How can I help you?

It has been nearly three months since Ethan embarked on his academic journey. In this time span, he has acquired an understanding of the world around him and delved deep into the mystical realm of magic that this world embraces. In his history class, he has immersed himself in the tales of the sorcerer king and his loyal companions, as well as unraveling the intricate roles played by the magus within the kingdom's territory's . Furthermore, he has delved into the shadowy realm of dark creatures, each posing a unique level of peril, all while being thought the enigmatic dark continent veiled in mystery.

In his Theory of Magic class, Ethan has honed his proficiency in manipulating magic, becoming adept at weaving spells while maintaining the ability to defend himself. Meanwhile, in the Crafting class, he has gained extensive knowledge of various ores and materials, learning the basic art of crafting and enchantment techniques, which he employed in the creation of his enchanted umbrella.

However, the most significant development during his tenure at the academy was the transformation in how his fellow students perceived him. Over this period, he consistently astonished them with a series of remarkable feats. These included his extraordinary capacity to harness magic, surpassing even the most prestigious noble children. He also displayed immense bravery by rescuing a comrade from the clutches of a corrupted creature. Furthermore, his inventive genius shone through as he crafted a unique and versatile item.

This string of accomplishments drastically diminished the number of detractors and adversaries he encountered, affording him a somewhat more tranquil academic journey. While he wouldn't claim to have made close friends, he relished the newfound solitude and peace that enveloped him during his years of study.

At this juncture, Ethan's name had become a frequent topic of discussion among both second and third-year students. This newfound attention was far from his desire, as his exceptional abilities, coupled with his modest lineage, left him with little choice but to attract this unwanted focus. The constant mention of his name eventually piqued the curiosity of influential upperclassmen, prompting them to delve deeper into his background. Consequently, they uncovered the closely guarded secret of his lightning manifestation, an event carefully concealed by the academy's administration. However, as the adage goes, few secrets remain hidden forever.

As word spread about this revelation, an influx of second and third-year students began to infiltrate the freshmen's hall, creating an increasingly tense atmosphere for the newcomers.

"Why are there so many second and third-year students here?" inquired one of the freshmen.

"I'm not sure, but I've heard they never bother with freshmen. This is unusual," replied his friend, echoing the sentiments of bewilderment that had taken hold in the hall.

The influx of upperclass students continued, their presence unsettling and intimidating the freshmen as they roamed the halls in search of Ethan. Murmurs and whispers filled the air as they tried to uncover his whereabouts. The tension grew palpable as the freshmen huddled together, uncertain about how to handle the intrusion.

Amidst this chaos, a figure clad in the distinguished robes of a final-year student arrived on the scene. This upperclassman was known to be one of the academy's finest students, and his mere presence commanded respect.

"Look! Isn't that..." exclaimed a freshman girl.

"No way~ It's really him!" her friend chimed in.

"Clear a path!" bellowed several students accompanying the upperclassman, forcefully parting the sea of freshmen and fellow underclassmen.

The man approached a group of freshmen girls, his demeanor surprisingly calm amid the chaos. Addressing them, he asked, "Excuse me, I'm looking for someone. A first-year named Ethan. Have any of you seen him?"

The girls exchanged nervous and timid glances, their uncertainty palpable. After a moment, one of them mustered the courage to respond. "We're not sure where he is... Why are you looking for him?"

The upperclassman sighed, his expression revealing a hint of frustration. "Can any of you point me in the right direction? It would be best for everyone if we find him quickly." He scanned the crowd of students, his gaze sharp and searching.

Another freshman hesitated briefly before offering a suggestion. "During break time, he often goes to the cafeteria to grab a meal. You might want to check there," the student suggested, hoping to be of assistance to the upperclassman's search.

The upperclassman nodded appreciatively. With that, the upperclassman departed, leaving the freshmen with mixed feelings of relief and apprehension. As they watched him go, they couldn't help but wonder what the upperclassmen wanted with Ethan.

***

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Ethan sat at a corner table, unaware of the commotion unfolding outside. He was engrossed in the book on magical theory II, completely absorbed in his studies, and oblivious to the fact that his name had become a topic of intense interest.

"Hey, Ethan. Mind if I join you for a meal?" Seraphine asked as she balanced a tray of food in her hand.

Ethan looked up from his book, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Why do you keep asking me when we both know that you never listen to my answer and end up sitting here anyway?"

Seraphine chuckled, settling down across from Ethan. "It's the polite thing to do," she replied with a playful glint in her eye.

Ethan shook his head with a resigned grin. "No, the polite thing to do would be to respect my response."

As Seraphine took her first bite of food, she mumbled through her chewing, "Huh? Sorry, I couldn't hear you. My chewing makes it hard to listen."

Ethan sighed, realizing it was futile to argue with her while she was enjoying her meal. "Never mind," he said with a small chuckle, and they both settled into a companionable silence, enjoying their company.

"Hey, mind if I tag along?" Sven, another acquaintance of theirs, interjected.

Seraphine's face lit up with a warm smile. "Sven! Of course, come join us. You know you don't have to ask. You're always welcome here," she said, fully aware of the complex dynamics between Ethan and Sven.

Ethan remained quiet, his focus returning to the book in front of him.

"...Yeah." Sven responded, taking a seat next to Seraphine.

Their perilous journey had forged an unexpected bond and somewhat level of trust among the three of them. Even though Ethan and Sven didn't exactly get along, the events they'd faced together had the sole effect of drawing them closer. Sven was genuinely eager to mend his relationship with Ethan, and Ethan, albeit slowly, was starting to chip away at his indifference. He couldn't deny the truth in the words he'd spoken three months ago – Sven had shown respect and followed Ethan's demand regarding their interaction in their room's, even if trust was still a distant concept. The cafeteria table was a testament to their evolving camaraderie, even if it was still a work in progress.

As the trio of Seraphine, Sven, and Ethan continued their meal, the atmosphere remained relaxed, despite the silence.

However, their peace was short-lived. The cafeteria doors swung open, and the same upperclassman and his friends who had been searching for Ethan earlier strode in. His presence immediately drew the attention of the cafeteria's occupants, including the trio.

Whispers and hushed conversations spread among the freshmen as they watched the upperclassman's approach. It was unusual for someone of his stature to venture into their territory.

Ethan, Seraphine, and Sven exchanged uncertain glances, their curiosity piqued. Ethan muttered under his breath, "What's he doing here?"

Seraphine leaned closer to Ethan and replied, "No idea, who is he?"

Seraphine leaned closer to Ethan and whispered, "I have no idea. Do you recognize him?"

"Silence!"

Before they could delve further into their discussion, an authoritative voice from one of the upperclassmen broke the silence, demanding attention.

The leader of the upperclass group stepped forward, exuding dignified charm as he addressed the entire cafeteria. "We are in search of a specific individual, and we were informed that he would be present here in the cafeteria."

The upperclassman leading the group had an air of mystery and authority about him. He possessed a striking and enigmatic appearance:

His raven-black hair was impeccably styled, falling gracefully around his face with an almost supernatural sheen.

His piercing eyes, concealed behind elegant round glasses, held an otherworldly, mesmerizing quality, their true intentions hidden behind a facade of charm.

His attire was impeccable, a meticulously tailored academy uniform that only enhanced his aura of sophistication and power.

With every step he took, there was an eerie gracefulness, like a silent predator prowling through the shadows, leaving an indelible impression on all who crossed his path.

His presence alone commanded attention and respect, making it clear that he was not a man to be underestimated or trifled with.

Whispers and speculative glances filled the room as the freshmen began to speculate about the identity of the sought-after individual.

"Is there a freshman by the name of Ethan present?"

As the upperclassman's gaze swept across the cafeteria, the hushed whispers of the freshmen became more audible. In response to the man's query, the students already present in the cafeteria turned their heads, their collective gaze converging on the silent figure seated in the corner, Ethan. He had unwittingly become the focal point of the unfolding drama.

The upperclassman, his senses sharp as ever, effortlessly deduced Ethan's identity. With measured steps, he made his way towards the quiet freshman. As he arrived at Ethan's table, he looked down at him and spoke in a calm, composed tone, "Ethan, I presume?"

Ethan met the upperclassman's gaze, his expression unreadable, and simply replied, "Yes, that's me. How can I help you?" The two exchanged a meaningful look, the tension in the air palpable.