Arc 2 Rozagin 7
1884 Words
Shock was an understatement. Nephrite covered his fist and coughed a few times. He stared at their friend’s enthusiasm. “You think I’m possessed?”
Luminous’ face flushed red, fear and panic glinted in his eyes. “N-No, I don’t mean it that way!”
Nephrite tapped the back of Luminous’ palm, “Hey calm down. I don’t mean it that way. I really wanted to hear your opinion. Tell me all about it.”
Luminous sighed, “Okay. My seniors were conducting research about mental health in the last two decades. Though there were real cases like possession proven to exist, there were some cases where the patients weren’t cured. That’s what my seniors were investigating right now.”
He looked at Nephrite, “The person who started the research once stated that, “If other human body parts can get sick, doesn’t that mean the brain could also get sick? But with the stagnant progress we’ve made, we just barely prove trauma exists.”
“Yesterday, you arrived with all the signs of possession.”
“What are the signs of possession?” Ignis asked. He was currently holding a book called ‘Fates and Curses’.
“Listen, listen,” he turned to Ignis, “Yesterday, Chraen visited me in the afternoon. It was just normal talk. He asked about my welfare and thanked me. But when he was about to leave, I called him to ask when he wanted to start the book. Instead, he said he’s not Chraen!”
Ignis closed the book, “Then doesn’t that mean it could also be a doppelganger?”
Luminous dug out one of the books from the pile and dumped it on Ignis’s hand, “Yes, I’m also checking that category.”
“I don’t think it’s a doppelganger. Well, the strongest noticeable sign were the memory lapses. Doppelgangers don’t cause this kind of effect,” Chraen calmly stated.
Ignis raised a hand, “How about we first observe you. We still don’t know what triggers that possession. Oh, and we have to keep it. If people learn about it, they will detain you and call over the Witch Oracle of this region, right?”
A Witch Oracle was the leader of the alliance of Witches from a specific region. They possess extraordinary knowledge in herbology, as well as Ancient Arts of Magic.
Nephrite nodded. “My mother will bring me for a check up soon. I will tell you guys everything that I will hear from them,”
“By the way”, Ignis interrupted, “I really thought everything in this library were Science books.”
“We had to study these, too. After all, witchcraft and alchemy were the foundation of chemistry and physics in this world.” Luminous said nonchalantly.
Both Ignis and Nephrite paused, The way Luminous said it... But they also ignored it, maybe they were mistaken.
“Wait! Come to think of it, we should start preparing too. The Ghost Festival is coming, do you guys have plans already?” Nephrite asked. The original body was always a part of the Festival committee.
Both Ignis and Luminous stared at him. “Eh? None?”
“I usually just join on anything available,” Ignis waved his hand.
“No one invited me and I’m busy as well,” Luminous poked the cover of the book in front of him.
Nephrite sighed, maybe he could think of something.
____________
Nephrite’s parents were not at home. He quickly cleaned up and browsed the internet for good events on Ghost Festival.
The Ghost Festival was one of the most important holidays in Rozagin. It showcases the legend of the god Luminous who crossed all seas to develop the greatest panacea. During his exploration, he accidentally disturbed an ancient town, angering the souls of the ancestors resting there. The Festival was done to appease the ghosts and pray safety to the alchemists of this world.
“Come to think of it, was Luminous named after that god?” Nephrite chuckled. Come to think of it, he should at least take a video or photo for the event. At night, there will be a test of courage and some students will perform a chemical alchemy presentation tomorrow. There were many plants, chemicals, ores and crystals that could only be found in this world. Truly exquisite place for such a profession. He remembered Shier. That person would surely enjoy this place with its vast and variety of plants.
Nephrite thought he regained all his memories from the first world, but after checking, he realized that his memories still had lapses. Only those people who taught him useful things for survival were retained in his memories. Shier, and Kazuyuki were just two of them.
He wondered how his friends were. Shier helped him a lot. Professor Ram said that after my mission, the world continued existing and since I was a memory hunter, I did not take Keisuke’s soul, giving him a new chance to live in an alternate world.
Damian knocked on the door, “Young Master, may I come in?”
“Sure.”
Damian went in with a slice of cake. He placed it on Chraen’s table, “Young Master, the schedule for your check up would be tomorrow. Madam needs to shoot tomorrow, do you mind if I accompany you on her behalf?”
“Not at all. What time are we going?”
“After your morning class.” There were no classes in the afternoon every friday.
“Alright. Thank you, Damian.”
_________
“Good morning, Chraen!!!
Chraen smiled, “Good morning, Laryza!” He greeted in return. It was the female classmate who informed him about what happened with Boryz and cheered him yesterday.
He went to his seat on the back and brought out the research papers Luminous lent him. It contained records of unsolved possession cases, those they believed to have split personalities.
“Oh, are you reading those for the festival?” Larysa peek at the research paper.
Nephrite had social anxiety but it did not mean he’s rude. He tilted his head to look at her, “Just getting some ideas. Do you have plans for the event?”
Larysa’s eyes sparkled, “We collaborated with the fashion design club and made clothes since last semester for a fashion show!”
“That’s amazing, to be able to pull it off.”
Larysa chuckled, “Everyone worked hard. But we still need someone to perform the accompaniment for the fashion show, some models and an official photographer.”
Nephrite still needed to return the favour she did last time, “If I ever find people suitable, I’ll recommend them to you.” He was about to start reading again when he realized something.
Larysa was back at her seat so Nephrite went to her this time, “Larysa, do you know how to check student’s club registration? I forgot mine.”
________
Nephrite went to the school administration office during break time. For some weird reason, he could not remember which club he joined. But it was more impossible if he did not join any as it was a grade requirement till the final school year.
Located across the library, it gave the school administration office a quiet atmosphere on the outside. Just as he was about to open the door, it swung open, revealing Luminous.
This fellow usually sports a very disheveled look, the generalized image of scientists in most media. But right now, Luminous’ hair sports peripheral cut complimenting his oval shape face.It made his face more ‘open’, making people notice this person hid his very handsome face for a long time.
Nephrite glanced behind the other person and saw a lot of eyes full of adoration fixated on Luminous’ back.
“Chraen.”
Nephrite pulled him to the side to avoid blocking the way. “You’re too famous.”
Luminous turned red, “What are you saying? The president required everyone in the council to get styled for the festival.”
“I see. So you’re part of the council.”
“Yes, committee. By the way, you need something? Maybe I could be of help.”
“Oh, right. I wanted to check what club I’m part of.”
Luminous c****d his head to the side and slightly frowned, “Did you also forget this?”
Nephrite could only give a lopsided smile.
“Then, come.”
Luminous led him to Class-B’s adviser. As a student council member, he only asked for permission after he saw her busy with pre-test results. After getting the permission, Luminous used one of the computers in the office to access the student information system.
He glanced over the information, “That’s strange.”
“What’s wrong?” Nephrite, who was patiently waiting on the side, moved around the counter to look at the computer screen. Luminous stiffened.
“Here, it said that you registered for two clubs during your freshman year?”
It was inevitable to be surprised. Students were only allowed to join one club at a time.
“I even joined two but I forgot both of them?”
That’s on the record. Do you want to check it after class?”
“No, I have to visit the witch who checked me before for my trauma.”
Luminous suddenly inclined his head towards him, making Nephrite move away a bit, “Can I come with you?”
Startled, Nephrite did not react. Luminous continued, “I just wanted to hear what she would say.”
Is that possible? “Alright.”
__________
The Viele Le Feu Fleur Liceum was surrounded by fire moss flowers during spring and summer while maple trees made the surroundings fiery red in summer and autumn, hence their school name.
Standing by the wall outside the gate, Nephrite and Luminous waited for Damian. The reflection from the reddish surrounding gave these two pale person some kind of glow, catching passing people’s attention.
Time to time, people from the student council would come and greet Luminous. He said he was in the committee but why was everyone too respectful of him?
Nephrite’s thought was cut off when a car parked in front of them. It was Damian.
Before, Damian would even step out of the car to open it for him. After telling him off a few times, he finally stopped doing so.
Nephrite tugged Luminous along. He knocked on the car.
Damian rolled down the car window, “Is something troubling the Young Master?”
“Nothing of that sort. Damian, my friend will tag along with me to the hospital.”
Damian nodded, “Young Master is free to do so.”
As they settled in, Nephrite introduced Luminous and Damian to each other.
Damian smiled and glanced at the rearview mirror, “This is the first time our Young Master introduced a friend. Please be good to him.”
Luminous nodded, “You are too polite, it’s Chraen who was taking good care of me.”
They arrived at a private clinic.
Unlike in Nephrite's world, witches in Rozagin had rights to set up official offices. Most of these places had huge gardens behind the establishments such as this one,
- Writer
