WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Coughing Baby

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◈ Surviving in the Magic Academy

Chapter 107

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I glanced at Tiena. Our eyes met. She smiled faintly, lifted her teacup, breathed in the aroma, and gently closed her eyes.

“The tea smells wonderful.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

I bowed my head as I said that. Tiena began sipping her tea. Behind her, Professor On was looking down at us with narrowed eyes.

Avoiding that gaze, I needlessly fiddled with the sofa I was sitting on. Its soft texture sank beneath my fingers. The space that had been a classroom had changed under Professor On’s magic into its current form.

Should I call it a reception room of sorts? Though Professor On, the owner of the room, did not seem to like us very much. I watched as Tiena drank her tea with a gentle smile.

“I was always curious after hearing that Evron was the originator of the tea magic Mauro taught me. I wondered how different the taste could be. But this is beyond my expectations.”

She set the teacup down. It was half empty. The turtle sitting on her lap saw that and raised magical power.

Using that magical power as a base, a kind of circuit began to draw itself in the air. It was Perfect Tea magic.

Through the completed magic circle, the teacup began filling again. Tiena gently stroked the turtle’s head. The turtle opened its mouth in a dopey grin and rubbed its head against her thigh.

Professor On’s face grew fierce at the sight. That glare fixed on me even more sharply. But I stayed still. I did have something to feel guilty about, after all.

Tiena did not seem to notice Professor On’s jealousy and tapped the turtle’s back with her finger. Then she spoke.

“This time, Mauro sent me a letter. He said Evron had joined our puppet guild, and that you were a talented friend, so I should look after you. That was why I took a close look at this child.”

Hearing that, the turtle met Tiena’s eyes and let out a meeeng cry. Then it burrowed even deeper into her arms. Tiena laughed softly, as if she found it adorable.

Of course, Professor On’s gaze grew that much harsher. Feeling as though a hole was about to be drilled through my face, I glanced at Mira, who was sitting beside me. Then I sent her a desperate look asking for help.

Mira noticed my gaze, smiled lightly, and hugged my arm. At the same time, mist rose and wrapped around my body. Within it, Professor On’s gaze lost its way and disappeared.

Thanks to that, I felt much better. I held out the bottle toward her. It was Wriggler No. 1, which Tiena had just given me as a gift. Mira’s eyes sparkled slightly as she accepted it.

“My, I didn’t think you would hand it over this quickly. I’m very touched, you know?”

Mira said that, despite having heard the same conversation beside me. Feeling as though I had shown off for no reason, I scratched my cheek. Mira also thanked Tiena. Tiena smiled lightly and said,

“It’s nothing. It’s a gift, so please accept it without feeling burdened.”

“Hehe, then I won’t refuse. Evron will handle the burden for me.”

Mira spoke in a playful tone. Tiena looked back at Mira. The two studied each other’s eyes, creating a strange atmosphere as if they were communicating without words.

Soon, both of them smiled brightly and nodded. It seemed they had reached some kind of understanding. Then the two began talking. The conversation was about Professor On and me, who were sitting beside them.

I ignored their exchange and looked at Tiena’s lap. No, at the turtle on it. The thing had an utterly innocent-looking face. I clicked my tongue lightly at the sight.

I quietly focused on my connection with it. Through that connection, the faint desire it held flowed into me. The sly feelings hidden behind that face, in other words. The thing was enjoying the sensation of being in Tiena’s arms.

Unlike its harmless appearance, the inside of that thing was pitch-black. If Professor On learned what was going on inside the turtle’s head, there was no doubt the turtle would be torn apart.

That was exactly why I felt guilty under Professor On’s suspicious gaze. The thing could be called me.

It was a new ego created based on me. It could even be called my child. So it held things similar to what I had. My way of thinking, my desires, my habits, and so on.

That meant even that sly desire was based on something inside me. Still, it had been fine before. There was no helping why the thing was acting like this now.

After it gained life in that puppet body through Wriggler No. 1, its desires had awakened more strongly than ever. Just like now. The thing was thoroughly savoring the desires that came from its own body. That was being transmitted to me through our connection.

There was no need to say any of this out loud. I could keep it as a secret between the turtle and me. I met the turtle’s eyes and nodded.

A turtle with human tastes. That could happen. As I always said, tastes deserved respect. The turtle rubbed its head against Tiena’s leg. Tiena stopped talking and stroked it.

At the same time, Professor On’s magical power began piercing through the mist around me. If we spent any more time here, I had no idea how Professor On would react.

So I hurriedly spoke up, intending to steer the conversation back on track after it had somehow wandered off.

“Do you mean Mauro contacted you?”

Tiena gave a small nod. To think he had even reached out directly to look after me. A small swell of gratitude toward Mauro rose in my chest.

“Yes, so Evron, please help Mauro as much as you can too. He is a pitiful child.”

As she said that, a slightly sad light appeared in her eyes. She glanced behind her. Professor On, who had been scowling, immediately relaxed and met her eyes. Tiena let out a small sigh and spoke.

“If only his body had been whole, he might have inherited the tower after my beloved.”

I blinked at those words. Inherited the tower? The way she referred to Mauro sounded extremely close. As she had said, it was clear they were quite close. Professor On also had a slightly bitter expression.

Tiena softly took Professor On’s hand and burrowed into those arms. Professor On gently caressed her sorrowful face, then lowered their head and kissed her lightly.

Within that kiss, Tiena’s sadness began to melt away little by little. Which also meant the kiss went on for quite a while. The turtle watched the scene with intense fascination.

I cleared my throat and turned my gaze aside. But there was Mira. She met my eyes, smiled mischievously, and tapped her own lips.

“Shall we try it too? I think I’ll need that thing called Evron’s love if I’m going to eat this.”

She said that while taking Wriggler No. 1 out of her arms. Her eyes looked more amused than ever. I quickly shook my head and gave a strained smile. Lately, it felt as though she had been teasing me like this more often.

This change had not started with her. The cause was me. After realizing what a puppet’s love was, I had become able to feel a little of the affection that came from her as well. She could also be called half my puppet, after all.

Because of that, my wariness toward her had slowly begun to fade. She had clearly noticed that too. I held her back and put a little distance between us.

More importantly, to think Mauro had been that outstanding. I had heard fragments of his talent from Mira, but I had never imagined it had been enough for a professor to covet him.

I quietly thought of Mauro. I did not know what position he had held, or what floor he had reached. Even after using the information guild, I had not found any clear information. According to them, someone had erased it.

Professor On and Tiena’s affectionate display only ended after Tiena raised a finger and pushed Professor On away. She looked at us and laughed awkwardly.

“I’m sorry. Whenever I get sad, this person never lets me go.”

“No, please don’t mind us. We’re the ones who should apologize. We will leave as soon as possible.”

I said that and glanced at Professor On. Professor On nodded in satisfaction at my words. Watching that reaction, I carefully spoke.

“So, may I ask what the request is?”

At those words, Tiena’s eyes widened, and she lightly clapped her hands.

“Ah, I still hadn’t told you that. Whenever I talk, I always end up wandering off like this. Perhaps it’s because I want to spend more time with you.”

Tiena lightly patted the turtle’s back. The turtle felt her touch and raised its head a little. She met its eyes.

“What I want to ask for is this child. I want a child like this.”

With those words, Tiena gently lifted the turtle. The turtle let out a meeeng cry. Then it leaned its head against her cheek. Professor On shot the thing a sharp glare.

My expression stiffened slightly. She wanted the turtle. That was a request I absolutely could not grant. Seeing my expression, Tiena smiled slightly.

“I said that in a way that could be misunderstood. My request, or perhaps commission would be the better word. My commission is for you to make one puppet. A child like this turtle.”

As she said that, she placed the turtle back on her lap. Then she brought a hand to her own stomach. Stroking it, she wore a faint smile.

“What I want is our child.”

At those words, Professor On clicked their tongue loudly. Professor On placed a hand lightly on Tiena’s shoulder and looked down at her.

“I always say this, but if you wish it, Tiena, I can give you a human body.”

Professor On said that. Tiena looked at Professor On and intertwined her fingers with that hand. Then she spoke.

“Because I want to remain a puppet. I want to belong to you like this forever. If I become human through your magic, our connection will grow faint as well. I do not want to grow distant from you like that.”

Tiena said that and looked at me. I could feel a deep obsession in her gaze. It was something I had not noticed until now. It was as vast as Professor On’s. No, perhaps it was even greater.

“That is why I am asking Evron. Because I saw that strange magic. The possibility this child holds.”

I blinked at those words. The turtle did the same. The thing tried to sneak off her lap, but she held it tightly and did not let go.

“No matter how much vitality a puppet’s body holds, it cannot conceive a new soul. But this child is a little different. Is it Evron’s innate magic? I realized that a soul had taken root in this child.”

As she said that, Tiena quietly stroked the turtle’s shell. The turtle stiffened under her gaze. She continued.

“So someday, please gift me one puppet. A puppet I can call the child of me and this person.”

At those words, I fell quietly into thought. It was an interesting commission. It gave me quite a lot to think about. A child of a puppet and a person. Was that truly possible?

For now, it was impossible. The innate magic carved into my tree, Fake Soul, only responded to pieces of my own tree.

I glanced sideways at Professor On. It was a problem even Professor On had not solved. There was no way I could solve such a problem quickly.

Looking at me, Tiena gave a soft smile. She spoke in a relaxed voice.

“There will be no time limit, so please don’t feel too burdened. Just know that I made such a request. If you ever think it is possible, you can come to me then.”

In that case, there was no problem. I felt the pressure weighing on my chest lighten a little. I stiffened my expression and nodded seriously.

“Understood. It is a request from Tiena, so of course I should accept it. I will do my best.”

I did not know what kind of reward there would be, but surely she would take care of me on her own. Well, as she said, if I decided it was impossible, I could simply give up.

That was what I thought.

And I also said as much to Mauro, who was sitting in front of me.

I had stopped by the city on my way back to Professor Irian’s tower. Mauro listened to my story and laughed heartily.

“Hoho, so that happened. Well, don’t worry too much about it. Plenty of people besides you have heard that request.”

I blinked slightly at those words. Mauro stroked his beard and stared into empty air. Those cloudy eyes seemed to be looking into the past.

“I heard that request long ago too. How nostalgic. Well, I still haven’t solved it for her even now. I can only feel sorry toward Madam.”

He sat blankly like that for a moment, then shook his head. Then he looked at us, the wrinkles around his eyes curving. It was a very bright smile.

“This is only a rumor that quietly circulates inside the puppet guild, but some say our guild is maintained for that very reason. Of course, that would not be the only reason!”

Mauro said that and laughed loudly again. Mira, sitting beside me, also smiled softly, amused. Then she lightly took my hand.

Warmth came from her hand. It was not the cold puppet body from before. I slightly withdrew my hand. I was not used to that warmth at all. It was sending vivid life force flowing into me.

After leaving Professor On’s tower, she had immediately taken Wriggler No. 1 into her body. She leaned against me. With a face full of warm color, she smiled at me. A rich rose fragrance seemed to drift from that smile.

“My, then the reward must be amazing too.”

“Mm, I suppose so. Madam has given plenty even to those who failed. Points, materials, and the like.”

Mauro said that and nodded. Mira squeezed my hand tightly and smiled with her eyes.

“Hmm, then this will need experimentation. Many experiments to create their child. Isn’t that right, Evron?”

“That’s a fine idea! Seeing you today, young lady, it seems not only your body but your heart has become human as well. Professor’s pill must have been very effective!”

“Hehe, what are you talking about? I was always like this.”

Mauro and Mira looked at each other and burst into laughter. Between the two of them, I could only laugh hollowly. Both of them seemed intent on teasing me. I had to stop this before the conversation went any further.

“I heard from Tiena. You sent a letter telling her about me. I didn’t know you would show me such kindness.”

At those words, Mauro gave a small nod and spoke.

“Mm, you gave me quite a lot of points last time, did you not? So I should do everything I can for you. Besides, you are a new member of our puppet guild.”

“Mm... while we were talking, your story also came up a little, Mauro. She said you might even have inherited the tower. I was surprised to hear that.”

At that, Mauro lightly stroked his beard and laughed heartily. He did not seem to mind much. Then he lightly patted my shoulder.

“Mm, Madam even told you that story? She must have liked you quite a lot. Well, there was a time like that. Roughly five hundred years ago. So there is no need to worry too much about it. Yes, this reminds me of when I first received that request. I will tell you a little about that time....”

Like that, Mauro naturally changed the direction of the conversation. Listening to his story, I nodded lightly. There was no need to ask further. He did not seem to want to talk about it.

He went on talking about the days when Professor On had been teaching classes back then. I quietly listened. Professor On’s teachings were mixed into the story here and there. They were quite helpful.

How much time passed like that? Mauro suddenly paused, then lightly struck one palm with his fist. Then he looked at me, eyes shining.

“Ah, you. Come to think of it, are you interested in attending the next gathering?”

“A gathering... you mean?”

“Yes, a gathering held by our city guild. You were not there when it was held last time. There are roughly eight months left, and we can adjust the date to suit you. There are many people curious about the new member.”

“I don’t mind. Please just tell me the date.”

I nodded lightly. Apart from gaining influence, one of the reasons I had joined the guild was to meet other puppeteers.

Through interacting with them, I might gain possibilities for further growth. I was also looking forward to meeting other puppeteers. At my agreement, Mauro burst into laughter.

“Well, I understand that you are busy, so I will set it for the day of Professor On’s class. Come comfortably then. Everyone will welcome you gladly.”

“I’m looking forward to it too. More importantly, I realized there was something else I should thank you for. The advice you gave me last time helped me a great deal. Almost none of the other students passed.”

“Hoho, that was nothing more than simple advice. You are just that talented. Have confidence!”

I talked with him for a long while. Being with him somehow made my heart feel a little more at ease. We talked about puppets and about the class, gradually letting the time melt away.

At the end of it, I parted with him and headed back to Professor Irian’s tower.

The path to the tower was peaceful. There were no magical beasts nearby that could overcome the turtle’s size and Mira’s mist. So I arrived at the tower and opened the tower door with a very light heart.

Of course, I soon had to clutch my head.

Not even a week had passed since I left the tower. Yet during that time, a major incident had occurred in the tower. It was something Hao had done again. I sighed while cleaning up after it.

Like that, six months passed.

Six more treasures held lectures, and two more rules were added. And we were able to uncover the entire storehouse on the sixth floor. There were no doors left now.

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