent war on a personal level.

It's rather absurd though. Because of this conflicting predicament of mine, I was entirely unsure if I had the right to mention anything about it when I'm just a mere child in the grand scheme of things.

Now that I thought about it, why did I even come up with this out of nowhere topic in the first place? I can only conclude that this was one of the effects of a fully-pledged Magus of Infinity in the form of Vivian Algrande sharing my consciousness and mind.

Perhaps my thoughts are starting to be in sync with her then?

Master contemplated my reasoning and shared her view about the matter.

"Hmm, I'm not so sure about that. If that's the case, then you should be inheriting my knowledge of many spells, to which you obviously did not. Of course, I'm still in the dark about the full extent of the consequences of me being in your mind, so I can't really say for certain. That, and you still haven't said 'tehee' even once, so it's safe to say that you still retain your own mind."

"Pfft, I'd rather jump in an erupting volcano than utter that insufferable word of yours."

"My, such a nasty little shit you truly are."

Before we were about to start another round of insulting, I swiftly held myself back since it's not the time and place for that kind of interaction.

Master has experienced a lot of sufferings and unfortunate events during the war 500 years ago. Meaning, it's not farfetched to make such a valid conclusion.

Who knows? She only started occupying my mind just a few days ago. Maybe the process of our minds merging took some time before it was complete.

And if that really was going to occur, then I'm not sure if I should be thrilled with such a prospect.

Will Vivian and I become one? Will she ceased to exist as a result? I can't help but think of these kinds of dark thoughts.

"Nah, I can still feel myself in a perfectly fine condition, so your worries are misplaced. Besides, as I said before, this is merely another prison, like the jailor transporting me from one cell to another. This barely feels like the lake more or less. And with 500 years in there and me being still intact, I'm pretty sure I'll also be fine here."

"I hope that you are right, Master."

I really do...

I suppose it's of no use at thinking about it at this very early stage of the moment. It's time that I go back to the topic of Nobility.

It's not that I hate them or anything for hate is such a strong word. At best, the ones who are major stick in the asses are in my list of people who I just don't give a fuck. They're not worth my attention and stress.

I forcefully shoved my (or ours?) rather serious thoughts away in favor of basking myself once more in the joyous event of wearing the academy-issued robes.

<Mahou Project>

(Ken POV)

After the meeting with the chibi Headmaster, Alex told Ana and I that it's time that we head to our classroom so the both of us can be introduced to our classmates and integrate ourselves fully into the Academy life.

Ana and I were absent for the first two days of school, so both of us were looking forward to it.

Alex further explained about the classroom that we are in.

"The three of us are assigned in Class 1-S, thus making us classmates as well fortunately since the Headmaster was rather kind of him to do so. The classroom is located on the first floor alongside the other 1st year classrooms. I should warn both of you, especially you Ken. Our classmates are looking forward to meeting you two ever since your performance and reveal during the Magicka. So don't be surprised if they're all going to be acting like dim-witted dogs vying for your attention."

Ouch, calling our new classmates dogs? Ahahaha, that's kind of a harsh insult, don't you think?

"Like you could talk, brat."

Kind and inspiring words from Vivian Algrande.

Ana crossed her arms as she expressed and acted like the dignified lady she was.

"Hmph, it is to be expected. My rival, Ken Bruce, defeated me in my Ancient Dragon mode. It would be more shocking if there won't be any form of reaction coming from the lot of them."

Rival? Huh... I did remember her mentioning that word when she praised me during our meeting with chibi, back when I acted all smart like a bookworm in the debate. But in reality, it was Master who aided me in delivering my argument.

But the real question is-

"Hey, hey, since when did I become your rival?"

Ana's grin was uncontainable as she eyed me with great interest while pointing her finger at me.

"Ever since my loss, obviously. As you are the Magus of Infinity, defeating you is going to be my greatest honor and pleasure. Oh, mark my words, mongrel, I'll be the one conquering and be on top of you next time!!"

With her loud declaration, primarily on the conquering and on top part, many students began gossiping with one another at this, especially the female populace who could not help but giggle like the young school girls they truly were.

Fuck... this is gonna be another hefty load of misunderstandings, that I can only say without reservation.

"Oh my, how bold of her."

"To think that she can openly declare something like that to a man in public."

"Hehe, talking about their affairs under the bedsheets?"

"How I envy them. A relationship like that in the open is truly a testament of their undying love!!"

Okay, seriously... what the fuck is wrong with the students here!? Making their own assumptions based on two words?!!!

While I rubbed my head calmly at the massive headache that this spiraling rumor is going to produce, Ana was anything but calm as her entire face reddened with sheer embarrassment.

Huh, it's actually kind of adorable.

Until embarrassment turned to fury that is.

"Y-you fools!! That's not what I meant!!! I'm not sleeping with this mongrel, do you understand??!!!"

"Eeeepp!!!

The girls instantly scurried away when they saw the unadulterated rage of a female Dragon being directed at them.

"Uhm... Ana?"

"What!?"

Her irritation was still in heat, so I understood her reaction when it was edged at me.

"What about Alex's and your advice regarding ignoring the opinions of people who don't matter?"

Alex intervened and clarified the subject matter since Ana was clearly not level-headed enough to answer.

"Only if such rumors are either trivial or harmless to begin with. What the girls talk about was intended to directly undermine my sister in a manner of speaking. I also mentioned that I won't be stopping you from demonstrating your wrath if the rumors are meant to harm you in any way. Thus, my reason for not stopping her in inciting her fervor at those insignificant monkeys. Of course, it's still up to you if you want them to think what you wanted them to think no matter what the nature of the rumor is. Let the enemies give in to their assumptions and victory is assured, remember? It's simply a case-to-case basis really."

I merely nodded in acknowledgment and found his statement to be educating. He did have a point and his lesson might serve me well in the future days to come.

I glanced back at Ana and found her anger finally cooled down thankfully.

While this situation was kind of fucked up, the hilarity behind it was rather undeniable. As such, I could not help but also chuckle softly at this.

Well, only softly hence I risk that female wrath being rekindled and pointed at me instead.

As I turned my one eye back at Alex, I could see him grinning like a madman instead.

Huh, I suppose he did find this whole thing funny too, albeit in his own twisted way.

When the whole thing finally chilled out, the three of us continued in making our way to Class 1-S.

A smile involuntarily crept on my face yet again at this brand new chapter of my life that I'm going to partake.

"Class of 1-S, huh. I can't wait to meet the people there."

And of course, as Lady Fate would occasionally love to screw me like I'm one of her playthings, the words that I uttered came biting me right in the ass someday.