Chapter 100

### Chapter 100: Magic (3)

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#5

Telekinesis is the power to move objects with one's mind.

“Ugh...”

It can be an incredibly convenient ability depending on its use, or it can be a terrifying one.

To cause a specific effect on an object from a distance without directly touching it. In other words, using telekinesis, one could lightly nod or make a gesture to instantly break someone's neck—though Yurie had no intention of doing such a horrific act. Nevertheless, the mere fact that it contains immense danger means it requires special caution.

“Grr...”

Since it involves moving objects with one's thoughts rather than using magical power, it's difficult to manifest the ability if one's thoughts don't follow.

Simple tasks like lifting or throwing objects have become second nature to her, to the point where she can do them with her eyes closed. However, precise and delicate manipulations are still challenging.

In the first place, there was no one in the Artina Kingdom, Yurie's homeland, who could teach her about her special ability. Of course, the Artina King had completely cut off external contact when Yurie awakened her telekinetic powers, but there were also very few people on the continent who could manifest such abilities.

The few remaining records from the past had been stolen by a magician who tried to create artificial telekinesis.

Thus, Yurie von Artina was, to the best of current knowledge, the only telekinetic on the Altimar continent.

—Crack.

“Ah, why can't I do this!”

Yurie, who had been sweating profusely, let out a loud groan.

Sitting astride her bed in the dormitory room, she had been staring intently at the table. Sensing that her mind was overworked, she fell backward.

Thud.

She was breathing heavily from the intense focus and placed her hand on her chest. The rapid heartbeat was clearly felt through her palm. Resting her wrist on her forehead, she gazed down at the table again.

There was a single flask.

A flask that was already quite dented.

Yurie's goal was to unscrew the cap of the flask without further denting it. The strength of her telekinetic power was as strong as an adult male's grip, so even a slight increase in force could easily dent the flask.

Of course, that wasn't the purpose. The challenge was to manipulate the small cap with telekinesis, gently turning it a few times to unscrew it—trivial as it may seem, it was part of her training.

So far, Yurie had only practiced with large objects, making her very weak at handling small items. She was only familiar with very basic manipulations.

Throwing,

Lifting,

Moving objects from one place to another.

However, to develop her ability, she needed more precise control. Adjusting the strength, the direction of the telekinetic force, and the range of interference... there were still many mountains for the talented beginner telekinetic, Yurie, to climb.

Telekinesis is not magic.

She can't receive help from anyone.

Unlike magic, which is well-established in the world, telekinetic abilities and other extrasensory powers are still not fully understood. They are powers that transcend reality, making them difficult to analyze.

The only known fact about extrasensory abilities is one thing.

The conditions for manifestation.

By compiling the awakening data of numerous extrasensory ability users, researchers were able to pinpoint one condition for the manifestation of such abilities.

—When a human's mind is cornered, there is a very small probability that they will awaken an extrasensory ability.

Whether it's a crisis of survival, the death of a loved one, or the fear of a life with no hope left.

When the human mind, which is inherently weak, reaches its limit and is on the verge of breaking, the will that finally ignites within it embeds the extrasensory ability in the human spirit.

“...”

Yurie wasn't particularly fond of her telekinetic ability. It led to the Artina King's more isolated protection of her, and every time she thought about the reason for her awakening, she naturally recalled that memory.

But once she started using it, she found it so convenient that it was hard to live without it. Simple things like turning off the lights with a gesture while lying down. It was a trivial matter compared to the level of her extrasensory ability, but she found it quite useful.

“...Sigh.”

That's enough for today. Yurie, who had already dented about five flasks, sighed deeply as she wriggled on the bed.

She looked up at the ceiling with her hands on her chest. Then, finding her tied hair uncomfortable, she slowly sat up and untied the ribbon. After a few strokes, her golden hair, which had been tied up like a waterfall, spread out on the bed like a fan.

Now, she can manage her hair without the help of maids or servants. She can imagine the worried faces of the court maids who used to wonder how she would eat, bathe, and turn off the lights without them. Look, I'm doing just fine without you. She wanted to record her life here with a crystal ball and show it to them.

“...”

Yes.

Yurie was doing well.

...On her own.

The black ribbon that Yurie had used to tie her hair. She held it in her hand and stared at the ceiling. Yurie gazed at the ribbon. It was a very pretty design, but it gave a more childish impression.

Yurie now hated being called cute or childish.

Therefore, every time she wished others wouldn't look down on her, she realized she was still just a child.

Her inability to control her thoughts and emotions rationally was proof that she hadn't fully grown up.

Or, more accurately, she was half an adult.

When with friends like Rubia and Stella, she tried to be a reliable adult. But here, because of that boy, she found herself losing her temper more often.

Was he really the root of all evil? She thought of the gray-haired boy whose face alone made her feel an inexplicable irritation.

...Well.

It was just a resemblance.

He wasn't actually Yurie's brother.

Yurie knew that.

She also clearly understood that she shouldn't think of him as a replacement for her brother.

If she got too close to Egidio Crani, she didn't know what might happen. It was better to avoid and be more hostile toward Egidio, even if she only thought of him as an annoying kid.

For a moment, Yurie fiddled with the ribbon. Anyway, it was a cute ribbon. It was an item that made the wearer look even cuter. Yet, Yurie, who disliked being treated as cute, always tied her hair with this ribbon. It was because it was a precious gift from her brother.

She disliked her brother who didn't keep his promise.

But she loved her brother who gave her the gift.

In her childhood, Yurie didn't particularly dislike being treated as cute. She was very happy to receive this gift. It was a gift from her beloved brother, and she thought it was cute and beautiful. It suited her well.

The face of her brother, who had handed her the gift box containing the ribbon and smiled gently, suddenly came to mind. *Sigh.* Yurie's hand, which had been fiddling with the ribbon while lying down, tightened slightly.

Yurie was about to become an adult. She wanted to grow up quickly. She didn't want to look like a child, so she needed to think like an adult. Now, there was something she needed to firmly decide. She bit her lip. Her brother didn't break his promise to his sister; he couldn't keep it—.

“...”

Yurie recalled one word in her mind.

War.

The reason for that war.

...An unknown resentment had been quietly building up in Yurie's heart for a very long time.

#6

“Hey, Rubia.”

“...Oh, it's you, Yurie.”

Yurie, who had come out to the lobby, greeted Rubia, who was entering through the door.

“Hi, what brings you here?”

“Ah, well...”

As she asked, Yurie scanned Rubia's appearance.

She had told Rubia to talk about any worries, but when and where did she resolve them? Her pale complexion had returned to a healthy rosy hue. The shadows that used to linger around her eyes were now bright and clear. Her thin wrists were still the same, but they would improve over time.

She was already beautiful, but as she returned to her normal condition, she became even more so. The overall charm from her nearly perfect physique seemed to have increased.

Her gaze then shifted to a specific part of Rubia's body, which seemed to have grown. *Sigh.* It couldn't be, but it felt that way. What? Rubia was the same age as her. Why? Unresolved questions floated in Yurie's mind.

“...Yurie?”

“Ah, yeah?”

“Your gaze is making me feel embarrassed...”

“Ah, ah... sorry.”

Rubia scratched her cheek and smiled awkwardly, and Yurie immediately apologized.

But Yurie thought to herself.

A very innocent curiosity arose.

...I want to touch it once.

It's just between girls, so what's the harm?

Whether Rubia knew about Yurie's dangerous thoughts or not, she finally answered Yurie's earlier question with a blank face.

“I finished my classes and went to the student council office for a bit.”

“...The student council office?”

“Yeah. I went there in the morning too, but no one was there because it was too early. So I went again just now.”

“What did you do there?”

“I wanted to check the list of active clubs. You know, we have to join a club, right?”

“...Right.”

Yurie recalled the green-haired, frivolous male student in the lecture hall who had called for a trip to meet girls. She inwardly sighed deeply.

A moment later, Yurie said,

“...But didn't you already have a club in mind?”

Like the magic club. Or a trip might be nice. The former seemed more likely.

Yurie, who asked the same question as Egidio, received a different answer from Rubia.

“I... I'm not sure.”

“...Huh?”

Rubia stood still, looking out the window at the courtyard as the sky began to darken.

“I don't know where to go now.”

“...”

Yurie wanted to say something, but Rubia's mood was so somber that she couldn't find the right words.

Rubia soon smiled and said,

“Have you decided yet?”

“Me? ...Not yet. I'm not sure.”

“Okay, think about it more. If you need it, I can give you a copy. ...Or, do you want to think about it with me in my room later?”

When Rubia made this suggestion, Yurie's face brightened, and she nodded.

“Sure, I'd love to! Should I bring some snacks?”

Rubia nodded in agreement.

Yurie, smiling, said,

“It's dinner time, so let's invite Stella and Iris to have dinner together.”

“Sure, that sounds good.”

As Rubia agreed, Yurie, about to call her friends, suddenly fixed her gaze on something.

Rubia, who was standing with her hands clasped, had pale, delicate hands. After a moment of silence, Yurie spoke carefully.

“Rubia, but...”

“Yeah?”

“Is it... all better?”

“...Which one?”

Rubia tilted her head in confusion at Yurie's question.

Following Yurie's gaze downward, she saw her own hands.

“...Oh.”

Everyone must have been worried, even though she didn't say anything.

Yes, they had reason to be.

Somehow, Rubia's fingernails had returned to their original state, and Yurie was asking about it.

“Is it okay now?”

“...Yeah, it looks fine. It's okay.”

“Good to hear...”

Yurie didn't hide her concern. Rubia, who had been looking at her, smiled gently and said,

“I'm fine now. I need to break my bad habits.”

“...”

That's true.

But...

A moment later, Yurie watched Rubia, who had started talking to Stella after knocking on her door.

“...”

Yurie easily noticed that Rubia's fingers were fidgeting restlessly, as if craving something.

...Is it really fixed?

Yurie didn't know.

Nothing.

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