Chapter 2 - Without Magic at the Magic Academy

"Can't do magic, huh?"

In this world, the only thing that could keep someone alive was magic. And I didn't have any.

"Even though it's only my first day in this world, my life's ending is already predictable."

Sighing, I took a deep breath.

Before entering this world, I really wanted to live a comfortable life without any hardship. To be able to play games to my heart's content. Eat delicious food. Sleep until I'm satisfied. Without anyone yelling or giving me advice.

I thought that by dying and starting a new life in a new world, that dream would come true. However, the reality is, I can't even use magic. Forget about living a comfortable life, defeating bosses, or conquering dungeons, I wouldn't even be able to survive in this academy.

However, she appeared. In fact, she possessed the main character's powers. She possessed magic of all attributes. Even though I hadn't seen her, I was certain she possessed all the main character's skills.

Sigh. I took another deep breath.

What was wrong? What was really happening? Why couldn't I use magic? And who was Alya? Why did she have all those powers? No, more importantly, how was I supposed to survive at this academy without using magic?

Thousands of thoughts began to flood my mind.

"Oh, can you keep your voice down when you're daydreaming?" Van said, startling me.

"Ah, sorry. I thought you were asleep."

"I haven't slept yet. How can I sleep when my friend looks worried and anxious," he explained, yawning. "Sorry for eavesdropping."

I paused.

"Hey, instead of confusing yourself, why don't you tell me? Maybe I can help you," Van suggested.

He scratched his head, which wasn't itchy. "Well, I mean, we're friends, right? Friends are supposed to help each other."

"Thanks, Van. Very helpful."

"Eh, sorry, sorry," he said quickly. "But... honestly, I've never met someone like that."

This person was playing me on purpose. Van asked again with a teasing smile, "Or... is this all because of Alya?"

My body tensed. "What do you mean?"

"Well, yesterday you kept staring at her when she demonstrated the attributes of the four elements. Maybe it's not just about not having magic, but also about being outshined by a pretty girl, right?"

"It's unrelated!"

"Oooh? Really?" Van became even more irritated. "You like her, huh?"

I threw a pillow at Van.

“Woah woah, calm down, buddy,” Van said, wiping away the tears that had escaped from his laughter. “Okay, okay, time to get serious. Actually, what’s going on, buddy?”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Really, I’m serious now.”

Okay. It looked like he wasn’t going to continue his joke.

“You’re right, I’m confused by what happened earlier. I mean, why can’t I do magic?”

Van paused for a moment, seemingly thinking hard. “Hmm, I don’t know,” he replied innocently.

“You’re still joking, huh?”

“No, I’m serious.” Van continued. “Besides, since when is not having magic the end of the world?”

“What do you mean?”

Van touched his chin. “Not everyone needs magical powers, right? Like me, even though I can do earth magic, I’m confident in my physical strength. You? Maybe you have another talent?"

“Hmm, that’s true.” I was surprised by his thought. “But what is my talent?”

Van grinned mischievously. I regretted what I just said.

“Hehe, I haven’t said anything yet,” Van chuckled.

“I know what you’re thinking.”

Van burst out laughing. “Gosh, you’re so funny. But don’t worry, I understand what you mean. I’m curious about Alya myself.”

I looked at Van.

“I think her case is much stranger than yours. I’ve never met anyone without magic. But I’ve never heard of anyone with four attributes.”

“Is it strange to have four attributes?” I asked.

“Hmm, I think it’s quite strange. I’ve never met anyone without magic. But I’ve heard of such people. I’ve heard of two attributes. Three attributes? If I’m not mistaken, the founder of this academy had three attributes. But I’ve never heard of anyone with four attributes.”

I paused for a moment. Honestly, this was a new fact I learned. It never seemed to be explained in the game. Was this fact really in the game? Or could it be that this was the world adapting to Alya and me? If so, the world might be changing its course to reflect Alya and me. That way, all the major events that were about to happen might change as well. I shuddered a little at the thought of that possibility.

This wasn't something I could ignore. I needed to take action. What good was my knowledge of this game if the events that were about to happen were beyond my control. Moreover, I didn't have the power to deal with them.

I needed to get closer to Alya. I needed to know who she was? What actions would she take when the major events happened? If necessary, I needed to stop her actions that could change the course of this world.

"Hey Van, I think I need to approach Alya—ahem, I mean ask her."

Van, who had initially wanted to tease me, looked disappointed. "What do you mean?"

"Hmm, how should I put this?" How could I explain the major events in this world to Van? He might get suspicious. "Ahem, I don't think someone with four-attribute magic is a good sign. It could be that the world is facing great danger," I explained, hoping Van wouldn't suspect anything.

Van fell silent. “You mean, Alya’s case is a sign of a major event. Meanwhile, only she can save the world when it happens?”

I was surprised by Van’s conclusion. At least it was close to what I wanted. “Hmm, well, I guess. I don’t know if this is true or not.”

“But, this is interesting. I didn’t know there would be a major event. Well, maybe you’re wrong, but wouldn’t this make our school life even more interesting? Wow, I didn’t come to this academy in vain. I can be directly involved in the event,” Van said enthusiastically.

Oh dear, it seems I just created a new problem.

oOo

My plan began before the morning class had even started.

Today’s subject was alchemy. Several students were already seated, chatting with their friends. Some were enthusiastically examining the glass bottles and strange materials on the teacher’s desk.

However, what caught my attention most was the crowd in the front row. There, Alya sat surrounded by other students. After what happened yesterday, it was no surprise that so many people approached her.

“That was so cool yesterday. I never knew someone could use four-attribute magic.”

“Woah, how did you do that? I thought it was just a legend.”

Alya greeted them all with a gentle smile. Truly, she looked more like the sun than a mere human.

I glanced at Van, who had come with me. All he was staring at was a thumbs-up.

If it was already this crowded in the morning, when would be the right time to approach Alya?

I took a deep breath. If I wanted to know who she really was—and how she'd appeared in this world with all her magical attributes—I had to talk to her. After all, she could be key to the big event to come.

Okay, the plan was simple: huddle around Alya and start small talk. If possible, just introduce yourself. I'll see how things go.

I stepped toward the crowd—but before I could approach her.

"Excuse me, could you move aside? You're intruding."

Her voice was cold and flat, but it carried enough pressure to make the crowd turn.

A blonde-haired girl stood at the head of the crowd. Her pointed ears made it clear who she was. Sheela, the elf.

"Ah, Sheela. It's okay, they're just asking questions," Alya interrupted.

Sheela snorted. "Now you guys won't move? That's my seat."

Sheela walked over to the bench and sat down next to Alya. She folded her arms and leaned back, subtly signaling everyone to move away. Her smile was faint, but it was definitely not a friendly one.

The crowd immediately dispersed.

“Morning, Sheela,” Alya greeted, still in a warm tone.

“Morning, Alya,” Sheela replied softly—a stark contrast to how she had treated the students earlier.

I froze for a moment. Since when did they become close? Not only that, but Sheela was actually a loner in the game. She didn't have any close friends. Despite this, she was a genius, and her magical abilities were unmatched. She possessed two magical attributes: water and wind.

However, that wasn't what worried me. In the game, the main story was divided into five acts. I had already completed four of them. And I knew who the Act 1 boss was. She was Sheela, the elf currently sitting beside Alya.

In fact, less than a week had passed, and Alya's presence had already changed the game's main storyline.

This was bad. At this rate, my plan would fail completely.