Maidens of Cygnus - Volume 1 - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – April 7th

Tuesday, 7th of April.

Alisa came to school with Marika and they split up in front of class B. After that, she went into the class A classroom through the door behind her.

Maybe because of the classes being divided according to the admission exams results, the number of boys and girls in the class are not the same.

Class A is composed of 11 boys and 14 girls. The first row from the hall is for girls, the second for boys and so on alternating until the fifth row which has 4 girls in front and one boy in the back.

The seats are arranged in syllabary order. Maybe because there are a lot of girls in the ‘A’ column and ‘K’ column, Alisa’s seat is the first seat from the back in the third row[13].

Alisa sat down and looked around the classroom.

She already briefly introduced herself to her classmates the day before. No different than other magicians, she has a great memory and could match everyone’s faces and names.

But that doesn’t mean they’re friends. She felt the day before as well that for some reason they were keeping their distance from her. And unfortunately, it wasn’t just how she saw it.

Alisa quietly sighed so her classmates would not hear it. This atmosphere was something she remembered well. When she entered middle school in Hokkaido, and when transferred to the middle school in Tokyo, her classmates kept their distance as well.

(Is there anything I can do about this...?)

She knows the reason. Her appearance is too different from her classmates. This wasn’t just how she saw it either. She heard as much from a friend she made at the Tokyo middle school a short while after he changed schools.

At the end of the 21st century, foreigners aren’t that rare in this country anymore. There are no foreign students are this school due to special circumstances of magician education — restrictions on magicians leaving the country are a global trend — but there are a lot of half and quarter-race students. But even so, it doesn’t change that they are different. Especially in Alisa’s case, whose appearance is so different it’s nearly a different ethnicity, a rarity even among fellow half-races. 

(I guess there isn’t. I’ll just have to endure it for 2 or 3 weeks.)

In middle school, that was about how long it took for everyone else to open up to her. In high school it might be even faster. No, they’re a little more mature than middle schoolers, so it will be faster. Alisa comforted herself with that thought.

Alisa decided to stop looking around the classroom and boot up her terminal. There was still some time before the class started. But the guidance should already be available. The prudent — or timid, depending on the point of view — girl decided to briefly check everything before the teacher arrived.

She opened the terminal and turned the power on. She then placed her student ID card into the reader and the screen immediately became usable.

Alisa began looking through the menu. It was then that she was talked to.

“Good morning, Alisa.”

A familiar voice came from above her. The voice of a girl she met just yesterday.

“Yeah. Good morning, Mei.”

She returned the greeting after raising her head, but she decided what to say before she did.

Her eyes met with Isori Mei’s. The voice had been her only clue, but Alisa wasn’t mistaken.

“Have you already started registering for classes?”

Sitting down on the still empty neighboring seat, Mei continued the conversation with that question. The natural demeanor made Alisa feel slightly relieved.

“Not yet, but I thought to see what it looks like.”

Naturally, she couldn’t say it. It was too depressing and it would have the unintended effect of making things awkward. She didn’t want to bring attention to it and lose everything.

“I see... Let me take a look.”

Mei moved the chair to look into Alisa’s terminal. Their shoulders touched, and Alisa felt a different kind of warmth than when Marika does it — a ticklish sensation. 

“Juumonji-san, good morning.”

Alisa and Mei were happily chatting, shillyshallying while looking into the subjects, when they heard a male student greet Alisa from diagonally above.

Likewise, Alisa immediately recognized the owner of the voice.

“Good morning, Kagari-kun.”

It was Koharu’s childhood friend, Kagari Joui.

“Ah, I’m sorry, this is your seat, isn’t it?”

Mei realized it was Joui’s seat when he hanged his bag on the desk’s hook, so she stood up and apologized. — Magic High School students don’t have to carry any important school supplies, but many students use bags to carry personal belongings.

When apologized to, Joui replied “No need to apologize, it’s fine” and while smiling at Mei, he said

“You’re the newcomer representative, right? I’m Kagari Joui. We’ll be classmates for at least a month, good to meet you.”

And then bowed his head slightly.

When Alisa heard Joui, she realized Mei hadn’t been in the classroom yesterday.

“I’m Isori Mei. It’s good to meet you too. I have no intentions of dropping from class A, though.”

As Mei’s appearance suggested, she returned the greeting with confidence.

“Haha, then it looks like we’ll be together for a long time.”

At Mei’s introduction, Joui smiled and responded with a glimpse of his confidence in ‘not intending to drop from class A himself’.

◇ ◇ ◇

As soon as she parted with Alisa, Marika entered the class B classroom. Her seat is at the front of the second row from the window. With this arrangement, she needs to walk across the front of the classroom. While returning a cheerful greeting to the glances directed at her, Marika reached her seat.

The seats to her sides were still empty, but the student right behind her was already seated.

“Good morning, Marika-san.”

“Good morning, Koharu.”

Right behind her was Koharu. They’re ‘Tookami’ and ‘Nagatomi’. Quite a reasonable seating arrangement[14].

“It’s finally starting today, uh?”

Koharu sounded excited when she talked to Marika who was sitting down.

Once Marika had sat down, she twisted her upper body to look directly behind.

“Were you looking forward to it that much?”

To which Koharu responded.

“Uh? Doesn’t learning new things make you a little excited?”

Koharu looked surprised at what Marika had said.

“I don’t really like to study. Moving my body and using magic is my nature.”

“Ahaha... Marika-san, you do give off that image.”

Koharu hesitated on what kind of expression to make in response, so she decided to smile for the time being.

“In that case, shouldn’t you be looking forward to today?”

“What was today again?”

“Orientation.”

“Umm, if I remember right, that’s observing the technical skills classes. That does sound fun.”

“And it will be along with class A, so you can go around with Alisa-san.”

“Is that true!?”

Marika took the bait harder than ever before.

“So that’s what you’re most interested in...”

This time, a wry smile appeared in Koharu’s face.

◇ ◇ ◇

First period in today’s schedule for newcomers is course selection and registration. After that, they’ll be observing the classes of their seniors.

Until two years ago, teacher guidance was only available for first course classes. But, with the abolishment of the second course system last year, this differentiation has disappeared.

Additionally, the accompanied class observation is now done with two classes together. The students of class A and class B formed one group in the hallway and the class A instructor led them to the experiment building.

In the fourth laboratory on the second floor of the experiment building, class 2-G was having a technical skills class on Absorption-Type Magic. It was an exercise to separate iron from iron ore.

Absorption-Type Magic is typically understood as magic to combine, redox, dissolve and separate elements, but the task the students were given for this class is deoxidization — not just removing oxygen from the iron oxide to produce pig iron, but also remove other impurities to produce iron. The purer the iron, the higher the evaluation.

The faster students were already measuring the results of the first experiment. The sight of the spectrometer being used to measure the elemental contents looked straight out of an engineering high school, a technical school, or a science university, but when seeing the color and texture of the iron ore placed on the test stand change colors and texture by itself, it really hit home that this is a magic class.

The teacher slowly patrolled around the students who were performing the experiment and measuring their results, occasionally giving them advice.

The first-year students in their observation noticed that besides the teacher there were also students going around to give advice.

“Isn’t that Yuuto-san?”

Marika whispered to Alisa.

Alisa also spotted Yuuto, so she gave a silent nod to Marika.

“Sensei, may I?”

Mei raised her hand to request permission to speak.

“Go ahead, Isori-san.”

Class A’s instructor, Chikata Fujino granted her permission to ask questions.

They spoke quietly to not disturb the second-year students, but to the other nearly 50 first years — 49 to be exact — their voices could be clearly heard.

“Are the upperclassmen who are giving advice those who have already completed their assignments?”

“I was planning to tell you after this, but since we have an example right here I’ll explain it now.”

Fujino didn’t seem to mind.

“Since last year, this school has adopted a coaching system.”

She began explaining with a monotone voice.

“This is a system where students with good results in technical skills are given extra credits for helping other students learn. With this, the school aims to raise the academic standards.”

“Pardon me, sensei. May I ask something too?”

Alisa raised her hand while speaking.

“Of course, Juumonji-san.”

“It looks like among the coaching senpai, there’s some from other classes...”

They were observing class G of the second year. On the other hand, Yuuto belongs to class 2-A. Alisa was confused that Yuuto came to give another class advice, despite being lesson time for him too.

“The coaching students are called TA, and TAs can only participate in coaching during their own terminal study time and with permission from the instructor who is in charge of their technical skills class. Come to think of it, class 2-A’s Juumonji-kun is your brother. Is that why you asked?”

“Yes, umm, I’m sorry.”

Alisa apologized because she felt like she was somewhat mixing her public and private life.

“There is no need to apologize.”

Fujino, however, showed a smile.

“If you have questions, please ask them. Questions are welcome from everyone, as long as you’re not doing so with the intent of messing around.”

Fujino didn’t aim that message to Alisa alone.

◇ ◇ ◇

Today’s orientation finished in the morning. During the afternoon there were no classes, not just for the freshmen but also the second and third-year students.

When the lunch break ended, the newcomers flocked into the auditorium. This was an event that began last year.

Participation by newcomers is optional. They’re also free to come and leave but more than two-thirds of first year students were sitting before it began. The instructors of each class were also advising students to participate.

Before long, the time to start arrived.

A burly male student rose to the stage and took the microphone. He’s an upperclassman with short hair that gives off the impression of a sportsman. Alisa and the rest were in seats near the back, but even at this distance they could distinctly see the impressive height and muscles.

“To all newcomers, congratulations on your enrolment.”

His voice was deep, fitting his physique.

“I am the President of the Extracurricular Activities Association, also known as the Club Activities Group, Usui Takemitsu. Thank you all for coming today.”

His speech is rough, but strangely not vulgar. His plain way of speaking suit him well. Conversely, if he had talked in a polite or humble manner, it would probably feel out of place.

“Education at our school is not easy in the slightest. At the end of a day of classes, you’ll often be so tired you won’t want to do anything else. But that is why I don’t want you to finish there. School is not just a place to take classes. I want you, just like many of your seniors who have graduated this school, to create fulfilling memories through our club activities. We, the Club Activities Group, welcome you.”

It was a speech with a mood from last century, but weirdly enough it wasn’t unpleasant. It was heated, but not oppressively hot. Was this because of that man’s, Usui’s, personality?

“And now, each club will present their activities. Please used this as reference for your high school life that is starting now.”

Usui bowed, let go of the microphone and stepped down from the stage.

At the same time, sighs escaped from the students who were holding their breaths. It appears as if many first-year students were overwhelmed by Usui’s aura.

“That senpai seemed quite incredible.”

Marika didn’t sigh, instead she calmly whispered to Alisa. Alisa shared the same opinion.

But Alisa held a sense of satisfaction Marika did not. She had heard that Katsuto, the older brother who brought her to Tokyo, was also the President of the Club Activities Group when he was in First High. Though it was three generations before, since it was Katsuto’s successor, that presence is understandable.

The first half of club introduction was dedicated to sports clubs and the second half to cultural clubs. Moreover, in the first half, magic and non-magic clubs took turns on stage.

In the fifth presentation, the Martial Magic Arts Club took the microphone.

“...I think many of you already know, but...”

The introduction of the Martial Magic Arts Club began with that preface.

Presenting was the Club President of the men’s division, Chigusa Tadashige, who explained that Martial Magic Arts is a system of magic combat created in America based on the USNA’s predecessor, the USA’s, Marine Corps Martial Arts, then he mentioned it’s usually abbreviated to Magic Arts, and that in competitions only restricted kinds of magic are used, and afterwards he touched upon the big changes that happened in the last two years.

“FLT’s completely thought-operated CAD was accepted into the official rules of Martial Magic Arts and most of the athletes adopted this new technology for competition. With this CAD, using magic and martial arts in conjunction became truly seamless, and in the last two years the development of Magic Arts has progressed in a way that can even be described as evolutionary.”

Next to Alisa, Marika exaggeratingly nodded as if to say ‘Yeah, that’s quite right!’.

“And now, please watch the evolved Magic Arts demonstration.”

Club President Chigusa put the microphone down. As if they had been waiting for that, two boys in bout uniforms energetically went up the stage.

The demonstration that started from there was almost like acrobatics.

It all happened at a speed eyes could barely follow.

They didn’t just use the floor as foothold, they also used the air, with movements in all three dimensions that looked nothing short of truly impressive.

Frankly speaking, Alisa found it too stimulating. The movements were so hectic she almost got nauseous, and every time a punch of kick connected — or looked like it connected — she cowered, despite not being the target.

But Marika, on the other hand, clasped her hands together and looked at it passionately, like she was eating her last meal. She’s experienced in Magic Arts. When she was living with Alisa, she was affiliated with a mixed martial arts — not based on the MMA ruleset — club that didn’t use magic due to the influence of her brother. But when Alisa decided to attend a magic high school in Tokyo, Marika took the opportunity to switch to Magic Arts.

The demonstration, which felt both long and short to the newcomers in the audience, came to an end.

Alisa and Marika both sighed at the same time. Alisa’s was a sign of tension unraveling, while Marika’s was an expression of satisfaction.

Marika intends to continue with Martial Magic Arts club activities at First High. The demonstration by the men’s division seemed to satisfy her.

After that, the introduction of the club activities continued for nearly two hours. Midway through, between the sports and cultural clubs, there was a break. At that point, there was a partial change in the newcomers watching.

Marika had already decided which club to join so there was no need to remain in the auditorium any longer. But Alisa still hadn’t decided whether she wanted to join a sports or cultural club, so she planned to stay until the event ended.

Ultimately, Marika stayed with Alisa until the end, without leaving her seat.

◇ ◇ ◇

On their way home from school, they got off the Cabinet at the closest station to their home and Marika, instead of going to her own apartment, went with Alisa to the Juumonji Family house. After a simple greeting at the entrance they went to Alisa’s room, which is separate from the main house. This detached room was built when Katsuto decided to bring in Alisa.

Originally, the Juumonji Family house had a large garden, difficult to believe within Tokyo. No, calling it empty land is probably more accurate than garden. Besides a part with a maintained garden, there was a vast plot of land free to be used. This was where the detached room now stood, using the space effectively.

It was built with plenty of land and budget. Alisa’s detached room was not ‘a detached room’ at all, but rather a one-story self-sufficient one-room house furnished with a cutting-edge kitchen and bathroom. Her half-sister Kazumi even comes from the main building to use the bathroom, saying ‘This is more convenient’.

“...Doesn’t this look like my apartment?”

That was her impression as she went into Alisa’s room for the first time.

“I think this building was built by the same business who built your apartment as a favor, Mina.”

The answer came immediately.

“The layout, the kitchen, the bath, everything is the same as your apartment.”

Marika’s impression that they were similar turned out to be correct.

“We have matching rooms too, uh?”

Alisa said shily, to which Marika replied “Yeah!” with a big nod and a wide smile.

Alisa sat Marika down on a chair at the small dining table and went to prepare a drink.

“Mina, is milk tea okay?”

Alisa poured freshly boiled water into the glass tea server and then turned around and ask Marika.

“Just sugar is fine.”

Marika’s reason for replying with a slightly irritated tone is, no doubt, a grudge for being mocked the day before at Einebrise.

“Really? That’s unusual.”

It wasn’t possible to infer whether Alisa’s replied like that because she forgot her ‘can’t even drink black tea without milk‘ remark yesterday or because she was playing dumb.

Alisa brought a tray with the tea server and a sugar pot filled with sugar cubes and placed it on the table. As requested, there was no milk.

Alisa put them on the table, told Marika “Wait just a bit” and returned to the kitchen. She took two teacups and spoons from the cupboard and put them on the tray. Then she took out a small carton of pasteurized milk    

  and added it to the tray.

“I told you I don’t want milk.”

Marika was obstinate when she saw the returning Alisa put the tray on the table. 

“This is for me. I feel like having some milk tea.”

“...Oh, okay.”

“Mina, I’d be glad if you’d join me.”

“...Asha, you’re so unfair.”

Pouting, Marika protested with a sulky tone.

Alisa just smiled without saying anything and added another milk carton.

Alisa and Marika sat facing each other at the dining table with cups of steaming milk tea in front of them. Since it was made with boiling water and milk at room temperature, it is still too hot.

They both drank the milk tea little by little, returning the cup back to the table each time. Neither Alisa nor Marika seemed to dislike the hot drink.

The table was small, so the two could reach the other’s face by stretching their arms. In fact, in between sips of the milk tea, they were feeding each other bite-sized cookies that were in the middle of the table.

“Alisa, what are you going to do for club activities?”

Marika asked in one of the sipping breaks. Though while this may seem like a secondary thing, it was the main theme of the tea party.

“I plan to join a club. I haven’t decided which one yet, though.”

Just like her words, Alisa’s tone also betrayed her indecision.

“Mina, you’re going to join the Magic Arts Club, right?”

And she asked Marika a similar question.

“Yeah.”

Marika’s answer was simple.

“They said that we should submit the application as soon as we decide, right?”

There is no limit in how many people can join a club. However, it was also said at the club introduction that those who join early get preferential treatment from the upperclassmen when it comes to the assignment of necessary equipment.

“I’ll apply immediately when the recruitment starts in two days. But I’ll join you in your club tour, Asha. Actually, I guess activities won’t start until the newcomer week is over. New students who join during the week will probably be forced to do tons of chores.”

Marika added her thoughts and Alisa giggled.

“That’s true. But it looks like you can be in more than one club, so maybe you can just tell them that you want to check out other clubs during newcomer week.”

They heard about the possibility of being in more than one club during the cultural clubs introduction. Apparently, cultural clubs have more trouble securing new members every year compared to the sports clubs, especially the cultural clubs not related to magic, and one way too honest upperclassman told them how they maintain the required number of members by allowing them to join more clubs.

“Well then, Mina. Please help me when the club tour begins the day after tomorrow.”

Alisa sat up straight on her chair and bowed to Marika. — Of course, she was just joking.

“Leave it to me. If there’s any rude guys, I’ll protect you.”

Marika also laughed while nodding exaggeratingly.

But, though she was joking, a glimpse of seriousness could be seen.