?


    The moment they entered the canteen, all eyes shifted towards them, creating a fluffy and joyous atmosphere. Many boys looked enviously at Adam''s current position, apanied by the student council president, a first-year girl holding his hand, and another girl by their side.


    "Damn that guy!" ze expressed his frustration.


    "Hey, Senior is heading this way..." Mia''s voice brought my attention back, and I turned to see Mary still approaching. For some reason, her gaze was fixed on me.


    "It seems so," I feigned indifference.


    "Do you know who she is?" Lina''s curiosity prompted her question, and I shook my head.


    "She''s the best swordsman in the whole academy... well, second best if we keep Senior Adam on the list," Lina shared with genuine excitement.


    "That''s impressive," I grabbed a piece of bread and started eating as someone brushed past me.


    And then...


    "Tuk*"


    I turned my head to the left and saw Mary walking past me, her sword''s sheath brushing against my elbow. She nced at me with a cold stare before her gaze swept across the table, particrly lingering on Mia, who was seated next to me.


    "That table over there! It''s empty, let''s go there," Adam''s voice resonated as he approached, but he stopped in his tracks upon seeing me.


    "Hey, aren''t you..." he began, but his words faltered as his eyesnded on Mary. I shifted my gaze away from her and looked at Adam...Vexa wasn''t there.


    I felt a tap on my arm and leaned towards Mia, who spoke in a hushed tone.


    "Hey,Apologize," her voice held a hint of fear.


    Wasn''t it Mary who bumped into me?


    "Do you need anything?" I addressed Mary, and her reaction was one of surprise. She seemed to flinch back momentarily before freezing in ce again.


    "Mary?" Adam''s voice broke the silence as he gently tapped her on the shoulder. She seemed to snap out of her trance.


    "It-it''s nothing, let''s go," Mary stammered, her wordsing out in a rush. Without further ado, she moved away with them, settling at the table directly opposite ours.


    As I finished my meal, I muttered to myself about the randomness of the situation. "Umm, is it okay if I go first? I have something I want to do," I asked the group.


    "Stop! Wait a minute," Serena interrupted, waving her hand to get my attention. "So... y''know, will you eat with us tomorrow too? Like, we are friends, right?" she asked with a boldness that was a bit unexpected.


    "At least you ain''t dumb," zemented, his thoughts echoing my own.


    "Sure, I''m fine with that. If you''re okay with having me around," I responded with a small smile. Just as I was about to leave, I heard the sound of something shattering.


    Turning back, I saw Mary had dropped a ss. It was hard to ignore her odd behavior, but I decided to leave it be and bid farewell to the group.


    "Well, looks like you won''t be alone for the whole year now," ze remarked, and I couldn''t help but agree with his observation.


    Leaving the canteen, I followed the path that led to the library.


    The path was paved with stones and nked by neatly trimmed bushes and flowering nts on both sides. The sun shone brightly, casting dappled shadows on the ground through the leaves of the trees that lined the path. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing melody.


    As I walked, I passed a group of students engaged in animated conversations, theirughter filling the air. Some sat on benches, basking in the warmth of the sun, while others strolled along, chatting with friends. A couple of squirrels chased each other yfully on the grass, adding a touch of liveliness to the scene.


    Finally, I reached the entrance of the library—a grand building made of stone and adorned with intricate carvings.


    "So why are we here?" ze asked.


    "To look for a book on curses; who knows, we might find something helpful here," I replied.


    Have I ever exined the distinction between spells and incantation-less magic?


    Spells are tailored for spirit contractors, which opens up a somewhat intricate topic. Meanwhile, incantation-less magic is what I specialize in.


    In terms ofparison, spells tend to be more potent but are not asmonce. Spellcasters typically establish a contract with one of the four spirits. The spirits can be summoned through a specific ritual, which isn''t particrly difficult, but the odds of securing a contract with them are incredibly low for humans. Elves, on the other hand, seem to have a slight advantage.


    Inscriptions, on the other hand, are elemental patterns etched into the atmosphere using mana. Spells are magical incantations that are empowered by spirits.


    As for curses, they involve inscriptions that are forcefully integrated into spells to produce different effects. To draw a parallel, inscriptions are akin to circuits, while spells serve as conduits for power and effect. This intery between inscriptions and spells forms the basis of magical dynamics.


    "You know a lot huh," zeplimented as I stepped forward.


    The double doors were tall and imposing, hinting at the treasure trove of knowledge thaty beyond. I pushed the heavy doors open, and the scent of old books and polished wood enveloped me.


    The interior was just as impressive, with towering bookshelves lining the walls, filled with volumes of various sizes and colors.


    I made my way to the counter.


    At the counter, a bespectacled librarian was engrossed in arranging a stack of books. She nced up as I approached, her warm smile weing me before it disappeared in an instant.


    "Good afternoon. How can I assist you?" she asked politely.


    "I''m looking for books rted to curses, specifically information about a curse that affects rtionships between people," I exined.


    "Why do you want that?" Her tone shifted slightly, a hint of negativity in her voice.


    "Do I have to answer?" I responded, causing her to snap back into professionalism.


    In this academy, there were no restrictions on learning, so staff members or even the principal couldn''t question why a student chose a particr book as long as I don''t go into a few restricted sections that are... I''ll go if it''s needed.


    "No, you don''t. Go towards that section." She pointed around a corner, guiding me toward the relevant area, isn''t it her nature to help students pick the books?


    ''You''re still affected by the curse,'' ze remarked, and I couldn''t help but agree. But still-


    The section dedicated to curses was extensive, filled with various volumes on magical afflictions, hexes, and curses. I began scanning the titles, trying to find something that matched the description of the curse I suspected was affecting the academy.


    ''This could take a while,'' ze noted, his tone hinting at impatience.


    ''Yeah, but it''s worth a shot,'' I replied, my eyes flitting from book to book.


    After some time, a book with a worn spine and faded cover caught my attention. The title read, "Unseen Bonds: A Study of Supernatural Influences on Rtionships."


    Reaching for the book, I pulled it from the shelf and started flipping through the pages, hoping to find relevant information about the curse. As I read, I became engrossed in the ounts of various curses and how they affected people''s interactions.


    "It''s frustrating," I grumbled while lying on my back. The book contained a wealth of information, yet there was nothing relevant to the curse that causes people to hate someone. Interestingly, it even detailed an incurable curse that triggered uncontroble lust in its victims.


    As I left the library, I walked back towards the main building, my mind still preupied with thoughts of the curse and its effects. However, my attention was diverted by an unusual scene that caught my eye.


    There, a tree stood with its branches spreading out in all directions. Perched on one of the highest branches was none other than Vexa.


    "Isn''t that girl strange? She''s a royal, so why is she up there?" ze voiced his confusion, mirroring my own thoughts about this enigmatic girl.


    "Yeah, she''s definitely odd," I remarked, unable to shake off the puzzlement as I observed the tinum blonde-haired girl munching on fruits whilefortably seated on the branches. It was almost like she had transformed into a monkey.


    [Next Day.]


    As I entered the ssroom the next day, my gaze naturally shifted toward Mia and her group. I approached them with a friendly smile and began, "Good morning—" But my words faltered as I took in the weary expressions etched on their faces.


    Mia stepped a bit closer, her eyes betraying a hint of hesitation. ze''s voice chimed in with a yful quip, ''Is she going to confess?''


    Curious, I inquired, "What''s on your mind?" My tone was gentle, yet a sense of unease settled in the pit of my stomach. And then, Mia''s next words dropped like a weight on my heart.


    "Um, Ren," she began, her voice low and uncertain. Her eyes flickered briefly, and I caught a glimpse of internal struggle. "We won''t be able to hang out with you anymore," she said, her words carrying a sadness.