Chapter 2: Welcome to Class D, Part 1
(Dazai Crowley's POV)
Cerulean Academy, Present Day
Magic.
As we all know, the art of magic is the process of manipulating a supernatural energy called "mana" to invoke a special phenomenon into existence.
In times long past, we used to refer to people who could manipulate magic as Magicians, or Mages.
Unlike normal humans, Mages possess incredible supernatural power which transcends beyond science, with some even capable of warping the natural laws of reality with their own two hands. With magic, redefining concepts was possible. And for those who could do so possessed true power, for they were the ones who truly controlled the world.
—Atleast, that's how it was anyways.
Society has changed a lot since then however. The age of Magicians is now a thing of the distant past. The reason why? The answer is very simple.
Magic is dangerous. And history has proven time and time again that humans and even gods are not to be blindly trusted with such supernatural power.
In order to maintain law and order, a revision to our previous set of values and traditions was required.
And so, the "Bravado" System was born.
With this, the world changed.
Bravados.
These were what society called Magicians now.
Only Bravados were allowed to use magic to fight.
Today, the only way to become a Bravado is to graduate from a government approved school.
And in the Holy Kingdom of Wüder, Cerulean Academy was exactly one of those said schools.
Personally founded by the Royal Family of Bathóry themselves, Cerulean Academy has been revered as a well renowned school of prestige for millenia.
Backed by a national powerhouse, they possess great power in the political world. Their fame and fortune, unrivaled by even that of other countries.
—However, there was one thing about this school in particular that set it apart from all the others.
The right to fulfill any one wish.
Wealth, power, authority, influence, fame, knowledge. All of these were on the table.
—Atleast, that's what everyone else is here for.
* * * * * * * * * *
The beginning of August.
Today marks the start of a new school year.
Now arriving at its destination, the bus stops.
One by one, students of various nature depart.
I was among one of the last to leave.
After getting my bearings, I approach the front gates of the school made of stone up ahead.
It was then I stopped for a moment and compared the buildings to the flier I had on hand.
The images matched almost perfectly.
"So this is it, huh", I mumble aloud.
Cerulean Academy….
Mom, Dad.
I finally made it.
I hope you're proud of me.
Relishing at the very sight of it, I smile a little.
After putting away the flier, I pull out my phone and send a quick text to a certain someone.
(I'm here)
The person doesn't immediately reply however.
They're probably busy working right now.
Suddenly though, another message comes in.
(Perfect, I'll see you after school)
After making plans to meet, I put my phone away.
"Right then, I should probably get going."
Don't want to be late on my first day after all.
Following the direction of the older students, I make my way over to the school gymnasium.
They were hosting the opening ceremony here.
There, the principal welcomed his students, the teachers gave their speech, and so forth.
About an hour had passed since then.
After the ceremony was over, I made my way back into the school and searched for my classroom.
Eventually, I stopped in front of a particular room.
"Class D", the nameplate said.
Looks like this was it.
Opening the door, I walk inside.
I was surprised to see only a couple dozen students had occupied the room. Most likely the rest of our classmates were still on their way. I also noticed our teacher wasn't here yet either, which meant I still had time to get situated.
Let's see, if I recall correctly, there should be no assigned seats in this school….—In that case, I believe we should be free to sit wherever we want.
I walk around, searching for a good place to sit.
Ah, over there should do.
It was a seat close to the window. Generally a good spot to have when you're a main character.
However, there was one other thing that attracted me to this spot in particular.
A pale and slender looking girl sat there.
This girl had hair long enough to reach her lower back, yet whiter than snow itself.
Her pale skin glistened in the pouring sunlight and a face that held doll—like expression.
An expression that completely lacked any sign of visible emotion. A natural poker face.
One glance was enough to tell.
Blessed was she with unparalleled beauty, yet cursed with an unnatural aura all the same.
An angel without a smile.
But more importantly—
—She was a girl who I recognized all too well.
"Excuse me."
I approached the girl.
"Is this seat taken?"
The girl looks away from her book and glances at me.
"—No, help yourself."
"Thank you."
I set my bag down and take a seat.
At the same time, the girl then closes her book.
"It's been awhile, —Dazai Crowley."
I smile a little.
"What's it been, five years?"
"Five years and seven months, to be precise."
"Heh."
The girl you see here is Ester Evernore.
And she's an old friend of mine.
—No, it's more like she's a former comrade.
"Oh, I got you a little something."
"Hmm?"
As I said that, I pulled out a small box filled with chocolate pretzels. Ester's favorite snack.
Of course, for context, it's not like I knew Ester was going to be here. I just happened to coincidentally have some on hand at the time.
....But it'd be a hassle to explain all of that to her.
Regardless, I handed the box over to her.
"Thanks."
Showing her gratitude without a change in expression, she takes the box and opens it.
She then helps herself to a couple. Whilst eating however, she returned her focus back to her book, continuing exactly where she last left it off.
It was much like our relationship, so to speak.
"So, what brings you here?" I asked her. "I doubt you came all the way out here for money or fame."
"I only came here for a good education."
As she said that, she flipped a page in her book. Curious, I glanced at the title on the cover.
It was a historical book that was called, "The Seven Deadly Demon Kings". It's quite popular.
"—If you say so."
I didn't pursue the topic any further.
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