บท 7: School Life

Khalifa went out of the teacher's office in a good mood, very well aware of the subtle stare that followed her movements.

When she exited the teacher's lounge, her body language returned to before, slightly hunched back, head a bit bent down, exuding shyness.

At least for today, she wanted to experience 'school life' herself.

She naturally had an impression based on the Other Her's memories, but personal experience was still a must—even if it was just one day.

The Other Her was taking a Business Management course, knowing the chances of climbing up this road was higher.

The first class today was Mathematics and she entered the room with interest.

She listened with interest as the basics were taught by the old teacher.

As she watched, she thought math was indeed the language of the universe.

If she translated magic spells into maths, she'd actually get a formula. It was just that its comprehension would depend on magic talent.

The next courses were general education, as they were still freshmen and a lot of their courses were still in this sort.

First was basic history, teaching the history of the planet from 3000 years ago, when civilizations were first recorded.

She didn't know how it was for similar planets, but the development of this planet wasn't slow.

From walking on foot to simple space exploration. 3000 years didn't seem too long for a place without magic.

Human ingenuity was indeed a marvelous thing.

The next optional general course was Introduction to Botany, which the Other Her took because of her natural love for plants. Khalifa almost thought this one could've been a wood mage instead.

She rummaged through her memories for a reason and it didn't take long to figure it out.

This was because when she was young, she had run away from a molester—one of the orphanage's sponsors.

She had known the institution wouldn't protect her so she had to escape on her own.

She was only seven at the time, and the man was in his early 50s…

The orphanage had a small garden where they taught children to handle plants, which the Other Her loved, and she ran towards that place knowing the place by heart.

The old man tripped somewhere at the time, being stung by a cactus. The man apparently had an allergic reaction and didn't bother her for months after that.

Sadly, all the cacti was thrown away because of it, and she had developed a special liking for succulents since then.

She had wanted to buy at least a cactus for her table but…she was very stingy.

Well, this Khalifa was determined to grant those little wants of her tragic mirror.

She really did have fun in the class, personally. She liked to learn about the different parts of the plants and their functions, and in her mind she could already tell how to use her powers—which were, ouch, nonexistent—in relation to the plants here.

Then… the part of the day which she looked forward to the most finally came: Lunch Time.

She happily lined up, already drooling mentally at the deliciousness.

In her home back in the Magic Continent, food culture wasn't popular because most people consumed elemental candies.

These things were enough nutrition for a mage for the whole day. Naturally, few people could actually cook decent meals.

In fact, because it was only non-magic people who really needed food, food like this was even frowned upon, as if it was something for the poor and talentless.

Hence, even among non-magic people, the development of this industry was incredibly slow.

Thinking about it now, it felt like she really missed out on a lot.

In any case, she happily lined up the counter, peeking at the menu options as soon as she could.

There were six viands , two vegetable , and two dessert options.

She bought a bit of everything.

If the Other Her could see the bill, her teeth would definitely ache.

But she was herself, and she was confident she'd figure out a way to make money. Somehow. Someday. Hopefully well before the apocalypse.

Anyway, she pushed all comprehension aside and just enjoyed her food.

It was even better than she imagined.

Vegetables could be this crispy and flavorful? Meat could be made so juice and savory? Oh my! What a sweet cake! She turned to the serving counter to see if there was still some more—

"Hey, roommate." A voice sounded next to her, cutting off her attempt to buy some more food. She frowned and didn't look at the newcomer very friendly.

It was none other than Mira, the person who would have been responsible for 'her' death.

However, she couldn't be too openly hostile so she nodded at the girl and continued with her eating.

"I feel you changed somehow." She said, placing her tray next to her, looking at her gently.

Internally, Khalifa scoffed.

She knew what she was doing; She was trying to mimic Claire again, trying to get her—a random stranger—to favor her more than Claire.

It was a pitiful way for her to feel better about herself.

"In a good way, I hope." She just said, finishing up her meal quickly, not wanting to interact with this woman for any longer.

"Well, I'll go now. I still have class." She said, and scurried away.

She did not seem to mind the hidden glare from behind her.