Chapter 41: Another Genius (3)
g806fThe other students who were stimulated by Yirukis action started busying themselves by talking.9ofZ
vJmIsnt that punk amazing? Though the explosive power is the same, the detonation reaction seems to have gotten faster.LbVSgX
mMdkgIts probably just the Savant Syndrome doing its work. He can calculate the reaction equation at an astonishing speed.9cjK
KBO0Shirone cut in.PmPQFH
HDItQYou mean the equation that causes the explosion?tOg0kL3
Tazf9KYYeah. I dont know much about detonation magic, but I heard that the explosive power changes depending on how you set up the reaction equation. You could say it’s a similar concept to that of the combustion equation for fire magic.dDN4
g9Y3HI see. With that level of explosive power, I guess he doesnt even need to learn fire magic.Z2Xd
cIZvRkiNo. Denotation magic is used differently from fire magic. First of all, fire magic activates immediately. Even for Yiruki, if his firepower is that strong, it will take that much longer to detonate. Well, reducing that reaction time is up to the detonator.IPTnGh
M70xIf Shirone’s insight specialized in teleportation, then Yirukis superhuman computational power was specialized for detonation magic.QAB0Z
OPeGThe biggest advantage of detonation magic was that it could create an enormous explosion from a tiny dot.zyvS3
2p8PZThe further away from the center the Deviate form got, the smaller it got. It was a magic that was optimized for the Deviate form in that respect.EYI
gP6AfVzYiruki’s talent, spirit zone’s propensity, and his main specialty were all specialized for explosionsDKJqx0l
d9i3gWhy is Nade close to someone like that?Tbr
K9OShirone did enjoy reading history that involved wars with mages, but he didnt think that magic had to be so destructive.su6nUE
rzjnIve never learned magic with the intention of hurting someone.’Q1T
xQUYmEHe was curious about Yiruki, but it was Shirone who thought that getting along with him was out of the question.7aFwai
XrV2f* * *J5AJE
WTRmN8As if he really put himself under probation, Yiruki did not come to class.idVCWR
fzmAlthough he felt a little bad, Shirone was relieved by this.qLL7nD
SvDlDaI wouldnt know what to say if we ran into each other again.fIe
qlgmghYAfter an ordinary day, Shirone took his first formal Class 5 evaluation.4h1H
5HaaYHis average score was 41 points.QiLEgd
ddsQIt was still in the lower range, but it wasnt an easy feat to raise all subjects by 10 points in one month.YFCW
vRHAfter checking the test results, the students tidied up their desks and stretched.2E3wUgZ
IFePhew, I guess I can lay back for a while. Shall we buy something and go to our research group?YVb
iU66zZLets. With all the stress off my shoulders, Im feeling hungry.0MSgzu
Uw2v6mStudents started leaving in pairs or more, but not Shirone, for he was not part of a research group yet.q89Spo
fjRCI should go to the library and study some more. My average score is still 40 pointsOC0V
wUqVZnoHe was not satisfied with the results, but the process of enhancing his Core of Knowledge was going smoothly.6eBh
46VtShirone was pleasantly surprised when he noticed that all the knowledge was connecting much faster than he expected.adwsfsk
XTd4tIts proof that my network of knowledge is evolving. Lets not waver and stick to it until the end.UAG
hPhW0The fact that he had already finished the 20 books he had borrowed a week ago kept his spirits up.9IHOBwf
HMgwHey, Shirone.0Js1GR
aGIlLnSYes? What is it?54K
TnRnadA female student approached him as he was packing his backpack.ibO
vIDC4CFrom a corner of the classroom, her friends were eyeing them with excitement.N5tsU
P00uFIve talked with my friends about this, but would you like to join our research group? Were researching object-moving magic. We thought that if you were in our group, we could maybe make more achievements. Its also a field that has a lot to do with photon magic.y4IHG
xkpdOZlShirone thought carefully.hNDg
lxsuHHe had received offers from several groups after being promoted, but this was the first research group that suited his aptitude.lQVfu
ZbfWhether students wanted to join or not was 100% up to them, but there was no case where joining one would be a waste of time.Mrx
bTWjlThe academys evaluation methods were largely divided into three parts. Practical exams, theory exams, and performance evaluations.gmGfI
NM1f2iAmong them, the performance evaluation required one research paper on whatever topic to be submitted between semesters. Thats why many students joined a research group, to save time and effort.5SmcC
voWMost of the students did it this way, as during vacation time, they would be able to visit their hometowns or stay at the academy to focus on fixing their weak points.7NVzXeU
KTgTOf course, Shirone also checked the qualifications to join a research group, but eventually changed his mind.yZbor
cdIMcdSince he did not complete his work of enhancing his Core of Knowledge, his clumsy participation would only cause them harm.79zv
D1hw6They gave their proposal based on his previous achievements, but Shirone wasnt sure if he could match their level once all the work and activity started.1elC9Q
QfmLxUm Im sorry. Theres a field Im studying right now, and I havent been able to make much progress on it yet. Im planning on focusing on that for the time being.fh697ef
FWVT5dOh, I see. Thats a bummer.L3rJHlQ
zi6W2uSorry to turn you down even though you personally made the offer.vL1deL0
ThKOEShe gave a light laugh.gTL
2ZwNo, you dont have to be sorry for anything. Let me know if you change your mind.jWpd
fRT8B9The girl went back to her group after leaving behind kind words. In fact, there were not many students in Class 5 who acted upon their emotions. Though there were eccentrics and exceptions like Yiruki.PCF
y68sIm jealous. It looks fun.gyjj0d
OqRRmA corner of Shirones heart ached. He had friends like Rian and Amy, but Rian was studying a different field, and Amy was in the Advanced class, so she was busy.xcyO
nItThey say that life is a lonely battlefield, but he felt that he couldnt get any lonelier considering he had no comrades in Class 5.My3yv8a
INlnxEh? Shirone, you leaving now? Wait for me.C7y
81CNade ran towards him and put his arm around Shirones shoulder. This was a regular occurrence already.pZM5uYW
CHm136bThe two walked to their dormitory while talking about random things. Most of their talks were about topics Shirone liked.plv
hlyrtThe library is fine, but there are quite a few specialized books exclusive to research groups. Come to think of it, why did you refuse earlier? Theyre a pretty decent research group.0pwhGP
OQQ7bI just feel like I dont have enough time.v5j4YHJ
ylReWell, I get you. You should busy yourself with raising your theory grades first. Im still envious. I dont even have that kind of desire.Uqz
baW8vYou have so many friends. I think it would be okay for you to join any research group.davru
oqwRnWhat are you talking about? I already have something like a research group. Im even the president.5b8QF
LgCcgWhat? Really? I didnt know that.ZLTkg
dFG* * *a0lDZ
dhuh* * *pJo
v1L7WShirone assumed that Nade would hate belonging to a certain group, so he didnt even ask. But for him to be the president?6KmjL
fooWhat kind of research group is it?RAb3iTT
gaxTHaha! Im actually embarrassed to brag about it. There are only two people. Myself included.YTPDKUQ
cjhgEPHuh? Isnt that below the minimum? Your subsidy should have been long cut off.7Y2V
Ad7SgThe academy required at least three or more members in a research group. It was because two was company, while three was a crowd.HeizOGS
Jstx6GXOur upperclassmen graduated last semester. Thats why I became the president. But yeah, Ive been really worried about that.CY6r4RK
I1sOh, so thats what happened.kPT1
yrpThere were numerous research groups in the academy, but having one with Advanced-class members was rare. Moreover, the fact that they graduated meant that they were cream of the crop upperclassmen.ukuOcUd
HsHNwpIf its okay, can I take a look?8UsJQ
Q5VmKReally? I thought you werent interested in research groups.cYdCKF
zU3I have always been interested, but I felt that if I joined one, Id just be a nuisance. I was just being careful.KifN2HT
3rgHahaha! What are you saying? Even though its called a research group, its just kids grouping up to study and play together. There is no need to feel any pressure.qlu
nSC5xKHmm Is that so?1JUeJ
wxue4pJActually, to be honest with you, you have a side that makes it difficult for people to approach you. You know, kids our age hit on each other, play around, tease, and do all that. And although Class 5 does have its share of vulgar fellows as well, Ive chatted with most of em, and there arent any bad guys. So open up a little more.PKQ1mwh
0uM9Realizing that both Rian and Amy reached out first, Shirone took note of those words.i7XY9yX
vRFKZNoticing Shirones attitude change, Nade shouted as if he had made up his mind.fQsXw7
qBiGreat! Im feeling good. I dont normally do this, but this is a special case. Let me introduce you to my research group. In exchange, dont tease me and say that it was boring or lame.7RAF8xy
4RHokEReally? Thanks a lot. I swear I wont tease you or anything like that.v2LkuzQ
kF8i4There you go again. Why so serious? Loosen up. Now, come on, lets get going!yHVE6ly
5kOcT* * *4o7i
lqw9The place Nade took Shirone to was a remote place northwest of the central park of the Magic Academy.EX28Ss
B6iSN8zIn front of them was a building formed out of 100 tetrahedron-shaped structures that were all connected together to create one building.K6aJCqU
LX1NonThe material of the building was iron, and if one looked closely, one could see magic patterns engraved on the surface.agl4kgu
2ReCTK1Shirone was surprised by the shape and structure of the building since it defied common sense.V5e0Bj
ufeWhere is this?iPv
2bFIts a warehouse we use to keep the magic equipment. Almost all teaching materials are kept in there. Of course, our labs there too.idx7
CnnYDThe laboratories were not specifically assigned. When the president of a research group submitted their application documents, the academy would simply give an empty room to them.yYE2
3ZgEDEven so, a warehouse?0IN3D
h7SHsShirone couldnt understand why the academy, considering the vast land in its possession, would place a lab in such a remote place.eXZbT
YVxWX1QThis place is something akin to a hideout. Upperclassmen have been protecting it for generations. Actually, our research group has quite a long history. You dont know how many fights there were to occupy this place.bmyffbt
NtewWiBut this is a bitDk8GCQ
zMnHaha! Its okay. The coolest thing is the countless materials in the warehouse. You can make anything. Oh, thats supposed to be a secret. Im only telling you this because it’s you.EaJP1
NbeT7lmShirone gasped.sDYJZ0w
n3ATAReally?1MPzEd
A3MWHe was quite surprised. Nade, the king of normalcy at the academy, breaking rules?aj2
b8gPICome, Ill show you.kLDc
jyBZg4rNade led Shirone into the building. As the building was complex, there were multiple entrances and exits. It was like wandering around in a maze.ANauM
1nYckMHow is it? Cool, right? You dont have to study it so closely though. We change the structure of the building whenever.o99
LgQ1HWTChange the structure? Is that possible?aPMxS
vDTHThe official name of this building is Estas, the magic warehouse. The building itself is a magic device. It was made with the concept of allowing the building to bring us the items we need Or bring a section of the building we need. Its quicker than having to manually go somewhere to get something and then go back. Thats why there are times when the structure changes on days when students are training. The point is, no matter what you do, if we dont want you to find us, you wont find us.wYb
7qTaJNade ended with a cackle.GY18
K70D8A hideout no one can findxBWL7
NNxqShirones heart thumped loudly. In the end, when in the face of cool things, he acted the same as any other boy his age.UuSjW
73oMPfTo be honest, finding the path is simple. But youre not a member yet, so I cant tell you that. Let me know if you have any thoughts. You’re always welcome.SOX
sSHQegGNade quickly led Shirone through a complex path that made them pass through 20 warehouses. Finally, the two arrived at a building with blue-painted walls.r5yaR4
H9lThere were about 10 large warehouses and 10 small warehouses located in the building. Nades research group stayed in the largest one.l1xyz
eD1pzTada! Here we are!vQwpwi
ZEkjShirone approached with a nervous face.zquP
YCXyTWhat kind of research group hides in a place like this?jUA4ck
LoLp9At that moment, Shirones eyes landed on a signboard that was hanging crookedly above the iron door.vFERP
8KzvzMSupernatural Psychic Science Research GroupX7bh
Yj9kPsy-Psychic Science?l9Oi
gr8SVlShirone murmured in bewilderment.GptAZ
n5sHHe had thought about many different fields while on his way here, but he hadnt even thought of psychic science.2TvmdZt
lPVAn excited Nade suddenly spoke quickly.0nHC
Rzp57DHow is it? Our research group is awesome, right? We literally do research on the supernatural. Ghosts, spirits, the afterlife, aliens, hell, gods. It encompasses all that.yQcOt
zboZ1fuAt first, Shirone thought it was absurd, but after hearing a bit more, Shirone was not totally uninterested.1BKCi6F
77vKOThe topic that caught his attention was1nWlwox
8auC9RGods.K8eR3
eIywcpSome mages denied the existence of god/s.vNpS
b07Of course, each country had its own state religion, and there were priests who performed miracles. However, their abilities were also considered just another form of magic.vdH
2uzOn the other hand, some religious people regarded magic as just a type of miracle, while some labeled magic as heresy.sOg
gXY2Who is right?cH3nS
46oa0Does a god really exist?NU2
AfJSH3Yeah, sounds interesting. I dont know if it has anything to do with magic, but it might be worth studying.xPl3
9dIRight? I knew you would understand. Come in. Make yourself at home.umNbd
ovNVNade opened the door.wTQtI
CV4NcShirone imagined a neat research area filled with books that covered their research topics But instead, a thick cloud of dust welcomed him.iL4Y4aX
P0K4OaCough CoughoQSFzlf
hLHKUSeeing as how a thick cloud of dust welcomed him the moment he opened the door, Shirone frowned and was not looking forward to seeing the rest of the space.Spr7
7L7zdAKThe room was about 534 square feet. The desk had a broken leg and was filled with bread and crumpled papers.eb8H9
2XUCAnd he told me they renovated the warehouseMpUhNb
wkJAgAs a matter of fact, it seemed that only the sign had been renovated.MxTEJG
qKC1tndHahaha! A little dirty, isnt it? Youll get used to it after a while. Dont just stand there, come in, come in.ZqTHa
0uzShirone did not understand why he had to get used to it.1sW
K5uyZmVWhy not just clean the place up.hRjlMuN
Y5fUcQHowever, even those questionable things disappeared the moment he saw the board hanging in front of him.vxhXLiX
2jKCMkThere was a boy who was writing mathematical formulas at an insane speed.EjGoXv
Qux26zuAs Shirone approached, he noticed it was a familiar figure. Shirones eyes widened as he made a noise of recognition.0ane
4nGNcBdEh?Oxjb
sRtDMbThe boy was Yiruki, who was under probation for a week.SFeRiUO
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