"You'll be working together and growing together from now on. You'll be both schoolmates and rivals, both classmates and opponents."
Aximia interjected just then, her words full of amusement.
"Haha, competition really is necessary. One bug alone won't feel any urgency."
Professor Aximia seemed to be hinting at something, but Is, who appeared to have arrived late, showed no reaction to those words. She merely stood silently to one side.
"Um, hello. My name is Iggs. I look forward to working with you starting today."
Iggs extended a friendly hand, hoping to leave a good impression.
But one second passed, then two, then three.
Only after seven seconds did Iggs finally withdraw his hand awkwardly.
"First, I'd like to make one thing clear, Professor." That familiar, icy voice rang out again.
"I certainly don't consider this bug my archrival. He's merely an obstacle to overcome, as always."
"What?"
All the words he had prepared suddenly failed him.
Too many words stuck in his throat, and for a moment, Iggs could only stammer.
But the corners of Aximia's mouth lifted slightly. She liked that attitude.
True geniuses had no need for modesty. The more arrogant, the better, because courtesy and deference were matters for ordinary bugs.
Only...
Aximia nodded slightly.
Whether this was a declaration of confidence or mere bluff remained to be seen, but someone studying alchemy at least couldn't be a meek, submissive bug.
"Although I'm late, it seems I've seen everything I needed to see."
Another insolent look swept over him, and Iggs felt as though Is were treating him like a stone.
"Then, excuse me, my... [classmate]. I need to go to my workstation and finish today's work."
Is didn't stay long. After confirming everything, she left immediately.
"Don't underestimate me," Iggs said, a little angrily. "You've