Chapter 136: First Act 7

"So, where were you?"

"You were quite far away, you know?"

"Oh, yeah, that's right. Check this out, it's a new potion of mine!"

"Its abilities are quite top-notch, if I do say so myself. Hehe, who knew it was possible to create a tracking potion!"

"I'm sure those of the magical engineering department would die of jealousy when I release this potion out into the public!"

"The principal told me you can create something like this as well, so can you show me how you made yours?"

"Oh yeah! here as well I created another variant of your—"

Euphemia's words rumbled in the air as she and I made our way to the cafeteria to discuss my mysterious absences.

Now she literally reflected her character in the novel, the annoying nosy character who won't stop until her curiosities are piqued.

Although I had little to no reason to answer her, I knew it would just get annoying for me in the future.

In the novel, it was heavily implied that Euphemia always had trouble reading the room.

She didn't even notice how the students we passed by were casting intricate gazes on the bottle of potions she was holding.

Euphemia, in her excitement, spoke aloud, and by now, it was likely that all of them had heard what she was talking about.

I could see both admiration and jealousy written in their eyes.

Even some students from the magic department, curious as well, strained to hear what Euphemia was saying.

To some, they might be in awe of Euphemia's genius, while others probably felt envy and pity for themselves as they once again realized the gap between them and Euphemia, who was held as the number one genius in this generation in terms of alchemy.

As we continued towards the cafeteria, Euphemia's animated chatter about her latest creation echoed in the hallway. It seemed like she was oblivious to the attention she was attracting. Her passion for alchemy, coupled with her genius, had a magnetic effect on those around her, creating a tangible atmosphere of both awe and aspiration.

Though I would've found it easier to talk to her about all of this stuff in private, some eyes were focused on me as Euphemia heavily implied that I could also create the stuff she made, and some were even inspired by me.

Although I didn't exactly dislike having attention on me, it was still a bit unnerving when multiple eyes were set on me.

Sighing, I looked at the girl next to me who kept on babbling her mouth with no end while showcasing all the potions she made for a week now.

Although all of them were pretty much the same as the last time I visited her laboratory, there was a slight difference, as they were improved from the last time I saw them.

Although I really wanted to smack away the aphrodisiac potion she seemed to have also upgraded, I couldn't just downright break it, as who knows what would happen to the students who touches or even smell it.

It seemed Euphemia noticed me staring at her aphrodisiac potion and quickly grabbed it, putting it in her bag. Seriously, why did this woman create something like that again?

As we continued to walk towards the cafeteria, Euphemia's energy seemed unyielding.

Her constant stream of words flowed seamlessly, and it was evident that her excitement for alchemy knew no bounds.

Despite the upgraded potions and the interesting concoctions, my mind lingered on the awkwardness of the situation.

I didn't even know this girl could use telekinetic magic, as she showcased a bunch of potions, all floating near her with an otherworldly grace. Her blabbering was reaching a point of excess.

"Euphemia," I called out to her.

"What?"

"Calm down and look around you."

"Well, to see your reaction," she revealed.

"Huh?" I was puzzled. Why would she want to see my reaction?

"Adrian, I've noticed this since the first time we met, but aside from me and all of your friends, you've been looking at everyone else as if they were not people. Even at the entrance exam, the moment you spoke your speech, you were acting like some god. Well, until now, that is. I can confirm you are human, hehe."

What the heck is she talking about?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Nothing, let's just say it's a genius's curiosity, perhaps."

A bit curious, I wanted to find out more, but seeing as how she didn't want to expand on the matter, I guess we can ignore it for now.

'But really? Was I always looking at everyone else like some god? If so, how embarrassing!'

'Was I really looking at everyone as if they were below me all this time?'

....

As we continued our way, we eventually made it to the cafeteria, and a peculiar sight awaited us. Alex and Tristan were in their usual seats, but what surprised me was a new visitor.

"Elena?"

"Hello, Ian, fufu. I hope you don't mind me joining you," said Elena as she chuckled slightly. "Sit here," she added, pointing to the seat next to hers.

"Sure, but why—"

"I was actually the one who invited Senior Elena here, Adrian. I'm sorry for not telling you in advance," said Tristan, his voice slightly more nervous than usual.

"It's bad to lie, you know, Brother Tristan," said Elena with a slight pout. "I was actually the one who insisted on coming here when I heard you guys were having lunch together, hehe."

"No saintess, I was the one who suggested it randomly back at the bishop's office, so you don't need to--"

"Shush, Brother Tristan. It was only because I insisted that I'm here right now, so you aren't at fault in any way." Elena looked at me again and asked, "I hope I'm not a bother."

"You're not, so don't worry. The more, the merrier, anyway, haha," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hahaha, that's right. How could we feel bothered with the saintess right next to us? We couldn't even be more blessed right now!" chimed in Alex.

But I'm sure it wasn't just me who noticed Tristan acting stranger than usual.

Since when did these two get so close that they could invite each other now?

And what did Tristan mean by the bishop's office?

Why were the two of them even there in the first place?

.....

"That's a really beautiful ring you got there, Senior! Is that a blue frost crystal embedded at its center? That's quite rare. Where did you get it?"

Commented Euphemia rather randomly as she took her seat.

Even Alex and Tristan were quite surprised at how beautiful the ring was, but what made their eyes widen was the position of the ring, as Elena wore it on her ring finger.

Elena just smiled subtly before glancing at me for a bit.

"It's a gift from someone special, but unfortunately, I have no knowledge regarding its whereabouts" she explained with a graceful smile.