Mana Academy (IC) (Open, Fantasy)

[Charlia]

Henry Von Kressel

And among his thoughts, as he walked to the school, a loud shout could be heard. One certainly loud enough to wake up the whole school. He recognized it, and the most impressive thing was simple:

It was a sentence without the word "cheese". From Natalie. Quickly walking to where it came, Henry found the compulsive cheese eater with an overly happy face.

"Did you say we were going to Paris? For what?"

"We're going on a venture!" Natalie said happily. "To Paris! And skilled students will do magic stuff! And I'll have lots and lots of cheese... Heyyyyyyyyyy, want some?" She pulled out a piece and offered it with a grin. "I hear they have lots of cheese in Paris... That's what Bunny-man said anyway... BUT WE'RE GOING ON A VENTURE TO PARIS. Isn't that so cool? I'm so excited!" She kept babbling on like this for a good while before she finally stopped, gasping.

"...what's a venture?" she finally asked.

[Saldinado]

Shaun Calhoun

"Well yes. You two are adorable. Not quiet as adorable as me and well, me, but it's cute." He giggled before turning towards Annice and seeing her blush. He suddenly began to laugh and giggle. "I-I'm sorry." Shaun said to Annice while still laughing. "Also a smoothie doesn't sound that bad either. A pomegranate berry smoothie sounds devine." As he said that, his stomach growled loudly. His face turned red in embarrassment and laughed. "Oh. It seems that I'm hungry. And since we're on the topic of food, I see that you too heard the lovely voice of the doll?", he said referring to Kateyln's comment. "Paris. The city of love, lights, and the most important one: Food." Shaun then noticed Lawrence look at them and wave. He reciprocated the courtesy by smiling and waving at him. "Hi!"

Dominique Corleone

Spending most of the time in the gym lifting weights, Dominique was now pumped. He was excited, elated, and every other word that could be related to "happy." After working out, he went back to his dorm and went to go and take a shower and get clean so that he can eat.

"Woo! Now let's go!" Dominique said to himself as he came out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. He walked towards his closet and began looking for something to wear. As he did that, he removed the towel and dried his hair with it. Luckily Issac wasn't here, because if so, he would have to deal with his boring and aggravating talks about walking around the room naked. But that still didn't stop Dom from doing it.

When he was done, Dominique was wearing a red and black basketball jersey tank top with red shorts and red and black Jordans. Nobody couldn't tell him that he didn't look good. Spending nearly 15 minutes fixing and combing his hair, Dom walked out the room and towards the cafeteria. When he got there, he saw that most of the students were there. Walking through the room, he said hello to Tarmo and Rangei before walking turning to Shaun and the rest of the people sitting there and waving that them.

"What ups dudes?!" He exclaimed while laughing before Shaun before sitting in the table next to him and relaxing. He saw Lawrence sitting behind them and smiled and waved. "Sup Mr. Vdovushkin?!" Before turning back to the others and yawning. "So do any of you know what's this deal about going to Paris or something? I heard it when I was taking a jog earlier. That doll sure does have a set of lungs on her.", he chuckled.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

And among his thoughts, as he walked to the school, a loud shout could be heard. One certainly loud enough to wake up the whole school. He recognized it, and the most impressive thing was simple:

It was a sentence without the word "cheese". From Natalie. Quickly walking to where it came, Henry found the compulsive cheese eater with an overly happy face.

"Did you say we were going to Paris? For what?"

"We're going on a venture!" Natalie said happily. "To Paris! And skilled students will do magic stuff! And I'll have lots and lots of cheese... Heyyyyyyyyyy, want some?" She pulled out a piece and offered it with a grin. "I hear they have lots of cheese in Paris... That's what Bunny-man said anyway... BUT WE'RE GOING ON A VENTURE TO PARIS. Isn't that so cool? I'm so excited!" She kept babbling on like this for a good while before she finally stopped, gasping.

"...what's a venture?" she finally asked.

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie's happiness somehow managed to make a slight smile appear in Henry's face. Finally, he thought for a small moment, before asking.

"Well, if it's a tournament, it's organized by the International Council. Venture in this case would be a high risk investment in a new idea or project, in this particular case, the said tournament. So, saying that we are going on a venture to Paris it's saying that we will participate in a new experience. In thesis, we are pioneers of a competition at this level."

[Charlia]

"We're going on a venture!" Natalie said happily. "To Paris! And skilled students will do magic stuff! And I'll have lots and lots of cheese... Heyyyyyyyyyy, want some?" She pulled out a piece and offered it with a grin. "I hear they have lots of cheese in Paris... That's what Bunny-man said anyway... BUT WE'RE GOING ON A VENTURE TO PARIS. Isn't that so cool? I'm so excited!" She kept babbling on like this for a good while before she finally stopped, gasping.

"...what's a venture?" she finally asked.

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie's happiness somehow managed to make a slight smile appear in Henry's face. Finally, he thought for a small moment, before asking.

"Well, if it's a tournament, it's organized by the International Council. Venture in this case would be a high risk investment in a new idea or project, in this particular case, the said tournament. So, saying that we are going on a venture to Paris it's saying that we will participate in a new experience. In thesis, we are pioneers of a competition at this level."

Natalie's brow furrowed in confusion. That was a lot of big words. She tried with all her might to figure out what he was talking about, but in the end, said only one thing in reply.

"...Wha?"

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

Natalie's happiness somehow managed to make a slight smile appear in Henry's face. Finally, he thought for a small moment, before asking.

"Well, if it's a tournament, it's organized by the International Council. Venture in this case would be a high risk investment in a new idea or project, in this particular case, the said tournament. So, saying that we are going on a venture to Paris it's saying that we will participate in a new experience. In thesis, we are pioneers of a competition at this level."

Natalie's brow furrowed in confusion. That was a lot of big words. She tried with all her might to figure out what he was talking about, but in the end, said only one thing in reply.

"...Wha?"

Henry Von Kressel

In a didactic effort, Henry continued his explanation.

"So, putting it simply, a bunch of people invested on an idea that they think it might work. The Tournament. To help the success of the idea, we are going there to participate in this tournament. So, as it is a new idea in levels of being recognized in participation and influence, we could be considered pioneers, that means we are the first ones to embrace and support an idea. Understood it now?"

[Charlia]

Natalie's brow furrowed in confusion. That was a lot of big words. She tried with all her might to figure out what he was talking about, but in the end, said only one thing in reply.

"...Wha?"

Henry Von Kressel

In a didactic effort, Henry continued his explanation.

"So, putting it simply, a bunch of people invested on an idea that they think it might work. The Tournament. To help the success of the idea, we are going there to participate in this tournament. So, as it is a new idea in levels of being recognized in participation and influence, we could be considered pioneers, that means we are the first ones to embrace and support an idea. Understood it now?"

"...yesssssssssssss? I think," Natalie mumbled. "Still big words. But I think I get it. Maybe. Sort of. I don't know," she finally said cheerfully. "Mama would understand, Mama is very smart. But I don't know that many big words..." She scratched her head in embarrassment. "I'm not very smart," she admitted in a whisper.

[Vlamistaatti]

Hedeon

Now it was getting just outright rowdy in the cafeteria, from all over the place flirting to blushing to pure yelling to another. Well, he didn't mind of it so much, because in the end it was still more preferably then the whole room being dead quiet. That was the other thing with him, nothing necessarily wanting to act first but gladly listening to what others babbled about. Seeing that little suspicious wink coming from the taller male, he gave a rare little amused smirk, though as faint as it was. Responding to it he raised his hand a little, just barely below his chest and gave a little victory-sign to Shaun. In short follow up continuing to gladly stuff his face with all the foods in front of him. Munching on the bread with an occasional sip from the glass. Today his hair was tied to a kind of messy side ponytail, resting over his left shoulder, a habit of his to change hairstyle often.

Apparently, jugging by what others spoke of, they as a school were going to Paris. Paris eh? Little odd to be deciding a trip all the sudden. Not that he complained, going to another whole country sounded like solid change of norm.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

In a didactic effort, Henry continued his explanation.

"So, putting it simply, a bunch of people invested on an idea that they think it might work. The Tournament. To help the success of the idea, we are going there to participate in this tournament. So, as it is a new idea in levels of being recognized in participation and influence, we could be considered pioneers, that means we are the first ones to embrace and support an idea. Understood it now?"

"...yesssssssssssss? I think," Natalie mumbled. "Still big words. But I think I get it. Maybe. Sort of. I don't know," she finally said cheerfully. "Mama would understand, Mama is very smart. But I don't know that many big words..." She scratched her head in embarrassment. "I'm not very smart," she admitted in a whisper.

Henry Von Kressel

With the failure of his explanation and Natalie's sadness, Henry got somewhat disappointed. But something compelled him to keep up his efforts. Once more, he started to explain.

"No, you are smart. I just have a bad habit of speaking in a complicated manner. I'll simplify it. Some people wanted to do something big. Imagine it's like... A big cheese. Some people wanted to do a very big cheese. But they couldn't do it alone. So they asked for us to participate. If it works, they can keep doing more and even bigger wheels of cheese. Now, you simply change the "cheese" for this thing we are going to participate. Understood it now?"

[Charlia]

"...yesssssssssssss? I think," Natalie mumbled. "Still big words. But I think I get it. Maybe. Sort of. I don't know," she finally said cheerfully. "Mama would understand, Mama is very smart. But I don't know that many big words..." She scratched her head in embarrassment. "I'm not very smart," she admitted in a whisper.

Henry Von Kressel

With the failure of his explanation and Natalie's sadness, Henry got somewhat disappointed. But something compelled him to keep up his efforts. Once more, he started to explain.

"No, you are smart. I just have a bad habit of speaking in a complicated manner. I'll simplify it. Some people wanted to do something big. Imagine it's like... A big cheese. Some people wanted to do a very big cheese. But they couldn't do it alone. So they asked for us to participate. If it works, they can keep doing more and even bigger wheels of cheese. Now, you simply change the "cheese" for this thing we are going to participate. Understood it now?"

As Henry began to explain again, Natalie's multicolored eyes widened. A big wheel of cheese appeared in her mind, and she began to think. So some people wanted to eat it, right? Well, of course! Why wouldn't they? But they couldn't eat it by themselves, so they asked for other people to help out, and if it worked, they could get even more cheese! Natalie thought this was a great idea. Then Henry said that she was supposed to imagine it like that, but with the tournament thing.

She felt sad. No big wheels of cheese, then.

She realized she was beginning to salivate heavily, and swallowed, grinning. "I get it now!" she said happily. "It's like cheese, only it's not! And we need to do stuff so that there can be more of the not-cheese! And now I am hungry," she declared, and started happily eating more cheese.

[Kingdom of Irhk]

Henry Von Kressel

With the failure of his explanation and Natalie's sadness, Henry got somewhat disappointed. But something compelled him to keep up his efforts. Once more, he started to explain.

"No, you are smart. I just have a bad habit of speaking in a complicated manner. I'll simplify it. Some people wanted to do something big. Imagine it's like... A big cheese. Some people wanted to do a very big cheese. But they couldn't do it alone. So they asked for us to participate. If it works, they can keep doing more and even bigger wheels of cheese. Now, you simply change the "cheese" for this thing we are going to participate. Understood it now?"

As Henry began to explain again, Natalie's multicolored eyes widened. A big wheel of cheese appeared in her mind, and she began to think. So some people wanted to eat it, right? Well, of course! Why wouldn't they? But they couldn't eat it by themselves, so they asked for other people to help out, and if it worked, they could get even more cheese! Natalie thought this was a great idea. Then Henry said that she was supposed to imagine it like that, but with the tournament thing.

She felt sad. No big wheels of cheese, then.

She realized she was beginning to salivate heavily, and swallowed, grinning. "I get it now!" she said happily. "It's like cheese, only it's not! And we need to do stuff so that there can be more of the not-cheese! And now I am hungry," she declared, and started happily eating more cheese.

Henry Von Kressel

With a smile of satisfaction in his endeavor, Henry concluded his endeavor successfully.

"See? You're a smart person, Natalie. Or a smart doll, if you prefer. Now, if you do not mind, I need to start packing. Unfortunately, the clothes don't do it by themselves. I'll leave you to tour daily cheese eating activities, then."

With that, Henry turned around, heading to his room, set to start packing up for the trip.

[Chrome Legion]

Hailey Winters


"Paris? Closest I've ever come is the fake Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. I never actually left the States before. Wonder what it's all about. How many people do you think are going?" Hailey's mind wandered a bit further already thinking about all the sights and sounds of the foreign city. "The food... the clothes... It's going to be great! I hope that they let us explore the city on our own at least a little bit. Oh, Annice, you speak french don't you?"

Annice set the now well chewed core of the apple that Kate had given her down on her plate, other than that you could hardly tell that there had been massive breakfast there just minutes ago. She certainly didn't waste any of her meal. She responded to Hailey with more than a hint of pride.

"Yeah, French, German, English, Albanian, and Serbian. I've even been to Paris before. Was only there for two days, but it was a beautiful city. Wish I could have spent some time in the Louvre. I think it'll be great if we can all go see the sights of the city.

[Charlia]

Hailey Winters


"Paris? Closest I've ever come is the fake Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. I never actually left the States before. Wonder what it's all about. How many people do you think are going?" Hailey's mind wandered a bit further already thinking about all the sights and sounds of the foreign city. "The food... the clothes... It's going to be great! I hope that they let us explore the city on our own at least a little bit. Oh, Annice, you speak french don't you?"

Annice set the now well chewed core of the apple that Kate had given her down on her plate, other than that you could hardly tell that there had been massive breakfast there just minutes ago. She certainly didn't waste any of her meal. She responded to Hailey with more than a hint of pride.

"Yeah, French, German, English, Albanian, and Serbian. I've even been to Paris before. Was only there for two days, but it was a beautiful city. Wish I could have spent some time in the Louvre. I think it'll be great if we can all go see the sights of the city.

Katelyn nodded with approval at the apple core, and then smiled at Annice. "You speak a lot of languages, Annie. I had no idea you knew so much stuff! Man, all I speak is English. And I'm not even great at that, either..." She scowled. "But then again, the people who want me to learn stuff tend to be boring so why should I care, right?"

[Saldinado]

Shaun Calhoun

Shaun was a little surprised by the amount of languages that Annice could speak. He gave a single nod of congratulations to her and shyly smiled.

"Wow, that's awesome. I only know French and English. And I'm still messing up on my French. And I don't really know if all of us are going, or some of us. Because if some of us were going, or any of us for that matter, than the teachers would've told us about this, right?" Shaun said thinking before turning back to see Hedeon smirk and raise his hand up. He chuckled and shook his head in amusement and did the same thing to him.

Dominique Corleone

"Well maybe the teachers are saving it us. Like a surprise field trip or something like that." Dominique said to Shaun to add on to what he said. "And France is wonderful. The people are nice...sort of, the music and rich culture that surrounds the country, and the food is to die for. Though I would recommend knowing at least the basics of French. They're much more likely to be friendly and help out if you know a little French, such as 'Bonjour, merci, comment allez-vous, and even parlez-vous anglais?'", he said sounding a little informant. "Plus, that's all I really know.", Dominique chuckled.

Shaun then replied with a simple, "Mais si vous pouvez mener une conversation en français, que vous serez fixés."

[Chrome Legion]

Annice Null


"Living in Switzerland you kind of have to know at least French or German, and when I was younger some of the other knights thought that I should learn the languages of where I was born, and most people at the fortress at least spoke English, so I didn't have much trouble picking that up. It was a nice distraction from training, and I found that I was pretty adept at picking language up. I've kind of lost that growing up, but I think those five should get me where I need to go. Kind of wish I had learned Mandarin, then I would really be set. So do you guys think we'll be doing anything in Paris, or if it'll just be a study abroad type thing?"

Annice did wonder what could possibly be going on that would have a group of students going to France, but Paris was an old center of magical learning, so It made some sense that the school would have a trip there. As much as Annice wanted to get away from her old life, maybe she would try to check in on some of her old brothers and sisters in the order. As long as they were still alive... Hailey interrupted that train of thought.

"I'm in the same boat as Kate, don't speak a lick of anything but english. Guess we'll have to stick by you."

[Kaidou]

Lawrence L. H. D. Vdovushkin

It certainly seemed a bit strange to be sitting at one side of the table and quietly drinking coffee when there were students talking on the other side of the table. Not that Lawrence felt a necessity to talk just for the sake of it; it was just a little odd to be so quiet.

Once he had finished his drink, the teacher shifted across the table and gently joined in the conversation, without interrupting anybody. Just a simple addition to the conversation.

"I see we've got another polyglot here", said Lawrence with a slight grin, referring to Annice. "English, Mandarin Chinese, Hokkien Chinese, a little bit of German, a little bit of Bahasa Melayu, and a little bit of Japanese. Tried to learn Russian, Okinawa dialect, and Cantonese, but I gave up."

With that, he placed his briefcase on the side of the table, in a corner unlikely to disturb anybody's space.

"So how's things coming along for you guys?"

[Prusselanden]

Ignis yawned and stretched in the tree, reading a book (The Compendium or Materia Medica) and occasionally looking onto the people walking below her.
"Wonder what I should do now....hmm..."

[Kaidou]

Ignis yawned and stretched in the tree, reading a book (The Compendium or Materia Medica) and occasionally looking onto the people walking below her.
"Wonder what I should do now....hmm..."

Just further down from where Ignis was resting, the thin figure of the white haired Isaac was crouched over under another tree, a massive book in his hand. He scanned the pages in an almost mechanical way, flipping the pages at regular intervals.

FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY
THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV

Liar.

One of the reasons why Isaac read so much was simply to clear his mind. Things had happened in the past, and though he personally didn't care much for the other people involved, there was this strange, nagging feeling that continued to tug at him no matter how much he attempted to shake it off. Much like a splinter under a fingernail, only more subtle and more insidious.

It had been three months since the incident. Three months since the death of Dr Russell Yanev and three months since the shutting down of Korrva Research Inc.

Ah well. Shit happens.

[Prusselanden]

Ignis yawned and stretched in the tree, reading a book (The Compendium or Materia Medica) and occasionally looking onto the people walking below her.
"Wonder what I should do now....hmm..."

Just further down from where Ignis was resting, the thin figure of the white haired Isaac was crouched over under another tree, a massive book in his hand. He scanned the pages in an almost mechanical way, flipping the pages at regular intervals.

FYODOR DOSTOYEVSKY
THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV

Liar.

One of the reasons why Isaac read so much was simply to clear his mind. Things had happened in the past, and though he personally didn't care much for the other people involved, there was this strange, nagging feeling that continued to tug at him no matter how much he attempted to shake it off. Much like a splinter under a fingernail, only more subtle and more insidious.

It had been three months since the incident. Three months since the death of Dr Russell Yanev and three months since the shutting down of Korrva Research Inc.

Ah well. Shit happens.

She spotted him, turned into her snake form, and slithered down the tree, through the law grass and the cool brick path, over to him. She slithered to his front and cocked her head at the book he was reading.
"Hiss?"

[Kaidou]

She spotted him, turned into her snake form, and slithered down the tree, through the law grass and the cool brick path, over to him. She slithered to his front and cocked her head at the book he was reading.
"Hiss?"

The boy turned his head upwards.

He had adequate experience with snakes to tell that this one wasn't an actual snake, but rather, someone disguising himself or herself as one. And he did recall one of the teachers having a power like that. He couldn't remember every single teacher in the school, but there were a few who stood out.

"Bratya Karamazovy", said the boy, as if in response to a question.

[Prusselanden]

She spotted him, turned into her snake form, and slithered down the tree, through the law grass and the cool brick path, over to him. She slithered to his front and cocked her head at the book he was reading.
"Hiss?"

The boy turned his head upwards.

He had adequate experience with snakes to tell that this one wasn't an actual snake, but rather, someone disguising himself or herself as one. And he did recall one of the teachers having a power like that. He couldn't remember every single teacher in the school, but there were a few who stood out.

"Bratya Karamazovy", said the boy, as if in response to a question.

The snake bowed her head, understanding. She slithered next to him, coiling up and flipping out a book of its own, consisting of many gray, newspaperish pages bound by string. If Isaac peered over it would display queer pictures of different plants and creatures. The snake flipped the pages back and forth with her tail.
“本草纲目，李时珍写的。“ she told him. "Do you mind me sitting here?"

[Kaidou]

The snake bowed her head, understanding. She slithered next to him, coiling up and flipping out a book of its own, consisting of many gray, newspaperish pages bound by string. If Isaac peered over it would display queer pictures of different plants and creatures. The snake flipped the pages back and forth with her tail.
“本草纲目，李时珍写的。“ she told him. "Do you mind me sitting here?"

"Not at all", the boy quietly replied, his pitch black eyes glancing to the side and facing the snake for a brief moment, before flicking back to his book.

"Interesting stuff you're reading", Isaac remarked, as he turned the page between two fingers. For a brief moment, Isaac's heart stopped; on the book's page was a message written in red pen, the handwriting thick and ominous, as if it were a premonition of impending doom.

貴様名前は。

Kisama namae wa.

The book had belonged to Isaac's deceased father; following his death, the boy had stolen a number of his father's books, bringing them along with him when his mother sent him down to the Mana Academy.

Was this some sort of sick message or something?

The next page, too, had a message.

月を見上げ高まる。

Tsuki o miagetakamaru.

There was no reason for any of those Japanese messages to be in there; Isaac hadn't even told his father that he learned the language. What sort of joke was this?

Then again, there's always the possibility that he was a closet weeaboo. From the looks of it, these messages aren't particularly...

你在看什麼？

Ni zai kan shen me?

Isaac slammed the book shut. Enough of that shit.

"I hear we're going to Paris today", he said to the snake. If his father could reach him while he was reading, then it was time to switch strategy.

[The Land of the Golden Blobfish]

Ziriad Vernichtung

“Last time I checked, your little Greece wasn’t doing so good.” He hid it with his casual arrogant tone but Ziriad was getting rather annoyed. Being used to people submitting to him, he couldn’t handle when one dared to oppose his authority. “Oh and, sweetheart, I already posess such things. I’m rather, let’s just say, intellectually gifted who’s given anything he wants with the slightest snap of his fingers. And not to mention I got people literally lining up for autographs, so I’ll just check that down for friends. And speaking of friends,” he noticed Alex passing them on his way for his second serving. “Hey Alex, mind doing my homework for me?” Ziriad asked as he pretty much shoved his books to Alex. “Eh? Got something to say?”

Alex turned red on the face, “No, I ju...just..”

“Just what? Are you saying you don’t want to help your good ‘ol friend Ziriad?”

“No, not at all.” Alex shook nervously. It was clear that he was too polite, not to mention scared, to decline Ziriad. “I-I’ll got on it as s-soon as I c-can.” with that, he timidly made his way back to his table.

“See ya buddy, I’m counting on you!” Ziriad turned to the others, “Heh, What an idiot.”

"First of all, Droma's not your sweetheart, buddy," Kassoq replied, returning to her usual cool, wispy voice, "And I dare say, it's not very polite to treat Alex, someone you call your friend in such manner. In my experience, friends should be equals, not as inferiors."

"Also, you mentioned being intellectually gifted," Droma replied with a smirk befitting that of an evil queen, "May I ask in what manner?"

Rangi looked at Alex with concern and then looked back at Ziriad with a look of disdain. "As my grandmother always said: he who is first shall be last and he who is last shall be first. Count your blessings, for they may be gone when you look next. You should be nicer to your 'friends.'"

“Equals? Heh, don’t make me laugh. The little people below us are not, in anyway, equal. And besides, it doesn’t really matter does it? He enjoys helping people and I enjoy being helped, it’s a win win.”

He went back to his food, that is, until Droma spoke up. “In what manner you say? Hell, in any manner, I got in here from my knowledge of magic alone. And if some people have been paying attention in class, they’d noticed that I’m one of the highest graded here, big surprise I know. I’m only having these peasants do the small assignments for me because they’re nothing more than pointless and an overall headache for someone as talented as I to waste my time on.”

[Khasinkonia]

"First of all, Droma's not your sweetheart, buddy," Kassoq replied, returning to her usual cool, wispy voice, "And I dare say, it's not very polite to treat Alex, someone you call your friend in such manner. In my experience, friends should be equals, not as inferiors."

"Also, you mentioned being intellectually gifted," Droma replied with a smirk befitting that of an evil queen, "May I ask in what manner?"

Rangi looked at Alex with concern and then looked back at Ziriad with a look of disdain. "As my grandmother always said: he who is first shall be last and he who is last shall be first. Count your blessings, for they may be gone when you look next. You should be nicer to your 'friends.'"

“Equals? Heh, don’t make me laugh. The little people below us are not, in anyway, equal. And besides, it doesn’t really matter does it? He enjoys helping people and I enjoy being helped, it’s a win win.”

He went back to his food, that is, until Droma spoke up. “In what manner you say? Hell, in any manner, I got in here from my knowledge of magic alone. And if some people have been paying attention in class, they’d noticed that I’m one of the highest graded here, big surprise I know. I’m only having these peasants do the small assignments for me because they’re nothing more than pointless and an overall headache for something as talented as I to waste my time on.”

"Humans are humans, perlequjaak," Kassoq replied with a noticeably pompous tone, "Just because you think otherwise doesn't make them any less a human. Belittling others will only get you so far."

Droma grew slightly red in the face, but not enough to convey obvious anger. Before she could speak up, Rangi shushed her. "There's no use in debating with him," he said through the corner of his mouth, "It'll just make him more obnoxiously pretentious." Droma hissed in quiet, albeit reluctant, agreement before returning to her food.

While Rangi whispered to Droma, Tarmo felt the need to speak up. "I d-don't think calling people peasants is very ap-ap-approp—is very apr-appropriate," Tarmo said, with a more level tone than he normally used, "It r-really isn't fair to c-call anyone that. You have no c-control over where, when, or why you're born. In another w-world, you could be the son of a m-mere m-manual l-laborer or w-worse. As Rangi said, count your blessings."

When Tarmo started talking, Rangi opened his mouth but held his tongue. It was no good trying to stop him. Tarmo, paranoid as he was, still couldn't hold his tongue for the life of him.

[Finsternia]

Annice Null


"Living in Switzerland you kind of have to know at least French or German, and when I was younger some of the other knights thought that I should learn the languages of where I was born, and most people at the fortress at least spoke English, so I didn't have much trouble picking that up. It was a nice distraction from training, and I found that I was pretty adept at picking language up. I've kind of lost that growing up, but I think those five should get me where I need to go. Kind of wish I had learned Mandarin, then I would really be set. So do you guys think we'll be doing anything in Paris, or if it'll just be a study abroad type thing?"

Annice did wonder what could possibly be going on that would have a group of students going to France, but Paris was an old center of magical learning, so It made some sense that the school would have a trip there. As much as Annice wanted to get away from her old life, maybe she would try to check in on some of her old brothers and sisters in the order. As long as they were still alive... Hailey interrupted that train of thought.

"I'm in the same boat as Kate, don't speak a lick of anything but english. Guess we'll have to stick by you."

Allistor Abendroth

Allistor's not paying attention since he was focusing finishing his breakfast. When he was done, he picked on the topic of France and Paris and heard Shaun speak French. "What's with the topic of France? Are we going there for another 'field trip'?" Seconds later, he realized that they really are going to France and his face slightly paled. "Oh no. Please tell me we aren't going to Europe."

[Prusselanden]

The snake bowed her head, understanding. She slithered next to him, coiling up and flipping out a book of its own, consisting of many gray, newspaperish pages bound by string. If Isaac peered over it would display queer pictures of different plants and creatures. The snake flipped the pages back and forth with her tail.
“本草纲目，李时珍写的。“ she told him. "Do you mind me sitting here?"

"Not at all", the boy quietly replied, his pitch black eyes glancing to the side and facing the snake for a brief moment, before flicking back to his book.

"Interesting stuff you're reading", Isaac remarked, as he turned the page between two fingers. For a brief moment, Isaac's heart stopped; on the book's page was a message written in red pen, the handwriting thick and ominous, as if it were a premonition of impending doom.

貴様名前は。

Kisama namae wa.

The book had belonged to Isaac's deceased father; following his death, the boy had stolen a number of his father's books, bringing them along with him when his mother sent him down to the Mana Academy.

Was this some sort of sick message or something?

The next page, too, had a message.

月を見上げ高まる。

Tsuki o miagetakamaru.

There was no reason for any of those Japanese messages to be in there; Isaac hadn't even told his father that he learned the language. What sort of joke was this?

Then again, there's always the possibility that he was a closet weeaboo. From the looks of it, these messages aren't particularly...

你在看什麼？

Ni zai kan shen me?

Isaac slammed the book shut. Enough of that shit.

"I hear we're going to Paris today", he said to the snake. If his father could reach him while he was reading, then it was time to switch strategy.

"Rumors from the spiders is it's for some really important thing but I can't exactly remember." The snake shut her book, curling her tail around it and propping it on her coils.
"....And be careful from now on, for the dead still have ways of talking to us, whether it be from writing or smoke."