As I returned to my seat, I scanned the surroundings.
Perhaps because I did even less than before, Leo's glare grew even sharper.
The bell signaling the end of class rang out.
As I was putting away my wand and getting up, a shadow loomed over me.
I looked up to see Leo glaring down at me with a cold expression.
"Hey, I need to talk to you."
'Just as expected.'
I had thought he would act around this time, and it was right on target.
In the novel, Leo was always like this.
Even with his relatively weak magic—by protagonist standards—he had an unwavering stubbornness about magic.
He never took the easy path, always sticking to his principles.
Someone like Leo would never stand by and watch someone play games with magic.
Especially if it was the person who introduced him to the path of magic.
Sorry, but... it can't be helped for now.
I asked simply, without changing my expression.
"Why?"
"Come to the training ground at midnight."
"Why? Explain first."
Leo scoffed at that.
He looked as if wondering what was the point of explaining.
"Fine. If you don't come, I'll drag you out. So choose: come on your own or get dragged out."
'What a temper….'
Yeah, he was like this at this age.
Could things go any more smoothly?
**Quest:** Recruit **Leonard Wittelsbach** as your ally. (0/1) (20 hours 7 minutes 44 seconds)
'20 hours.'
That's plenty.
I smiled at Leo's cold eyes.
***
At midnight, I left the dormitory.
There was no reason to pass up this opportunity that had come my way.
Considering Leo's personality from the novel, he would keep his word even if he had to tear down the dormitory. Since it worked out as I hoped, there was no need to escalate things.
'…It's a bit strange that I'm coming out without complaint just because he called me.'
But considering his current state, that thought probably wouldn't cross his mind. Instead, he might get annoyed that I arrived at the training ground just after midnight.
I looked at the clock tower in the distance.
12:11.
I arrived near the training grounds used by the Magic Department. Leo had his own private training ground, so I should head there.
But….
'Come to think of it, did he assume I'd naturally know where his training ground is…?'
Lucas, who spent most of his time holed up in the dormitory, obviously wouldn't know such things.
He called me out without even considering what I might know or not, which shows either his big ego or lack of thought.
Anyway, he said he'd drag me out if I didn't come, so he should come looking for me.
I started heading towards the field in the center of the training grounds, intending to kill some time.
Then, someone grabbed me by the nape.
"Standing there like an idiot. You should've come inside, what are you doing?"
"How am I supposed to know where your training ground is? Even when I come, it's a hassle."
Leo didn't respond to that and just dragged me inside and locked the door.
As he set up locking spells on the entrance, Leo spoke.
"Do you think we're fools?"
"What?"
"Do you think we wouldn't know? Do you think everyone wouldn't notice your antics?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
Leo glared at me coldly.
"Do you think we wouldn't notice you deliberately stopping your magic? The professor, and the other students too!"
A silence fell.
Seeing that Leo wasn't planning to break his intense gaze, I casually shrugged.
"The professor did seem to know. But… the students didn't."
Leo let out a bitter laugh.
As if finding it ridiculous, I didn't even bother hiding that I was controlling my power. My nonchalant response made Leo's face grow more enraged.
"If you're going to behave like this, leave this school."
"Why should I?"
"This isn't a playground where you can do whatever you want. It's a place to learn magic. We should've known when you got in through a donation."
I nodded slowly at that.
"Are you saying I'm ruining the study atmosphere?"
"You know it well. If you're not going to take the classes seriously, just leave. This isn't a place for someone with your mindset."
"What does it matter to you?"
"What?"
Leo's face grew even harder.
I stared right back at him.
I didn't want it to come to this, but ironically, to avoid making Leo an enemy, I had no choice.
I continued the act as naturally as possible and retorted.
"Why are you butting into something the professor hasn't even mentioned?"
"The school belongs to the students. Do you think the silence of a professor just waiting for retirement is absolute? Do you think it's important for a professor to silently allow students to slack off?"
Leo spoke with a firm voice.
'Hmm.'
This aligns with my views.
Though the professor's negligence ultimately worked in my favor, it wasn't the ideal image of a responsible educator.
'As expected of the protagonist's friend.'
I didn't expect to hear someone say that the school belongs to the students in this fantasy world.
However, just because our values align doesn't mean it's absolutely right.
I have to take a different stance now.
"Professors are also an essential part of the school. Isn't it wrong to ignore them without even trying to express your opinion to them? If you really didn't like the professor's silence, it would be more rational to directly request for better class quality."
"...."
"Calling me out at midnight without explaining anything seems far less reasonable, don't you think?"
Leo silently glared at me.
He still seemed to have a lot to say, but he didn't look like he wanted to prolong the conversation right now.
'That's good for me too.'
Maybe it's time to light a little fire under his hasty temper.
I sighed heavily and shook my head.
"I don't get it. Did you call me out here just to say this? If you have nothing else, I'm leaving."
"Draw your wand."
A chilling voice came from behind me.
I turned my head silently to look at Leo. He had drawn his wand from his belt and was staring right at me.
"If you win, I'll keep my mouth shut. I'll accept whatever you do in class. But if I win, you leave this school."
"...."
"Laughable. You were so talkative earlier, but now you're not confident?"
Finally.
Just what I wanted. A slow smile twisted my lips.
"Of course not."