Minato POV
Sweat is beginning to bead on my forehead. I hop over the leg sweep ,and before my feet hit the ground, I am already rolling forward, ducking under the next strike. I leap to my feet already striking out at one of my opponents. Unfortunately, I am too slow and Tatsuya easily avoids my punch. He retaliates, but I dodge the strike and back off creating some distance. The hairs on my back prickle and I whirl around arms already guarding. The strike from Yakumo is hard and I stumble back.
"I said I wanted to train my stamina, not get double teamed." I snap at Yakumo. He simply laughs my complaint off.
"One builds stamina by training over a long period of time. Against two people you should build stamina twice as fast." I give a sigh of exasperation. That is clearly not how it works. I am training with Tatsuya and Yakumo before school. I have decided not to use my reflect strike ability or to enhance my abilities with magic. I would rather not injure any of my training partners. Unfortunately, Yakumo is determined to train me as fast as possible, thus the insane training.
"Onii-sama, come eat something. We will need to leave for school soon." Miyuki calls to us. Tatsuya and I ease out of our stances and he joins her under the trees. "Minato, I made some extra for you as well. Will you join us?" I give a thankful smile and join the siblings.
"Do you always make your brother breakfast?" I tease, biting into some of the packed food. It tastes delicious, but I guess I should expect that.
"Of course, Onii-sama is busy with several duties, therefore I do my best to support him. " I should have expected that response as well.
"Are you joining us for tomorrow's practice?" Tatsuya asks taking a sip of the tea. I take another bite of food shaking my head.
"I would, but I have other business to attend to." Miyuki and Tatsuya exchange a look before Miyuki speaks.
"Is it family business?"
"No, I am visiting an old friend." I assure them. "It has been a while since we last met." The two nod and I change the subject. "How is Mibu doing? You two visited yesterday, correct?"
"Yes, when I spoke with her she said that the injury she sustained was not that bad. She is being held for extra time due to the attacks on her mental health." Tatsuya informs. "She said she will be out sometime in May. I told her to contact us when she has a definite date."
"Really? I will have to take some time to visit her." I lean back staring at the sky, "Maybe, I will have some time after school."
"If you visit her look for Kirihara, he is always spending time with her." Miyuki says with a small laugh. She looks at her watch with a small gasp. "It's time to leave, thank you for training them sensei." Miyuki gives Yakumo a small bow followed by Tatsuya and myself. We leave the temple and eventually Miyuki and I find ourselves in the classroom talking with Honoka and Shizuku. Honoka is the one to bring up the dreaded topic.
"Tests are coming up." She announces cheerfully, and I let out a small groan. Sure, I will probably ace them, but that doesn't make them any less tedious.
"You sound more excited for them if anything," I comment eliciting a small laugh from Miyuki and a smile from Shizuku. "They are not for another month though."
"We should study together when we all have some time." Shizuku calmly replies. "It is better to be prepared than to study last minute." We all nod in agreement.
"Should we study with Tatsuya?" Honoka shyly suggests. Miyuki's smile grows at the suggestion.
"Of course, we can study with Onii-sama and all his friends. I will ask Onii-sama when he is available." From there the conversation drops off as classes begin.
The day passes without incident and I find myself in front of the hospital with a buddle of flowers for Mibu. Upon entering the building, I ask the receptionist where to find Mibu's room and begin my ascent to room 259. As I approach, a flushed Kirihara rushes past me. I pause briefly eyebrow raised, but decide to let it go. I slip open the door, and Mibu immediately turns to face me.
"Kirihara! I-!" Her words die in her mouth as she recognizes who it is. She quickly buries her face in her cover to hide her blush. I let out a small laugh.
"Expecting someone else?" My only response from Mibu is an embarrassed nod. She stays silent, so I decide to break the ice. "I heard from Miyuki that you will be released sometime in May."
"Yeah, the doctor said I should be fine by then." Mibu responds, recovering from her embarrassment. There is a slight pause in the conversation then Mibu continues. "I heard from Mari that you asked her about my memory of that day."
"Ahh, yeah. I tried to tell you, but you were absent. The next time I saw you…" I trail off. I would rather not bring up bad memories.
"I am really thankful, you know," I am surprised at Mibu's genuine thanks. "If it wasn't for Tatsuya and you, I might have done something irreparable. Both of you were trying to reach out to me in your own way. I hadn't been so blind, none of this would have happened."
"Don't be ridiculous," I calmly counter. "It's not your fault. The leader of Blanche used hypnosis among other things. You were just as much a victim as the school was."
Mibu laughs softly. "Same as Tatsuya, telling me I am not at fault." A smile spreads across Mibu's face. "Still, thank you."
To you who has endured the weight of the universe,
We of the Hanged Man arcana give to you our blessing.
With that small announcement time resumes. It seems that a small pattern in forming, rank one consistently gives me a skill card, but rank two does not.
"Look at me running my mouth, you barely said a word." Mibu apologizes. "Is there anything you want to know?" Out of the corner of my eye I see the clock reads 5:30. I can spend some more time.
"So what is your relationship with Kirihara?" I ask and laugh as Mibu falls into a mess of stuttering and red faces.
-Ω-
The following day shines brightly as I stand before the mansion of my old friend. Although I know he is not home, I have business here as well. I ring the doorbell and soon the doors are opened. Standing in the doorway is none other than the Ichijou matriarch, Midori Ichijou. Her smile is as bright as I remember.
"Good morning, Minato. I haven't seen you in ages."
I return her smile and give a slight bow. "Good morning, Mrs. Ichijou. Sorry for coming over this early." The sound of pounding footstep echo through the halls and a smile breaks upon my face as a young girl comes into view. I kneel down arms wide and the force of tiny hurricane crashes into me.
"You really came to visit!" Ruri cheers, arms around my waist. I return the gesture, before we break apart. Ruri is the youngest daughter of the Ichijou family. She is normally a more taciturn girl, but has taken a particular shine to me.
"Ruri, you need to act more proper." a high pitched soprano voice calls from further in the mansion. The familiar face of Akane Ichijou appears seconds later. "Really Ruri, you need to grow up a little."
"Like you're any better around Shinkurou." Ruri argues sticking out her tongue. Their childish argument would have continued if Midori had not intervened.
"That's enough you two, stop fighting in front of our guest." Immediately the two stop their bickering, and point at each other.
"She started it!" I have to keep myself for laughing. These two, while they may act mature at times, are still children through and through.
"If you keep fighting, Minato might not come over to visit anymore." Midori jokes. Ruri takes the statement seriously and immediately apologizes to me. Akane gives a small huff as if my visits mean nothing.
"If you keep that up I will have to tell Shinkurou." I add and Akane's expression turns to one of panic. Once the argument has been settled, Midori gestures me into the mansion, but to her surprise I decline.
"I only stopped by to deliver some news to Gouki. Is he in?" Midori shakes her head informing me that he will be out till the evening. "I see, alright could you pass this along to him?" I hand her a sealed envelope. "Thank you for your time."
"What, you're leaving already?" Ruri complains. "We barely got to see you."
"Sorry, Ruri." I apologize. "I have to meet up Masaki and Shinkurou, they will be waiting for me."
"You're meeting with Shinkurou? Take me with you!" Akane rushes forward excitedly. She is stopped however by her mother.
"It's not something serious, right?" Midori asks cautiously. I shake my head calming her.
"No, nothing major like that. Just some items to address." I wave my final goodbyes and leave the mansion. Third high is thirty minutes away by foot and I make progress at a steady pace. I arrive at my destination in twenty minutes; it seems Yakumo's training is showing results.
"State your name and business." The guard at the front gate gives me an appraising look as I respond.
"Minato Arisato, I am friends with Masaki Ichijou." The guard only laughs.
"If I had a 100 yen for every time I heard that-," His joke is cut off by the boy in question.
"Let him through, he is with me." Masaki states to the surprised guard. The guard tries to stammer an apology and opens the gate for me. On the other side I am met with both of my old friends, Masaki and George.
"Long time no see." I greet unable to keep a smile off my face. "Did you wait long?"
"No, we thought you might be early, so we came here just in case." Masaki responds and George nods his greeting. "Come on, we can talk at the dorms." With that our trio walks across campus, Masaki and George pointing out places of interest and sharing stories of what has happened. I have missed this. I can freely speak for the first time in a while. Although Tatsuya is no longer digging deeper into my past, I still must be careful on what I say. With Masaki and George, I can say almost anything. Masaki finishes up his joke.
"So she asks him to pass the soap and the guy shakes his head and says 'no soap, radio.'" We laugh and I begin to notice that our group is attracting several stares. More precisely, Masaki is attracting stares.
"So George, has Masaki finally gotten a girlfriend?" Masaki flushes at my question.
"No, he is still waiting for miss perfect to show up." Masaki stutters his denials, but they fall on deaf ears as George and I continue to talk about Masaki's lack of a love life.
"What about you, Minato?" George asks sparing Masaki further embarrassment. Masaki, happy for the change of subject, presses me for answers as well.
"Yeah Minato, you have someone yet?" I shake my head to their disappointment.
"You guys know I can't. Imagine me bringing home a girl, only for them to realize I have been lying about my last name. Seriously, how do you think that would go?" Masaki and George share a look and flinch. Seems like they agree with my reasoning. The conversation continues and we arrive at Masaki's dorm room. With Masaki's status as a member of the ten clans, he has a suite to himself. George and I recline in the living room as Masaki, the perfect host, grabs a few drinks.
"So what brings you here Minato?" Masaki asks. "I know you wanted to visit, but what is it you couldn't say over the phone?"
I wave off Masaki's concern. "It's about the upcoming NSC. I am just informing you I can't be too familiar with you two there." At their confused looks, I elaborate. "Minato Kudou may be friends with you two, but Minato Arisato is a stranger. People are going to be asking questions if we are too familiar with one another."
"I doubt it," George argues. "Half the people on campus just saw you with Masaki. They didn't seem to mind then."
"I wasn't wearing my First High uniform." I correct gesturing to my casual clothes. "I am not saying we won't talk at all. I am just saying I probably won't say hello at the opening feast."
"Do you know what events you're participating in?" Masaki asks sending me a look. "Our school hasn't chosen its members yet."
I shake my head. "We haven't chosen either, but I might not be chosen. I may have the highest test grades in the freshman class among males, but I am mediocre in practical application. I have to keep a low profile." To my surprise Masaki slams his fist on the table.
"To hell with that!" He practically shouts. "You and I better meet there, or I will never live down the defeat you handed me!"
"Okay, Okay calm down Masaki." I placate. "I will ask the clan if I can participate in the NSC. If so, I will up my skill level for the upcoming finals."
"Alright fine, was there anything else you wanted to discuss?" Masaki asks. I reply negative, but George speaks up.
"I have something to ask you, Minato." George is scrolling through his phone and pulls up an article. The article details the attack on First High. "What happened here? I thought First High had excellent defense?" I give a short sigh and go into the details of the incident. I skip over some details such as the Mibu's involvement, but I keep the majority of the incident intact.
"Hypnosis, huh?" Masaki ponders. "I guess terrorists will stoop to any level to get what they want." He sighs as he reclines deeper into his chair. "so now that we discussed what we needed to, what now?"
"I have to study for upcoming exams." George comments, giving his watch a brief glance. Masaki and I both send him a look.
"George, exams aren't till next month. You have plenty of time to study." George shakes his head in response.
"It is always better to be ahead of the curve. It was nice seeing you Minato. I hope to see you at the NSC." With that George is gone leaving Masaki and I.
"He hasn't seen you in two months and talks to you for a couple of hours. They he leaves to study for exams of all things." Masaki shakes his head with exasperation. "So what else has happened during your time at First High?" From there we talk for hours swapping stories of happenings on each other's campus. Before I know it the sun is beginning to set and it is time for me to leave.
"Was it difficult?" I send Masaki and strange look.
"Was what difficult?"
"Killing those people, when you took down Blanche. Did you hesitate?" Masaki is unnaturally quiet. His eyes are filled with other questions, but one is at the forefront. Because of my bet when we were children, you lost someone precious to you. Do you blame me? I shake my head, when will he forgive himself?
"We are magician's Masaki, many consider us weapons, death is natural to us."
"Well if you want to talk about it, I will always lend an ear." As he finishes, the world freezes.
To you who has endured the weight of the universe,
We of the Death arcana give to you our blessing.
I reach out snagging the mudo spell card and slipping it into my pocket. "Thanks Masaki, I will see you later." With a final wave, I am out the door and eventually find myself beneath the evening sun. George's words float in the back of my mind. I guess studying wouldn't be too bad of an idea.
-Ω-
Erika POV
1 week till exams
Leo slams his head down on top of the table. "I quit, there is too much stuff to memorize. I am going to fail."
"I am surprised it took you this long to quit, you were going to fail exam regardless." I laugh much to Leo's displeasure.
Our little group is studying for the upcoming exams. Apparently Miyuki and her friends had planned on studying and they asked Tatsuya to invite us as well. For a group as big, and loud, as ours however not many places were available. Thankfully Tatsuya was able to cut a deal with Mari to allow us to use the Moral committee's room after everyone had gone home. Seeing as it was a half day, we had plenty of time to study. Presently, we are all trying to study separate subjects. Miyuki and Shizuku are discussing a chapter on psion flow, while Minato and Honoka are engrossed in a lecture in magical theory by Tatsuya. I am egging on Leo so he doesn't fail and Mizuki is acting as moderator so nothing gets too out of hand. I inwardly frown. At this rate I won't get any studying done.
"Leo may have a point, we been studying for hours. Let's take a break." Miyuki calls out. The group gives a sigh of relief. Tatsuya volunteers to get everyone something to drink and Minato and Leo agree to help him.
"So has anyone learned anything? I am too busy making sure Leo doesn't fail." I ask looking to the other girls.
"Miyiki and I have agreed to focus on psion flow. Thanks to her I understand the concept better." Shizuku reports in her normal monotone.
"Nonsense Shizuku, I was the one who asked for your help as well. We both learned a great deal." Miyuki gently corrects the seemingly emotionless girl. I look to Honoka, who is rereading the textbook with a worried look on her face. Once she notices my gaze, she responds.
"Oh, Tatsuya is a great teacher." Her smile wavers as she continues though. "Unfortunately, we got off topic. Minato and Tatsuya started to discuss the actualization of flight magic and the lesson went downhill from there."
"Sorry, I was curious about Tatsuya's thoughts on the subject." Honoka's report is cut short as Minato walks in, followed by the other boys. They distribute the drinks and once everyone is finished, their focus returns to the task at hand.
"Should we switch up partners?" Mizuki suggests. I look at the rest of the members who all seem to be in agreement.
"I wouldn't mind teaching," Minato volunteers. "I am just not good as Tatsuya when it comes to Magic Theory." Shizuku says she will study with him. That leaves Miyuki, Honoka and our group of three.
"I would like to learn from Onii-sama," Miyuki is quick to decide and Honoka adds she would like to learn more from Tatsuya. It takes a second for me to realize the problem. Leo, Mizuki, and I are still in the same group.
"Hey! Just because you guys switched groups doesn't mean you can forget about us!" The other members freeze for a second and blink processing this. Seconds later everyone is laughing at the ridiculous situation and my worries disappear for a second. Out of the corner of my eye however, I see Minato stash a card into his pocket. How odd, I know he didn't have it a second before. It just appeared. My attention is drawn away from the mystery card as Tatsuya suggests another rotation and the group decides once more who will be tutoring who.
-Ω-
Minato POV
3 days till exams
"Can I…help you?" I have no idea how to interpret what is before me. A red faced Shun Morisaki is standing before me tight lipped. "Can I help you?" I inquire again and this time he responds.
"Can…you help me study for the exams?" My eye twitches slightly. He can't be serious; the only contact we have made with each other for the past few months has been nothing, but the cold shoulder. I open my mouth to outright refuse when Bryan's words filter back to me. 'Give him a chance' right? I hope I don't regret this.
"Fine, are you free after school?" Shun nods enthusiastically.
"I will meet you in the library." With that Shun leaves and I am left wallowing in uncertainty over my decision. To my surprise Miyuki comforts me for my decision.
"I think you chose the right choice. He doesn't seem like a bad person. I think he is just a bit misguided. Teach him well." With a smile and a wave she walks away. Teach him well huh? At the end of the day I find myself across from Shun, who is solving most of the problems with ease.
"I know you asked my help to study, but you haven't been making many mistakes." I wonder aloud as he completes another magical equation.
"There are some items that I still feel uncomfortable with, like reversed psion flow." Shun explains as he begins another problem. I decide to continue my studies as well. The minutes pass with the scribblings of notes and every once in a while a question and answer is exchanged between the two of us. An hour and a half later, the library is mostly empty.
"Sorry." I lift my head at Shun's apology. His apology could be for a multitude of things, so I decide to stay silent. "I've been thinking about what you said. Seriously considering what you pointed out." He falls silent again before mustering enough courage to continue. "I've been talking with Bryan-sensei a lot as well. I can admit that I was…hasty in my judgement of… some of the We- Course Two students and I-" I motion him to stop talking. His apology is probably more painful for me to hear than for him to say.
"I get the point. What you're trying to say is you will treat Course One and Course Two students equally?" Shun gives a short sigh.
"I will be the first to admit I am not perfect. Old habits die hard, and I know I will slip back to my old beliefs. That being said, I will try. I can't promise results immediately, but better later than never." He gives me a sheepish smile.
"I suppose, better late than never will have to do." I give him a small smile, but a genuine one. In response he holds out his hand.
"Let me reintroduce myself, My name is Shun Morisaki. Please to make your acquaintance." I grasp his hand and give it a shake.
"Minato Arisato, likewise."
To you who has endured the weight of the universe,
We of the Tower arcana give to you our blessing.
-Ω-
Mayumi POV
Week of finals – practical
"Mari!" I call out as I arrive at the observation platform.
"Mayumi, you're late." Mari scolds as I reach the glass overlooking the testing hall. We had agreed to watch over the students, and pick those who stood out to be participants in the Nine Schools Competition. While both practical and theoretical scores were taken into account, practical had far more weight.
"Did I miss anything?" I ask breathlessly. I had hoped to be here on time, but I was called away on some duty as the Student Council President. I glance over the students as Mari answers.
"Not too many. They are holding the Course One students on the right and the Course Two on the left. I nod confirming Mari's observation.
"Anyone of interest?" I ask scanning the line for the students who are sure to stand out. Miyuki is somewhere in the middle of the line, and Honoka and Shizuku are together near the front. My eyes rake up and down the line until I find Minato lagging at the end of the line. I switch my gaze to the Course Two students and locate Tatsuya who is about to perform his test. To my disappointment his skills are barely passable and he leaves the testing hall soon after. Mari seems to sense my concern.
"I have to admit I was expecting something different as well from Tatsuya. He is so skilled in most things; you would think he would be an exceptional magician as well." I nod my agreement, but say nothing. Time passes as both Mari and I comment on potential picks for the NSC. Miyuki passes beautifully with a time of 200ms. Honoka and Shizuku also pass and are noted on our lists. Others who stand out are Shun Morisaki, Eimi Akechi, Kazumi Takigawa, and Subaru Satomi. The line slowly dwindles until Minato finally is nearing the front. As he grows closer Mari leans forward in anticipation.
"He is part of the Moral Committee, he is going to do fine." I comfort Mari, but she shakes her head.
"Something has been bothering me since the beginning of the year about Minato." She sends me a sidelong glance before facing the testing grounds again. "The staff chose Minato for the Moral Committee, the question is why?"
"Wasn't it because of his entrance scores?" I ask bewilderment coloring my tone.
"If that's true why wasn't Morisaki chosen instead? Both his and Minato's scores were nearly identical on the theoretical section, but Morsaki was better than Minato in the practical."
"Maybe they took his attitude into account." I counter. "They knew Morisaki was bias, and Minato was a better choice." Mari sends me a doubtful glance before answering.
"Even if that was true, there is another thing that's bugging me." Mari continues. "His skill level jumped even since the incident with Blanche. He used to get around 500-600ms and now watch him." Mari gestures to the boy in question as he takes the stand. The timer starts and almost immediately Minato flashes out his hand, the sequence already active. My eyes widen at Minato's time. 135ms a 400ms decreases from his usual average.
"That's…" I am speechless. Most magicians take years to improve their casting time. Minato has improved his in two months.
"The most likely scenario was that he was lying about his skill." Mari thinks for a second then corrects herself. "Maybe not lying, but certainly suppressing. It would explain why the staff was so certain of his abilities." We watch him leave the testing facility, and soon after the last test in completed. "I will have to ask him about his sudden increase of skill. It's too large to be normal." I stop Mari before she can run off.
"He must have a reason," I reason. "Don't push him to tell us." Mari continues to stare at me so I explain my thoughts. "If you confront him directly, that could lead to potential negative effects in your Moral Committee. Let him talk about it in his own time."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Mari questions.
"Leave it to me." I answer with a smile.
-Ω-
Minato POV
Last day of Finals- paper test
I guess the constant studying helped. I am doing far better than I expected.
►Where is the magical calculation area located?
A. In the center of the brain
B. Next to the heart
C. The location is unknown
I circle the letter C.
►You feel confident in your answer!
►You feel confident in your answer!
►You feel confident in your answer!
►You feel confident in your answer!
►You feel confident in your answer!
►You feel confident in your answer!
The questions of the test are rather basic and I soon find myself on automatic. The multiple choice section is mind numbingly easy and I see the proctor shoot me a look of disbelief as I finish the section after 30 minutes. Next is the essay portion. I try to think back to Tatsuya's lesson as I begin to write. I halt halfway through the section. My pencil hovers above the next essay.
►Is flying magic possible?
Theoretically, it is… at least to Tatsuya. That being said, will the grader agree with the theory? I give myself a calming breathe and begin to write again. The magical world wouldn't test for Flying Magic if it was impossible. In the end I limit my essay to discussing the potential options for magical flight and the pros and cons of each possibility. The end of the exam causes the school bells to go off. We turn in our tests and I lean back satisfied. As I thought tests are easy, but troublesome.
"Miyuki, what did you put for the location of the magic area?" Honoka asks nervously.
"C," Shizuku, Miyuki and I all answer simultaneously. Honoka breathes a sigh of relief. We continue to compare answers… only to find that the four of us most likely did extremely well on the exam. Or we all failed. The end of the school day arrives and Miyuki and I walk to the Student Council Room and by extension (literally) the Moral Committee Room. Miyuki bids me farewell as she enters her room. I am stopped from entering my room though as Mayumi calls to me from the hall.
"Minato, I saw you practical exam. You did fantastic!" I nod my head in appreciation. Upon asking the clan if I should participate in the NSC, the clan decided it would be for the best. Therefore I had to slowly increase my practical skills so I was a sure pick for the competition. Kyouko told me not to hold back during the test, but I couldn't agree with that. I am not sure how the proctors would react to a time faster than 100ms.
"If you are free for lunch, you should join us sometime."
"Sure, I will be sure to drop by." I smile. A chill runs down my spine as Mayumi's smile turns predatory.
"Mari and I would love to hear how you dropped your activation time by 400ms in two months."
"Ye-yeah, I will see you then."
►You don't feel confident with your answer…
-Ω-
Originally this chapter was supposed to have 7 social links. I thought that was way too many to receive, much less in one chapter. I lowered it to 4 and even then it still beats the normal three Minato receives.
As always thank you to everyone who favorited, followed and reviewed. If you have question leave a review or send me a PM. I will answer what I can.
Another big thank you for Mingyu, who is doing an amazing job as my beta reader. Thank you for your dedication.
Speaking of my editor, he commented that the Social link list was getting a bit long. See my profile for the full list and their rank as of the most recent chapter.