After fixing my posture and sit properly in the sofa, I asked Alysha to get the Mana Crystal from the table. I handed it to Violet with the intention that she would use it.
Like the usage of the transfer Mana to each other, the mana contained in it also needs to be compatible, and so she refuses to use it at first. Because we are already doing mana transfer, it should be fine, and after a little coaxing, she agreed.
The crystal began to glow. I started feeling a flow of mana. Violet closed her eyes, trying to absorb and circulate mana from the crystal.
Her expression looks a lot better after using the Cristal Mana.
Fortunately, I stopped her from transferring her Mana to me in a big amounts, or else she would be in the same position as I was before.
Not long after, Violet stopped absorbing mana. She looked calm as she held the crystal in both hands. Slowly, she opened her eyes—tears suddenly fell. That really surprised me.
I don't expect her to shed tears all of a sudden. I don't think she is hurt or having pain in any way. So, when tears drop from her eyes, it really startles me.
"Violet!! Why are you crying? Is something wrong?!"
I asked her in concern. Alysha, beside me, also looked worried. Violet looked at me through her tears, visibly confused. Even though she wiped her eyes repeatedly, the tears wouldn't stop.
Look like she herself is also unable to understand why she is crying.
"Huh? Why?… I don't know why, but my tears won't stop."
Still trying to wipe her tears, Violet smiled. She didn't look like she was in pain or troubled; it was more like in a confused state.
"I don't know why, but it feels really nostalgic."
After she said that, I finally understood the reason she was crying. The crystal contained Evan's mana. So she is like meeting the family whom she has not seen or met in a long time without even a glint of news.
Oh no. I think I'm going to tear up too. Losing someone precious really hurts.
My position when I realize that Evan is gone is really painful. Compared to Violet, his Family, who have not heard anything from him, will feel lonely.
That is also the reason why I'm not going to reveal Evan's death to Violet in the near future. I know that it will prolong if I just postpone it again and again, but after watching her just now, I can't bear watching her getting hurt.
I hugged her and tried to comfort her. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't just hug her outright—asking for one would be awkward. But I ignored that and just wanted to ease her confusion.
"It's okay. Calm down. Maybe you're just tired."
I gently stroked her hair. Suddenly, Alysha joined the hug out of nowhere. She held us tightly. I felt she was also touched by Violet's tears.
We all calmed down, sitting comfortably on the sofa. But I couldn't fully relax. I grabbed a sketch book and a pencil and began drawing some magic circles to distract myself.
I was trying to draw a magic circle tailored to me, but I had no intention of using it. I had too little mana. After using my mana to make a Spell today, it will be my greatest reminder not to use spells lightly.
I was firm in my resolve not to use magic—or even my Skill—unless absolutely necessary. Using either would only cause trouble for others around me.
This time, I was sketching a six-pointed circle. Of course, I was only using the theory I had in my head—I had no real experience with hexagram magic.
Alysha and Violet were still sitting on the sofa, now watching me draw. Alysha just glanced, but Violet looked intently at my work.
"I think this part's wrong."
As if nothing had happened earlier, Violet casually pointed to the spot I just drew and corrected my mistake. Looks like she has already calmed herself.
"Which part?"
"Senior drew my special magic in a hexagram, but this core section is missing some characters."
Violet traced over it with her small finger, fixing the error and adding missing parts. Following her explanation, I adjusted my drawing accordingly. This was harder than I expected. I thought it'd be simple since I understood pentagram magic—but hexagrams were a whole different story.
I kept trying—drawing and redrawing. Eventually, as night fell, I was able to complete a proper six-pointed magic circle without mistakes.
"You did it!"
Violet beamed, and for some reason, she looked proud. I knew I had succeeded—the result was there—but this was just basic-level magic.
Even though I'd only just learned to use magic a short while ago, my confidence already made me feel like it wasn't enough. Drawing low-level magic made me feel inadequate.
Also, this Magic Circle I drew is using Violet Special magic, even if it is for my use, revealing this will put her at a disadvantage. So it makes it more likely that I cannot reveal this to the public.
"It worked, sure—but isn't it way too easy to read?"
It wasn't a big deal for me, since it was just basic magic. But the real problem was for Violet. I had used her unique magic pattern to build it. If that foundational magic got out, it could be dangerous for her.
"It is really obvious, but can't we fix that later?"
"Let's just pick this up tomorrow. For now, it's my turn to cook dinner."
Alysha clapped her hands and broke our focus. She stood up and picked up my sketch. Without saying anything, she headed to the kitchen and lit the stove—then burned the magic circle paper.
Violet looked surprised, but I already knew why Alysha did it. She must've understood my thoughts and destroyed the paper to protect Violet. Before Violet could say anything, I stood and cut her off. It wouldn't help to complain.
"What ingredients do you have?"
I walked to the kitchen, but before that, I turned back and whispered to Violet.
"Don't worry, we can continue tomorrow."
Then, I made dinner for the three of us.
...
The next day, my second day off, I had planned to go back to the Great Library, but I had promised Alysha to go out with her, so I had to keep that promise. I was waiting for her on a bench near our dorm.
I double-checked my clothes to make sure nothing looked off. A long-sleeved shirt and loose pants—my usual casual outfit. Since we were just strolling around, I didn't need to wear my school uniform like I did yesterday.
Before long, Alysha and Violet came out of the dorm. They looked around and then approached me.
Alysha wore a black jacket with pink sleeves, a short black skirt, and striking pink shoes. She probably didn't think much of it… But I thought it drew too much attention.
Meanwhile, in contrast, Violet wore her white dress. Minimalistic, paired with casual sandals. Just like when she first wore it at the dorm, it suited her well.
"I know what you're thinking."
When she reached me, Alysha commented with a displeased expression.
Don't read my mind over trivial stuff. If you knew it would stand out, why wear it?
"It's a normal outfit. You're just overthinking."
Am I? I guess I don't know much about fashion. Whatever. We can't waste the whole day arguing.
"Should we get going?"
Not wanting to waste time, I suggested we head out.
"Wait! You haven't commented on Vio."
Alysha circled behind Violet and pushed her forward like she was showing her off. Violet looked startled, then blushed and bowed shyly.
I thought I'd already complimented her? But Alysha wouldn't let this go.
"Same as always—she looks great in that."
Now, Violet turned even redder. She smiled and thanked me.
"Alright, let's go before it gets too late."
We set off—with Alysha looking very pleased.
First, we toured the school area. We passed the restaurant from yesterday and even peeked at the other dorms. We also ran into Chris while passing the boys' dorm.
I used to think the dorms were in the same building—but it turns out the girls' and boys' dorms are located separately, though not too far apart.
We continued walking and eventually left the Protea High School area, heading down into town.
Although I called it a town, it mostly consisted of student apartments and boarding houses, and besides that were just businesses that related to relieving students' problems. There were some convenience stores and entertainment spots. Our next destination was a park not far from the school boundary.
The park was wide, built on terraced slopes. Because we are still on the high ground, the view was stunning—fresh air, a gentle breeze, and even an artificial waterfall in the area. No wonder this was a popular spot.
Alysha walked ahead of us and turned around, spreading her arms.
"How about we rest here? It's almost noon anyway."
"Sure. I don't mind."
"I agree."
So we decided to take a break. We found a nice spot under a tree near the park's edge—a place with the best view.
I walked to the edge and leaned on the railing. Looking down could definitely give you chills if you had a fear of heights. Maybe 10–20 meters? I wasn't sure. There were trees below anyway.
"Brother~ Let's eat."
While I enjoyed the scenery, Alysha called out.
I was confused—not by her voice, but by what she said. There were no food stands here, and we hadn't brought any food.
When I turned around, they had already laid out a picnic mat. Violet sat there, food in front of her. Where did that come from?
"I thought we didn't bring food?"
"I kept it in my summon magic."
"Vio's summon magic is really useful."
That's not just useful—it's versatile. From what I know, storing things in a summon space is harder than summoning, and it uses a lot of mana.
"You okay, Vio?"
"Don't worry. I'm confident with my summon magic."
She proudly tapped her chest. I wanted to ask more about her magic, but Alysha gave me a look that said 'don't even think about it', so I let it go.
Alysha and I sat down, and we ate together.
Eating outdoors with a great view really is the best. There were quite a few dishes. It honestly felt more like a picnic than a casual outing.
"I'm going to the restroom."
While we are at it, I feel the need to go to the toilet. I stood and checked where the restrooms were. I found a map posted near the path. It showed the restroom just a bit ahead. Pretty handy.
Not long after finishing, I was heading back when I saw a classmate, Putri, the one who'd given me info a few days ago, wandering around and looking like searching for something.
She was in her school uniform and looked like she was in a hurry to do something. So I approached and called her name.
Hearing that her name is getting called, she turned toward me and then began to get close.
"Perfect timing. There's something I want to talk about," she said in a straight tone.
Did she come here looking for me? I doubt it. But after watching her, I'm pretty sure that she is watching me.
"What is it?"
"I want you to withdraw from the Closed Tournament."
That came out of nowhere. We'd just met, the first thing she said was, she told me to forfeit my participation in for Tournament? At least give me a reason.
But when I see her straight in the eyes, I don't think that she said that based on ill intention. So I said it in my answer straight like she did with her word.
"Even if you ask me to… I can't."
"I'm saying this for your safety."
Though her face stayed expressionless, her tone was serious. She approached and asked me to back out. I didn't think she was threatening me—it felt more like a sincere warning.
I thought about it for a moment. Lately, I'd been having trouble seeing people as threats—like Putri, Helena, or the girl I met at the library. It wasn't about sanity, more like… personality.
"Can you give me more details?"
She looked uncertain, glanced around, then spoke.
"I can't tell you everything. But if you won't withdraw, be cautious in every match. That's all I can say for now."
That wasn't much to go on. I couldn't see the danger in that info. Is someone targeting me? If so, wouldn't it be better to just say it?
"Can you tell me a bit more?"
She seemed uneasy, glancing behind me. I turned to look, but she grabbed my sleeve to stop me.
Is there someone who is watching closely to our conversation closely? Like spying to not get her telling me the reason?
"I'm out here with Alysha and Violet for a picnic. Wanna join?"
I signaled with my eyes for her to play along. It'd be easier to blend in with more people.
She looked like to refuse, but in the end she reluctantly agreed. We walked casually like everything was normal. I held her hand just in case she disappeared because she looked like trying to bear it herself.