The next day, when Ars walked into the classroom, he was met with the same rude stares as yesterday. The talking voice that he heard until he opened the door was instantly replaced by silence.
　And that's only for the boys. It must mean that girls are much more able to see what should be the priority.
　This kind of gender difference can be noticeable in magic, though.
　Still, it's still better as long as there is no overt harassment.
　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what's going on, but I'm going to be able to get a good idea of what's going on. Does this mean that there was a harvest just because it didn't contain hostility? It's a good thing that you have a bad feeling about it, and you hope that it's just your imagination.
　Then, unfazed by the extent of the gaze, Ars began his own studies at his own pace.
　Most of today's subjects are classroom studies. It's not that I'm not interested in it, but I'm trying to take classes that don't involve moving from one classroom to another as much as I can because there's no class that I'm interested in.

　Third period, the class before lunch.
　Fortunately or unfortunately I assure you, it's unfortunate.
　All of the classes so far have been covered with Tesfia and Alice. Even in the middle of class, Tesfia's gaze flickered and pointed at Ars. It stabbed through a few students from the edge of the last row of seats.
　It's a good thing that you're not worried about the extent of your gaze, but when you're not busy like this, it's more of an annoyance than an annoyance.

"Hey!

　What Ars unleashed on Tesfia was unfortunately misunderstood by the teacher's ears. It's just a negative thing.

'You ... are you Mr. Ars ... well, I see.

　After a pause for a well-earned breath as the teacher glanced down at the roster.

'Well, let's let Mr. Ars answer that question for you, then.

　He pointed to a point on the projected LCD.

　I could tell from the odd-shaped image on the screen that it was a lesson about demons, but since I hadn't heard anything from the beginning to the present, I had to guess what the question was about.
　What we're doing in any way is the rudiments of what we're doing. It can't be a difficult question from Ars, who has a wealth of knowledge.
　From a cursory glance, it seems to be a lecture on demonic outbreaks and threats.
　Arus stood up, tucking the bookmark into the book in his hand.

'Demons appeared out of nowhere about a hundred years ago. There are many theories about its occurrence, but none of them can be confirmed by the trapped human race. In recent years, we have succeeded in blocking the invasion of the monsters, as the magic of that time could not be used to deal with them. Demons are rated according to their strength, there are eight levels from F to SS. Only once, about fifty years ago, was an SS rate confirmed in the past.

　I don't know what they asked him, but Ars tried to sit back and say that it would be enough for a lesson with a beginner.

　However, contrary to his expectations, the teacher complained.

'It's not enough,'

　The LCD on the screen switched to show several types of demons. The edge of the image was clearly marked with the title of the defeat.
　A sigh escapes from Ars's mouth. I separated it out because I decided that it would be difficult to understand it any further with a novice opponent.......It shouldn't be the teacher's intention to disrupt the order of progress of the lecture.
　This teacher was already in rivalry, and it was no longer a question and answer to teach the students.
　No, the teaching whip was only wielded against Ars.

'In the army by rate, we send double-digit, triple-digit, and four-digit mages and divide the defeats. Basically, most of the time four or more people form a squad. This is a minimum number of men to maintain the ranks in case they encounter unpredictable situations; for A-rated monsters, the majority of the troops are double-digit, and for B- and C-rated monsters, a double-digit mage is often appointed as the captain in a three-digit mage formation. Below that rate, it would be common to have a division of three-digit mages or less.

　Already, Ars's tone had stopped using words to pay respect to the teacher.
　The students who had been left behind were stunned. All of them turned their gaze bodily to Ars.
　In such a classroom, the teacher is the only one whose cheeks are twitching as she rubs her teeth together.

''So, single digit, what are the criteria for requesting a single wizard?

　It's not clear whether the desperate eyes are out of pride in being a teacher or simply wanting to lower the hoarding.
　The information about single mages is ostensibly kept secret, so there is no way that a non-military student would normally know about it.
　However, this is not a question to be asked of an active single mage.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's a good idea to have a few of them on your list," he said, "because there are only nine single wizards who are considered equal to generals in terms of rank, the authority to give orders rests with the governor. Although they are usually rated S or higher, they are sometimes called raiding parties because they can move freely on a mission to defeat them unless ordered to do so. If I had to distinguish myself from other mages, the duties of a single mage are primarily concerned with the expansion of the land.

　The teacher's idiot face, which had been left open-mouthed with an acorn, was proving to be not at fault with the current explanation.
　Ars returned his gaze to the projected rate another demon.

'Back to the story. Demons increase their strength by eating magic power. That's why they go after humans who have magical power. Since demons are also equipped with the ability to generate magic power, although they are heterogeneous, cannibalism is not uncommon. I said the rate of the demon is eight levels, but there are other special demons called mutation rates that exist in addition to this.
　This is rarely born when two or more demons assimilate each other, or cannibalize each other or eat a human. It is difficult to determine the exact rate, and the estimated rate is calculated by adding the rates of each individual demon. In other words, it is not uncommon for a demon that failed to defeat a demon to be attacked by a more vicious demon the next time it raises its rate.

　At this point, Ars ran off on a tangent.

'Therefore, even low-rate demons will change their rates by repeatedly absorbing magic power through cannibalism and other means. The high rate demons will not be wary of the protective wall. Currently, the protective wall spreading from Babel, which rises in the center of the seven countries, prevents demons from invading, but the protective wall has weakened over the years...

　As I looked around to run off, I saw that everyone in the classroom was listening to Professor Ars.
　This is probably a top secret that no teacher can know more about.

Sir, is it time to go?
...Oh, uh, oh, sit down.

　Ars sat down quietly, pretending to be calm. Exclamations could be heard leaking out from around him.


　Yes, the protective wall of Babel that had prevented the demons from invading was weakening every year. If they expanded their new territory, they would have to expand their protective walls as well. What would happen then?
　It would weaken in effectiveness. Before, the weaker demons wouldn't even try to approach, but as they got closer and closer, B-rated demons began to invade the weak areas.
　Even within the military, this has only been reported to a few people. Of course, there isn't a magician who doesn't notice the increase in the number of orders to mobilize, but none of them will say anything about it.
　I've said it halfway through, but if it's something that doesn't know about Ars, it'll be passed off as just a story.
　And those that do know.

　Tesfia and Alice's faces had gone pale.
　Ars decided to leave them alone for now, thinking it was fine if the gaze would stop.

　However..........

　When the class was over and it was time for lunch, Tesfia forcefully tugged on his sleeve and took him out to the roof. Alice is also following closely behind her.
　From the side, it would have been a cackle-woofing development, but Tesfia and Ars would have thought it was another struggle.
　Fortunately, since it was right after class had ended, there was no one on the roof.

　Tesfia opened the door forcefully and led Ars forward to let go of him.
　It wouldn't prevent him from escaping, but Tesfia and Alice blocked the door with their backs to it.

　The first to open.

''What did you mean earlier?''
What are you talking about?

　He didn't mention that he took her out at all, but Ars wouldn't be miffed by it. That's probably because it's also the price of running off on a tangent.

''Earlier, you said that Babel's protective barrier is weakening.
Did I say that?

　Ars got a headache, as I knew the bill was coming, but I have a choice to blurt it out here.

'I said it!

　I can't help but cower my shoulders at Tesfia, who tries to assure me.

'Ars-kun, is it true?'
What if I do? It's none of your business.

　I meant to muddle through, but Alice seemed convinced. She looked up with a sad look on her face. She stepped forward briskly, her chestnut-colored hair shaking in the wind that blew up, and issued a decision.

'It doesn't matter. We're trying to become mages to fight demons, too... so don't be so lonely.''

　Alice said with a tragic feeling. It was a delusional statement about an unknown object that she had not yet encountered. It was a tentative enthusiasm with no experience and no substance.

　It's too late to repair it now.

So what. It's not a problem that you can do anything about right now.
'Yes, but...'

　I've included some harsh words, but if I don't say so, I'll be bitten off. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the city. You can't help but ask them to clench their teeth.

Not true!　

　Tesfia denied it outright. Instead of feeling like she was recklessly picking a fight like she did yesterday, she refuted Ars's thinking.

''If you don't have time, it's a disgrace for a mage to spend three years in the academy at leisure. Shouldn't you be prepared to fight at any time (or whenever)?

　He pointed at Ars with his index finger pompously as if to say how he was.

　In other words, he was taking it easy, though. Of course, if this is accompanied by competence, there is nothing to say.
　It's a good thing that you have a high level of awareness, although inwardly you can't help but think that Pepe, who has never even seen a demon before, is a virtue to be concerned about.

''As such, make us able to fight demons.
No.
...

　Reflexively and once and for all, Ars replied immediately. From the side, it's nothing short of pompous. It is natural that this is not the way to ask someone to do something.

　Even so, it was a request that Tesfia chose to make with shame. I'm sure he never had the slightest idea that he would be refused. The sight of him with his eyes black and white was exactly like a shell to which the adjective "Poka~" applied perfectly.

'Ars-kun, please.'
I'll think about it. And the chancellor asked me to do it.
"Hey!　Hey!

　Tesfia, who instantly came to her senses at Alice's request to give her answer a second thought, protested adamantly.

'Why can't Alice do it!
You're a nobleman or whatever the f*ck you are, but you don't know how to ask for things.
.........

　Tesfia gulps down her unthinking bluster at a valid point.
　This won't make it difficult to insult a nobleman again. It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get away with it, because Tesfia, who was going to say something to prove it, had to swallow it after all.

''In the first place, it's a waste of time to spend on the extent of you guys!

　Even the two of them, who definitely showed the top rank in their grade, couldn't talk back when they were called a degree against a single magician.

''But the Chancellor said he'll look at it.
..........

　Alice's clear eyes reflect the sunlight in an unpleasantly dazzling way. It's cunning to look strangely limpid.
　It's true that the chancellor has told me, and I was the one who responded as if I had half-assumed it.

(It was premature, after all.)

'I did say... maybe... well, okay, so what are you going to do?'
Heh?

　Alice's intentions were heard and asked. But the other red-haired girl, musing and puffing out her cheeks, demands a do-over.

　Tesfia corrects her posture a beat too late. She glances next to her and her cheeks turn red.
　She places her hand on her chest and huffs, then pulls one foot and bows her head gaily.

''Could you please enlighten me........''

　Then he lifted his chin up with a quizzical smile and blinked his eyes up and down several times.

''..........''

　Ars looks down at the figure with a blank expression.
　What an empty sight, and the feeling of second-guessing is tremendous to begin with.
　After doing so for a few dozen seconds, whether it's because of fatigue or shame, the eyes deviate to the side and become redder and redder. I'm not sure if I should open my mouth in a wandering fashion.
　Alice giggles, scratching her cheek, and seems to decide to shut up.

'You have the guts to look down,'

　It's amazing that you don't even try to hide your ulterior motives.
　As expected, the eyes are moistening, so Ars has no choice but to help out.
　Raising his head with a bang, Tesfia stared at Mr. Shooting Sans Frontier in shame.

''Just kidding....''
Oh, you're...
'Well, I said we'd see, but I'll put my own research first. You guys aren't always useful as wizards in the first place.
Wha...?

　It's a good thing that the girls, who aspire to be wizards, felt that Ars's one-sided attitude made them feel terrible.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Or rather, her reddened face was unlikely to return if she didn't say a little bit back.

I'm not going to be able to find out unless I try. I might become strong enough to be on par with you.

　It was weak, as if a question mark was about to appear at the end of the word, but Ars thinks he's learned a little bit about not coming at him one-sidedly like he used to.

'That's not what I meant. You guys are good at what you do, aren't you?'

　It's not that I'm letting go, but a moment's pause descended on the sudden praise.

''And rightfully so.''

　It's like looking good to the best of my ability.
　Tesfia would normally be confident in saying that, if there was a 1st place reigning mage's pinnacle in front of her, she can't blame Tesfia for wavering in her pride.

　He asks with a sigh mixed in with the direction of Tesfia's argument.

''That's not what I meant. Not all good wizards are useful in a real battle. You guys have never seen a demon before, have you?'

　Ars's voice sound is not as vivacious as it should be. It's not so much that it's twitchy as twitchy. It's not so much that it's a good idea, but that it contains an indescribable hint of concern.

　Of course, both of them must have seen it in the educational materials, but Ars means that he intended to see it with his own eyes.
　They are not two people who don't understand that.
　Tesfia and Alice nodded, as expected.

　It's only natural. It's not just the two of them, but all of the students of the academy, and they are mage chicks in that sense as well.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it when you've successfully defeated the demons. In fact, that's the hardest part of being a mage.
　It's not only the role of a magician to defeat demons, of course, but I'll leave it at that for now.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Once that happens, it's hard to go out into the outside world as a mage. So even if I go along with the training and move up in the ranks a little bit, that doesn't mean I can't make use of it.
Haha it's nothing to worry about. That's exactly what you have to do to find out.

　Although Tesfaye laughs, he looks at Tesfaye with a slanted eye, saying that from Ars's experience, only such people are useless in a real battle. It's a good idea to keep your mouth shut so you don't repeat the same mistakes.

　It's fine that the way people perceive it is up to them, but Alice, who accepted Ars's words as the number one magician ranking, made a mysterious face.
　It's also troubling to be held up high that it's only for you, like Tesfia, and it's useless to lose heart before the fight like Alice did.
　It's not a matter of which is better. Still, it would be the former to die prematurely, Ars thinks that it would be the former.

'We'll start today,'

　I'm getting a headache from Tesfia, who has started to partition on his own. The first place in the rankings is also unconventional. I guess that's just a matter of time.

Time....

　Tesfia hesitated slightly there, and ruminated as if she were monologuing, overflowing with a pout, "Ars and Alice......." and so on.

''It's confusing.''

　What are you talking about, you red-haired girl?　But if the door is blocked, Ars's escape route has been cut off.

　I'm going to be quiet and listen.

"You need to change your name to avoid confusion.

　And so on and so forth, without context, the order was given after a mere two days of association.
　Alice is also taken aback by this suggestion and smiles bitterly, as if her open mouth is not closed.
　With a familiar motion, Alice's eyes fell down with an apologetic look in her eyes.

　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to tell me that you're going to be changing your name, but if you're going to change your name, it's going to be Alice, not me. I can't very well say that.
　It's not so much that you have to participate in this kind of conversation with no room for logic to intervene, but rather that you want to ignore the feeling that you have to be part of a conversation that has no room for logic.

'Say it.

　It wouldn't be limited to Ars that even returning it like this feels like a snake's nest.
　This return offended me........not that Tesfia was offended by this return, but she indulged in a hand on her chin as if she were thinking about something.

'Well, how about you, Al?　It's Als so Al.
No matter what you say.

　Ars, who had never been called by such a nickname before, struggled to answer how to respond. It seemed like there had been at least one person before. There was a time when I was in the military when I was called by a number, but if anything I was called by my name more often than not.　
　In contrast to Ars, who just stood by and watched.

'Yes. It's a good idea. It's easier for me to get to know you, Al.
So it's decided.

　Alice's decision to bite the bullet?　turned into. Ars couldn't help but wonder if he didn't need to be in this exchange.
　Nevertheless, the way Alice said it contained an ending that couldn't be overlooked.

'You can call me that too, Alice. And I'm a caller too.''
Yes.

　Alice, whose cheeks broke out in that way, didn't seem as rigid as she did yesterday.　

''Al, ka........''

　Ars's mouth moved that way. I don't know if it was in his voice. But Tesfia and Alice didn't seem to hear it.

　A mere absence of a single letter left an indescribable lingering impression in Ars with a different sound.
　It was a frustrating and frustrating sensation that I had never felt before. Maybe it was because we were the same age. Either way, I can say with certainty that the dignity of the first place has been lost, even if I can't explain why it wasn't rejected to the point of splitting hairs.　It didn't matter that it was a good thing.

　The only two people who could lower their pent-up energy with this would be Tesfia and Alice.

''Oh, noon!

　It didn't feel like that much time had passed, but Tesfia turned around with her hand on the knob of the door, which came nimbly as if she was being rushed.

'Oh, thank you Al I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you.

　It's far from vivacious, and I'm sure it will improve with familiarity, but if you feel embarrassed to say the abbreviations you've given yourself, you shouldn't have given them in the first place, Tesfia said unilaterally and ran through the door before you could circle around to say Sheesh.

　Alice, who follows, bows politely to Ars with a joyful face before turning on her heel.

'Thanks, after school, Al.
Alice, what are you doing?　Hurry up or your lunch will be over.

　I'm coming," followed by Alice.
　Ars, who was left alone.

'You're selfish,'

　Of course, that's a line directed at Tesfia. This is what you'll get when you're done with her after being brought in without permission.
　If you only look at the scene, you can be assured that the composition of the scene will be misunderstood, as Tesfia and Alice seem to have dumped him.