Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Droplet Bomb!

After finishing their breakfast, Luna, Chely, and Ame went to prepare for class. Alum, enjoying the treats, was stared at by almost everyone around the table, and Alum, of course, noticed. They all seemed to want to ask him something. Or well, have some answers at least—Noel, who looked at him with a smug face, and Emely with a teasing smile. Emely the cousin who took him in after his parents died. His Aunt, Emely's mother, did not want anything to do with Alum after his parent's death; she had even been his private tutor for many years and his aunt at that. Since Emely took pity on Alum, she decided to raise him by herself at the mere age of 20. Her mother never had any issues with money, so the inheritance money wasn’t appealing to her. Emely didn’t take him in for the money. In fact, she was working while studying, and she paid for every expense—his clothes, school, etc. Alum, who had more money than most adults would be able to obtain in their lifetime, was an empty shell. The money his parents had left behind only served as a memory of their death. 

But behind Emely's back, Alum had been spending the money on lawyers, private detectives, and even bribed criminals for information. He didn’t know what the murderer looked like, but. If he ever saw the eyes of the vile monster, he would surely know. For years he had been searching. Until one day, the murderer was found. He was sentenced to a lifetime in prison, and even his last words in court were. “I really should’ve killed that kid.” Not too long after the criminal got sentenced, it was reported that he had “committed suicide,” in his cell. It seemed like Alum wasn’t the only one holding a grudge against that murderer. Alum, who had now lost all purpose in his life. With no one to hate, he hollowed further. 

But then, one day, after entering college, Alum seemed more human than before. It was then that Emely learned about Noel, Alum’s best friend. He somehow dragged Alum out of the dark, and Alum seemed more interested in things. He brought home sweets, helped small animals, and even sheltered them until they could find a home or be fine on their own. His interaction with her increased, but he was still distant from everyone else. She was so happy he had finally moved on. And ever since he came to this world, he has been getting involved with more people and even seemed friendly with Princess Luna. As it turns out, there was even a girl who was hard crushing on him. It was endearing, and Emely couldn’t have hoped for a better change. 

His classmates and the recruits were all curious, what was his relationship with the Saint? Or why was he with Professor Luna? Noel tried calming everyone down, but their spirits and curiosity were more than Noel could handle alone. Miu was also trying to calm everyone not to disturb the others who just wanted to have their breakfast in peace. But to the onlookers, this behavior was actually more common than the quiet peace. Alum, who just ate quietly finished, looked at everyone and told them that he would only answer one question. He was unsure why he had said that; maybe he felt bad ignoring them? The curious recruits and classmates started to discuss what they wanted to ask him. While curious about what had happened between him and Saint Amethely. They’ve all more or less guessed, but they did not know anything when it came to Professor Luna. With the discussion coming to a close, they asked him about his relationship with Princess Luna. His reply was, “we’re friends, that’s all.”  

They all went silent. And said things like, “our Princess finally has a friend!” And, “Alum, got a friend that isn’t Noel!?” His friend Noel too, looked at Professor or ex-Professor(?) Emely. With a slight tear in his eyes, Noel said. “Professor! Alum… Alum finally made another friend!!!” Alum knew fully well that his friend was exaggerating his reaction. But unexpectedly, Emely had tears in her eyes and started to cry. Even this took Noel by surprise. “Professor?” Noel asked in a concerned voice. “No, it's nothing. I'm just happy; he made friends, has become sweet, and might even have a girlfriend soon!” Noel nodded in agreement. To everyone else, it just made them more confused. And it was revealed that Emely was Alum’s cousin. Everyone was surprised, except for Noel, who had been over to play. Alum didn’t say anything more after. He just left, but the others could see that his ears were slightly red. 

A while later, they were outside on the training grounds. This place was one of many places in the base unaffected by the magic barrier. However, anti-magic structures were still around to absorb magic if something went wrong. Alum was leaning on a tree while reading. He occasionally observed the others practice. Luna sometimes cast a few spells to demonstrate, and Chely did the same. Ame, who was explaining concepts, would occasionally drift her gaze towards Alum. Their eyes would sometimes meet, and they would give each other a small wave. Alum couldn’t control his facial expression that well, and Ame was even worse at it. And those who witnessed it couldn’t help but sigh or chuckle. Alum now undoubtedly knew that Ame had affection for him, but he didn’t know how to confess his feelings. 

He had received countless love confessions throughout his life, but never had he been the one confessing. He never knew about the courage that was required. Or How hard it was to figure out the right time and place. As well as how close they should be before he does it. It was all new to him, and it was driving him insane. He can’t have Ame confess to him. He is determent that he should be the one to confess if it is to move their relationship. He wanted her to think he was cool, capable, and reliable. But how does one impress a girl like her? She is the Saint. One of the most powerful people on the planet. Her powers rival those of ancient beasts. 

 

Noel, who was learning magic from Chely, noticed that Alum seemed troubled. “Already tired?” Asked Chely. It felt like he was being taunted, but he decided not to return it with a snarky remark. “A little, though Alum seems to be troubled by something.” Hearing that, Chely ponder. “Hey, have any of you witnessed his magic? Maybe we can have Ame teach him.” Noel sighed. “Well, we could try. Knowing him, he probably doesn’t need tutoring.” He said with a faint smile. Luna, who was close by, overheard their little conversation and decided to join in. “Hmm, Al should know how to cast spells theoretically.” She said—Noel was slightly conflicted that she casually called Alum by a nickname. (It took me almost a whole year to befriend him.…) Luna, who noticed Noel’s slight conflict, said. “He talks a lot about you, you know? Thanks to you, he opened up to others too. You should be proud.” Hearing Luna says this. He couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. “Thank you….” Chely, witnessing all of this, just thought. (That’s Princess Luna for you.) 

 

After finishing his book, and was about to start reading the next one, but then he got interrupted by Luna. “Oh, Luna? What’s up? He said. Luna nodded and told him what was on her mind. “Well, since you are here, don’t you think it’s a waste not to participate? They’re all curious about your capabilities, besides. Don’t you want Saint Ame to teach you?” After hearing this, Alum gets up and is very determined to show off his best. 

Everyone was gathered around him, wanting to see what the rumored Alum was capable of. Since this will be the first time Alum casts a spell, Amethely is in charge of guiding him. But, there was one problem, she couldn’t show him how dependable and cool she was through spells. Not long ago, she had damaged her mana flow and wasn’t allowed to cast any magic at all. But despite this, she will do her best!

Alum was unsure how it would turn out. He hadn’t even tried using magic since that time with Chely. And doesn’t want Ame to think that he is uncool. Alum needed to cook up something good and fast. While pondering what to do, Ame speaks to him. “Mr. Alum? I think you need to remove the mana suppressant amulet….” Alum who was just lost in his thoughts, had forgotten that he had the necklace on. Amethely was looking at him while blushing. She seemed somewhat unsure or uneasy. Alum didn’t know why she acted the way she did, but he felt a warm sensation in his chest and caught himself smiling. On the other hand, Ame had made up her mind; she was removing that amulet! 

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She got close up to him and looked up into his eyes. Alum was slightly blushing since he didn’t know why the Saint had suddenly gotten close. (Her face is all red… too cute….) He thought. But what came next was a real shock to everyone. Ame had hugged Alum. Or well, that is what it seemed like. Their face was close, and it looked like she was clinging to him as if asking for a kiss. Ame knew that this was very bold of her, and to do it in front of others too! But she didn’t have any choice. This was her only option. Ame needed to charm Alum as much as possible. She wanted him to like her, think she was dependable, cool, and cute. Frankly speaking, the logic went and left her head. 

 Luna was quietly watching. She seemed to understand what was going on. (Nice one, Saint Amethely. You get to hug him under the pretext of removing the amulet.) Also in her field of vision were Noel and Chely. Both of them practically had the same expression. Luna thought Alum and Amethely were probably in their own world since everyone around them whistled and went “kyaaa” or “Ooh.” On the other hand, Luna was left with an uncomfortable feeling watching them. She should be happy for them. But for some reason, she wasn’t all that glad that they were this close. She had been hiding it well, but she felt this way as well when Al was talking to Noel; she felt lonely. 

After removing the amulet, Ame covered her face with her hand and peaked through her fingers. She was too embarrassed by her bold action. Although through the gaps, she could see Alum, he had been frozen in place and was red till his ears. She had always thought he was cool since she met him, but this was just too much for her. It’s too cute! 

Alum, who had recovered from immense damage, felt something very different about him. He felt far stronger. The mana that had been suppressed didn’t go wild or anything but was excited. With this, Alum gained a bit more confidence. He felt better than he's ever been. Ame, who noticed his change, also switched to her saintly side, albeit with a red face and bubbly smile compared to the elegant one. Everyone watching noticed that the mood had somewhat changed quiet down. Ame looked at Alum and said. “Mr. Alum has an affinity for water magic, right? Maybe you should try water ball, an elementary-level spell, and you should be able to cast it effortlessly.” Alum nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll try. Although… since I'm calling you Ame, you should remove the Mister from my name too….” Amethely looked down. She, who had just recovered, had turned red once again. “Y-yes, M… A-Alum.” Alum nodded and gave her a faint smile. He could feel the mana surge in his body when he imagined he wanted to make a water ball, and before Alum knew it, he made a water ball the size of his hands. “You did it!” Said Amethely. (Hm… it is not impressive at all, not at all.) And everyone looking also seemed disappointed. Alum poured more mana into the water ball, making it bigger and bigger until Ame told him to try to hit the practice target 50 meters(164 feet) away. 

Everyone seemed more impressed with this gigantic water ball, since it required much more mana and control. But Alum wasn’t satisfied. If he hit the target, it wouldn’t do too much. It was at this moment he had a great idea. Alum began to shrink the water ball. To everyone watching, it seemed like he started to lose mana and control over the spell. But Ame, Luna, and Chely had other thoughts. The spell wasn’t losing mana. In fact, the amount had increased. He realized that everyone was under a protective barrier. Ame, who was beside him, looked at him with sparkly eyes. “Wow… I’ve never seen a spell like this before!” Everyone was confused and didn’t know what was going on. To them, it looked like the water ball had disappeared. Only then did they realize it was still present due to Alum leaking mana. It was so small they couldn't see it. 

Alum knew precisely what he would call this spell, [Droplet Bomb]; he aimed and released the spell. Everyone watching knew that he cast the spell, but since it was small, it was hard to see if it landed or not, only to hear a loud explosion after thinking so. Everyone was inside Luna’s protective barrier and didn’t feel the blast's shockwave. Alum and Ame were also inside the barrier, and everything they could see outside was fog. Chely used her magic to blow away the mist. She also realized that the fog was static and looked at Alum with a judging face. 

Everyone was curious about what state the practice dummy was in. But they didn’t see it. Or rather, they saw a huge crater filled with water. The surrounding trees were tilting, and even the barrier they were in had cracks. Noel looking happy, Chely in disbelief, Luna sighed, Ame was looking at Chely as if telling her (h-he doesn’t neeeed meeee!) Everyone else was looking at Alum in disbelief. Alum himself seemed pretty pleased with the result he got. (Now, she will surely think I’m creative and cool!) 

AN: 

Thank you for reading! 

This is the first time Alum used magic, and I think it went well for him! Also, chapters might slow down this week because a new Genshin Patch was released! By the way, I'm also out of cherry wine… it helped me during the sleepless nights…. So I need to get more. If you have any recommendations for sweet wines, please tell me about them! 

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