Chapter 54

Chapter 54

“Return the club room? Why so suddenly?” Nade asked, quickly straightening up from his previously arrogant posture.

Sienna’s lips curled into a slight smile. “According to the administration’s review, you’ve been operating this semester without the required number of members. Consequently, the school has already cut off your funding. I’d appreciate it if you could clear out the club room within a month.”

Nade quickly protested the decision. “Wait a minute! Sirone has joined us now! We have three members, meeting the official club requirements.”

“However,” Sienna countered, “your club’s activities have been virtually non-existent, haven’t they? To maintain your status, you need to demonstrate some academic results within a month. I’m curious, though, about what kind of research you can conduct in the paranormal field.”

“That’s unfair! Not all clubs are required to hold presentations. Each operates in its own way,” Nade argued.

“Your club is a special case. Its location within Istas poses operational challenges, and the club’s notoriety outweighs its achievements. The one-month grace period is a courtesy granted at Professor Etala’s request. Be grateful for that.”

Sirone, listening to the exchange, felt a sense of disbelief. Just as he was growing fond of the club, it was now on the brink of disbandment.

Sienna then presented a startling alternative. “There is one way to save the club.”

Nade eagerly asked, “What is it? What do we need to do?”

“Have Sirone leave the club. Then I’ll turn a blind eye until next semester, at least.”

Nade stood up in outrage. “That’s ridiculous! Sirone joined of his own free will, and the three of us are always together at school. Why force him to leave?”

Iruki chimed in, “If my frequent absences from classes are a concern, don’t worry. We each adhere to our own study methods diligently.”

Sirone also voiced his support. “I agree. I understand the club’s reputation and that Iruki and Nade aren’t typical students. But they’re dedicated to their studies in their respective fields. They aren’t wasting their time. Please consider showing some leniency.”

Despite Nade’s hope, given Sienna’s known fondness for Sirone, she remained resolute. “My decision is final. It’s in Sirone’s best interest.”

“My best interest? I believe I’m managing quite well as it is.”

“Sirone, have you been experiencing anything unusual lately?” Sienna inquired.

He felt a sinking feeling in his chest as Nade and Iruki subtly averted their eyes.

Sienna could sense the truth had been divulged among the trio. Sirone had confided in his friends about his struggles. “You kids are really terrible, you know. Especially you, Iruki. Knowing that Sirone is at risk of overflow, why didn’t you inform me?”

Sirone, unaware of the term, asked, “Iruki, what is overflow?”

Iruki downplayed it, “It’s just a phenomenon that occurs when a young prodigy awakens. I went through it at eight.”

Sienna, not satisfied, clarified the severity. “If overflow is not properly managed, it can lead to a mental collapse. I’ve been informed about your Immortal Function, Sirone. If we don’t intervene at the right time, the consequences could be irreversible.”

Deep in thought, Sirone contemplated his recent experiences with nightmares and extrasensory perception. At times, he fretted about the possibility of going insane, so Sienna’s words did resonate with him. Seeking more insight, he turned to Iruki again, “How was it for you?”

“For me, it was a bit scary, but nothing more. My father just said it’s part of who I am and that I should learn to live with it.”

Sienna’s smile held a tinge of bitterness, finding it absurd that those were the only words his father had for his frightened child. Yet, it was unsurprising, given Iruki’s father’s known character. Iruki’s peculiar personality was evidently influenced by him.

Turning to Nade, Sienna asked, “And you?”

“Me?” he chuckled. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never experienced it.”

Hoping that his friends’ experiences would change Sirone’s mind, Sienna sighed in frustration. “Regardless, Sirone, you need to leave the club and consult with me for a while. If you two truly care about your friend, you’ll agree to this. Sirone’s mental health is the priority here.”

However, Nade responded with a casual defiance, “Isn’t that a decision for the school to make? As the club president, I don’t consent to this.”

Sienna’s expression stiffened. “This isn’t just about being loyal to a friend. While you might not fully grasp the gravity of overflow, Iruki, you should know better.”

“No, I find it odd too. How Sirone handles his situation should be his decision. We appreciate your concern, but I don’t understand why you’re so deeply involved in this.”

Iruki’s words may have come across as cold, but that was precisely why they were friends.

Sirone wasn’t upset that he hadn’t informed him about overflow, confirming that their thinking was rooted in the same rationality.

“So, you’re okay with Sirone suffering from a mental breakdown?” Sienna challenged.

“There’s no harm in it. But more importantly, we have faith in his ability to overcome it. Isn’t taking necessary risks part of the journey to excel in the magic world?”

Nade added his perspective, “I agree. Sometimes, it feels like you’re overprotective of Sirone, maybe even favoring him. That might be burdensome for him. Occasionally, I even wonder if you see him as more than just a student.”

Sienna remained unswayed by Nade’s provocations. “You’re entitled to your opinions. Now, can I remove Sirone from your club?”

In such a situation, even a professor’s authority was limited. She couldn’t unilaterally remove a student from a club without a valid reason. The president’s consent, in this case, was crucial, and Nade’s approval was necessary for any administrative action to proceed.

“Don’t force it. Is it typical for a professor to have romantic feelings for a student?”

“You brought it up first. If that’s how you choose to see it, then so be it.”

Nade, trying to provoke a reaction, asked, “So, are you saying it’s acceptable for a professor to be suspected of dating a student?”

“It’s a matter of probability. There’s always a theoretical chance in any relationship between a man and a woman.”

Sienna’s strategy, which involved distorting facts while knowing the truth, was frustrating Nade. “Is that so? So, could there be a chance you might see me in a romantic way too?”

“No, that will never happen,” Sienna stated firmly.

Confused and frustrated, Nade stood up. “Your words are contradictory. One moment, you talk about chances, and the next, you completely deny them.”

Sienna clarified, “Probabilities vary. I prefer honest and kind men. Someone like you, who often resorts to political maneuvering, stands no chance in my eyes.”

“Can I take that as an insult?”

“No, you can’t. Listen clearly. Don’t attempt to ensnare me with such arguments. I view students simply as students, but even if someone thinks differently, I won’t let it bother me. And right now, Sirone needs focused attention. You’re the ones being unreasonable.”

Nade fell silent, and then Iruki stepped in. “I understand your concern, but if Sirone can’t handle the overflow, then perhaps that’s his limit, right? He’s not going to die. Shouldn’t we trust him to handle this on his own?”

“Die? If it were a lesser issue, I wouldn’t be so concerned. But we’re talking about Immortal Function. There’s no guarantee that the worst won’t happen.”

“True, but if it were really overflow, we wouldn’t be able to have this conversation. It feels like you’re excessively worried without any certainty. This isn’t just a concern. It’s turning into an obsession,” Iruki pointed out.

“What?” Sienna’s expression hardened, her voice laced with introspection. The accusation struck a chord, resonating with a truth she couldn’t deny. I have an obsession.

“Sienna, let’s go now.”

She was lost in thought for a moment, reflecting on past experiences marked by overflow—events that had left deep scars and regrets in her life. The memory of a boy who had forever lost his light because of her actions lingered in her mind.

Sirone’s voice brought her back to the present. “After listening to all your opinions, it seems I have to make the decision after all. I was swayed by your words for a moment, Professor Sienna. The nightmares I experience every night, the fear of my mind collapsing... It’s all true.”

“So, now will you—”

Sienna began, but Sirone interrupted. “But there’s a part of me that’s thrilled.”

“Thrilled?”

“Yes. It’s an experience not everyone gets to have. Despite the fear each nightmare brings, I’m curious. Maybe there’s a hidden secret in this phenomenon that no one has yet uncovered,” Sirone speculated, his tone reflective of the mysteries often explored in paranormal science.

“And what if things go wrong?”

“Even if they do, I won’t hold anyone responsible. I’m not going to shy away from this just because I’m scared. I’ll analyze and explore it thoroughly, right to the end, and I will surpass it.”

Sienna gazed deeply into his eyes, recognizing the sincerity and determination within. She lowered her head in acknowledgment. He reminds me of him. Those were the same words the person who had rescued her from darkness and guided her into the light had spoken.

“Sienna, confront it head-on. Closing your eyes won’t change anything.”

“Leave me alone! You don’t know anything!”

She wondered if having possessed Sirone’s courage back then might have allowed her to avoid the terrible accident.

“All right,” she said, straightening her expression and adjusting her glasses. “I’ve heard your arguments. I’ll respect Sirone’s decision and won’t insist on his withdrawal from the club.”

“But what about respecting the president’s opinion? Don’t forget that it’s me.”

“You shouldn’t have the luxury for such wordplay right now. You have a month. If the school deems your research unsatisfactory, not only will you lose the club room, but the Paranormal Science Club will be dissolved. Remember that this club has a legacy of producing notable graduates. It would be a shame if that legacy ended with your batch.”

Nade’s face turned pale. She’s right... It wasn’t just about the potential dissolution of their club.

The Paranormal Science Club, known for its notoriety, had served as a crucial stepping stone for many individuals who later became influential figures in the magic society. Among these distinguished alumni was Michea Gaold, the current head of the Magic Association, who was a source of pride for the school.

If our generation is responsible for ending the club’s lineage, how will we face those who came before us?