It was the final day of their vacation.
Shirone and his friends, who had stayed up studying at the inn until dawn, didn’t wake up until late in the day.
After joking around about how ssy they all looked, they took turns bathing.
By the ti Shirone returned his books to the library and arrived at school, it was already past lunchti. The schoolyard was nearly empty since classes were still in session, and the only people around were the janitors sweeping the paths.
"So, I guess our little vacation is over," soone sighed.
"Vacation? It was a suspension, not a break."
"Still, we had fun. What should we do now?"
Shirone stretched and replied, "I’m heading back to my room to clean. I’ve got to tidy up before classes start again tomorrow."
"You’re always so particular. Alright then, we’ll be at the study room. Co join us if you get bored."
"Got it. See you guys later."
Shirone headed back to his dorm.
His room was a ss—he hadn’t paid much attention to it during the ti they were preparing their presentation. Rolling up his sleeves, he got to work cleaning. After organizing his class materials on the bookshelf, he brushed off his hands, satisfied with the progress.
It had been an unexpected suspension, but for Shirone, it was worth it—he had discovered the God Particle.
Still, that discovery would only an sothing once he beca a fully-fledged mage.
Starting tomorrow, it was back to the grind. He had to study hard again if he wanted to move up to Class Four.
"The sa goes for Neid and Iruki."
At Alpheas Magic School, student advancent is determined at the end of each sester based on grades from the first half of the year. To qualify for promotion, students needed to score at least 80 points in every subject.
That wasn’t easy—getting an 80 in every class ant no weak spots. And most students had at least one subject that didn’t suit their strengths.
But the school was firm in its policy.
To choose a major, students had to show a well-rounded grasp of the basics. After all, graduates of Alpheas were expected to be capable of performing nearly all fundantal spells across magical disciplines.
This was also one of the reasons why magic societies held Alpheas graduates in high regard.
Of course, not all successful mages ca from magic schools. Many were trained directly by a ntor, found enlightennt on their own, or learned through underground ans. Those types tended to be highly specialized and experienced in real combat.
Who got hired often depended on the job or the employer’s preferences. Still, there was no denying that graduates from a well-rounded institution like Alpheas had a clear advantage in the job market.
In that light, the school’s 80-point requirent was more than just academic pressure—it reflected real-world expectations.
Shirone groaned, holding his head.
"Ugh, so what now? I’d have to raise my average by more than 30 points."
Even with the discovery of the God Particle, the reality was simple: this was still school. And school had rules.
"It’s not totally impossible. If I focus and use the Spine of Knowledge properly, I can boost my scores."
But more than anything, there was one big reason Shirone had to make it.
"Iruki and Neid are probably getting promoted too. If I end up stuck in Class Five all by myself..."
The thought alone was terrifying.
Shirone shook his head, trying to stay positive.
"I’ll have to go through this sooner or later anyway. Besides, once I reach Class Four, I can apply for graduation. And then I can finally keep my promise to Amy..."
That’s when it hit him.
"Oh no—Amy!"
After the presentation, he hadn’t even had the chance to thank her. He’d been so caught up in the mont that he’d completely forgotten she was there.
"You dummy. She must’ve felt so ignored."
Amy had always quietly supported him, cheering him on from the sidelines whenever things got tough.
"Alright! Ti to go!"
The idea of senior year still felt overwhelming—but this ti, Shirone was determined to show how he really felt.
There was a spark in his eyes as he left the inn.
"You’re gonna be surprised, Amy."
Shirone climbed the hill with two cups of coffee in hand—one for Amy and one for Seriel.
At the top, a towering structure called the Steel Door stood before him.
Up close, it was far more imposing and magnificent than it looked from a distance.
"So this is the peak of magic school."
As the sculpture that symbolized the mage’s spirit, it gave him a sense of reverence as he passed beneath it.
Just then, he saw so graduating students exiting the building—their sixth-period class had just ended.
In the middle of the hallway, Shirone spotted Amy and Seriel deep in conversation.
"Amy! Amy!"
So nearby students turned their heads, but Amy and Seriel didn’t notice him—they were still talking, lost in their own world.
Feeling mischievous, Shirone tiptoed up behind them and held out the coffee.
"Ta-da! A surprise gift!"
Amy’s eyes widened in shock, and Shirone grinned playfully as he handed a cup to Seriel as well.
"Here, one for you too, senior! Drink up and recharge!"
Seriel watched with a curious smile and tilted her head.
Amy, still surprised, narrowed her eyes and asked, "Who are you? And why are you giving us this?"
Shirone thought it was all just a bad joke.
"I’m sorry," Amy said. "I’ve been so out of it lately. That’s why I wanted to talk to you in person."
But as Shirone stepped closer, Amy suddenly pushed his arm away in alarm.
"Don’t touch that! Do you even know what’s in there?"
Coffee spilled onto the floor.
Shirone stared at her, stunned.
This wasn’t so prank. Her expression was tense, her cheeks flushed with genuine frustration.
"Who do you think you are?" Amy snapped. "And why are you calling Seriel your senior but speaking so casually to ?"
Even Seriel frowned, clearly displeased.
"You’re in the advanced class? I don’t know if this is stalking or so weird joke, but this isn’t how you approach soone. And use respectful language. You’re not so dropout."
Shirone was at a loss for words. It was like they genuinely had no idea who he was.
"Senior Seriel, it’s —Shirone. You don’t recognize ? Amy, are you seriously pretending right now?"
Amy grabbed his collar.
"How would we know you? If you’re a student, go study! Don’t you know when and where to act? You’ve been quiet since reaching the senior level..."
It was because of that guy.
Ever since she started hanging out with strange people, trouble followed her again. The boys at school were getting too close again.
That guy...
Who was it? I definitely—
There was soone. So kind of agreent. But he couldn’t rember.
Only a faint, warm feeling lingered.
"Stop lying!"
Shirone shook off Amy’s hand.
"Ah!"
Amy winced and held her wrist, but Shirone couldn’t bring himself to care.
If this was a prank, it was a cruel one.
"Why are you treating like this? If you don’t like , just say so! This is... this is too much!"
Seriel shoved Shirone back.
"Get lost!"
It was Seriel, so Shirone didn’t resist and fell straight onto the floor.
"Why are you harassing my friend? And a senior at that! What class are you even in? Do you want to get expelled?"
Shirone’s expression crumpled with sadness.
Seriel... Amy’s best friend.
She used to be warm-hearted, soone who would cry while reading romance novels and cheer him on more passionately than anyone.
But now she looked at him like a stranger—her gaze cold, her mouth tense with hostility.
Shirone shook his head.
No. This wasn’t real. This couldn’t be real.
"No! This is a lie!"
He turned and ran, his heart pounding, barely able to breathe.
Seriel called after him.
"Don’t co back! If you bother us again, I’m reporting you to the teachers!"
Still breathless, she turned to Amy.
"What a weirdo. Looked innocent, but turns out she’s persistent. Are you okay, Amy?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah... I’m fine."
Amy gently massaged her wrist. She still couldn’t rember anything... but deep inside, a strange unease crept into her heart.
She watched Shirone disappear and whispered to herself,
"...Who is he? He really seed like he knew ."
Seriel brushed it off with a laugh.
"How would you know if you don’t rember? Probably just so lunatic trying to get attention. You hear about kids like that all the ti. Who’s he trying to impress? Standing next to you like he belongs—huh?"
Seriel blinked. She couldn’t even think of a na.
The bell rang.
Amy said quietly, "Let’s go in. We’ll talk later."
"Yeah. I was hoping for a normal chat today, but that creep wasted our whole break."
Amy followed Seriel into the school building, but before stepping in, she glanced back.
"..."
Shirone was long gone.
But Amy stood there for a mont, as if waiting for soone.
Shirone ran, his teeth clenched, his eyes stinging with tears.
Why are they doing this to ? What did I do wrong?
He sprinted past the steel gates and reached the advanced class section just as the bell rang.
He spotted Mark and Maria entering the building and called out, desperate.
"Mark! Mark!"
They turned, startled.
"Mark! Do you know who I am? Please! Say it!"
Mark glanced at Maria, confused. She shrugged.
"Um... who are you?"
Shirone’s heart dropped.
What is happening?
"It’s ! It’s Shirone!"
"So...?"
"It’s ! Class Five! We took tests together! You have to rember!"
Mark’s expression tightened, but he cast his eyes downward when Shirone ntioned Class Five.
"Oh... right. Sorry. I didn’t realize."
"No! That’s not it! Why are you pretending like I’m a stranger?"
What does he want from ? This is annoying.
Mark might’ve played along if they were alone, but others were watching.
Just then, Siana walked down the hallway.
"You two. Class has started. What are you doing here?"
To Shirone, she was like a beacon of hope.
"Teacher! It’s , Shirone! You have to rember !"
How could soone as powerful as Siana forget? She was a certified 6th-level magician.
But her reply shattered him.
"Shirone? There’s no such student in the advanced class."
"No... It’s !"
Siana tried to recall, but Shirone’s na and face ant nothing to her.
"I think you’re confused. I wasn’t told about any new students."
Mark’s expression changed.
Shirone felt the shift.
They were starting to see him as a threat.
"I—I’m sorry! I made a mistake!"
"Hey! Wait!"
But Shirone didn’t stop. He sprinted out of the building, his heart in pieces.
Now, he understood.
Everyone had forgotten him.
"Ugh... ugh..."
Tears flowed. He felt like a lost child, surrounded by strangers.
Is it really true? Does no one rember ...?
Then, a thought hit him like lightning.
Neid. Iruki.
Grasping that one thread of hope, Shirone rushed to Istas.
He fumbled through the complicated equations and finally arrived at the Society for Paranormal Psychic Research.
He hesitated in front of the door.
They’ll know . Of course they will. Just hours ago, we were together. They have to rember.
If... if they don’t...
He squeezed his eyes shut.
He didn’t want to imagine how much that would hurt.
He flung the door open.
Neid and Iruki turned from their conversation, surprised.
Shirone clenched his fists.
"Neid. Iruki. It’s —Shirone."
They blinked. Silence.
And in that silence, the dam of emotions inside Shirone burst.
"Why aren’t you saying anything? You rember, right? You haven’t forgotten too, have you?"
Neid exchanged a look with Iruki, then scratched his head and walked over.
"Uh... who are you?"
Shirone’s eyes filled with tears.
"You really don’t know? We were just together! We studied yesterday. The day before that too!"
"I’m sorry. But we don’t know you. Are you from another club? Trying to spy on us? Just leave, please."
Then Iruki snapped.
"Wait a second. That could be it. How’d you even get into Istas? Tell us! Who are you?"
"You... you guys..."
Shirone’s face crumpled with emotion. He couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.
"Pooh..."
Neid’s cheeks puffed up—and then he couldn’t take it anymore. He burst out laughing.
"Puhahahaha! Iruki, did you see that? Did you see Shirone’s face? That was priceless!"
Iruki was laughing so hard he was stomping his feet.
"I saw it! I saw it! I was actually scared for a second—then you guys—Puhahahaha! Shirone, what were you even trying to do? Kill with laughter?"
Neid was clutching his stomach, trying to catch his breath between fits of laughter.
"Hahaha! Oh man, the more I think about it, the funnier it gets. What were you even thinking... Keuhahaha!"
Shirone just sat there, stunned. For a mont, he couldn’t tell if this was real life or a dream.
"Wait... You guys rember ?"
Iruki snorted.
"What are you talking about? Did you have so weird nightmare or sothing? Do you even know how ridiculous you look right now? Hahahaha!"
Hearing that, Shirone finally let out a deep breath of relief.
And once that overwhelming relief passed... the frustration hit.
"Hey! You could’ve said sothing sooner! Why did you pretend not to know ?!"
"I was just ssing with you! Your reaction was hilarious! You were like, ’It’s ... It’s , Shirone,’ all dramatic!"
As Neid mimicked him, Iruki laughed so hard he fell over onto the couch.
Shirone, too drained to even scold them, slumped into a chair and covered his face with both hands.
"I was so scared. I seriously thought I was going to die."
"Alright, alright. Spill it. What happened?"
Once Neid and Iruki cald down enough to listen, Shirone explained everything that had happened.
At first, they laughed, thinking it was just another one of Shirone’s overreactions. But as soon as he ntioned Teacher Siana, their expressions grew serious.
"Wait, so even Teacher Siana doesn’t rember?" Neid said, frowning. "No way... She’s not the type to play a joke like that."
"I an... is that even possible?" Iruki asked, still skeptical.
"It is, if it’s ntal magic," Neid said. "But manipulating the mories of the entire school? That’s a bit much."
Shirone banged his fist lightly against his chest, frustrated.
"I’m telling you—it’s possible! It happened to !"
"Calm down, we believe you," Iruki said. "So... you’re saying everyone forgot about you?"
Neid added, "Except us. That might be the key. Why are we the only ones who rember?"
Iruki raised a finger thoughtfully.
"The first thing that cos to mind is that we were out of school for two days. So what happened at school while we were gone?"
The three of them fell silent, thinking.
Could soone really have altered the mories of not just the students, but also the teachers—while they were away?
It sounded impossible... but so did everything else.
Neid spoke up. "Maybe it was so kind of supernatural phenonon. There are actually a few similar cases in history."
Iruki was still unsure. "Even then, most of those cases end up being connected to magic sohow. But okay, let’s say that’s true. Then why didn’t we lose our mories?"
Neid thought about it. "Maybe it’s because I was in Istas. I’ve been staying there ever since we parted ways with Shirone."
Shirone looked at him. "What’s that got to do with Istas?"
"There have always been rumors about Istas having strange, mystical powers. It’s probably nothing, but in our situation, we can’t ignore any possibility—especially when it cos to personal safety."
Iruki leaned forward, suddenly concerned. "So... does that an we could lose our mories too?"
"Yeah. I can’t say for sure."
The room fell silent.
The thought of being forgotten again was terrible—but the idea of forgetting everything himself was just as frightening.
Neid finally spoke, his voice hesitant.
"Still... don’t you think we should go back out there?"
"I agree," Iruki said. "We can’t hide forever. It won’t solve anything."
Shirone nodded slowly. He knew they were right... but his heart hesitated.
"What if you guys forget too? I don’t think I could take it a second ti."
Iruki smiled gently.
"Then let’s do this—let’s leave a mark. Sothing we’ll recognize even if we lose our mories. That way, we can avoid the worst-case scenario."
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