Chapter 61: Joint Practical (2)

Chapter 61: Joint Practical (2)

TL/Editor: Raei

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Books were scattered untidily across the desk, pens were rolling about, and papers with magic circles were pinned about haphazardly.

This was Luna's workspace.

After achieving impressive grades last semester, she'd been rewarded with her own desk in a study room.

Typically, the room would be bustling with other students, but since it was late, she found herself alone.

She sat at her desk, deep in thought.

"Just about two weeks left"

Luna murmured, her eyes landing on the words 'Joint Practical' marked on the calendar.

"Can I become stronger by then?"

Luna already knew the answer.

Conventional methods wouldn't bring about dramatic improvements in such a short period.

She could consolidate her existing abilities through studying and training, but two weeks was hardly enough to explore new avenues.

Yet, there was an option - Levian's spellbook.

If she reclaimed the spellbook she'd given to Rudy, she could wield a new, unconventional weapon alongside her original skills.

But Luna was scared.

Memories of the library engulfed in flames, panicking students, Rie and Astina working tirelessly to control the situation, and Rudy nursing his wounds swirled in her mind.

The chaos caused by that spellbook had hurt many, either directly or indirectly.

The thought of such an incident recurring made her apprehensive about using the spellbook again.

"Can I control that spellbook in my current state?"

Luna questioned, clutching her head.

Her desire for strength could harm those around her.

Ena and Riku, who would be in her group for the joint practical, could be in danger if she used the spellbook near them.

She might ruin the assessment, or worse, hurt her friends.

Luna was terrified of this.

She was frightened of the prospect of losing everything just for the sake of gaining strength, of causing harm, and of being abandoned by everyone around her.

"Is it right for me to make this choice just because I want to become stronger?"

Luna yearned for strength but not at the expense of her friendships.

She hated the idea of causing harm and didn't want to be a burden.

But at the same time, she yearned for greater grades and more powerful magic.Yôur favorite novels at n/o(v)el/bin(.)com

Luna found herself thinking back to Rudy's playful challenge.

-I won't go easy on you when we meet.

Even though they had both joked about it, she wondered if she could truly do her best if they crossed paths in the practical.

To secure top grades, Luna realized she might have to compete against her friends.

They'd always competed for ranks during exams, but directly fighting a friend felt distinctly different from merely outscoring them.

Could she bring herself to hinder her friends for her own benefit?

As she wrestled with this question, the night deepened around her.

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Raei Translations

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The following day found Luna in Professor Mcguire's lab, looking over a scroll with a magic circle.

She had bought the scroll specifically for the joint practical.

Yet, progress was slow, the worries from last night still casting a shadow over her thoughts.

Watching Luna, Professor Mcguire eventually rose from his seat and approached her.

"Luna, is your preparation going well?"

Startled, Luna looked up. "Ah, Professor."

Sensing her struggle, he suggested, "If you're finding it hard to concentrate, perhaps you could use a break, maybe some fresh air?"

Luna shook her head, fists clenched with determination.

"No! I'll try to concentrate."

Mcguire observed her for a moment, then pulled over a chair and sat across from her.

"Luna, do you realize that worries only grow if you bottle them up? The more you dwell on them, the more they expand, like bubbles."

He offered a gentle smile.

But their relationship was slightly different.

Rudy seemed to act as Luna's sponsor.

Certainly, he officially held that role, but Mcguire observed that it was often Rudy guiding Luna, providing subtle answers to her concerns, clearing her path.

"Is this the right way"

When a bear raises its cub, it doesn't only give it fish but also teaches it how to catch them.

This ensures the cub's survival when it's on its own.

However, looking at Luna and Rudy's relationship...

"If Rudy were gone, would Luna be able to stand on her own"

Rudy possessed the strength to forge his path, even without Luna.

But for Luna...

Mcguire looked up at the moon.

His tenure as a professor had been long, and he considered himself an adult with plenty of experience.

But facing this situation, he was reminded of his own inadequacies.

"I wonder what tomorrow's weather will bring."

Mcguire gazed skyward, muttering to himself.

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Raei Translations

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Several days later.

I found myself in an academy laboratory, preoccupied with a series of experiments.

This was the 'weapon' meant for the upcoming joint practical.

With the joint practical drawing nearer, this marked the final experiment before its was completed.

What nagged at my mind, though, was that Luna hadn't yet come to see me.

Only a handful of days remained...

I thought it best to hand it over to her before the joint practical.

But it seemed Luna wasn't quite ready.

I could just pass over the spellbook to her, but that would be meaningless.

I believed she could grow the most when she felt the need and became desperate for it.

"Ha... I hope this works out."

Just as I was about to start the experiment, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

A voice sounded from outside.

"Rudy, may I enter?"

The voice belonged to Luna.

"Of course, come in."

At my reply, Luna swung the door open and stepped inside.

Her face held an air of unwavering determination.

Seeing this change in Luna, I couldn't help but smile.

"Do you have something to say?"

At this, Luna nodded slightly.

"Could I have it... returned now?"

I moved over to the bag I had stashed to one side and took out Luna's spellbook.

As I placed the spellbook firmly into Luna's hand, our eyes locked.

"Give it everything you've got."

With these words, Luna's face lit up with a vibrant smile as she replied,

"...Yes!"

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