[64] MONDAI HIGH ENROLMENT

Today’s the big day— not really. It’s just a normal day, like every other day. Except that we have to go register our attendance at Mondai High.

Nothing much changed the past few days— Liliath and I did manage to read a manga together— just that it wasn't porn-related. Fortunately.

We also did some miscellaneous tasks on the way, and I realized that previously completed quests can repeat sometimes— which is a good thing.

Putting that aside, I am wearing a white collared shirt with long yellow-ocher coloured pants as my formal attire. It’s a requirement that new enrolling students wear smart. Typical stuff.

Liliath is wearing her signature black-laced dress with a yellow cardigan. Her hair tied with a black hairband decorated with a red ribbon my mom bought a few days ago since it looked ‘cool’ on Liliath. Though I think ‘cute’ should be replaced with ‘cool’ though.

A pin to keep her hair from falling to the front of her face and we have the cutest, most attractive Liliath.

Yeah.

Still can't get her cuteness out of my system. Welp, at least it’s enough to drown out my little sister’s level of cuteness, which in itself is already very cute. But she’s the devil so let’s not dig too deep into the significance of her cuteness..

“You contacted Prune did you?” my mom asked.

“Yeah, I guess it’s just the two of us from our previous school.”

“Three, you don't intend to leave me out, do you now Noel,” Liliath narrowed her eyes at me.

“You’re not a student there though..”

I wonder if the two are still hostile to each other? 

The last time I texted Prune, Liliath kept trying to pry our topic of conversation. It’s a fact that Liliath doesn’t harbor any romantic feelings towards me whatsoever after learning about her special quests during the hospital incident. That said, her actions were the opposite of that..

I do wonder why she’s so cooperative with the quests. Does she not feel embarrassed— nevermind, my mind just retrieved for me a bunch of image files where Liliath rolled herself up into a ball.

Another thing I learnt was why Prune’s TALENT was considered ‘troublesome’. The fact that she’s a demi-human is for one, a super rare occurrence. If anything, she’s probably the only person in Gilgamesh at this point to possess this sort of full body metamorphosis. It was to the degree where her hair colour and ears became altered. Not to mention, she grew a tail.

This meant her body was different now from that of a normal human. She told me that she would have a craving for raw meat from time to time.

In a sense, her TALENT made medical treatment a little more troublesome.

And that’s kinda why her TALENT was categorized as troublesome

“We’ll meet up with Prune one way or the other. Since there’s a big welcome speech that’s going to be held,” I said, showing Liliath and mom the itinerary for today’s occasion.

===

A cherry blossom path spread out in front of us, leaves drifting in the wind brought by the sultry wind of the summer— I was sweating like crazy.

The pristine path leading to the huge building fan out in a wide grandiose manner in front was made from refined, light brown interlocking brick blocks. I almost tripped because I thought the path would be safe and flat, taking for granted the finger-sized rock in front of me as my attention was directed at a tuft of grass growing from between the cracks of the bricks.

The sky was a sea of blue, scarcely any clouds in the surrounding. This gave the sun full authority to beat down and roast us like turkey meat.

And here I am, holding a bag containing the files I need to pass to Keaton— dragging my feet under the crazy 40-degree heat of summer.

The fuck is with this temperature...

Turning to look at my mom and father, they were sweating, but with a smile.

On the other side, Liliath and the little devil barely broke a sweat. Rather, the little devil looked hyper gallant with the way she was walking. Huh...

Huh?

Is it just me or do I smell magic in the air?

“My apologies,” noticing my gaze, Liliath said, shrinking back.

After which I felt a cool breeze envelope me. Something manifested above me that seemed to block the heat of the sun despite the strong eye-stinging light.

“I wish I had asked this earlier.. thank you Liliath” I heard my father lament with a bitter smile.

“Thank you Liliath,” my mom said with an exhale. 

“Yeah, you saved us Liliath,” I also said my thanks..

Liliath smiled, “Your welcome.”

Liliath had come a long way from journey in princess speech to casual speaking.

Oh right, if you’re wondering why cherry blossoms are everywhere, and why almost every school has at least one sakura tree, remember this: all trees in Gilgamesh are imported from other countries. That goes for the grass too— or maybe sea-crossing birds just came and populated the place with grass seeds— aka, bird poo. Now that’s what you call doing a good service to Gigamesh’s plant life.

And with Liliath’s complicated barrier surrounding us, we proceeded towards the building— passing the pitiful students melting in the heat.

Liliath was fortunately aware of her own conspicuousness, so she had most probably cast a concealment barrier around herself. Nobody was raising precarious gazes at her.

The building— or rather, the massive school building which I have no idea why they needed to build it so far away from the entrance—

It was bustling with students. It felt more like a university than a high school? I personally have not gone to a university so I could only assume. But just gives off such a vibe.

Anyhow.. we proceeded to a counter with a teacher wearing glasses, but before that, there was a short queue.

The guy in front of the queue turned around. He had gorgeous unkempt black hair, messy, but gave off a cool vibe.

“Oh, we’re in the same class huh? Er.. nice to meet you, I'm Kai,” Kai had a surprised expression when he spoke.

The person he greeted wasn’t me, but Liliath. He was sizing her up from head to toe. 

I wonder what he’s looking for?

To his greeting, Liliath only nodded with a princess-like smile.

“You’re her brother, correct? Nice to meet you,” Kai greeted me.

I wonder if Liliath looks like a 16-year old? 

Nay, I should be more curious about why he's talking to me in the first place.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Noel and no, I’m not her brother. By the way, she’s Liliath.”

“I’m his brother!” the little devil retorted. What the fuck, you’re my sister.

I wonder why Liliath chose to remain silent.

In any case, as you know, since the kids, that is me and Kai started a conversation, our parents followed suit. Of course, I had no idea what they talked about.

“So, what TALENT got you here in the first place?” Kai asked.

“How about you go first?”

“O-Okay, my TALENT has to do with the ability to access another person’s mental strength.. that’s a vague way to put it.. er.. I can also measure willpower, cognitive ability and EQ. Yep.”

Wow heck? How is that a troublesome TALENT?

I flashed him a funny look, he scratched his cheeks in response.

“How about your—”

“Next.”

The teacher at the booth called out. Oh, it’s Kai’s turn.

He flinched, quickly turned around to register his name, and our parents broke off their conversation.

“Be careful.”

“Hm?” I tilted my head at Liliath's words.

“He’s aiming for me.”

“Huh? What?” Though surprised, I voiced it in a quiet tone.

“He mentioned about being able to read and access our mental aptitude, thus, we can infer that he has some ability to gauge someone’s psychology and use it to his advantage.”

I thought that Liliath was being too vigilant— and Kai being a whore because he tried to converse with Liliath first of all people— since she hasn’t met many people yet but.. thinking back to my conversation with Kai, when the teacher called out, he left me dangling as if he was in a rush?

Also.. Kai was aiming for Liliath? I suppose he fell for her at first sight? Hm.. makes me wonder if Liliath has charm magic or something— it might be possible. 

“Additionally, did you not mention before you intend to hide information regarding your abilities?” Liliath raised her eyebrows.

Uh.. I have no words to retort here.. 

“Sorry, you’re right. I’ll be more careful from now on..”

It sucks to be reprimanded by someone.

Kai’s family left after finishing and it was our turn.

“Noel, right?”

“Yes, that’s me,” the teacher with glasses I realized had quite a stern look on her face. Her name is Glib, as shown on her name tag. What an odd name..

In fact, it was said that Gilgamesh is a country that has one of the ‘best’ naming sense for kids rated by emerging nations. Fortunately, my name, Noel, isn’t all that.. nevermind

“And Liliath, what an interesting TALENT. Good to meet you all, my name is Glib, and I will be the homeroom teacher for Noel’s class this year. Alright, you two head into the auditorium first, I’ll discuss the rest of the details with your parents.” 

What?

Glib let out a sigh.

“The speech is about to start and it’s my responsibility to make sure you two enter ASAP. So go,” teacher Glib handed both of us a file each, containing the schedule for today’s event and most probably more documents and information on our enrollment.

I turned to my parents and they both gave me a nod of consent. Novelle looked pretty lonely though.

Leaving it at that, Liliath and I proceed deeper into the building.

[65]

The first thing that appeared past the entrance was a humongous space. I think 6 tennis courts are about the right size. I wonder how much electricity they were using to cool down this auditorium.

Chairs conglomerated in the front, which would’ve left the rest of the auditorium empty if not for the other students loitering around the place.

The auditorium also had an upper floor, and there, I could see a number of our seniors observing us from above. They wore the official Mondai High uniforms, which was just like my previous white uniform except black in colour. Pretty cool I think.

Our next objective would be to find Prune.

And it didn’t take 3 seconds to do so cuz she’s the only person in the entire auditorium with silver-white hair.

“Liliath, are you still evoking a concealment barrier?”

A dumb question, I know.. since no one is looking over here.

Liliath, who was busy reading the brochure, nodded her head.

“Thanks for keeping it on.”

I can't imagine what would happen if Liliath didn’t. Just look at the pitiful Prune out there in front. Everyone is peeking glances at her. Her shoulders were stiff, ears drooping and still as a rock.

The seats were labelled with names and, what'cha know, my seat is right beside Prune.

“Beastkin, we have arrived,” Liliath called out before I could say anything.

Prune shot her head towards us, her eyes glistening as if she had found salvation. Though, the big problem here was the way Liliath addressed Prune..

“Liliath, do you have a grudge against Prune?”

“To answer in an honest manner, yes. In that regard, I hope it can be quelled in time.” Liliath frowned.

Hah.. what’s up with you Liliath?

“Hi Prune, it’s been a while, sorry about Liliath,” I glanced at her, she dismissed it by averting my gaze.

“No, it’s fine. It’s fine,” Prune showed a troubled smile— her fluffy tail wagging. 

Hmm…

A green jacket over her casual shirt, knee-length pleated skirt, was what she wore today. Oh, also, I can't forget her scrunchie.

Liliath and I sat down on our respective seats and the attention around us slowly diminished with time.

“Thanks Liliath.”

“Alright.”

“What’s going on..” Prune realized it. I mean.. yeah, I doubt anyone else would.

“Well.. Liliath can use magic so.. she’s using a type of concealment barrier to hide our presence since your hair and her hair stand out a lot...”

That’s the truth..

Wait..

Two beauties with exotic hair colour, one velvet-purple, another silver-white, acting like my two wings on the left and right— I think I would be the one in the most pickled position if Liliath revokes her concealment spell. Shit.

I crane my head over to look at Liliath, and as if she realized my worry, she raised her head to look at me and took the chance to reaffirm her cooperation.

“I won’t remove the barrier, it would only spell trouble for us both,” Liliath smirked.

“I owe you one Liliath,” I hope she keeps her word. I don't know to what extent my father or that little devil has corrupted her.. 

“Thank you Liliath,” Prune said.

“My pleasure, I hope we can get along beas— Prune,” Liliath smiled as she said that. 

“Y-yes.. m-me too..” Prune forced those words out of her mouth.

Scary huh..

 I could only think of such. I guess Prune will need some time to get used to Liliath’s unnatural aura. Liliath too. She needs to fix her speech.

While waiting for things to start, I took out the magazines, brochures and school diary from the file and started reading.

In Gilgamesh, Mondai High is one of the only two schools built by the government to accommodate students with ‘troublesome’ TALENTS. 

Based on the brochure I’m reading, they say that ‘influential’ TALENTS are also categorized under ‘troublesome’ TALENTS. TALENTS that work in tandem with other TALENTS is an example, like Enoch’s TALENT.

The fact that my TALENT has something to do with altering reality still bugs me though.

Moving on, Mondai high accommodates around a few thousand students. The entire high school course, 9 semesters in total, lasts around 3 years. Which is different from typical high school where it only takes 2 years. Education for the first two years is the same here as it is for other high schools, while the third year mainly focuses on preparing the students to enter university.

Well.. if a person was scouted as ‘useful’, the third year would be used to train the individual to work for the government. That kind of thing.

Costs of the school fee are partially paid by the government and I can apply for scholarships if I have good academic achievements or co-curricular achievements, club activities, societies, sports and the likes. 

Hm.. I wanna join the art club..

If anything, most people regard Mondai High as a prestigious school. There isn't any prejudice towards us individuals with troublesome TALENTS— rather, those without troublesome TALENTS envy those with. Mainly because people like us are given the opportunity to take high school classes in a university setting, every student’s romance. 

I’d say I'm pretty happy with this school. With Gruan gone, I’m free to stop worrying about being bullied. Like seriously, senior high school students have to be more mature than junior high school students right?

I’m not a masochist, I don't like being hit.

So the principal of this school is called Navy. Principal Navy. Okay, good naming sense, nowhere else in the world can you find such a name except in Gilgamesh— not.

I felt something flash in front of my eyes so I turned to look up on stage. There I saw a number of teachers and students seated on the chairs prepared beforehand. 

It’s like.. they’re supermodels or something..

Not to mention, there’s even a gaudy looking guy wearing a soldier uniform, emblazoned with all sorts of medals and white stripes.

Oh. Beside the soldier is Principal Navy, the guy with a cool nice bold head. And to be honest, I like how it’s shiny, literally reflecting the light into my eyes— it burns..

Okay.. enough of the jokes. There are a few students sitting together in front— and if I’m not wrong they are student council members.

Student councils don't really exist in most high schools, this is a first for me. My previous school didn’t have one, it did have prefects— but it’s an entirely different system.

I referred to the school diary to confirm my suspicion.

Ah, so the girl with the tried look with a side ponytail is the Student Council President. And it seems she’s sleeping with a straight back.

Huh. Acting as the head of the student council sure must be tiring huh? Definitely not my cup of tea..

Speaking of cups of tea, Liliath who had finished all her reading material was scanning the auditorium for something. Is there anyone suspicious here?

I couldn’t tell. 

At the sound of a screeching microphone, a yelp was raised by the students. I grimaced. Ouch, that hurt my ear.

“Testing, testing. Testing. One, two. Testing, Okay it se..” the emcee’s voice trailed off as she distanced her mouth away from the microphone. After receiving a nod from the Principal, the emcee continued, “Please take a seat everyone, please take a seat, the event will be starting soon.”

Her voice was like a serenade, a honey-sweet voice that sank into my soul. I had the urge to follow her every command— especially her first command that was to sit.. oh wait. I’m already seated.

While I was having such thoughts, the other students scurried back to their designated chairs and in an instant, everyone was sitting in absolute silence.

Wow. So this is the effect of a TALENT?

“H-her skill, even I was affected,” Liliath said while shivering.

“Yeah..”

Looking at the emcee leaving the stage, I’m coming to understand why students with ‘troublesome’ TALENTS have to attend special schools now.. I can't imagine what would happen if she used her TALENT for ‘other things’.

Her voice was incredible, and I have a feeling that I would even lick her feet if she requested me to. This place is dangerous.. really really fucking dangerous.

Heck, is this a school or a battlefield? What the fuck..

“Noel.”

To Liliath’s strained voice, I look around to see everyone in a half-dreary state, as if in a trance.

There were others that looked wary and confused. Perhaps different people recover at different paces.

Hm?

“Dear students, let’s give a round of applause to our first speaker, Principal Navy!”

It’s a different emcee this time? The voice changed. I wonder if there’s a reason for it.

The Principal stood up and went to stand at the podium. Then he started his boring speech.

Hah..

[66]

Here’s the gist of what my water-filled brain had left of his words. He congratulated us for enrollment, and then sympathized with us, emphasising that troublesome doesn’t mean anything negative— even though it is— after that he gave a brief introduction of all the other high ranking school officials. 

To my surprise, there’s even a defence team in the school to deal with conflict between students.

Shit. This is not a school but a war zone isn’t it? If not, I don't see the reason why you need a lieutenant on campus.

Also, he talked about school regulations, and we had to sing the school anthem— refer to the school diary. Case point: Gilgamesh doesn't have a national song like other countries, but it has a commandment we have to recite as a substitute. Apparently, Gilgamesh hated singing songs, especially the one from the country he grew up in— talk about patriotism.

Liliath struggled with it since she didn’t know the commandments, looking at me with pitiful eyes. 

I’m sorry, I forgot.. I'll teach you later.

After that came the student council. Comparing her with the seniors, I’m guessing what differentiates a normal student from a student council member from a regular student is the school tie. Normal students wore a light blue tie while she wore a blood-red tie.

I saw Liliath’s eyes sparkle..

“A red tie,” I heard Liliath mutter under her breath glancing at those with the blue ones.

Oh no.. don't tell me she intends to join the school council— go through all the trouble and suffer through the mountain of work just for the sake of the permission to wear a red tie?!

Clam down Noel.. I’m sure you’re just overthinking.. yup. 

“Being a student council is troublesome though..”

“I understand, it’s best we keep a low profile,” Liliath said solemnly.

She really wants a red tie huh? I wonder why she never thought to pick a red dress then? I wonder if she prefers a black tie over a red one.

The many mysteries surrounding Liliath..

“Liliath, I have a question.”

Since the Student Council President was reciting her pre-prepared cheat sheet (she’s obviously an introvert)— I decided to take this chance to ask Liliath about the thing before.

“Yes?”

“Is there something like charm magic back in your world?”

“There is such magic, anything you wish to know about it?” I saw Liliath’s flinch a moment there.

Suspicious… welp, she did say not to trust her after all..

“You didn’t use it on purpose when Kai was there right?”

I’m just curious..

To my question, Liliath calmly shook her head.

I let out a sigh. So the problem is with Kai.. what a womanizer. 

No.. maybe the problem is me.. I’m overthinking.

I flinch at my own thoughts.

‘Excuse me but please pay attention.’

Huh? I turned my head towards the— Student Council President.

She was speaking as normal up on stage but.. it sounded as if she was speaking right in front of us just now? What the heck?

“What happened?” Liliath’s asked.

Still shackled by the previous words, I kept silent.

A few seconds later, the Student Council President turned to Liliath and I, showing a gentle smile before continuing her boring speech about school regulations.

“I’m sorry Noel, I should have been more careful,” Liliath caught on to the gist of what had happened.

“I-It’s alright..” I myself couldn’t hear the words I spoke properly, but I could tell Liliath grasped my intent.

Though, the main issue remains. How did she bypass Liliath’s concealment barrier? What kind of TALENT was that?

Seriously.. this school is filled with mysterious TALENTS.

===

“That was incredible,” Prune’s tail was wagging.

“Ah.. yeah..” 

You know, if there’s one thing I don't get about Prune, it is that she’s always excited about having an assembly. It makes no sense. The better the speaker on stage, the more hyped she gets. Though the script of the Student Council President was incredible, it was in the end— just boring school regulations..

I was following the group out of the auditorium. The second exit.

“Noel?”

“Uh, yeah, I think the Student Council President has the ability to send telepathic messages.. she told me to ‘pay attention’.”

Was the conclusion I came to.

“As I thought. I should have weakened your presence to a greater degree…” Liliath hung her head.

“Nah, It’s fine, it doesn't matter anyways.”

Well.. it did shake me a little though..

Speaking of which— I still need to pass this file to Keaton.

“Class A please line up!”

“Class C here.”

“Class E.”

Out in the garden, teachers were calling out to their students. In the distance, I could see two blocks of buildings, our seniors staring at us from afar..

“I suppose we fall into groups?” Liliath said.

“Noel, what class are you in?” Prune asked.

“Class E.”

“Me too,” Prune replied in surprise.

And the person in charge of our class was indeed the teacher with a stern face behind her glasses— Teacher Glib.

“Name.”

“Noel— and Liliath.”

Checking our names off the list, she continued, “Line up.”

“And Prune,” Prune glared at me. Ah yup, I didn't miss out her name on purpose alright. 

“Both of you have different coloured hair? Hm..” her voice suddenly dropped into one of suspicion. “Nevermind, go queue up, I’ll ask about it later.”

“Thank you?”

And we got in line. Kai, in the front of queue.

Wheewh, fortunately he’s like three human beings away. That saves me some anxiety.

“How do you intend to explain to the teacher regarding our inconspicuousness later, Noel?” Liliath turned to me and asked.

“Hah.. I honestly don't know.. she didn’t ask about it didn’t she?”

“Just a safety measure, she was suspecting us.”

“Um, just a quick question, is there a limit to the range of your barrier, Liliath?” Prune raised her hand a little and asked.

“I’ve applied a remote barrier on you, the range limit, 50 meters.”

“Hah? A separate one? How about me?”

What? Then why did Liliath tell me to keep in range of her? She could give me a barrier of my own right?

“You’re sharing mine,” Liliath said.

Seriously now?

“Y-you two are that close?” Prune raised this question with a quivering voice.

“Sorta..”

“Noel is my master after all..”

Prune twitched.

“Come on.. I told you to cut it out already, didn't I?”

Liliath chuckled in response.

Seriously, does she really not harbour any romantic feelings towards me? Is it because of the difference in culture between the worlds we come from? I have no idea.. it’s so comical, it kinda hurts not knowing why she’s acting like this.

Soon enough, the line of students started moving and we went onwards like a train.. I feel like I'm in kindergarten. Ugh.. a heartbroken kindergarten child.

Chuu, chuu, the train blows invisible steam.

Next on schedule: a field trip around the school.

Places include the canteen, school pool, classroom, training court and clubrooms.

The canteen, or cafeteria:

Neither Prune nor I brought any money so we could only watch as people empty the canteen’s food supply. Teriyaki chicken on a stick looks amazing.. I should’ve asked for some money if I knew about this.

The pool:

Every male students’ dream. Well, the pool was massive, there was a deep pool and a shallow pool. I think I prefer to use the shallow pool; I can't swim. I hope I never come here with Liliath for the sake of maintaining my sanity. 

Spare me please— I’ve already seen Liliath naked once already..

The training court beside the pool:

Similar to the auditorium except smaller, there were 2 basketball courts and one tennis court drawn on the flat tactile anti-slip floor. A running track around the parameter.

The clubrooms:

This was where all our senpai-carnivorous stare holes into us. Liliath had a concealment barrier on at all times, and the fact that we moved in a single file was a life-saver.. not. The line broke midway when we were visiting the makeshift club booths.

Prune went on to take a look, while Liliath and I stood at one side, concealment barrier maxed out and waited for the senpais to finish promoting their clubs which I don’t plan to join. Moreover, I don't see a booth promoting a manga club. I saw one for fine arts but— it’s not my thing. I specialize in drawing cute girls and cute boys in anime style after all.

“Are you not interested in any of the clubs, Liliath?” 

“It’s a risk, just like what the beastkin is doing there.”

“Oh. Yeah.. right..”

Directing my gaze towards the crowd surrounding this exotic individual named Prune, together with her wolf-like ears, silver ears, and fluffy tail, it caused an uproar. 

“You didn’t remove the spell did you?”

“There is a limit to it. I cannot possibly make it so not even the sand-pies would ignore her existence no matter how she tries a tantrum can I now?”

Pfftt.. sand pies.

“You’re right,” I choked on those words while laughing.

“I have a feeling I’ve done something wrong,” Liliath pouted.

“It’s senpai, not sand PIE. Got it?” 

Gosh my innards are fucking up because of her accidental joke.

But Liliath didn’t do anything wrong— Prune herself wanted to check the clubs out.

“Noel.”

“Yes?

“That girl.”

Wiping a tear away, I followed Liliath’s thumb— pointed at a familiar person standing near two potted plants. It was the girl Liliath cured back at the hospital— Saria is her name, was it?

“Should we follow up on her condition?” Liliath asked.

“You can cast a barrier around them, right? Rather.. it’s inevitable isn't it.. no matter how we try to hide, your existence is still going to be exposed in the end..”

“I can only agree,” Liliath heaved a sigh.

“Since they’re away from the rest of the group, let’s go.”

We walked towards Saria who was talking to a male friend of her’s.

She had shoulder length hair, wore a shirt with tight jeans, a bag strapped to her chest while her friend who had neat combed hair wore a striped collar shirt and dark blue long pants.

[67]

“Hello,” I called out.

“Pleasure to meet you again, how are you feeling, Saria?”

Yeah.. our method of greeting is like the sky and sea alright…

“Hm..? EEKEKKEKEJEK!!”

Saria jumped, tripped, staggered and fell to the floor.

“Saria, what’s wrong.. um, sorry, she doesn’t always act this way.. Saria?”

“P-Pleas.. I-I didn’t t-tell anyone s-so spare my life— spare my life!” Saria cried.

Liliath tilted her head.

The memory of Liliath being hyper scary at the time popped up in my mind.

“I think she misunderstood you,” I said.

“Was it now?” Liliath pondered.

“Um.. sorry but could you..” Saria’s friend wanted to say something but was interjected by Liliath

“My apologies Saria, I didn't mean to scare you,” Liliath squatted down and gently held Saria’s hand.

“HHIIKKH?!”

Saria’s teary pale face slowly regained colour and her breathing gradually returned to a normal pace.. a small amount of green light could be seen emitted from the palm of Liliath’s hand. Must be some kind of spell.

“How are you feeling?”

“B-better.. I-I’m sorry. I really didn't tell anyone about it.. I didn’t tell anyone.”

“I know. Thank you for keeping your promise,” Liliath said in a gentle voice.

Saria’s face turned red. On the other hand, the guy beside her had eyes that turned into saucers.

“Welp, She’s Liliath, and I’m Noel, nice to meet you two?” I sliced the awkward atmosphere with a likewise awkward greeting.

“Um, I’m Voux, and.. Saria, are you alright?”

“Y-Yes. I-I’m calm. I am very calm,” Saria said, supported by Liliath. After which she buried her face in between both her hands while her head bellowed imaginary smoke.

Huh, how familiar.

“Do you know each other?”

“Yes, though it’s best if our first meeting is kept a secret,” Liliath said.

“Sorry Voux, I made a promise. I can't tell you, I don't want to break that promise.” 

“Anyways… I just realized, you have purple hair? How?” Voux yelped.

Liliath nodded.

“I didn't see you two before.. how did I miss you? I’m I blind or something?”

“Magic. A concealment barrier is around us as we speak. I thought to examine Saria’s condition, such is why we came out to express our greetings to you two,” Liliath said in a diplomatic way.

Voux’s eyes turned into saucers yet again.

A peaceful silence ensued— Saria took a deep breath and came out of shrinking. That was when Liliath said something to start up another conversation.

“Noel is my master.”

“Will you stop that Liliath!” 

“Master?” Voux questioned.

“I’m not Liliath’s master, but I technically summoned Liliath.”

“Liliath is a summon?!” Saria exclaimed.

“Uhh.. yeah.. something like that.. Liliath isn't my familiar.. she’s a free human being from another world..”

Liliath didn’t say anything, only smiling. I’m so fortunate no one else is here..

“What?!”

“What the hell kind of TALENT is that..” Voux held his hand to his mouth to cover up for his cuss, “Oops..”

“I don't mind cursing.. it’s not a big deal..”

Well, I curse a fucking truck ton in my mind so fuck that shit called being polite right?

“Okay.. let me get this straight, so you’re saying Liliath is a summon?”

“Happened a whim.”

“W-what a powerful TALENT..”

“Oh, yeah. I should talk about my TALENT too— Liliath has a TALENT does she?”

“No, I am in no possession of abilities you call: TALENT. I can, however, use magic without any issues.”

“Your speaking manner is weird..”

“I agree..” Voux supplemented Saria’s comment. “About my TALENT, since you’ve revealed your’s, my TALENT allows me to grow and shrink in size. It’s just a shrinking ability though.. I can't grow any bigger than my current size.”

After which he said, he shrank to the size of a midget. I reflexively took some distance.

His size returned to normal. It was a weird transformation.

S-scary..

Scary in a sense that.. I could’ve crushed him underfoot like an ant if I wanted to..

“What an amazing ability,” Liliath complimented.

“Why thank you,” Voux scoffed jokingly.

“Voux, can I ask what would happen if you keep food inside your mouth when you shrink?”

“Good question, It shrinks together with me. Objects in contact with me can shrink together. I shrank my clothes, remember?”

The image of Voux’ jaw being dislocated— or exploding due to an apple slice in his mouth flushed in my mind. I’m so grateful God didn’t make it so he could die that way because of his TALENT..

In fact, most if not all TALENTS that were bestowed to us are non-lethal, special conditions and exceptions outside our realm of understanding prevents a person from dying due to the TALENT itself. That said, it didn’t mean there wasn’t such a thing as a TALENT that could harm people.

“Got it.”

“Me too, me too. My TALENT is the ability to see each person’s colour.”

Ah right, Saria did mention something like that the last time.

“And you two are definitely a summoned and summoner, your colors are connected to each other.”

“So what colour are they?” Voux asked.

“Do you two mind?” Saria asked, a little worried.

“Nope.”

Liliath didn’t mind it either, but I guess it does violate our privacy somewhat… Liliath looked super delighted in fact.

“Liliath’s colour is a.. large deep black mass while Noel’s colour is.. something like a small condensed diamond…”

Huh?

That’s… pretty scary. Liliath is a large jet black mass huh?

“What kind of colour is that? Sounds pretty dangerous..”

“I think so too..” 

“Interesting,” those were the words that came out of Liliath’s mouth. A gentle smile spread across her face which made me flinch a bit.

“Y-yeah..”

“Don't tell other people alright Voux?”

To Saria’s words, Voux made a gesture of zipping his mouth shut while nodding.

“Looks like the rest have left, we have to go,” Liliath said.

And she was right— everyone disappeared.

Oh shit.

Fortunately, with Liliath’s ability to sense surrounding presences, we were able to catch up with the group— to see Prune all teary-eyed. 

Next stop: the classroom.

Your typical classroom with a super shiny wooden floor— polished till it reflected our figures. In a sense, if someone gets the angle right, it might not be impossible to steal a look at the silhouette of a girl’s panties.

Gotta make sure the floor is dirty, wouldn't want to become a victim of said pedophile.

Air conditioners and fans furnished the ceiling of the class, two large whiteboards, a corkboard at the back, a large desk for the teacher in front.

There’s also an awkward raised sub-platform where the teacher would have to stand if they were going to use the whiteboard. It looked like a useless design choice. Someone could trip from that.

The windows were curtained, overlooking the school garden and past that was the dormitory.

Ah yes.. the dormitory.

Since Gilgamesh only has two schools to accommodate ‘troublesome’ students, parents sometimes have trouble sending their kids to school due to transportation reasons.

As such, dormitories were set up. 

I wonder if my parents would apply for a dorm? The distance between my house and Mondai high is a full one hour drive after all..

“I’m sitting in the middle zone,” Prune said, scanning the seating arrangements posted on the door.

“I’m somewhere in the back,” Saria said.

“And looks like I’m sitting beside you as always,” Voux snapped his fingers.

Curious, with a bad premonition coming on, I took a look at the arrangements.

Hm?

I’m at the front…

Shit..

I’m seated at the very front row.

That’s not the worst part… even though I already hate sitting in the front.

What is with the arrangement of the tables? Why is Liliath’s table combined with mine?! And she’s assigned to sit beside me?!

Everyone’s else’s seat was separated, there were no joint tables. There wasn’t supposed to be any if it weren’t for how the sitting arrangements were illustrated!

…

“You two really are summoned and summoned huh?” Voux said in surprise.

Now that he mentioned it, Liliath and I are considered one right? Normally, the summoned creature don’t get their own seat.

“I suppose it’s a good outcome,” Liliath said optimistically.

We entered class, dragged my sorry butt and sat as assigned, Liliath beside me, table edge to edge. Directly in front of us was Teacher Glib and behind her were a number of textbooks.

The teacher stared at Liliath and I with a dubious expression.

Awkward?

I don't even know what in the world is going on anymore. Why? Was this Keaton’s doing? I had a feeling that it’s gotta be him.. 

Hah.. no way… no way I’m accepting this. Everyone’s attention will only condense around Liliath and I, it’s the worst!

“For starters, let me introduce myself, my name is Glib, your homeroom teacher for class E. Can I first assign the class representative and helper? Raise your hands if anyone is interested in picking up the position.”

“What’s a class representative,” Liliath turned to me and asked.

“It’s something like a leader of the class.”

Liliath nodded, Teacher Glib glanced at us for a moment before her gaze continued around the rest of the students.

It’s a weird feeling since no one was wearing proper uniforms. By the way, our frsh uniforms could be seen on the teacher’s desk, but it still needs to be distributed.

Nobody raised their hands.

“No volunteers? Alright, Noel, pick a person,”

“Me?”

“Yes, you,” everyone’s gaze fell on my shoulders. Teacher Glib went to the whiteboard and wrote down my name.

“Then.. Prune.”

“Selling me out! Why!” Prune shouted in a whispered voice.

Oh, her seat is like— just behind me.

“Prune, your choice?”

“Let me see..” Prune scanned through the student list. “Eunice?”

“Eunice, pick another name.”

I turned to the girl named Eunice, she had wavy black hair. She wore a coat on top of a simple ‘stretched’ collared shirt that looked to be too small for her chest.

“Kai then,” she said lazily.

“Good.”

Four names were written on the board.

And as you can expect, it was a voting showdown.

“Four of you, please stand outside of class.”

Four of us did as ordered, and went outside.

The class hasn’t officially started yet but the teacher is already picking a class representative? It feels kinda weird but I guess that’s how things work in this school?

Prune glared at me.

“If I get chosen, I’ll kill you,” she said, showing her canine.

“How aggressive,” I let loose a sigh. Welp, not like I intended to sell her out in the first place. I barely knew anyone in class.

[68]

While we had a short chat, the class erupted into a small cheer of congratulations. The voting session was done. The four of us returned to class. Oddly enough, Eunice and Kai didn’t talk to each other and kept their mouths shut. 

They didn’t talk to us either, I wonder if it’s to do with Liliath’s concealment barrier? It might not be the case since I'm not anywhere close to Liliath.

Hm… I thought Kai was the proactive kind of person though?

In the end, Kai was chosen, Prune and I let out an exhale of relief.

As I sat back down, Liliath welcomed me and told me about the voting results. And it was that I almost clinched the spot— scary. Luckily Kai was a better-looking man than me, I suppose that’s why he won. I don't want to become the class representative..

Eunice came in third, Prune came in fourth.

“Kai, pick someone as your helper,” teacher Glib requested.

“Okay, well, then Liliath.”

“Denied,” Liliath’s crisp rejection echoed in the classroom.

“Is there anything wrong with my selection?” Kai pressed on with a smile.

And it was also at this point in time Liliath’s barrier probably broke down and the entire class gasped at Liliath's existence.

“Anyone else beside Liliath, Kai?” teacher Glib asked. It seemed that she was also in support of not having Liliath hold the position as his helper.

“There’s nothing wrong with choosing someone with strong mental capabilities right? Liliath’s the best in class.”

“Liliath? Are you going to reconsider?” teacher Glib asked Liliath with a frown, probably annoyed.

Ah, shit.. I can feel the daggers on me..

“My denial is absolute, I don't intend to accept,” Liliath replied, glaring at the teacher Glib which led her to shiver a little.

The class roared.

“Calm down class, calm down,” Teacher Glib raised her voice with a sigh. “Kai, choose someone else.”

“Owh. Noel then.”

“Seriously?” He had a shrewd smile on his face.

“Noel, any objections?”

“Yeah, I don't think I'd be able to take up that role properly.”

With Kai, I doubt things will go well..

“Come on.. seriously, not Liliath and now not you? You two have something going on or what?”

The class erupted into another roar.

I remain silent at his provocation— déjà vu huh? He somehow reminds me of Gruan.

“That’s it, the discussion will continue when class opens,” teacher Glib pinched the bridge of her nose. “Kai, Noel, you two, help me distribute the clothes. Noel, you’re temporarily assigned as Kai’s helper until further notice.”

“Fine.”

Now this is just annoying.

Kai distributed half, I distributed the other half. The school uniforms were black in colour, so was the skirt and long pants. The coat was white, the tie— light blue. Our sizes have already been submitted to the school authorities so all I need to do is to give out the clothing based on the names written on the packaging.

The attention was sickening.

“Who is Liliath?”

“What relationship do you have with Liliath?”

“What is your TALENT?”

“Is Liliath related to your TALENT?”

These sorts of questions were asked whenever I passed the package to the individuals. I only gave a vague reply. But the reply in itself said everything. And now everyone knows Liliath is a summoned person.

In the end, the half I distributed didn’t have Liliath’s clothing, which meant that Kai is probably the one who’d pass Liliath her clothing.

Damn it Kai..

Finishing, I returned to my seat, to see all my textbooks neatly stacked. Liliath took the initiative to help me with the books.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure. It’s unfortunate he had to drag us into a commotion, “ Liliath lamented.

“It’s inevitable as usual.”

“Noel, did you bring the documents?” Teacher Glib asked all of a sudden.

“Documents? Oh you mean the one for mister Keaton?” I pulled out the stack of paper from the file, “Here. Thanks.”

“One more thing, Noel. What do you think of your seating position?” Teacher Glib sounded unconvinced about something.

“Seating position.. I wish it was less conspicuous..”

“I’ll ask for your seats to be rearranged.” 

“Can I request that I continue to sit beside Noel though?” to the teacher’s remark, Liliath asked.

“That’s a given. It’s that Keaton purposely asked for this saying that it was by your request,” pointing at the conjoined tables with a frown.

“Please do, thank you teacher. And help me punch him on the way. We never requested this..”

Keaton purposely did this huh? How much influence does he have in the school anyways… that sly guy.. messing up my entire senior high school life when it hasn't even begun yet..

===

Escaping class was a nightmare, LiIiath and I were swarmed by the students. It was like that time with Prune, except this time, our roles were reversed. It’s a lot more ‘dreadful’ when you’re the one actually experiencing the thing. I’m sorry we left you back there Prune.. not.

We had trouble running away, but with Liliath’s magic, we were able to put everyone in a trance-like state.

Everyone will wake up in a few seconds time— realizing that Liliath and I left the scene— and that they’ve been drooling on themselves. I’d like to commend Liliath on that magic spell.

Dropping the textbooks and clothes into the bonnet of the car, I was told by my parents that we would go somewhere ‘special’.

For some reason, Prune’s car was tailing our’s. I think it’s for lunch? The whole albatross of registering in Mondai High took the whole morning. My stomach was rumbling already.

Exiting the school campus, turning a few blocks, we reached a highway which had a sky bridge.

We came to this large building complete with a bunch of eating spots on the ground floor. And that was where we had our lunch. We went to a chicken store— I mean.. fast food restaurant that sells chicken.

I was again able to witness Liliath eating chicken drumsticks with perfect fork and knife etiquette. Novelle became her disciple. Prune’s looked like she was trying hard to comprehend what she was seeing.

Just when I thought it was all over, going back to our respective homes— we were suddenly entering the elevator?

We were going to the upper floors?

Huh, this is an apartment complex, isn't it? It’s a familiar place.. I think this is where my mom bought a property. I remember visiting this place in the past when my mom was doing renovations.

“Where are we going?”

“Hm? You’ll know in time,” my mom chuckled.

Somehow, a bad premonition from an even further past swept over me.

Apartment housing 244A.

My mom unlocked the door and invited us all inside.. Prune’s family included.

It was a spacious apartment, the walls painted white with glossy wooden parts dotting the place. A large television in the living room with a balcony that overlooked the city— the school campus garden even. A kitchen decked out with cooking appliances and wares.

2 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms.

An ugly acrylic portrait I made of myself with a peacock in the background when I was 12 years old hung on the wall.

“This was painted by Noel when he was twelve,” my mom explained.

“W-whY is this here?! I thought I threw it away!”

“I feel that this suits the taste of the paintings my father would’ve liked,” Liliath commented. I couldn’t tell if what she said was a compliment or ridicule..

“Noel did this? It doesn’t look like him though?” was Prune’s comment.

“Noel had many more of these do you want to see,” the little devil said, taking out her own smartphone, showing her my past illustrations.

“Really? Let me see.”

“No!!” I screamed, standing in between Prune and the devil.

I didn’t know my sister actually kept records of my old Arthub posts… you stalker..

The property showcase continued, my mom explaining every last bit— including superb wifi connection since there’s a wifi tower was closeby. Quite an enticing location.

But that wasn’t the main problem, wasn't it?

“Father, you’re going to rent this apartment out to Prune?”

“Something like that,” he said lazily. After a bear, he turned to me then grinned “You wouldn’t mind living with another girl would you?”

Huh?

“Here’s another document regarding my son’s conduct, if he ever starts to make a move on your daughter without your consent, he will be punished under the law so you can be assured that nothing will bad happen to her,” My mom said with a sardonic smile, handing a few papers to Prune’s parents.

What the fuck? You can make a legal document like that?

They read it and signed it; Prune visibly shaken.

“She’s in your care, control your libido alright? You’re still underaged,” my father whispered into my ear.

Underaged? Libido?

Liliath turned to me with a smile, “Take care of me from now on too Noel.”

And that was when it hit me— I was going to be living under the same roof with these two girls for the next 3 years.