The Original Sin

Ringty ring ding a ding dong.

A small box above the teaching pedastal made a noise.

"Well I guess that means class is over."

The teacher closes their book ast they say this. Under the prompt singal of the class monitor person, the students thanked the teacher for their time. The feeling that class is over only comes once the teacher is out of the room. Noise slowly grows as time passes. There is a sense of relief class is over. There is a sense of joy from being able to do what one wants from the students. The classroom was rife with such an atmosphere.

But there was a boy that ruined the bright atmosphere. His features make him seem intelligent and manly, but his eyes have a dim light and he has a dark feeling to his person. In addition he has bags under his eyes, giving off a sickly appearance. The clothes he wears are no different from those around him. Except an eyepatch covers one of his eyes.

There are people who get married at this age of 16- but he only looks around weakly to the room.

Some studenst admire the magical chime, as inventions produced with magic are held in higher esteem.Magical item development is seen as a worthwhile job, so lookign for crafter marks is something to take note of.

(The path of an adventurer, no one aims for something higher like that...)

The boy thought of the woman he admired, the person the word 'genius' best described. He lost himself in nostalgia as the other students continued talking.

There was a rumor that if you tampered with a magical item and could replciate it's contents before you left school, you would be recruited by the Ministry of Magic right away. Though of course it wouldn't be a high position, since a student couldn't match them.

(I wish such a rumor was true)

(Either way...the emperor...The Bloody Emperor huh)

He had very complicated feelings toward that person. If anything, it was closer to being negative. Actaully, it could be said it was the Emperor's fault the boy had such a rough time.

(Complaining can't be helped...before long things won't continue to be unpleasant. Still it's quite slow...)

Before long, there weren't many students left in the room, and even the curious students near the bell left. With a "heave-ho" that wouldn't pass for a youth's, the boy rose from his seat. Small ripples formed in his heart, as his childhood friend's person/figure didn't appear like it usually did. When he was younger, his feelings were a bit more complicated, but now he harbored the mentality of an older brother for a cute younger sister.

"[Were you] looking for me?" [sagasu; flirtatious wench]

With a just her choice of words, his inner thoughts became complicated. Now wasn't the time search for a girlfriend since he could fall behind or even fail for good. He wanted to avoid that if possible. Not long ago there was one case of someone losing their way.

(Well I was saved by that unusual old man..., yet to interfere and send me to the Magical Academy? )

Two competing thoughts were in his mind. He started to lean to one over the other. Thinking that the arrangements time was going to come to an end, led to feeling of unease and-

"I'm really sorry!"

with a voice coming from as if she was in a hurry. Seeing this particular girl his heart's strain became less tense.

"I didn't wait particularly long."

Realizing that no one else was present in the room to hear his answer, his ears began to redden in embarassment. The girl did not particularly seem to notice and caught her breath.

"...I fell somewhat behind schedule cleaning. Are you mad, Jet?" [ジエット]

(ZN: see エアジェット or air jets)

No, he was not angry, he voiced, the boy-Jet understood.

Students were expected to clean classrooms in the academy. They would throw away garbage and sweep with a broom and so on uncomplicated work.

Such was what one's turn for simple cleaning duty was like. Thinking along those lines, Jet recalled a question he had.

"That aside... Nemeru. Your cleaning duty turn already happened right? "

He didn't believe his memory was mistaken. Her response was a bitter smile.

"Did a higher ranked noble charter you as a lower ranked noble?"

Even though greater nobility was considered the best. There were good rumors and bad rumors about them. It was like how there were both exploitative businesses and good ones.

"That's it~~"

"What are kind of good mood are you in?"

The voice of a fellow that made Jet feel sick was heard, and Jet tried to hide his facial expression. However that minor movement was seen by the chap who called out while he smiled. It was an intensely heartless smile and there was an unnatural sneering to make Jet aware [of his own mistake]. If he really wanted to hide it, there would be no problem doing so.

(Here comes the shithead/bastard [kusotarre])

Jet nonchalantly took half a step forward. He hid Nemeru behind him. Despite noticing this, the bloke courteously greeted Nemeru regardless of the action.

"Good day, Nemeru-san."

"Ah, go-good day!"

"Kek, no honorific I see. You're so huddled up. Did something happen?"

The chap had well proportioned features, which his whole face could only be called dignity/grace/refinement. He squinted his eyes, exuding a sense of malice and ill will which not only Jet could feel but even Nemeru who stood next to him could feel it. No, her [sensory] extremities as a noble were possibly sharper in comparison to Jet's.

Rangobaruto Ekku Waraia Roberubado. That was the chap's full name. He was a similar magical academy pupil to Jet. The problem was his noble family was a somewhat powerful house. The Empire's magical academy deemed those who were excellent as those worth attending tuition free. To ensure that quality, there were very strict exams [to decide that excellence]. Meanwhile, with a payment of some money it was possible to sit for an ordinary exam and gain entry to the Magical Academy.

There were many nobles of that nature in the Empire's Magical Academy. The education provided by the Magical Academy could not be said to be suitable for nobles, but there are certain bothersome parts of nobles. In some cases they are indoctrinated [with values] in order to permit sending heirs to an institution that may inspire loyalty to the Emperor over the noble house.

It's done because the Magical Academy can be considered a very useful place to make good connections.

People who share a common point have a likelihood of becoming friends. Like sharing the same hometown, the same hobbies, or the same family composition.

It also is a big advantage to graduate from the same institution. Hence, there are many nobles at the Magical Academy. However, there are few aristocrats in the Magic Department of the Magical Academy. This is because the Magic Department only accepts admittance of those who can use magic. A large amount of people are born without the ability to use magic,-different from Divine casters- a scant few nobles are connected to Arcane magic. Hence, somewhat like [a noble able to use Arcane magic] is a chosen elite and a portion of them were displayed as shadows [of the family?].

He was one of them. Considering the chap's family structure, and how he could rise up to an even higher postion would make him a target of envy.

However, all that said, it was a different thing to say you could be fond of the bloke. Although he was a member of the same [academic] course, Nemeru was considered the lowliest of the noble hierarchy, but as long as he held some favor towards her it would be fine. But he is the heir of a certain noble family, whereas Nemeru is a worthless/insignificant noble's unmarried daughter. Their social postions were not balanced. Among noble families, relationships between the sexes constituted marriage but that was only done between those of a simliar [social] level. Still, as long as there was a genuine feeling of love towards Nemeru, Jet would not put out any animosity. Unfortunately, circumstances were different. [The chap] put off the feeling this was done half for the lulz[asobihanbun], so it was for that reason the bloke was seen as a good-for-nothing [read: piece of shit] by Jet. With a powerful resolve in his heart, Jet promised himself not to permit such joke, when said before his very eyes.

In reality, [Jet] gathered all sorts of information traced back to [the chap], but his evaluation of [the bloke] did not fluctuate even a little.

"N-no. Pay it no mind. Yes...."

[literally of no concern, but didn't fit well imo]

As Nemeru's figure bowed repeatedly [can also be read cringing] Jet harbored feelings of his blood boiling. Amongst noble families, Nemeru's was lower ranked, even as a school friend he could not take [actions] toward the chap before his eyepatchless eye. That's why they can only lower their heads.

(Because the noble-sama's use their power, people like commoners, cannot use their skills. )

Jet made use of this difference as he struggled many times, but it was complicated for Nemeru. Just as status can be an aid, it can also be a shackle.

"Please do not bow your head like that. Leaving that story aside, could you spare some time?" "Oh, sorry, but the girl has unexpected errands, so it would be unpleasant if she does not return home."

Jet cut into [the conversation].

Should the girl refuse things would worsen, as there was a prospect it would become a family problem. It's in cases like this someone else should solve the problem. Since he is a commoner, he would not suffer damage to his family's standing. Problems would potentially come when he tried to find a job. Yet he heard that the power of the nobles could not reach the Knight Order. As one would expect it would be foolish for a noble family to try to mess with the knights controlled directly by the Emperor.

"I dare say I was not speaking to you." " I've only told you the reason Nemeru has to hurry back home. Rather I should be receiving your gratitude, isn't it unsociable not to?" "...Having a response to every remark, you /humble/ lad, oh that's right. [Of course.]"

Not long ago he was indirectly holding contempt, yet now he was no longer hiding it, now Rangobaruto was showing his true face. Despite having well-proportioned facial features, there was a feeling his expression complete changed into a cold-hearted [one]. Yet Jet was not frightened.

"Oh I do say. Wasn't this child born from a gaping hole?" "...Tsk." "Well then, excuse me. Won't it be unpleasant if you do not return home quickly?" "Y-Yes."

Clasping Nemeru's hand, Jet tried to rush past the next moment, but Rangobaruto's face had [a look] of triumph after having discovered something. Having a bad feeling, [Jet] tried to leave as soon as possible, but he heard a voice from behind.

"Could I trouble you to wait."

Being told to wait by a [piece of shit] like that, Jet's mind wanted to spit out his distaste, but he stopped it.

"Was something wrong? Why did you raise your voice?"

"No, I forgot to mention a story. They say for this year's Academy exam we will have to group up. One of my acquaintances told me."

From the moment he started speaking, Jet tried to suppress the words in his mouth.

Say that to begin with. Jet swallows those words in his mouth. Subsequently-- The stress he sees, this bastard.

Rangobaruto's nature in general, the influence of magical proficiency was for all the school's students surpassed all other factors. He's already mastered the 1st Tier and will soon start using the 2nd Tier. It was far above Jet's who was still only able to use the 1st Tier and Nemuru who was still at the 0th Tier [na ikai]. For this reason, those at their 2nd year could have their run of this Academy and order students around for their own goals.

"Is that so? We as a matter of fact were supposed to partner with other people. " "Is that so? I was not aware. I guess there was no point in me saying anything."

As Jet glared, Rangobaruto derisively laughed. It was the attitude of someone who knew they won. It was a fact that Jet was cornered and could not bluff his situation. He noticed that Nemeru behind him was flustered, and Jet considered erupting into jeers, but a sudden voice broke the mood.

"Why are you staring so much at each other."

Hearing that woman's voice, Rangobaruto's face hardened for the first time. Everyone present turned to the face they all knew. Her name was Setsuna and she was upset. Instantly, a smile full of goodwill emerged on Rangobaruto's face. His amicability was good enough, that Jet who held animosity toward him was impressed. Suppose that is noble bloke.

At noticing Rangobaruto's ---artificial--smile Jet had a --from the bottom of his heart-- smile as he sneered in response to the woman's arrival.

The Magical Academy had an organization called the student council.