Chapter 115

She was greeting people with a smile.

"Rikka, you made it from zero to one last night."

Huh?

Takanashi Rikka's expression froze instantly.

"Why... Sage, did you notice? Could it be some kind of method for identifying Ability User?"

"That's not it. Have you forgotten? The Seed of Spiritual Power I left for you—when the spiritual energy on them dissipated, it meant you had broken through and possessed your own spiritual energy... Just as I predicted, you were the fastest."

Hasegawa Izumi said with a pleased expression.

As the saying goes, if you're quick in one step, you'll be quick in every step.

After achieving the breakthrough from zero to one, the accumulation of spiritual power will enter a fast track, preparing for the next 'ability awakening'.

As expected of the ally he favored.

"I see..."

Takanashi Rikka's smile was forced.

I thought I could show off in front of the Sage, but it turns out the clown was me...

To actually think you can fool the Sage in this way is truly presumptuous.

No, no, we can't let ourselves get too big for our britches!

The girl reflected on the situation carefully in her mind.

However, although I didn't get to show off to the Sage, I could still find satisfaction in other people.

The Far East Magic Society after school.

"Cough cough..."

When the last one, Dekomori Sanae, arrived, Takanashi Rikka suddenly coughed, drawing everyone's attention.

"Takanashi-san, if your throat is sore, you can see a doctor and get some medicine."

Natsukawa Masuzu glanced at it from the side.

"No, I meant... this!"

Takanashi Rikka's eyes gleamed with smugness as she extended her right index finger, a glint of light emanating from its tip.

Clearly, she was repeating someone else's actions from before.

"Rikka, you arrived before us!"

Nibuya Morika's expression became more complicated.

"Impossible! You're faster than me..."

Natsukawa Masuzu couldn't believe it.

"Master has already reached death! Does this mean the title of 'Master' will continue...?"

Dekomori Sanae also looked surprised, pressing her hands to her cheeks.

The girls' emotions fluctuated individually.

Although people don't say it, there's actually a bit of competition between them.

Because they all know perfectly well that everyone is on the same starting line, and there is nothing unfair about it.

But now, the outcome of the first step is clearly decided.

"Hey-hey..."

Noticing the changes in the expressions of the others, Takanashi Rikka felt a thrill called "manifestation" and couldn't help but show her joy.

However, compared to the Sage's effortless Versailles, her deliberate display was clearly inferior.

The girl realized this and quickly composed herself.

"As you've all seen, Rikka has already acquired her first bit of spiritual power. As someone who has made a pact with me, this level is to be expected... Now, it's up to you to see how you perform."

Hasegawa Izumi cast an expectant glance at everyone.

The three girls immediately felt an even greater pressure.

After school.

The girls secretly gathered together again.

"Rikka, what does it feel like to have spiritual power?"

"Takanashi-san, how did you do that?"

"Master, tell me what happened then, Death!"

The others asked questions all at once.

"Don't worry, we agreed on this beforehand. Now let me share my thoughts."

Takanashi Rikka was secretly delighted, but on the surface, she still tried to maintain the calm and collected expression of Sage, making herself look more like a master.

The meeting adjourned, and less than a day had passed since the results were announced.

"It's been so long since I've felt this sense of power."

The same scene was repeated by Nibuya Morika, who then put on airs.

Compared to Rikka, although she was secretly pleased, she still managed to control her expression and put herself into the role of an ancient magician.

Now, the remaining two are under even more pressure.

"Now it's just the two of us left..."

Natsukawa Masuzu and Dekomori Sanae looked at each other, both feeling a little flustered.

Thursday arrived.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no! I still failed. Is it because my aptitude is worse?! What if that middle school kid also awakened..."

When class ended, Natsukawa Masuzu covered her head, looking extremely flustered, her eyes trembling violently.

"Oh my god, isn't this the Greedy Witch? It's only been a short time since I last saw her, how come she's gotten so sloppy?"

Suddenly, Nibuya Morika walked past her, leaving behind a sarcastic remark that made her tremble with anger.

The offensive actions taken in the past to force the other party to integrate into the club have now come back to haunt them.

It's truly a case of tit for tat.

It was time to go to the club.

Natsukawa Masuzu felt her steps were very heavy, fearing that she would be the last, or that it would be a long time before she could achieve the same thing.

Besides saving face, this also means that it will take longer to awaken in the future.

"It seems she hasn't succeeded yet..."

When Dekomori Sanae pushed open the door and saw her expression, Natsukawa Masuzu immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

If it were this guy, he definitely wouldn't be able to hide his expression; he might even jump up in joy.

"Thank goodness, there's still a chance to die! I'm not the last one!"

Similarly, Dekomori Sanae's anxiety subsided.

That's how it happened after school.

Dinner is over.

Hasegawa Izumi was sitting on the sofa, watching anime with Kōko.

Suddenly, a smile appeared on his lips.

"Looks like everyone didn't keep me waiting too long. We've successfully reached this point before summer vacation. In that case, we'll have to revise our summer plans..."

Friday morning.

Most students no longer looked miserable on their way to school; instead, they walked with light steps.

Because after school today, summer vacation begins.

Before even entering the classroom, Hasegawa Izumi could hear the lively discussion among the students.

Going fishing on a yacht, traveling abroad... these are activities that only wealthy people can afford.

"Hasegawa-kun, are you free during summer vacation?"

"Hasegawa-kun, I heard there's a really good animated movie coming out soon. Can you come with me?"

"Hasegawa-kun, a manga store opened near my house, and I was hoping you could recommend some manga to me..."

When he arrived, some of the female students gathered around him, and some even made invitations that appealed to his tastes.

There's no way around it, he's just too popular.

Although the Far East Magic Society has been out of the public eye for some time, its legend continues to be told.

"No need, thank you all for the invitations."

He could only thank everyone for their kindness.

If it were Childhood Friend relationship, he might not be able to refuse, but no one else could sway his will.

It was the last class.

Class teacher Tsukumo Nanase came to the front of the class to give a summary of the first semester.

"... above."

"Have a great summer vacation, everyone!"

She clenched her right fist and smiled as she offered her blessings.

"Oh...!"

The students responded excitedly.

"Ring ring~"

As the bell rang and the Homeroom Teacher left, the students did not immediately head to their clubs, but instead said goodbye to their friends first.

"Izumi-chan, the first semester is over... For me, the happiest day was that day fighting alongside everyone from the Far East Magic Society... Hehe, it was so great! I'm so glad I met you Izumi-chan. I'm already looking forward to the second semester!"

Fujiwara Chika spoke happily in his ear.

As she spoke, the girl's expression and hands moved in sync.

"Um..."

Hasegawa Izumi listened attentively, her eyes revealing her emotions.

Although he hadn't been aware of it, hearing these things from the girl's mouth couldn't help but stir something within him.

13 I need your help in my spiritual practice!

"See you during summer vacation, Izumi-chan ~ Let's bring Kōko out for ramen together then~"

Fujiwara Chika walked out the door, turned back to wave, her smile bright, and then quickly left.

"Yes, if I have time."

After that, he went to the Far East Magic Society to reunite with everyone.

"Everyone's here."

A hint of joy flashed in the eyes of both Natsukawa Masuzu and Dekomori Sanae.

This is their last chance to shine!

"Everyone..."

The two women stood up at the same time and spoke excitedly.

At that very moment, their expressions also froze.

"You, you, you..."

"You also?"