Chapter 1.10 — The Way of the Teacher… Go away, Stupid Fan!

  I stared with intense focus, feeling my lips curl into a sinister smile as excitement built up.

  “Kekeke… finally, after all this time—I’ve found you!”

  I lifted a book into the air, as if to declare my victory.

  “Finally… this is the key!” I cackled, like a madman on steroids.

  ———

  Ann, with a blank stare… sighed.

  “What are you doing?” She shook her head.

  I cuddled the book, as I slowly lifted my head, eyes wide.

  “Nothing… you saw—nothing!”

  Ann leaned in. “What are you up to, Honeypoo!” a slight grin formed on her lips.

  “Hey, that’s not how you address your teacher, you know.” I furrowed my brows, as I turned around in protest.

  “Ahh, come on… I’m still older,” she pouted. “Come on please tell me, pretty please.”

  I turned back and with an evil smirk on my face.

  “Nope, you’re not gonna get out of this one. You still need to finish your homework and training.”

  “You’re such a meanie. Honeypoo, you’re supposed to be on my side!! I’m tired of studying and training… I wanna go out and play!!” Her face turned crimson as she shouted in frustration.

  As Ann stood catching her breath, I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her. Well she’s been working really hard with both study and training… not to mention all the noble etiquette on top of everything else.

  “Fine, if you complete the assignment I gave you, I’ll not only tell you about this book—but I’ll cut my lessons in half for the rest of this week!”

  Ann froze, I could hear the gears turning in her head as she processed my words. In a blur of motion she threw herself at her desk… her quill moved like an ice dancer on drugs, to say she was fired up—is an understatement.

  A moment later, I began to grade her work. My eyes widened as I came to a conclusion.

  “You know you had more time right?” I stared blank at her.

  “Yeah, but ya promised to cut lessons in half—so keep ya promise." She tapped her feet rapidly.

  “I said that, and you completed it in record time.” I raised a brow.

  Ann folded her arms and grinned proudly of her achievement.

  I shook my head. “But you passed… barely.”

  “This is not good enough for the Royal Academy, you need to do better.” I said with a stern voice.

  Ann looked away as she scratched her head. “ Ahh, I know… but it’s just—”

  She paused for a moment, not knowing what to say.

  I let out a deep sight. “You did complete it, so as promised I’ll cut the lessons in half.”

  Ann’s eyes widened as they shimmered with hope. “You mean it… seriously?”

  I nodded, “You’ve been working very hard the last couple of months, so it’s fine to take it a bit easy.”

  “Yay!” With a big smile, she clapped her hands together.

  At that moment, sweat began to pour down my face. As the playful pressure began to accumulate, I braced myself for Ann’s usual wrestle takedown.

  As I closed my eyes, I awaited inevitable doom… she bowed gracefully.

  “Thank you very much Sir Nachman, for your consideration.”

  “Ehh?” I was dumbfounded and froze.

  I did not expect that reaction, she almost gave off a noble lady vibe.

  Ann closed the distance, her movements graceful.

  “See, I can act all noble and lady-like, so I’ll be fine at the Royal Academy.” She said teasing.

  Ann leaned in. “So, what’s the book for?”

  I leaned back as I looked away. “ Well, you see… it’s sort of like a history book about the kingdom.”

  She raised a brow, “What? You got that much excited… for a history book??”

  “Well yeah… Tess has only allowed me to study language and nothing else… but I know nothing about this world—” I stopped myself from finishing that sentence.

  Ann titled her head. “Huh? Ohh wait.” she then remembered, “Ahh, sorry I forgot you lost your memories?” She bowed in succession.

  I leaned back, chuckling awkwardly. “No, no it’s fine—no harm done.”

  “Honeypoo is soo kind! I can get you more history books for you if you would like?”

  “Yes please, as many as possible.” Enthusiastically I grabbed her by the shoulders.

  “Umh… okay…” her face flushed.

  “And also… Please don’t tell Tess, or she’ll kill me.”

  A familiar voice called out.

  “Mistress Anja, your sword instructor has arrived.”

  ***

  In the yard, the instructor and Ann were getting ready.

  “Miss Anja, since you’ve chosen the Tide Scout discipline path, we’ll have to begin with its foundation the—Surge Fang discipline. Every Capax-Speed user must master Weapon Enchantment Spells to become truly strong.

  Ann nodded. “I understand, but how long will it take?”

  He grinned. "Impatient, are we? Your appraisal showed you have:

  Primux—Water, Capax—Speed, and Manaflux—Higlix.”

  Stolen story; please report.

  The instructor tilted his head slightly. “However, all of these are merely your potential! Your current level is Manaflux—Loflix—the very bottom of the Manaflux power scale.”

  He took a deep breath and continued, “Primux—Water grants you access to powerful water spells far beyond Higlix, but first, we need to raise your mana level before you can use them.”

  He raised his index finger. “Therefore, to reach your potential, you’ll need to progress through the water-speed disciplines—Surge Fang and Wave Dancer—before you can attain the title of Tide Scout.

  I tilted my head and facepalmed at his overly long explanation. Why doesn’t he just say, ’train hard, raise your mana level from Loflix to Bazix to Higlix!’? That’s literally what all this means—higher Manaflux, access to stronger disciplines and more spells!

  As I shook my head, I glanced at Ann. She looked completely lost.

  I stood at the sidelines, just staring at them—not much to do, I suppose.

  But why am I here again? Ohh yeah, I’m rooting for Ann and also it’s my job as her teacher… Apparently?

  The instructor raised his wooden sword towards her.

  “I want you to cast Weapon Enchantment Spell, and attack me at full force!”

  While I was rolling my eyes, the instructor began the training.

  “Take your stance!” He shouted, sword at the ready.

  Ann raised her sword, “Drop Stream Edge!" Her sword enveloped in a thin layer of water.

  The instructor nodded as he raised his sword—a clashing sound echoed through the yard, as they went full steam.

  Well, Ann is almost eight years old, so it’s not like I’m expecting her to be able to do much… but it’s a good experience, so going all out is a good thing.

  Having magic makes you strong, but you still need to grow physically to handle it, since training too hard too early can damage the body.

  As I gazed at the scene, I thought about what happened to Ann in the game…

  you see, there are three moments you can recruit Ann. First-year, third-year and

  fifth-year. She’s essentially one of the game’s extra hidden characters that can be unlocked under certain conditions.

  The ending is basically the same, but I got her late-game since that’s when she’s at her most powerful. At that point she’d lost her family and wanted revenge, she basically joined the hero party, sacrificing herself in the process.

  The fight became more intense, as the clucking sound of the wooden swords intensified. At that moment, Ann advanced quickly and ducked the instructor’s vertical slash for a counterattack—but she missed, of course.

  Honestly I really felt bad for her in the game, but I’m happy she’s fine, but…

  What’s going on? Is her future going to change or follow the same path?

  As I contemplated, I took the pendant out… holding it between my fingers.

  Ann’s Father let me roam freely through their entire library, and nothing. I have found… diddly-squat information about this pendant, no—less than squat.

  My teeth gritted as I just wanted to launch this damn thing into space… ahhh, my head’s gonna explode!!

  A thud came from the yard, “Ouch, my head.” Ann said in disapproval.

  The instructor chuckled, “Young miss, that’s what you get for letting Mr. Nachman distract you.”

  “Awwww… he was holding his head and making a crazy face,” she grinned, scratching the top of her head.

  I gave her a blank stare, an evil grin tugged on my lips. “Well… if you’re too distracted, I might have to reconsider those half-days—”

  “—Ahh, instructor please continue.” She smiled awkwardly and in a flash, turned towards the instructor flailing her sword… cold sweat running down her face.

  I grinned like a mustache twirling villain; serves you well.

  Yes I know I’m mean, but she seriously needs to get a grip, otherwise she’ll fall behind.

  A cold chill ran down my spine, I felt pressure of pure killing intent. Immediately I turned and there she stood… her arms folded as she clicked her tongue.

  Well this blond haired woman is Ann’s disapproving Mother, Martha. I’m still not used to these nobles with their fancy clothes, she was wearing her usual floor-length gown embroidered in a faint silver embroidery as she hid half her face behind that stupid fan of hers.

  “Why are you still here? Your language lessons are done, no?” Martha sneered.

  I bowed. “Ohh my lady, my duty for today is still not over yet. The young miss still needs my attendance."

  Martha looked away, hiding her obvious frown behind her fan.

  “I know my husband has expanded your duties to support her in other studies, but.”

  She closed her fan as she moved closer, towering over me. “She doesn’t need you for those, as her teachers are perfectly qualified to handle it on their own.”

  I took a step back as my body began to shake, my expression changed into that of high discomfort.

  Ahh… she’s way too scary—her eyes gonna pop out if she continues to stare so unnaturally!

  “Leave him, Mother, or I’ll tell Father!” Ann’s expression hardened as she stepped in between us.

  Martha closed in,“but Anja dear, you don’t need this commoner—”

  “—I do… and you’ve known if you ever were here—instead of all those tea parties!” Ann said fuming.

  Martha froze. “I, see…” her voice crackled, almost sounding sad.

  “Fine, have it your way.” She gave me a quick glance as she turned, walking away.

  “Gahh, I’m so sorry about that… Mother is… a bit…” Ann said in a soft voice, stumbling over her words.

  "It’s fine, I understand." I smiled, reassuring her.

  The instructor smiled, as he rested his wooden sword on his shoulder.

  “Shall we take a break young miss?”

  Ann nodded, as she gave me a warm smile she grabbed me by the arm and pulled me along.

  “Ehh, where are we going?” I asked, with a confused face.

  “Just come,” she said with a playful grin.

  ———

  After dragging me for a while, we arrived in an area filled with flowers. A gazebo was placed in the middle, as servants could be seen attending the area.

  Ann finally let go, and walked a bit ahead.

  “I’ve been thinking about something.” Her voice is soft, but with a hint of seriousness.

  She turned, her expression serious. “I might be a little naive, but I understand things will change at your appraisal.”

  I tilted my head. "That’s still far in the future, you know?”

  She smiled. “It feels like we met yesterday at the orphanage, but it’s been almost a year… I’m afraid it’s gonna be over soon.”

  “Hmmm… I see… well don’t worry about it, I’ll still be around at that time—the money is good you know.” I teased, as I grinned from ear to ear. Trying to cheer her up.

  Ann chuckled, “You’re funny…”

  “But, I’m scared of what might happen to your appraisal… what if you get something amazing and have to go far away.” She looked down, a hint of sadness in her voice.

  “Ahh don’t worry, even if I get something amazing… Jen and Grey wouldn’t just let me be taken away and Tess will probably drag me back by the collar.

  Ann let out a laugh as she imagined that, “Hehe… well you are her favorite student after all… more than I was.”

  I furrowed my brows. "Don’t be like that, Tess does miss spending time with you, you know.”

  Ann nodded as her smile slowly faded. “I still think about that day—what that Seer told me.”

  “Ohh you mean the, becoming a powerful leader thing?” I scratched my chin.

  She shook her head, “No… when she leaned in she said…”

  I widened my eyes as I leaned in. “Yeah, what?”

  “Ahh… never mind… it was just a bit weird.” Ann folded her arms as she turned away.

  “Besides… I’ve heard that Seers can be wrong, so it’s probably that.” She said, waiving it off.

  “Ohh, I see.” I replied in a soft voice, the atmosphere a bit tense.

  At that moment, a familiar voice called out to us. “Young miss and young sir— lunch is about to be served,” one of the maids announced.

  With that we went inside.

  ***

  “Puff, puff, puff… wait, Leo—not so fast.” Grey called out as he lost his breath.

  I had run ahead into Cleinwalth Forest, looking for an important ingredient for ShellCrafting.