Chapter 132: Gloomy Sky

I looked at the window. The sky provided me with a beautiful sight of the clouds drifting under the gleaming disc of the sun. A while later, the large clouds started forming, obscuring the beautiful view of the plasma-blue sky, and then the cloud spats out beads of water. The sound of rain reach my ears, as it taps the window and it became a pitter-patter. I'm fortunate that it began raining while we were inside the classroom. Instead of hating the rain because of the inconvenience that it brings for students like me, I was amazed by the fact that rain exists in this dimension. Weeks have passed, but it only occurred today. Furthermore, the fact that the classroom's gloomy atmosphere added by the rain was perfect.

"That concludes for our today's class."

As usual, Instructor Sienna didn't leave the class, as she will also be our teacher for the next one. Watching her handling all of our class is quite tiring. I don't know how she can manage it nor have the energy to withstand the hours she gives into teaching us. She's really passionate about teaching us.

As for my classmates, they're slightly improving with their mana unlike last time, especially Lars. I don't know what happened, but his mana became more potent and increased steadily day by day. However, at the same time, the look on his face was gradually worsening, as if his soul is about to leave his body.

After my alone time with Adelle yesterday, Erik and Lars were nowhere to be seen in our dorm. And then, after I woke up, they were suddenly at their beds. When Erik woke up, I asked him. "Where have you two been yesterday?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm helping Lars."

"Helping him on what?"

"Simple stuff." Erik went into the bathroom without elaborating on it.

But a while later, after he got out, he explained to me how he's helping Lars forcefully open his mana gateways in his body. His words piqued my curiosity, as I thought to myself if that's also a viable option for me before; however, Lars and I are different; unlike him, I don't have any existence of mana inside my body. But, it's quite interesting to put into theory. The problem with it would be the fact there's no way to put it to the test.

While watching the rain outside, I wonder about Master Irene's well-being. It's been so long since I saw her. Moreover, before leaving, she seemed more busy than usual, so I wasn't able to have a proper conversation with her. Naturally, I was dejected. Master Irene said that she'll contact me once I got here, and to this day, I'm still waiting. After what's been happening around me, hearing her voice would really uplift my spirit.

I sighed and focused my attention back on the class. Then the figure of Adal's back caught my attention. Adal caught my attention because he's resembling the guy from yesterday, yet the two are nothing alike... Weird. Moreover, it's been a while since I saw him open his mouth. He gave me quite an impression on the first day. Looking at his back, the first thing I noticed was his mana obviously. It's calmer than his usual chaotic mana.

"Are you holding a grudge against him?" Lars next to me asked.

We haven't really discussed what happened that night, so it's mind-boggling for me to see him revert back to his usual self.

"What? No, of course not. Why would I have a grudge?"

"Then why are you looking at him?"

"Is it bad to look?"

"Not really, but it's my first time seeing you paying attention to our classmates. You would often talk to us and listen to the class, but other than that, there's nothing."

"Aren't you the same?"

"Nah-uh. I mean, yeah, I don't talk with them nor have the reason to do so, but that doesn't mean I'm not paying attention to them." Lars rests his chin in his hand.

"Well, we have our own personal problems to deal with. We're in this class for a reason."

"True... So what happened with the girl last time?"

"Do you mean that girl?"

"Who do you think I'm talking about?"

"S-She's doing well..."

"Is that so? You picked up a crazy one."

"Y-Yeah, she's quite unique."

"It still haunts me... Nevertheless, you're a lucky one." Lars sighs.

"Lucky? I-I guess so?"

"Do you want to join us for training later? We're actually been meaning to invite you, but you've been busy lately, so we're wondering if you're open for later."

"For what?"

"Mana training. Erik was helping me since I'm one with cases of mana deficiency. We're thinking that your insight would also help us even though you said 'you don't have one'. It was Erik who suggested it." Lars pointed to Erik next to us. Erik looked in our direction and nodded to us.

"I just had a different one... Nevermind. But yeah... Yeah, sure. Since we're on that topic, I'm actually amazed by your improvement, Lars. The drastic change is nothing compared to before, on top of that, it's been only a few days. You did a great job. Well done."

I don't have any plans for today other than looking around the town later, looking for supplies. I was also planning to get Stephanie to accompany me later since she knows the place more than I do. But I guess, I will need to postpone it for tomorrow.

"Why are you complimenting all of a sudden?" Lars looked at me in bafflement.

"I'm just saying my honest observation."

"I-I guess, thank you...?"

Seeing his unusual behavior. "Are you not used to it?" I blurted out my thoughts.

"I'm also curious too. For some reason, he's allergic to compliments. He hates hearing them." Erik interjected as he removes his glasses and grinned at Lars.

"If we go by that logic, that means, he likes getting berated more?"

"It seems so." Erik didn't hesitate on answering my question.

"Are you a masochist, Lars?"

"I swear to god. I'm about to— Cool yourself, Lars. Hooo... Happy memories. The mind shall always be at peace. I don't know if you two are deliberately doing this to piss me off—But I will let it slide. Hooo..."

"I think I'm going overboard. If so, I'm sorry..." I snickered.

Erik smiles and pats Lars back. "This is what I told you. You're improving now. Also, learn to accept our praises, it's not like it will harm you. They're just words of encouragement. Even Claude is noticing your hardships. Isn't that a praiseworthy achievement even though it's only a slight improvement? If any person can see your growth then that means you're doing a splendid job."

"I—"When Lars was about to open his mouth, he hesitated and kept his mouth shut, and instead, focused his attention on Instructor Sienna in front of our class. His ears are beet-red. Erik and I glanced at each other. I gestured at him, zipping my mouth and raising a thumb.

"Okay, let's start!" Instructor Sienna shouted.

We diligently listened to her lesson. It's been bothering my mind while Instructor Sienna. I can't get out of my mind how I was toyed last time fighting her. Regardless of it being 'just' sparring, a loss is still a loss in my books. It's not like it's my first loss against her.

Rather than getting upset, it's making my blood boil. I know that my own teacher had some unknown intentions, but it's fun to learn a unique fighting style from someone strong. Recently, I've been waiting for her to spar with me again to watch her hand-to-hand combat. I want to learn how to grapple like her. She's also decisive when it comes to attacking slight openings of her opponents. So it made me wonder what she's like if she has her weapon like a sword or a dagger. With her fighting style, I got a feeling that she's a dagger wielder. It suits her style.

Not only I'm interested in Instructor Sienna's fighting style, but Erik next to me was also the person I'm looking forward to. Despite the lacking in some departments like the power of the spirit, he's a person that I look forward to watching. But I often see him training almost every morning with his fist and legs. For some reason, he likes beating the crap out of trees. On top of that, he doesn't use his mana, but with his bare physical strength alone. But sometimes, I wonder what happened to his spirit. Regardless of his unfortunate circumstance, he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. It also might be the reason why he had the determination to get stronger.

I briefly glanced at Erik before returning my attention back to the class.

Also, he's a person with an odd fighting stance, relying solely on his fist. On top of all, his mana distributes his mana throughout his body evenly. An efficient and effective way of preserving mana while maintaining its form. A completely opposite of me, whereas, I use the erratic approach of distributing my quintessence. It's powerful yet inefficient. The reason for the erratic approach was because of my inability to perfectly control my quintessence.

Lars, on the other hand, he's a smart-witted and adaptable person. He might be lacking in all aspects of strength, mana, and experience, but he has the experience of facing hardships. He's always complaining, yet never once do I see him stopping in his training. He's the type of person who always completes the task given to him, no matter what. As to why he always looks like someone beaten up every single day. He will train until his body gives up.

The moment I realize that there's a reality where I need to live through the harsh reality of going through hardship with my manaless body—it's unimaginable for me. I can't picture myself living a reality without Master Irene. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't become the person I am today.

Suddenly, I sensed a fast incoming object toward me. I dodged it with ease. I almost summoned a spear to block it. Looking in the direction of where it came from, Instructor Sienna was looking at me angrily with a grin.

'Are you trying to kill me?!' I shot daggers at her.

"Where are we again?" I asked Erik.

"Instructor Sienna is currently talking about the restriction of nature to the mana inside our body."

"Ah, is that so? Thank you for telling..."

Instructor Sienna sent one again to me, but I caught it this time. Opening my hands. "Seriously? It's just a minuscule piece of crumpled paper, but it hurts that much?"

"You want another one or will you listen to my class?" Instructor Sienna gritted her teeth.

"I will listen."

"Good."

I look outside, as the rains pour down from the sky. Because of the clouds covering the sun, the sky looks dark and sad. Suddenly, Instructor Sienna sent another one in my way. "You really want it, huh?!" 

"Ah, sorry, sorry!"