Chương 7: The red looming on the horizon.

Ch. 7- The red looming on the horizon.

The group proceeded through a series of increasingly elaborate corridors until they arrived at a massive double door made of reflective crystal with a sign marking 708.

"The Sanctum of Convergence," Professor Vanheim announced.

"Class S's primary study and practice facility, where most of your theoretical lessons will take place."

'Sanctum of convergence'… can't they just call it room 708 or something…? He placed his palm against the center of the doors, which slowly swung inward, revealing a vast, airy chamber with tall windows that offered impressive views of the Academy grounds. The room was arranged like an amphitheater, with tiered seating circling a central platform. And there, already occupying various seats around the room, were the Class S second-year students.

Amy immediately spotted Crow seated at a table near one of the room's large windows, surrounded by his usual group—Ash, Lyra, and Lain. Several spots away, a slender dark-haired boy sat alone, absorbed in an ancient text—Zayd, she presumed. The other second-years were distributed throughout the space, some studying alone, others in small clusters. Professor Vanheim cleared his throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Second-years, these are your new classmates. I expect you to show them the courtesy befitting fellow members of Class S." The atmosphere in the room shifted. Some of the second-years looked merely curious, others openly appraising, and a few—including Lyra, probably because of jealousy—tense. As Professor Vanheim concluded his introduction, the first-years remained standing awkwardly at the entrance while the second-years observed them with varying degrees of interest.

"I'll leave them in your capable hands, Lirienne," Vanheim said, nodding to the green-haired professor.

"Kaelen, Drayke—we have matters to discuss." The three male professors departed, leaving Professor Lirienne alone with the students. Her flowing green hair seemed to catch nonexistent breezes as she moved gracefully to the center platform. I need to get whatever shampoo she uses.

"Please, first-years, find seats wherever you like," she said, her melodic voice carrying effortlessly through the large chamber.

"Today's session will be relatively informal—an orientation to special abilities and their place in magical theory." Amy watched as the other first-years dispersed. Alba and Stella predictably stuck together, choosing seats near the front. Tallen positioned himself strategically among a group of second-years who appeared to be from noble families, while Lysander, another guy, and the purple-haired girl whose name Amy still didn't know, selected isolated spots.

Following their lead, Amy chose a seat at the back of the room, as far from Zayd and from Crow's group as possible while still maintaining a clear view of Professor Lirienne. She set her satchel on the empty table beside her, allowing the book access to observe the proceedings, not that it probably mattered since it didn't have eyes to see like humans do. Professor Lirienne waited until everyone was settled before beginning.

"Today we'll be discussing the fundamental nature of special abilities—what separates them from conventional magic, how they interact with magical theory, and why they manifest in certain individuals." She waved her hand, and an intricate diagram appeared in the air above the platform. Amy had no idea what this was supposed to represent.

"Magic, at its core, is the manipulation of natural energies," Lirienne explained.

"Through study and practice, any person with sufficient aptitude can learn to channel these energies to produce specific effects—what we call spells." The diagram shifted, the flows rearranging themselves into more ordered patterns.

"Special abilities, however," she continued, gesturing to the bright nodes, "are innate expressions of magical potential that manifest in unique ways. They cannot be taught or learned through conventional means. They are inherent to the individual." Amy's eyelids felt heavy as she watched the dancing lights of the diagram; maintaining focus was proving difficult. The professor's voice seemed to drift in and out of her awareness. [The class has only just begun. I'm surprised you'd find it dull already.] Amy rubbed her eyes.

"I just hate school that much. Always have." She mumbled, stifling a yawn.

"Plus, I barely slept last night, and that assessment drained whatever energy I had left." [Understandable, but perhaps you should make an effort. This information could be relevant to your situation.] Amy glanced down at her satchel.

"How relevant? On a scale from 'waste of time' to 'if I don't listen to this slop I'm probably gonna fucking die'?" [Considering the nature of your particular abilities—which you still don't fully understand—I'd say it falls somewhere in the middle. Not immediately critical, but potentially helpful.] Amy sighed.

"... fine..." She forced herself to straighten up and focus on Professor Lirienne, who was now explaining the classification system for special abilities.

"... which brings us to the five primary categories: Physical Enhancement, Elemental Affinity, Mental Projection, Reality Manipulation, and Prophetic Insight." Lirienne's floating diagram had transformed into a pentagram with different colored sections.

"Most registered abilities fall within these categories, though there are always exceptions that defy neat classification." A few of the second-years were taking notes, but many—especially those sitting near Crow—appeared to be only half-listening. This was clearly review material for them.

"What makes special abilities particularly fascinating," Lirienne continued, "is their independence from conventional magical training. A person with little magical education might possess an extraordinarily powerful special ability, while a master mage might have none at all." She paused, scanning the room.

"However, when magical training is combined with a developed special ability, the results can be... impressive. Which is precisely why you are all here." The floating diagram shifted again, this time forming a complex spiral that pulsed with rainbow light.

"Unlike spells, which draw upon external energies, special abilities channel power directly from the wielder's magical core. This makes them more efficient but also more taxing. Overexertion can lead to severe consequences, magical burnout being the most common." Amy found her attention drifting again despite her best efforts. The material wasn't uninteresting, but her fatigue was overwhelming. She pinched her arm hard, trying to stay alert.

Professor Lirienne spent the next hour covering the theoretical foundations of special abilities, their historical significance, and their varied manifestations across different cultures. Occasionally she would call on students—mostly second-years—to provide examples or clarifications. Finally, mercifully, she concluded the lecture.

"That concludes our overview for today," Professor Lirienne announced, dissolving the magical diagram with a graceful wave of her hand.

"Tomorrow we'll begin with more practical applications in a session titled 'Channeling Techniques for Special Abilities' at nine o'clock sharp. Your complete schedules will be distributed tomorrow morning." As the students began gathering their belongings, the professor added, "First-years, I suggest you use what remains of the day to explore the Academy—within the unrestricted areas, of course—and familiarize yourselves with its layout.

Second-years, please make yourselves available to answer any questions they might have." Amy slowly rose from her seat, her limbs heavy with exhaustion. She slipped her satchel over her shoulder, eager to find her dormitory, and collapse into bed for a few hours before dinner. She was done dealing with bullshit. She just wanted to lie down and not think about anything.

Not the Gaspards, nor her somewhat useless ability, nor the fact that she had been isekai'd into a fantasy world and was just supposed to accept it, and definitely nothing related to the main plot or the end of the world. The only thing she desired was to rot in bed and do nothing else. But alas, things rarely worked out the way she wanted. Crow was now watching her with that same thoughtful expression from earlier. After a brief exchange with his companions, he stood and walked deliberately toward her.

[Here comes trouble.] Amy let out a long sigh, and put on a neutral expression on her face. Crow stopped a respectful distance away, his black eyes assessing.

"Amy," he said, pronouncing her name carefully.

"I believe we have a conversation to finish." Amy raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance.

"The deal you mentioned?"

"Yes." His gaze flicked briefly around the room.

"But not here. There's a balcony through those doors—" he nodded toward a set of glass doors partially hidden behind a curtain of hanging vines.

"More private."

"Lead the way," she said with a casual shrug.

"Hold up, Crow!" Ash jogged up to them, his golden eyes bright with curiosity.

"Aren't you going to introduce us properly?" Crow gave him a flat look.

"No."

"So mean!" Ash grinned, falling into step beside them.

"C'mon, I want to talk to our junior." Crow sighed but didn't talk any further. In his language, that meant something like, 'do whatever you want.' Ash turned his dazzling smile on her.

"Well hello, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Ashwin, but everyone calls me Ash." Before Amy could respond, two more figures joined their small procession—Lyra, with her distinctive wild auburn curls, held Lain's hand, pulling her forward.

"I see the ambush is complete," Crow remarked dryly.

"It's hardly an ambush when you're discussing Academy business in Academy spaces, right?" Lyra countered, her tone clipped. She regarded Amy with badly disguised suspicion.

"Hello. I'm Lyra, and this is Lain. Nice to meet you." Lain nodded with a blank and entirely unreadable expression. If Amy didn't know she was so timid that even muttering a few words was a colossal task, she would have been intimidated by her beautiful appearance and the cold atmosphere around her.

"Amy," she said with a controlled smile, "it's nice to meet you, too." ["Gonna keep a healthy distance from the main cast," she said. Hilarious that she even thought it was her choice.] Amy resisted the urge to smack her bag. Crow led them through the glass doors onto a wide stone balcony. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the space, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of unfamiliar blossoms.

From this vantage point, Amy could see the sprawling Academy grounds—gardens with plants that shifted colors as she watched, training fields where older students practiced combat techniques, and in the distance, the glittering dome of the Celestial Observatory. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. It would have been beautiful if she weren't so exhausted and irritated. Crow leaned against the stone railing, his posture deceptively casual.

Behind him, Ash perched on the balustrade with reckless ease, while Lyra remained near the doorway, arms crossed. Lain hovered silently beside her, her dark eyes observing everything but revealing nothing.

"Well, this is intriguing," Amy remarked, adopting a relaxed stance despite her internal alertness.

"Four against one. Should I be concerned?" Ash laughed.

"If we wanted to intimidate you, we'd have brought Iris. She's the scary one."

"Ash," Crow said, his tone carrying a hint of warning.

"What? I'm just being friendly." Ash shrugged, still grinning.

"Besides, the newbie has a point. This does look like we're about to steal her lunch." Crow scratched his head at that, before clearing his throat in a somewhat awkward manner.

"I just wished to ensure privacy. What I wanted to discuss is... sensitive." Amy raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you have my attention." A foreboding feeling took over her. She had an idea of what he wanted. Considering the fact that her being a seer had altered already so much, it was actually quite obvious why he was here. And she didn't like it, not because it was bad, but because of what it meant. Lyra stepped forward, her brown eyes narrowing.

"Before he says anything else—who exactly are you? Please don't take offense, but isn't this all just too coincidental? You met Crow randomly at a teahouse and somehow qualified for Class S, just when we needed someone of your supposed capabilities."

"Lyra," Crow sighed.

"No, it's a fair question," Ash interjected, his face becoming serious, with no trace of his usual grin.

"As Lyra said, we don't mean to put you on the spot, Amy. But please understand that you are quite easy to be suspicious of." [Honestly, fair.] Reap what you sow, huh… So much for the mysterious act, should've gone with braindead junior…

"I'm not sure what answer would satisfy you," Amy said with a deliberately troubled expression.

"My name is Amy Stake. I qualified for Class S the same way you all did—by passing the trials. As for needing my capabilities..." She paused, allowing a small smile.

"Are you perhaps referring to my foresight?" Ash's eyebrows shot up.

"So, you just said it? Just like that? I was expecting at least some denial or mysterious hinting." Amy met his gaze steadily.

"You already knew. Denying it would waste everyone's time." Lyra's suspicion seemed to deepen.

"And you just freely admit it to people you barely know?" At this, Amy shrugged.

"It isn't necessarily a secret, just something I like to conceal whenever possible. If I truly did not want anyone to know, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Guys, let's focus on what matters," Crow said, his voice cutting through the tension. He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small object wrapped in dark cloth. Carefully, he unwrapped it, revealing a golden key that gleamed in the afternoon sun. As expected, it's that object. Fuck… [Interesting. In the original story, he approached Zayd with this, didn't he?] The book was right, this was a deviation from the manga.

In the original story, Crow had sought out Zayd's help with the golden key, but this time he'd come to her. Something about the key triggered a sense of déjà vu in Amy. She'd seen it before, in the manga, obviously, it was a plot point after all, one she didn't like. But there was something else, a strange familiarity that tugged at the edges of her consciousness. She pushed the feeling aside, focusing instead on Crow's words.

"This key that you told me you saw in one of your visions," he said, holding it up between them, "we discovered it during an expedition to the Northern Ruins last semester. Professor Vanheim allowed me to keep it for 'independent study.'""It's been driving him crazy for months," Ash added with a grin.

"He's tried every magical analysis technique in the book."

"And found nothing conclusive," Crow admitted with a frown.

"Historical records, magical analysis, and even discreet consultations with professors. We've been trying everything to find out what it is."

"And now you're turning to prophetic methods," Amy concluded. She studied the key again, trying to ignore the nagging sense that she had seen it not only in the manga but somewhere else, too. Weird…

"I believe it's connected to something hidden in the Academy, but I can't determine what or where."

"... Why me?" Amy asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

"There's another seer in our class. Zayd Gaspard, right? Wouldn't he be better equipped to help you?" Crow's expression darkened.

"Zayd and I have... a complicated relationship. We're not enemies, but not exactly friends either."

"It might sound crazy," Ash interjected with a mischievous smile, "but he trusts you, a suspicious complete stranger, more than he trusts Zayd." Amy tried to remember why that was the case. It took her a few moments before she remembered Zayd was a Gaspard, and Crow was very wary of them because he suspected they were related to the disappearance of his father.

"I see. Lucky me."

"So, can you do it…?" Amy already knew what this key could open from reading the manga. So yeah, she could just tell them. But of course, there was no point in outright giving them the knowledge. Instead, she could use this situation to her advantage.

"Probably," she announced. The single word hung in the air, causing visible surprise among the four second-years. Crow's eyebrows lifted slightly, while Ash's jaw actually dropped open. Lyra's eyes narrowed further, if that was even possible.

"Probably?" Crow repeated, his tone careful.

"Just like that? You haven't even examined the key properly." Amy shrugged, maintaining her neutral expression despite the growing satisfaction she felt at their reactions.

"I don't need to."

"How can you be so certain?" Lyra pressed, stepping forward.

"Prophetic magic doesn't work that way. It's not immediate. It requires ritual, focus, preparation—""Amy," Crow cut through Lyra's voice. His eyes were fixed on Amy, and he seemed to be deliberating over something. Seconds passed before he opened his mouth.

"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is your power?" Ahh~ it feels so nice when things just fall into place. This was what she'd wanted. It took a lot of willpower to stop her lips from curling upwards. Thank you, Crow. Now I can finally refine my ability. This was indeed the perfect moment to tell them what she had discussed with the book this morning. This conversation would be a hundred percent added to the next chapter. It was time to level up.

"I can see the future I want to reach," she explained carefully, constructing her explanation in a way that would sound mystical yet vague enough to cover any inconsistencies.

"I follow the general paths of fate through signs to reach my objective." Lain, who had remained silent until now, spoke in her soft, barely audible voice.

"You can... manipulate fate?"

"Not manipulate," Amy corrected, recalling how her supposed powers should work.

"More like... navigate it." Crow studied her for a long moment, his golden eyes intense.

"Yesterday, you called me a sign. Does this mean finding me was a result of you needing to go to the Academy…?"

"Yes. Though I wasn't especially looking for you. My powers don't tell me the details of the way. They just tell me the destination and how to get there."

"... I see…" His brows furrowed for some inexplicable reason. [You don't realize how scary the words you just said are, right?] Hmm…? What is this book talking about? Silence stretched and the conversation seemed to come to a halt. Lyra and Ash were looking at each other with unreadable expressions, and Lain did not let her gaze dart away from Amy, not even for a single second. Meanwhile, Crow was deep in thought. Ok, what the hell is going on…?

[Girl, you are already so suspicious, and potentially dangerous in their eyes. And now you go and tell them that your power basically allows you to reach any objective you wish to achieve… This poses an obvious question: was this conversation a coincidence, or was it one step toward whatever you are planning?] What…? Wait! That actually sounds kind of scary.

"Then…" Crow finally broke the silence.

"You can lead us to the thing that that key opens, right…?"

"Probably."

"Probably, huh…" Ash repeated, still somewhat thoughtful. Taking a few more seconds to think about something, he took a deep breath and stared directly into Amy's eyes.

"What do you want in exchange?"

"What's your offer?" Crow straightened.

"I can pay you, of course. Name your price." Amy pretended to consider this while inwardly amused. Money? What would she even do with it? She could probably just beg the book for funds if she really needed them. [Why did I suddenly have a bad premonition…?] Amy suppressed a smile at the book's commentary.

"How much would you be willing to pay?" she asked, not really caring about the answer. What she wanted was another thing, she did not need money for nothing since—"Fifty gold crowns, if you're successful." Amy blinked. A primal urge. Just as cavemen felt fear when they laid their eyes on fire, or babies felt reassurance when they noticed the touch of their mother for the first time. Amy felt at that instant something with the same intensity. It took all of her willpower and more to not accept outright.

She knew from reading the manga how much money that truly was, and she could not believe it. Why is the protagonist so damn fucking loaded!? It took a moment for her mind to catch up, and remember that Lain was the daughter and future heir of a noble and that everyone in class S were literally the future heads of the world. Of course they had money… STILL, fifty gold crowns was beyond excessive. Wasn't that like the cost of a house plus enough to survive for like a year without doing any work…?

God, or Goddess, give me strength cause I will truly need it. Future me, forgive me for what I am about to do.

"I don't want your money," Amy interrupted, surprising herself with how easily the words came out, despite the amount of pain she felt inside as she uttered them.

"How about this? I'll help you, but in exchange, I want a favor." Yup, a favor. That was exactly what she needed. It wasn't an exaggeration to say Crow was the most important person in this world. He was the protagonist, after all. Having that person owe you a favor could only mean good things. She could ask for money and so much more if she needed to. Yup, the best choice.

"A favor?" Crow's expression was excessively guarded... Amy even felt a little hurt by that. Who do you think I am…?

"What kind?" said Ash, mirroring Crow's expression.

"I don't know yet," Amy replied with deliberate mysteriousness, staying in character.

"But when I need something, I'd like to be able to call on you for help." Crow studied her for a long moment with the same totally unfairly guarded expression.

"I can agree to that."

"Crow—" Lyra was about to object, but Crow interjected with his hand, signaling to let him continue.

"With some limitations. Nothing illegal, nothing that would harm others, and nothing that would compromise my principles… Is that acceptable...?" Amy acted like she was thinking about it, making the atmosphere somewhat tense. Then she simply nodded her head with a smile on her lips.

"That is acceptable," she finally said.

"I see," Crow shifted, his black eyes studying Amy's face with an intensity that made her want to squirm. On the other hand, the others looked somewhat relieved by her answer.

"Could you..." Crow continued, then paused, seeming to reconsider his words.

"Would it be possible for you to do it right now? Help us find what the key opens?" Amy tilted her head, considering. Part of her wanted nothing more than to collapse into bed and forget about everything for a few hours, but another part—the part that knew how important, and dangerous, this plot point was—recognized the opportunity. She made a show of closing her eyes. Seconds passed.

"I see..." she murmured, opening her eyes again.

"The first sign should be at the entrance of the Class B edifice."

"Class B?" Ash repeated, exchanging a quick glance with Crow.

"Are you sure?" Amy nodded with confidence.

"That's where we need to start. We should meet there during the break tomorrow."

"…we'll be there."

"Well then," Amy said, fighting back a yawn.

"If there's nothing else, I really should head back to my room. It's been a long day. See you all tomorrow." She turned to leave, feeling their gazes follow her as she made her way through the glass doors and back into the now-empty sanctum. [That went better than expected, wouldn't you say? When the next chapter updates, you will receive a substantial change to your powers.]"I guess," she mumbled, dragging her feet toward the exit.

"Though I still can't believe I turned down fifty gold crowns. That physically hurt." [I was also confused by that. You're not exactly rich, are you? In fact, you don't have any money at all. You've been surviving on nothing but my expenses.]"... I really needed that favor..." [Mmm, really?] No.

"Yes… So please, continue taking care of me, oh my benefactor." [Sigh…] As she navigated the Academy's winding hallways, Amy's thoughts drifted to the conversation they'd just had, and then back to the key. Her chest tightened.

"I hate this…" Her hands trembled a little as she remembered what was coming. In the manga, this seemingly minor mystery—a golden key found in ancient ruins—had appeared at first like something important, yet not a priority. Just a side adventure for Crow and his friends. And yet, that simple key would officially kick off the first act of the manga's second arc. Amy shuddered, remembering the gruesome panels depicting the massacre of thirteen Class B students. Their bodies arranged in a ritual formation.

She remembered making fun of it back when she'd reviewed that chapter, criticizing the excessive gore as a cheap shock. But now that she was here, in this world…

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," she whispered, her voice barely audible even to herself.

"Things have been stressful, sure, but relatively safe so far. No one has died yet. No blood on my hands. But from now on…" Amy paused at a window that overlooked the Academy grounds bathed in late afternoon light. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, closing her eyes.

"I know how this story goes. I've seen what happens next. And now I'm guiding them right into it." [...]"Will I be able to stop it, I wonder…" [You could always walk away, you know…]"And wait till I die on doomsday…?" [You won't feel pain, and neither will I.]"... if the end of the world arrives, will you die, too?" [Indeed. But worry not, for I feel no fear of death. But really, think about it, about leaving. There is a place where you could stay, far in the north, If necessary I will also provide you with everything you need. Though you shouldn't be too shameless. I'd rather you not take for granted the things that I—]"It's alright…" She opened her eyes while pushing herself away from the window, and continued walking.

"As much as I find it desirable to just abandon all my problems and run away… I don't want death for either me or you. I'm not a hero, nor anything resembling one, but I still hate the idea of someone, and especially you, dying because of my cowardice." [...] Amy left the building and trudged toward the edifice where her dormitory was situated. The journey passed in a blur, and in the span of what felt like seconds, she was a few steps away from it.

The corridor stretched before her, silent and empty, much like the path she now found herself on. Only when she finally reached the door to her room did the book speak again, its voice carrying the same robotic tint it had used this morning. [Your sentiment is... unexpected, and somewhat incomprehensible. But not unwelcome.] Amy didn't respond as she pushed open the door, too exhausted for further conversation.

She dropped her satchel containing the book onto the nightstand before collapsing face-first onto the mattress. The soft bedding enveloped her, and for a moment, all the worries about golden keys, ritual murders, and the end of the world faded into the background. [You should probably remove your shoes before sleeping.]"Mmmphhh," Amy responded eloquently, not moving an inch. [And your uniform will get wrinkled.] She groaned but managed to kick off her shoes, which tumbled to the floor with soft thuds.

"... happy now…?" [Ecstatic.]