Their next lesson for today was Mathematics.
Rose's face finally gained a bit more confidence as hers and Myra's positions switched.
One of them clutched her auburn hair, staring at the book with despair.
While another smugly and patiently explained the material.
The old professor walked back and forth in front of the whiteboard, talking with energy not usually present in those his age.
And although Rose whispered to Myra without really hiding, they weren't interrupted.
"This old man is playing favorites as well, huh? Usually he cares a lot about everyone paying attention."
He knows Rose is capable enough on her own.
"That's the privilege of the strong~" Rhamn sat on top of the desk, nodding up and down.
Cyril briefly glanced at his classmates and returned to his own study.
Soon a frown returned on his face as he focused.
This got a bit harder as well.
"Nothing we can't handle!"
After the bell rang, the students hurriedly escaped the horrible clutches of the Mathematics auditorium.
Rose slowly packed her bag, on her face a slight smile.
"Mathematics is important for everyday life and develops logical thinking, which is valuable even if you don't aspire to become a lab mage. Furthermore, it can be interesting once you get into it."
Myra quickly shoved her things in her bag.
She glanced at the escaping students around her, then threw this brown-haired girl a skeptical look.
"Yeah, I think that's just you."
Rose shook her head and then turned to Cyril.
"What do you say?"
"You are not wrong. It helps a lot in constructing a magic circle as well."
Though I might have an unfair advantage.
"My strengths are your strengths! It's perfectly legitimate!"
Myra pursed her lips, then sighed helplessly.
"Yeah, alright. Let's go already."
...
Today they had Demonology as well.
The students were eagerly waiting in their seats, eyes glued on their professor.
The comparatively beautiful woman walked in front of the whiteboard and pointed at the illusory image of a worm-like creature with sharp, serrated teeth.
"Now, what spell should you use to get a fleshworm out of the ground before it strikes?"
The class was silent, making her frown.
Then one student raised his hand, answering with an awkward voice.
"Professor Richard hasn't taught us that... He also said not to interfere with his lesson."
The corner of the professor's mouth twitched as a sharp look appeared in her eyes.
"That Richard! We talked about this before... I thought your silence was you agreeing!" She angrily mumbled to herself while pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Never mind then... Oh, yes, Miss Briar?"
Rose stood up, her face calm and collected.
"By using the earthshake spell in a specific frequency. However, due to the spell's difficulty, it's not feasible for most soldiers."
"It's suggested to listen to a specific sound the fleshworm makes as it travels underground. Using spells to enhance hearing is preferable."
"Once the sound is the loudest, it means the demon is about to emerge. That's the best moment to prepare a counterattack."
"Very good. Thank you, Miss Briar."
The professor continued with the lesson, her voice a bit more tired, but her face still somewhat optimistic.
Cyril listened to the lecture, a whim surging as he glanced at Rhamn sitting on the table in front of him.
Can you make something like fleshworms too?
Rhamn looked at him, her face blank.
"Do you want for one to crawl out of your chest?"
...No.
On her face appeared a mischievous smile.
"Think about it, we can even make your body its home. That way its name would make a lot more sense."
You can stop.
"Haha."
...
As the bell rang, the students began quietly discussing the lesson among themselves.
Myra hastily packed her things and stood with her hands on her hips.
"Let's go to the training field. Class III had fewer lessons today, so Edmund might be there already."
Cyril simply nodded and started walking.
Rose, her face somewhat awkward, took a deep breath and followed after them.
"Don't worry, Rose. It'll be fine. It's like what you said about math. Once you get into it, combat can be really fun!"
The brown-haired girl's mouth twitched for a moment as she walked.
The two talked, while Cyril paid attention to the students on the way.
I feel like my reputation became worse. People are even more wary of me now.
"No, no. It's fine. This actually plays right into our hand! You see, once we have a fearsome enough reputation, the contrast when we do something they perceive as good will make us much more popular."
"Trust me! It all goes according to plan."
Rhamn nodded up and down, a smile of complete control on her face.
"..."
Cyril observed yet another student who happened to meet his gaze. That student immediately changed course, staring at the ground.
Let's hope you are right.
"Don't look at them. They are just cowards."
Soon, they arrived outside, where a familiar scene took place.
From out of nowhere a red blur flew like a javelin straight at Cyril.
He, prepared this time, raised his hand, catching the projectile.
Morpho twitched her antennae in his hand and fluttered in the air with enthusiasm.
Rose and Myra waved to her, while the butterfly made a loop in the air in return.
"Morpho will join us in training." Cyril casually said.
They slowly nodded, not looking too surprised.
Tigris chose to sit at home, still?
"No, Morpho says he wants to go with us but is too scared to go out on his own."
"Why didn't you bring him with you?"
Cyril shot the butterfly a look, to which she sheepishly landed on his shoulder.
...It's not a big deal.
"You go to the training field. I'll make a stop at my room first."
Leaving these words, Cyril walked towards his dorm.
...
The mighty tiger relaxed in Cyril's arms as he felt the breeze brush his white fur with black stripes.
He observed the outside world with interest, and the people walking by watched him in return.
The students passing by Cyril showed a reaction he hadn't experienced until now.
Their eyes were glued to his chest, staring at the soft, furry ball resting there.
The usual vigilance in their eyes was slowly but surely replaced by something softer.
Rhamn walked by Cyril's side, observing their reactions.
"Of course!" She smacked her fist into her palm.
"We've had the answer all along! The majority of humans, and maybe even archdemons, are all weak against cute animals! This will be even easier than I thought!"
"Meow."
Tigris roared majestically, bringing more endearment to the students' eyes.
"So Thorne actually likes to keep animals?"
"Maybe he is growing it to become a bloodthirsty beast?"
"It looks like a kitten, just look at it!"
Cyril patted the tiger cub's fur, an unobvious smile forming on his face.
Soon he reached the training field.
It was mostly deserted as usual, save for a rare student testing their spell.
Rose, Myra, and Edmund all stood near the weapon's rack, talking about something.
"What weapon do you prefer?"
"Usually I use a rapier, but... I am not sure, honestly. Maybe I should change it?"
"No, keep it for now. Let's see how you are with it."
Cyril walked up to them, Tigris at the ready, who stared at them with his curious blue eyes.
"I am here."
"Hey, Cyril...!"
Myra widened her eyes, Rose and Edmund soon sharing her expression.
They walked up to him, observing the white tiger.
"You got a new pet?"
"Tigris is not a pet."
"It's also a magic creature? Fascinating! What can it do?"
"You got a cat? ...Huh."
"His name is Tigris."
The majestic white tiger roared, pawing in their direction, then turned around, hiding his face.
As Cyril observed their reaction, ranging from surprise to dry acceptance, he felt a peculiar satisfaction, although outwardly he didn't show it.
Not bad.