Infinite Mage

Chapter 54

Return our laboratory? Why all of a sudden?

Nades shoulder curved inwards as he asked.

The corners of Sienas mouth curved up.

The management team reviewed documents and found out that you operated the group without meeting the required number of members this semester. The academy has already cut off the subsidy, so Id appreciate it if you clean things up within a month.

Wait a minute! We have Shirone now! 3 members is the minimum requirement for a research group to be recognized.

But what did you guys do? What activities did you participate in? If you want to save your research group, you have to produce some kind of research accomplishment or results within a month, which is the due date. Of course, I dont know what kind of research you can do in the field of the supernatural.

Its not mandatory for a research group to do a presentation. And were not the only research groups, there are many other ones like us too!

This ones a special case. Since your research group is located inside Estas, there are a lot of inconveniences in operation, thats one thing. Second thing, the Supernatural Psychic Science Reserach Group in particular has made no achievement except for earning notoriety. The one-month time was only given to you because Ms. Ethella requested it. You should be grateful.

Shirone was totally dumbfounded.

He had just entered the research group, only for it to soon be disbanded.

But if you guys are really desperate, there is one way to save the research group.

Nade asked with no hesitation.

Whats that? What do we need to do?

Withdraw Shirone from the research group. Then Ill overlook this group at least until next semester.

Whaaaaat?!

As expected, Nade blew up.

No way! Its not like we forced him to join, we three are friends who always stick together in the academy. Why are you trying to tear us apart?

Yiruki added to what Nade said.

If its because I miss class, dont worry teacher. We all are masters when it comes to studying, it is just that we have our own methods of doing so.

Shirone couldnt sit still and just listen.

I feel the same. I know this research group is notorious, along with the fact that Yiruki and Nade do not diligently attend class. However, even these two pour in an absurd amount of effort into their fields of study. Theyre not wasting their time. So please, be lenient.

Nade held on to a string of hope knowing that Siena particularly treasured Shirone.

However, Sienas mind was set.

Im not changing my mind. Above all, Shirone, this is a decision made for you.

A decision made for me? I thought I was working hard.

Shirone, what have you been going through lately?

Shirones heart sank while Nade and Yiruki looked anywhere else but at them.

Siena knew from their reaction.

As expected, he had told his friends about everything.

You guys are really

Siena sighed

Especially you, Yiruki. You know that Shirone is in danger of facing Overflow, so why didnt you tell the instructor?

It was Shirones first time hearing that term.

Yiruki, what is Overflow?

Its just Its not a big deal. Its a phenomenon that happens to geniuses at young ages. I experienced it when I was eight.

Siena was not satisfied with his explanation.

If you go into Overflow for a long period of time, your mind may collapse. I heard about the Immortal Function from Ms. Ethella. If we miss the timing, you will fall into a state where recovery is impossible.

Hmm

Shirone thought.

Even now, the nightmares persisted every night, and he still suffered from the Mourning Sensation. He was worried he would go crazy at some point which made Sienas explanation credible.

Shirone asked Yiruki again.

H-How was it? For you?

Hmm, there really wasnt much to it. Well, it was a bit scary. When I told my father about it, he said that it was normal for a bastard like me and that I was supposed to live like that for the rest of my life.

Siena let out a dry chuckle.

That was the only thing he had to say to his son who was living in fear.

How absurd.

However, considering who Yirukis father was, it was mildly understandable. Anyways, it was true that his father played a part in Yirukis eccentric personality.

Siena asked Nade.

What are your thoughts?

Huh? Me? Hahaha, I dont know. I dont know what Overflow feels like.

Siena sighed. She was hoping Shirone would change his mind after hearing about the experiences of his friends.

Okay. Whatever it may be, Shirone will leave the research group. And for the time being, he will have consultations with me. If you guys care about your friend, just accept it. The most important thing right now is Shirones mental state.

Nade had a sad expression.

Isnt that just the academys decision? I, the president of his research group, dont agree.

Sienas eyes hardened.

If you think thats loyalty, its not, Nade. You dont know how scary Overflow is, Im sure Yiruki understands.

* * *

* * *

No. I think its weird, too. Shirone will handle whatever happens. Im glad you worry, but I dont know why you would worry to this extent.

His words sounded cold, but this was why they were friends.

The fact that Shirone, the main person involved, was not upset by his words proved that their way of thinking was based on the same rationality.

So youre saying its okay for Shirone to go crazy?

I mean, that aint the worst outcome. But rather than that, I think Shirone can overcome it. Isnt it something he has to face sooner or later if he wants to become the best?

Nade took the baton.

I agree. Sometimes, I think you are too partial to Shirone. We dont really care, but Shirone himself might be feeling quite pressured. Sometimes, I even wonder if you see Shirone as a man.

Siena did not back down.

If you think that way, lets leave it that way. With that, I can be in charge of Shirone now, right?

Even an instructor could not arbitrarily withdraw a student from a research group unless they broke a rule.

In this instance, the decision made by the president of the research group was more important than the management committee, so she had to get Nades approval somehow.

Stop trying to push it through unreasonable means. Is it right for an instructor to see their own student as a potential love interest?

You were the one who brought it up first, not me. As long as there is a male and a female, isnt there a possibility?

Nades anger percentage increased at Sienas strategy of twisting the facts despite knowing what was true.

Fine. Then you see me as a male too, right?

No. Not in a million years.

...What are you doing right now?

Nade stood up with an absurd expression.

You know what youre saying is inconsistent, right? First, you say there is a possibility, but the next second, you change your words.

Probability depends on probability. I like nice and honest men. If you dont understand what that means, Ill simplify it. There is a 0% chance of me seeing you as a man since youre acting like a kleptocrat.

Teacher, can I get wounded by what you just said?

No, you cant. Listen carefully. Dont think of trapping me this way. I dont see a student as anything more than a student, but even if you think differently, I dont care. Shirone needs constant surveillance. You guys are the ones insisting on having things go your way.

Nade went speechless and was replaced by Yiruki.

I know what you are concerned about, but if he cant overcome Overflow, then thats just his limit. Its not like hes gonna die. Shouldnt trusting Shirone be the first thing we do?

Not gonna die? Were talking about Immortal Function here. There is no guarantee that the worst wont happen.

Thats right. However, in our current situation, where nothing is definite, I think you are overly worried. Thats not attention, its obsession.

Obsession?

Siena froze.

The reason why she couldnt immediately refute was because she knew.

Obsession.

Siena, lets get out of here.

Overflow was the incident that left trails of scars and regrets she would never forget.

In exchange for reaching out his hand and saving her, the boy lost his light forever.

Putting together the opinions of my instructor and friends, I think it is something that I have to decide on.

Shirone opened his mouth to talk.

To be honest, I wavered after hearing Ms. Siena. Im scared. The nightmares I have every night The possibility that my mind might collapse.

Pulling away from her past thoughts, Siena said.

Thats why you should

However, another part of me is happy.

What Im experiencing now doesnt happen to just anyone. Every time I have a nightmare, Im afraid, but in a corner of my heart, I want to maintain this a little while longer. Maybe there is a secret that hasnt been discovered yet. Something I can find.

What if something goes wrong?

That doesnt mean Ill go around cursing and blaming anyone. I dont want to run with my tail tucked between my legs just because Im scared. I will pull it off by analyzing and exploring my situation to the end. I will definitely overcome it.

Siena was staring straight into Shirones eyes. He was honest. She realized he meant it and dropped her head.

You are really alike.

The person who had pulled her out of the darkness and into the light had said the same thing.

Siena, you gotta stare properly. Closing your eyes wont change anything.

Go away, brother! You dont know anything!

At the time, If she had harbored the same level of courage as Shirone, wouldnt that terrible accident have been avoided?

Okay.

Siena fixed her expression and pushed up her glasses.

I understand your thoughts. I respect Shirones opinion and wont place his withdrawal as the condition.

No, before that, when will you ever plan on respecting the presidents opinion? Hm? Im the president. The present president of this group.

Hohoho, I dont think you have the leisure to joke around. One month from now. If you fail to produce research results the academy approves of, you will return your lab, and the Supernatural Psychic Research Society will be disbanded. Even though there were a lot of incidents, didnt this research group produce many graduates? That proud achievement may end with your generation.

Nade's face turned sickly pale.

Now that I think about it

It wouldnt end with a simple disbanding.

The generations of troublemakers from the Supernatural Psychic Science Research Group broke the academys expectations and were currently occupying various key positions in the mage society.

In particular, Garold Mikeah, the current president of the Magic Association, was their pride.

How could they face those figures if the research group ended in their generation?