C32
The Bridge That Cannot Be Crossed was a bridge that connected two mountain peaks that were both about a thousand meters above sea level, the highest amongst the training grounds. The bridge was 700 meters long, and a torrent flowed down the valley.
“How come it's a bridge that cannot be crossed?”
Amy explained why.
“It's literally a bridge you can't cross. It's a training ground for teleportation practice. The level of difficulty ranges from 1 to 10, and I, despite being a Class 4, have to risk my life from level 8 or higher.”
Siena added.
“The promotion exam was adjusted to a difficulty level of 1. Currently, there are no obstacles. Since it's impossible for Class 7 children to even jump* 700 meters.”
Amy questioned.
“Huh? Then how are things going to work? Isn't the first person to arrive the one that gets promoted then?”
“The student who leaps the furthest will be selected. It won't be too dangerous. There will be safety devices as well as teachers from the Advanced class overseeing things. The problem is the students. There are many cases where they collide with each other if their competitiveness gets a bit excessive.”
In Amy's opinion, that was the difficult part of the exam. But since it was a test for early promotion for those in Class 7, such a thing would probably not happen. But nevertheless, it was still Shirone who was most disadvantaged.
“How about this method? From the beginning, Shirone will go all out before anyone else does. Of course, it will take a lot of mental energy, but I'm sure Shirone can do it.”
“I was thinking the same. That's why I'm going to be training Shirone from today onwards.”
“What? Really? You will?”
Amy opened her eyes wide in bewilderment. A teacher of Ms. Siena's caliber being in charge of a particular student was frankly unfair to the other students. Knowing this, Amy was worried that if someone found out that Ms. Siena was teaching Shirone privately, strange rumors would appear.
“How come Ms. Siena is going so far to help Shirone?”
“This incident is something I'm responsible for. My original intention was to list Shirone under Class 5 from the start, but my proposal was rejected due to opposition from other teachers. If things had gone the way I planned, Shirone wouldn't have been bullied in the first place.”
“But if some kind of a rumor spreads, the problem will grow. I'm sure other students will also learn and study teleportation with help from others, but Shirone's a special case. If word gets out that a teacher is in charge of handling Shirone, the students could complain that the test was rigged from the start. And this test is too good of an opportunity to risk that. Let's not do that, I'll be in charge of Shirone for the time being. I can teach him everything he needs to know if the level of difficulty is only 1.”
Siena shook her head.
“If I remember correctly, you recently applied for the Advanced Class promotion. Wouldn't it be better for you to focus on that? You don't have the time to worry about Shirone.”
“Huh? Really?”
Shirone asked, seemingly unable to believe it. Nobody applied for the promotion this early in the school year. And the fact that Amy would be the very first one to apply meant that she was going to have to tackle things blindly.
'I see. That's amazing.'
Shirone was grateful that she came to see him despite the fact she was most definitely busy preparing for the exam. However, the situation was now heading in a different direction from the nice, heartwarming atmosphere Shirone was expecting. The two women, whose prides were lit on fire, did not back down even a single step.
“No matter how busy I am, I can make time to help him with something as simple as teleportation, so I think you should be the one to back off on this one, teacher. Rather, such meddling could have a negative effect on Shirone.”
“As a teacher who knows that this is a very important period for a student such as yourself, I can't just let things be. You can only apply for the Advanced Class exam once a year. Don't you think it'd be better to leave things to the teacher and focus on the exam?
Both had smiles on their faces, but contrary to their lips, their eyes remained serious and their wills unbending. Realizing that they would not reach a consensus, they looked towards Shirone one last time.
“Shirone, you choose. Is it me or teacher? Of course, it would be better for your girlfriend to teach you.”
“Yes, Shirone. You should decide. Wouldn't I be the better choice instead of a student who is about to take thier Advanced Class exam?”
Despite their friendly voices, Shirone felt a sort of veiled threat underneath the facade. However, Shirone was not swayed by their argument and confessed what he had originally thought of.
“I'll just do things myself. Thank you, but I don't need any help.”
The women were speechless.
“Getting help from a teacher is against equality. But I also don't want to get help from an upperclassman who is about to take an important exam. I'll try my best to pass this exam on my own.”
“You idiot! The other kids will, at the very least, take private lessons to pass! And everyone is keeping an eye on you! Keeping you in check! I'm telling you, you are not at the level to try and do things on your own!”
“I don't care.”
“Huh?”
“I honestly admire the fact that you plan to take the Advanced Class exam blind. Frankly, I think it's amazing. It's as if you're making a statement to those below you. That if you can't do it, then no one else will be able to do it either.”
“Yes? That's… That's true, but…”
“It's the same for me. I will do my best and pass. As your boyfriend, I will not bring shame to you.”
Realizing how strong Shirone's determination was, Amy could no longer object. But above all, she was grateful to him for acknowledging and respecting her decision.
“Humph. O-Of course you should.”
No one was chosen by Shirone, but looking at the atmosphere, it was Amy's victory this time.
Siena stood up, adjusting her glasses.
“If that's what the student wants, then this teacher will accept. But whenever you're stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask. All my students get to do that, so there is no fairness argument that can be found there.”
“I will, thank you for your concern.”
As Siena walked towards the door to leave, she said something to Amy.
“I have no choice but to let it slide this one time, but from now on, refrain from entering the male's dormitory. If you get caught next time, you may get punished.”
Amy lowered her head, grateful for Ms. Siena. Even in her opinion, she could only say that she was very lucky today.
When Siena left, an awkward silence came upon them.
Shirone, despite the calm facade he put forward, could not say one word as this was the first time he was in a room alone with a woman of his age.
Amy was also swept away by the strange atmosphere. She came all this way with the intention of teaching him a lesson, but now she found herself fidgeting in front of Shirone.
“W-Well, then… I'll get going, too.”
“Oh, yes! Thank you, you know, for worrying about me.”
Amy sighed with relief and prepared to head back. Then, as if something suddenly came to mind, she looked back at Shirone and shouted.
“You idiot! Why didn't you tell me? If that kind of thing happened, you should have discussed it with me.”
“I'm sorry, but I didn't want to tell you.”
“Because of pride? That's stupid.”
“Rather than that… It's because I didn't want to break up with you.”
Amy's cheeks heated up.
“If I did tell the truth, it would've only made things more awkward between us. But I want to continue to have a good relationship with you. Because reaching you is my goal.”
Shirone remembered his first day at the magic academy. From the moment he saw the name Amy Karmis at the top of the Class 4 list, he swore to himself that he would catch up to her.
“I will definitely catch up to you. So please do your best, too.”
Despite being in a good mood, Amy was burdened. In fact, she had similar feelings due to the incident with Black Magician.
“Then don't just call me 'upperclassman' from now on.”
Tags:
Infinite Mage (Novel)
