Conversations always build up to something complex, right?

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  —LATER THAT DAY - 4:32 PM, END OF CLASS—

  Soon after the ceremony ended, all the students packed up their stuff and went home, especially me, who wanted out of the school after that. I did get some snide remarks from other students as I blazed down the halls of the school and back to my dorm room.

  Eventually, after dodging students so that I wouldn't bump into them, and the hasty door opening, I finally reached my oh-so-comfy-in-stressful-times dorm room. Taking off my cloak, setting down my bag, and taking off my shoes, I flopped to the couch, groaning in exhaustion all the while.

  “Why meeeeee…”

  That was my singular line before I exhaled to calm myself down. Episodes like these where I have a panic attack of some sort and just desperately want to go home are kind of the norm for me since middle school. I haven’t checked with a doctor about this, but my personal best guess is that for one: I am pretty antisocial but not really, and two: I have issues with mass attention directed towards me. Probably the latter.

  Of course, the moments that played out in the last part of the Selection Ceremony still played out in my head over and over again as I lazed on the comfy couch for about twenty minutes. Those gazes that reek of hatred and confusion, my mind trying to keep up with everything that’s going on but failing harder than Windows ME, the fact that I was standing alongside people who are far better than me, and being chosen out of the hundred possible candidates just…

  …Oh god I need some water.

  And so I did, getting off the couch and walking to the fridge, I opened myself a bottle of water in those Aquaflask jugs you see some people bring, savored the cold water as I drank it all up, closed the cap, put it back, closed the fridge, then promptly flopped back onto the couch, still exhausted as ever.

  My mind traced back to those words said by the headmaster.

  “Tomorrow, as competitors in the Grand Front, the first Competitors’ Meeting will be held. It is best that you come to allow yourselves to meet your fellow teammates for the coming days.”

  A simple instruction, but hard to think about for a socially-anxious person like me.

  Like, come on, how am I supposed to get along with people who probably hate my guts, hate the fact that an “average one” is among their ranks, or they just hate me in general and want me out of there?

  Okay, enough whining talk, time to unwind.

  Getting off the couch and changing my clothes to my casual fitting, a grey shirt with black shorts, and after washing my face in the bathroom, I toasted myself a nice little bread with cheese on top and ate it as I scrolled through my contacts list on my phone. It’s kind of a habit for me after class to check my phone for some messages in case I probably missed something. Nothing so far, just some read messages from friends, my parents, family members and–

  –Oh, new message.

  Checking the recent notification, I saw that the message on a different app called “Nexus” was from a user named “That Guy Called V”, an online friend of mine I met in a game we played, and turns out to be a student in one of the other major magic schools, that being Nox Veritas Sorcery College.

  Let’s see what he’s got to say.

  ———————

  –That Guy Called V–

  [Status: Online]

  That Guy Called V:

  Yo @existingman0. How’s your day? Did the ceremony happen on your end?

  Existent_041 (You):

  Yeah, it did. A little wild on my end.

  That Guy Called V:

  Oh?

  That Guy Called V:

  How so?

  Existent_041 (You):

  I got chosen.

  Existent_041 (You):

  I didn’t know that was gonna happen.

  That Guy Called V:

  Woah damn, me too.

  That Guy Called V:

  Guess we’re probably gonna encounter each other soon.

  That Guy Called V:

  Dunno when tho, haha

  Existent_041 (You):

  Bro, u and me, we ally up when we meet.

  Existent_041 (You):

  If they allow us that is.

  Existent_041 (You):

  I doubt it will happen actually, but thought it could be cool.

  That Guy Called V:

  Bet my man.

  That Guy Called V:

  Wait, gonna have to tap out.

  That Guy Called V:

  Gotta train tho, sorry.

  That Guy Called V:

  School's mandating us to prepare for the main event.

  Existent_041 (You):

  No worries, it’s fine.

  Existent_041 (You):

  Good luck and cya soon bud.

  That Guy Called V:

  Cya.

  That Guy Called V:

  Also if you consider leaving before meeting me I'll kick ur ass myself.

  ———————

  I smiled a little from that as I closed the app. V is one friend I made during the first week of school. It was a chance meeting, but when playing a game online, I met him on a server that was looking for players to co-op with for a two-player mission. I took up the offer, had some fun, and eventually, I got his contacts on Nexus.

  He didn’t tell me his real name, as part of something we mutually agreed upon, but he did tell me facets of his life, but not too much as to accidentally leak his personal information. As said before, he’s a student in Nox Veritas, a school similar in social status to Aionios, where I study, but is set somewhere in Britain instead of Aionios’ east coast of America. And boy we did make some very British jokes…

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Some of the other facets he told me are that he has an older sister who’s working at the European Council of Mages, he’s a dog person, and likes reading web novels as a pastime, much like me, although not as much as him.

  Moving on from that conversation, I decided to play some games on my phone simply because I was bored and I had a lot of time before dinner. It is about 4:57 PM, after all.

  The genre of games I usually play is varied for a bored guy like me, but my top three are character action or hack-and-slash games, think Devil May Cry or Dynasty Warriors, since I do love some good old stylish combat to numb the brain a little, RPG games for someone who likes vast worlds and interesting stories (and fun combat if that exists too), and strategy games, preferably games like X-COM or RTS games, since despite me loving brain-dead button-mashing games, I like using my brain for once, thank you very much.

  The game I’m playing right now is a strategy game I picked up recently. Games like these are kind of a great experience to get something off my mind and replace it with a new one, that moment being–yeah you get it already. Just so you know, I’m winning, so no need to get in my dorm, Dad.

  Oh wait he’s not here–

  Anyway, after like, thirty minutes of playtime, I decided to get off my phone and take a walk outside. It’s also a usual thing for me to do when I’m bored and just want to take a nice little walk around my route in this city. So, getting my usual attire of grey jogging pants and black jacket sported with red shoes, I set off into the sunset-covered city.

  Where I live, Frontier City is not a city you’d find normally in my country of origin, the United States. It’s seated on an artificial island referred to as “Lostport Island”, connected to New York. From what I know, Frontier City is a pretty popular tourist spot, with one of its main attractions being, of course, Aionios, since it’s one of the tallest and largest buildings here.

  As I walk along the path I normally always go for in walks like these, I take in the scenery around me; the people chatting and having a good time, cars and bikes taking leisure rides to wherever their destination is, passing by people who are also taking a leisure walk, all topped off with the sunset dying the skies a beautiful orange-blue– it just…feels so natural and refreshing from the craziness that is the morning and noon.

  I stopped my walking to gaze at the horizon, mesmerized as ever by the orange light of the sun. Seeing that light brings me fond memories, a ton of them in fact, of me just hanging out with friends, and family, or sitting by my lonesome. The memories of the normality that I took for granted, but are treasured nonetheless.

  It took me a good five minutes for me to snap out of my sentimental state before I continued with my walk, taking the road back home.

  Wonder how tomorrow’s gonna go?

  —THE NEXT DAY - 8:01 AM - BEFORE CLASS STARTS—

  As expected after the day when an average one like me is chosen for a high-profile magic competition, today started not normal.

  “Dude! You saw the roster, right!?”

  “Yeah, I know. Pretty good names up there, isn’t it?”

  “Yes indeed! I mean come on, we got the First-Year rising stars like the Radiant Scion of Lichtschild, the Silver Sword Princess, the Winner of the Magic Theorem Youth Challenge of 2024!? Yeah, I think our school’s gonna do great on this Grand Front.”

  “Don’t count out the other years too. Alexander Bannings, from what I heard, is nicknamed the “Impregnable Wall” due to his mastery of defensive magic and combat style, while Samuel Silva-Souza is considered one of the best in our school for eastern swordplay, despite from what I know, he’s a proud Brazillian man.”

  “Yeah, yeah, spout off you want, you probably have the hots for Mister Bannings, eh?”

  “W-What? What the hell are you spouting!?”

  “C’mon, gal. I can see your blush~”

  “S-Shaddap!”

  “Wait, what about Asher Blacklight? The last one chosen among the fifteen?”

  “Well…I dunno about him. From what I know, he’s an average one, but I think he’ll be relegated to support roles.”

  “Yeah, probably the same as that alchemist. Poor guy looks like he was about to pass out.”

  “Probably best to kick both of them out. As if they’ll ever contribute to the road to glory as much as the others.”

  “Dude, shut up about that shit. We get it, no need to sound like you’re a robot in desperate need of a repair.”

  “I do not!”

  Before that went any further, the school bell rang and everyone got to their seats. I only sighed in mild annoyance. Even now they’re gonna try and find new ways to splash mud over my name, huh? As if I care all that much, anyway.

  I don’t like starting confrontations, as I’m a dude who just goes with the flow of things, or as my V calls, a “doormat”, which I take minor offense to despite being…kind of true. I also like to strike back when the time is right…but that time hasn’t come for me yet. Womp womp.

  Or maybe I need to work on my self-esteem and do something for once, I dunno.

  —LATER THAT DAY, 4:30 PM - THE END OF CLASS—

  Oh goodie, another time skip. Must be fun, right?

  Yeah, I just skipped the specific stuff because I am too lazy to specify what is happening in the classes other than learning and gossip and there is so much happening in school that I can’t fit most of it into a chapter. But maybe I’ll share some bits of school life later on, who knows?

  Remembering what was said yesterday, instead of heading straight to my dorm, I went to my destination somewhere in this building.

  From what I know, the meeting is going to be held in the private practice room on the third floor of the school. Normally, it is barely used, but for special students who are either chosen for practical tutoring or have rented the place (Don’t ask what the price is), it would be used, and since we’re “special students” chosen as Grand Front competitors, we get access.

  I can already feel the shivers down my spine as I walk down the halls and climb the long stairs.

  Yes, I know, I probably have been spouting off my nervousness here, but I'm someone who's a little bit of an introvert. Fine for actual normal people relationships, sure, but not with people who are way out of your league. Nobles, prodigies, winners of global competitions, not the Grand Front, this is a stacked roster that I feel very out of place in.

  …Okay maybe except for that ‘’alchemist guy”, but I don't know him that well so maybe he's an exception.

  After a while of walking and asking others where to go, since I barely explored this place, I found the destination, identified by a shut technological steel door, barring anyone from getting a slight peek of who was inside. Probably for the best.

  Attached beside the door is a card scanner for school IDs. Normally, if I wasn’t chosen for the Grand Front, I’d have to ask a staff member who has the ID with access to the room, or be a freeloader and ask a friend who has the ID for the area. However, I am not a freeloader or a regular student.

  Fetching my ID from my pocket, I tapped it on the scanner, which had the screen glow green and have mechanical whirring accompany the door come to life and open, splitting the steel door in two as both of them moved out of the way for me to enter.

  “Ah, there you are, Asher Blacklight.”, a man in his thirties sitting slouched in front of a coffee table remarks with a slight smile. Around the coffee table is a comfy-looking couch, and on them are the fourteen other Arcsworn for the Grand Front, all of them looking at me with varying degrees of emotion, but most of them I can feel are either pity and/or disdain.

  “Sorry. Was I late?”, I asked as I put down the bag safely on the floor as the doors closed behind me.

  “No, not at all.”, the man shook his head. “You’re right on time. Please, hang your cloak over there and take your seat.”, he said, pointing to a cloak hanger next to me, which already had fourteen of those cloaks of varying colors hung there.

  “Ah, alright.”

  Unbuttoning my cloak and hanging it on the last available hanger, I walked over to the couch and took my seat, which had me facing the man on my left side and the other participants from my front, right, and adjacent sides. Exhaling to calm down the nerves, I mentally prepared myself for the beginning of this meeting.

  “Alright, since everybody is here and on time, let us start with introductions, shall we?”

  The man said before sitting straight up and straightening his clothes.

  “I am Professor Hubert Masamoto, Secondary Course Combat Instructor for this school and the coach for major competitions. It’s a pleasure to meet you promising young people who are to carry this school’s name on the Grand Front. That includes you two.”, he said as he looked at a person on the right side of the couch and then at me.

  I kind of jumped when he did. It’s probably my nervousness acting up. Damn it me, calm down.

  “My job is to monitor and mentor the school’s chosen students for the coming Grand Front in a month or so. I won’t interfere as much, since the mandate for this school is having you guys train at your own pace, but when you need guidance or practical sessions, I am ready to help.”

  “Now, with that done, let’s start from this side first.”, he said, pointing to the person sitting near the edge of the sofa on his left side.

  “I’m Alexander Bannings. I hope to get along with you!”, a boy with neat dark orange hair said as he waved to us all.

  “Lucia Fiorella. A pleasure to meet you all.”, a girl that looks slightly older than me with light chestnut hair waved softly as a gentle smile adorned her face.

  “L-Lucas Grey.”, stammered the boy about my age or younger with ashen hair as he stood up as straight as he could. Seems like more of the “shrinking violet” type of person. Seems relatable to me.

  “Atsuko Shiranagi.”, a girl with near-black hair with red highlights said as she bowed in greeting.

  “Oscar Lichtschild, Third Son of the Lichtschild family.”, the boy that fangirls were swooning over the last chapter said with a serious yet neutral tone with absolute politeness.

  “I am Astrid Hildebrand. Second Daughter to my father, Frederick Hildebrand.”, the lady about my age with silver hair introduced herself as she gracefully put her hand over her chest.

  “Bryson Anders-Freeman. How ya’ll doing?”, the man from the Secondary Course said as he laid back deeper into the couch.

  “Samuel Silva-Sousa here.”, the “proud Brazilian man” said with a wide smile on his face.

  “Heh, I barely need introductions. I am Garland Francisco-Rivera. Prodigious son and glorious man of chivalry!”, a man with dirty blonde hair said in an annoying tone that speaks of ego and gallantry.

  “You said you barely need introductions, yet say that?”, I commented, a deadpan tone in my voice as I got an offended look from him.

  “Y-You shut up, commoner filth!”

  “Which is why you should keep your mouth shut.”, the boy next to Garland interjected with a stern look on his face before turning back to face us with a smile. “I’m Ethan Hope. Nice to meet you all!”

  “So, the Theorem Youth Challenge winner, eh? Interesting. My name is Kortney Monte-Fontaine of the noble Fontaine family in France.”, she said before letting out a short haughty laugh. Kind of annoying, but to be honest, it’s kind of expected from people like them.

  “Shin Yejun of Korea. Nice meeting you all.”, he introduced himself as he smiled softly in politeness. I raised my eyebrow a little at that. A Korean? I rarely see those kinds of people, but I ain’t complaining that much.

  “I am Torii Arthurson. Pleased to meet you!”, the girl beside me bowed in introduction with a wide beaming smile on her face.

  Guess it’s my turn.

  “Asher Blacklight. Hi, I guess?”, I said as I weakly and awkwardly waved. Ignoring the look from a certain chivalrous noble here, I cleared my throat with a simple cough and turned to look at Hubert, who nodded in approval from the introductions.

  “Excellent, now for the first agenda for this meeting.”, he announced with a slight gleam in his eyes.

  I have a feeling this is gonna be awkward once we get to that agenda.

  “Please explain your magical talents. Don’t worry, we don’t judge.”

  I was freaking right.