Dream Life Vol II Chapter 27: “Isolation”

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 Sharon and I abandoned our classes. You might say that there’s no point in joining the academy but having free access to the Grand Library is a big advantage. In fact, many of the students in the library are skipping their classroom classes just like us. We are by no means the only ones who are unique.

 

 Another good thing about joining the academy is that we get to talk from Liddy’s old friend, Professor Kitley Elvine.

 

 She studies the gods and spirits, and in particular her research on the existence of the gods in ruins and ancient texts. Because of this, she has a deep knowledge of how to efficiently use the power of spirits.

 

 

“…In other words, it is in a sense a mistake to say that by chanting the names of the gods of the eight attributes, one is gaining the power of the spirits of those attributes. The attribute gods’ names are only symbols, not spirits authorized by the attribute deities.” (Zack)

 

 

 While pondering a little,

 

 

“Does that mean I don’t have to chant the name of the attribute god?” (Zack)

 

“… I’m sure that’s the case. If you just want to invoke the magic, it should still work. The point is that it is an image. But for the efficiency of casting magic, it is better to put the name of the attribute god in the spell.” (Kitley)

 

“In other words, magic can be invoked without chanting, but the spell efficiency will be lower. So, you are saying that it is easier for the spirits to understand the idea of the caster through the name of the attribute god, which is used as a symbol, but as long as there is a sufficient image, an image that the spirits can understand, the spell is not necessary?” (Zack)

 

 

 Ms. Kitley nodded slightly and smiled, “Yes.”

 

 

“But the symbols are quite effective. For example, it is difficult to explain a concept using only pictures without using words, isn’t it? I know. …If you were to explain the concept of money without using words, it would be quite difficult, right?” (Kitley)

 

 

 My knowledge of magic increased as I talked with Ms. Kitley about these things. Sharon, who was listening with me, sometimes had a little trouble following along, but she still tried to understand by asking me questions on the way home and so on. As a result, her knowledge has increased more than enough.

 

 

 

 

 We used to make it a point to only leave homeroom on days we went to the library.

 

 Well, on sunny days, we often went to the forest, so it seemed like we only showed up to class once every three days or so.

 

 

 Then, on September 22, about 20 days after we entered the school, it suddenly happened.

 

 

 On that day, the weather was unfavorable with light rain from the morning, so I did not go to the forest but studied by myself in the library.

 

 Ms. Kitley, who knew we were there when it rained, showed up as usual. So, after staying in the library until about 3:00 p.m., we headed for the academy.

 

 

 When we opened the classroom door as usual, there was nothing there that was supposed to be there. Yes, our desks, which were supposed to be at the front of the class, were missing.

 

 Sharon was puzzled, not knowing how to react to the situation.

 

 

(I don’t know who initiated this, but it’s a childish prank. I have a pretty good idea who did it…) (Zack)

 

 

 As we walked in, giggles began to leak out.

 

 I went over to where my seat was and decided to stand there.

 

 Sharon was standing there as well, but she didn’t know what was going on and still had a worried look on her face.

 

 I whispered to her to reassure her, “I’ll take care of it.” Sharon gave a small nod and was no longer upset, at least on the surface.

 

 

 A few moments later, the homeroom teacher, Aric Bennett, enters the classroom, and as I stand closest to the entrance, he looks momentarily startled.

 

 

“Mr. Lockhart, Ms. Jakes. What is this? Why are you not in your desks?” (Bennett)

 

 

 I answer him matter-of-factly, without putting any emotion into it.

 

 

“The reason I’m standing is that there are no chairs. Neither I nor Miss Jakes knows anything about the lack of desks and chairs.” (Zack)

 

 

 Mr. Bennett’s eyes narrowed a little and his tone was a little strong as he accused me.

 

 

“Can’t you even keep track of the academy equipment you’ve been given?” (Bennett)

 

 

 I was annoyed by his words, but I kept my calm tone and continued to speak to him.

 

 

“Are we even expected to take care of things when we’re not here? Shouldn’t you be more interested in finding out who started this mischief?” (Zack)

 

 

 At my words, he became even more agitated.

 

 

“You mean to tell me that someone in this class did it! You don’t even trust your own classmates!” (Bennett)

 

 

 I had doubts about Mr. Bennett’s unnatural behavior.

 

 

(Even if he has something to say, there shouldn’t be a need to say this to a child. What does this mean…) (Zack)

 

“I never said they were from this class. I only said that we need to find out who did the mischief.” (Zack)

 

 

 Teacher Bennett responded, “Stop arguing back!” He was furious.

 

 

“I’m not arguing. We are the ones who are most inconvenienced by this situation. There is no reason for me to do it. So, I thought someone might have done this act of mischief.” (Zack)

 

“Not only do both of you not attend my classes. You not only don’t attend my classes, but you also play these pranks on me. If you don’t attend my classes in the first place, you don’t need a desk or a chair.” (Bennett)

 

 

 I was becoming increasingly unsure of Mr. Bennett’s thinking.

 

 

(Even if you don’t like me, this is going too far. Does he want me to quit? For what? I’m at the top of the class, and if I quit, they’re going to question my qualifications as a teacher. What’s the merit of attacking me? I should try to shake him up a bit.) (Zack)

 

 

“Sir, are you implying that we did the desks and chairs ourselves, somewhere else? Are you implying that you considering us as suspects, without any evidence?” (Zack)

 

 

 Perhaps not expecting me to retort, Mr. Bennett replied with a somewhat defiant “I didn’t say so.” But then, quickly looking around the classroom, he added

 

 

“But there are no students in this class who would do such a thing, you know. As far as I can see in my classes.” (Bennett)

 

“Then you are saying that we, or someone outside of this class, did it. Then, please tell me if you suspect us or not.” (Zack)

 

 

 To this question, I answer with a laugh, “Of course, I believe both of you.”

 

 

“But even the best of children are tempted to play tricks from time to time.” (Bennett)

 

“You don’t doubt me. However—you think I may have played a trick on you. With that attitude, it is not surprising that a student in this class might be tempted to play a prank on a whim.” (Zack)

 

 

 At my retort and chuckle, teacher Bennett blushes and raises his voice.

 

 

“I said nothing of the sort! All you can do is defy me!” (Bennett)

 

 

 I looked around the classroom at that moment. I was looking around the classroom at that moment because I knew someone would react to this argument.

 

 As I searched for signs, I could feel Quentin Wagman next to Sharon and Anita Isherwood further back, who was holding back her laughter. I could also feel a few other students further back giggling.

 

 Teacher Bennett was still saying something, but I ignored him and thought about the situation.

 

 

(I know that Quentin and the others were playing a prank on us. But I don’t understand why Mr. Bennett is acting so childishly. Surely, a normal child would be so shocked at being bullied by the whole class and even his homeroom teacher pressuring him to drop out of school or quit. However, I don’t understand the merit of Mr. Bennett making me quit. I know that making me quit would be a demerit, but he keeps throwing harassing words at me. …I can’t deny the possibility that Mr. Bennett is more of a child than I thought, but even so, it’s still strange…) (Zack)

 

 

 To Mr. Bennett, who was still saying sarcastic remarks I just replied,

 

 

“I’m afraid we’re at an impasse. I understand. I’ll go talk to another teacher. Well, Mr. Ruspede told me to come visit him anytime, so I’m going to talk to Mr. Ruspede…” (Zack)

 

 

 When I said that much, Mr. Bennett hurriedly said, “There is no need to consult another teacher! Do you think I’m an idiot?” He interrupted me and started to get very emotional.

 

 At this point, I was pretty pissed off.

 

 

(What the hell is this teacher? Any normal child would be traumatized by the abuse of an adult! If I hadn’t been there and it had been just Sharon, I don’t know what would have happened…) (Zack)

 

 

 Ignoring Mr. Bennett, who is still throwing complaints, I go on to analyze this situation.

 

 

(Which makes me wonder why Mr. Bennett is being such an idiot. It could be that this guy is just stupid, but it is still too much. Maybe he’s following someone else’s instructions…) (Zack)

 

 

 I said to Sharon, “There’s no point in staying here,” took her hand, and turned to leave the classroom.

 

 Behind me, I hear teacher Bennett say, “Wait for me!” but I ignore it and walk through the classroom.

 

 A few students grinned, but the majority looked puzzled.

 

 

(I get the feeling that the prank is being led by a small group of people. If so, Quentin Wagman is probably behind it. His dad is a guild councilor. As long as he’s in this school, you wouldn’t want to go against him…) (Zack)

 

 

 Then it occurs to me that Mr. Bennett’s response may be influenced by Quentin.

 

 

(No way! Is Mr. Bennet doing what he says? No matter how much he is the son of a councilor, it is not hereditary. I don’t think he should have that much influence…) (Zack)

 

 

 I wasn’t going to continue to be harassed.

 

 

(Maybe I’m at fault for abandoning classes, but at least I didn’t break any rules, and there are other students similar to what I did. Besides, that’s not the attitude a teacher should have toward a child. Even if you hate me, a teacher should properly instruct the student who misbehaved. …There are more important things to do than that. If the councilor’s son is more powerful than I thought, there’s a good chance I won’t be able to stay in this town. And he’s the first one to declare it. If that’s the case, I need to take steps to protect myself…) (Zack)

 

 

 As I left the classroom, Sharon approached me.

 

 

“Master Zack, are you alright? Does everyone else hate us?” (Sharon)

 

 

 

 She said this anxiously, to which I replied with a smile, “No, they don’t.”

 

 

“Perhaps it’s just some of the students playing a prank. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” (Zack)

 

 

 She smiles as I say this and squeezes my hand that she was still holding.

 

 

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