Ch. 108
Chapter 108: White Ballet Shoes Club
The overflowing magic power, the subtle fluctuation of Spirit Power, and the unmistakable aura of a Second Tier all made Vivian certain that the other had already formally advanced to Second Tier Wizard Apprentice ahead of her.
"What a monster—"
She had poured in a vast amount of resources, undergone Source Energy Infusion from the Magic Tower, and endured rigorous combat training.
Only under such dual pressure did she barely manage to elevate her rank to a near-breakthrough state!
"How’s this surprise?"
Seeing Janna's mischievous smile, Vivian couldn't help but twitch her lips, then shrugged nonchalantly.
"Not bad, you’re just a little ahead of me. You’ve worked hard."
"Really? Then thank you for the compliment."
Due to Professor Uta being called away midway, the class had to end abruptly.
Still looking a bit frustrated, Vivian borrowed class notes from Janna and vowed passionately that she wouldn’t fall too far behind, promising to break through soon. Puffing her cheeks, she quickly left the classroom.
"Janna—"
Just as Janna was about to leave, a familiar voice rang out from outside the classroom.
"Senior Richard, what brings you to the first-year classroom today?"
The fifth to seventh floors of the Magic Tower housed the general classrooms for first- to third-year apprentices.
Richard Eva, who should have been in class on the seventh floor at this time, had no reason to be on the fifth floor.
"We were having class, but the professor had to leave halfway through."
"Same for you?"
Hearing that Richard Eva had a similar experience, Janna immediately sensed something unusual.
"Of course. Not just us—second-years too. All morning classes were canceled. As for the reason—"
Half-closing her eyes, Janna looked at Richard Eva’s half-smiling face and, knowing he wouldn’t come to her for no reason, remained silent, simply waiting for him to continue.
"At 4:30 this afternoon, the White Ballet Shoes Club will be holding a meeting in the Magical Plant Cultivation Classroom. Don’t forget to come—— I’ll tell you the reason then."
His last words were spoken in a hushed tone. But despite his cryptic behavior, Janna didn’t press for answers.
She merely nodded calmly.
"Aren’t you curious now?"
"I am, but I’m not in a hurry."
Seeing Janna’s composure, which was uncharacteristic for someone her age, Richard Eva shook his head in mild exasperation.
"You really don’t act like a teenage witch. Not interesting at all."
"That’s just your stereotypical impression of witches, Senior Richard."
With that, and as the classroom emptied, they both dropped the topic and took the elevator together down to the first floor of the Magic Tower.
"Richard, you’re too slow—eh? Janna?"
At the entrance to the Magic Tower, Soro Flare, still dressed in his knight’s attire, had been waiting impatiently. But at the sight of Janna, his expression instantly softened.
"So the person you were going to find was Janna——"
"I only went to inform her about the afternoon meeting."
"Oh, I see——"
Watching Soro Flare suddenly become bashful, Janna, maintaining her usual polite smile, simply nodded at him while Richard Eva, already used to this scene, remained silent.
"Senior, I have something to take care of, so I’ll be off. See you in the afternoon."
"Ah——it’s getting late anyway. Want to grab lunch togeth—"
"Thanks for the offer, but no."
Politely declining Soro Flare’s invitation without a change in expression, Janna softly bid them farewell and, without giving him a chance to insist, turned and left the Magic Tower with her books in hand.
"Richard, don’t you think Janna is deliberately avoiding me——"
"No, I think she’s acting perfectly normal."
"But—"
"Soro, I suggest you drop that idea. Haven’t you noticed? She’s already advanced to Second Tier Wizard Apprentice."
Hearing that, Soro Flare’s previously downcast expression froze for a moment. After using Spirit Power to confirm from afar, his expression grew more complex.
"So, you’ve noticed too—just over half a year, and without any resource support from any Wizard Family in Turin, she managed to break through to Second Tier Apprentice on her own. Do you really think someone like her will be content to remain in a place like a Third Tier Wizard gathering ground?"
In truth, there was more to say. But out of consideration for their relatively good relationship, Richard Eva refrained from being too harsh.
After all, he couldn’t very well say something like: "Hah, go take a look in the mirror. You don’t deserve her"—words that could easily spark a deadly duel.
"I understand. Let’s go."
With his head lowered, Soro Flare's expression was unreadable.
Richard Eva, not bothering to dwell on the other’s thoughts, simply patted his shoulder and they left the Magic Tower together.
"It’s about time."
Having ended class early, Janna didn’t return to her dorm but instead headed straight to the library to study.
"4:15—perfect timing to head over now."
When there weren’t classes, most of the Magic Tower’s classrooms remained unoccupied.
So, unless there was a team-building activity, the White Ballet Shoes Club usually chose any classroom for its regular meetings.
This time, it was held in the Magical Plant Cultivation Classroom, a place Janna often frequented.
"Ding—"
As the elevator doors opened, Janna stepped onto the third floor for the second time that day, crossed the circular corridor, and entered the Magical Plant Cultivation Classroom at its center.
"Our superstar’s here!"
The moment Janna stepped in, the previously quiet classroom burst into chatter.
A few senior members, thick-skinned as ever, even whistled enthusiastically.
"Looks like I’m not the last to arrive."
Long used to being the center of attention, Janna was also accustomed to the various reactions she received.
As long as it wasn’t excessive, she responded naturally.
Noticing that less than half the members had arrived, Janna sat naturally beside Bell Moonshadow, all the while wondering about the small turnout.
"You’re indeed not the last, but this time’s meeting will only include a few of us——"
"Sorry I’m late."
Before Richard Eva could finish, the classroom door was pushed open again by the belated arrival of Lo Silverfox.
"Now, everyone’s here."