29 Ranking preparations - Part 2

18th January 3068 (Tuesday)

The theory classes had just ended, but as always, Razak was in a rush. There were only 20 minutes left before his apprentice laboratory assistant training began.

While he was walking through the hallway towards the lift, he stopped when he heard familiar voices. When he listened carefully, he realized that they were engaged in an argument.

"Thank you Sir Arasi, but I came to the conclusion of joining this club myself. Nobody said anything to influence me."

"But Miss Yasumi, you know this club is nothing but a big joke. The whole academy sees it as such. Please quit this stubbornness and join a normal club."

"I am aware of what everyone thinks, and I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion. But that applies to me too. I think it's a decent club and I am okay with joining it."

"That guy has definitely does something to you. Is he blackmailing you by any means? If there is any such issue, please tell me."

Razak thought about stepping in, but then he realized this would only complicate things. So, he decided to wait and only intervene if things get serious.

"You are overthinking things Sir Arasi, there is nothing as such."

"There must be something! There is no way someone like you would willingly join a club like that."

When Souta started getting louder, Razak understood that he wasn't going to let go of this easily. But he also knew that intervening here would definitely lead to a fight, and a fight at a time like this was the last thing he wanted. Though there was a way to prevent all that and resolve this peacefully.

"Sir Arasi, it doesn't look like you are feeling well today. Let's talk about this some other time."

After saying that, Yasumi tried to leave. But before she could, Souta caught her hand and pulled her. It was clear that he was being forceful, so before the situation could escalate further, Razak stepped in and caught his hand.

"These hands are too soft to be held that tightly."

Razak's aim here was only to engage him in a conversation so that he could buy some time. But what he said brought a small smile on Yasumi's face.

When he realized that Souta wasn't letting go of Yasumi's hand, he made the grip tighter after which he let go of her.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Can't you see that the two of us talking?"

"Yes, but it looks like she doesn't want to talk at the moment."

Souta pulled his hand from Razak's grasp. With every word that Razak spoke, Souta was getting more and more irritated. "And who are you to decide what she wants?"

"I am no one to decide that. But anyone walking this hallway would think that you are pestering her, so I suggest you leave before it starts getting crowded here."

"And what if I don't."

Souta's eyes started glowing, which was the sign that he had started activating his magic. But before things could progress further, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Oh, there you are. I have been looking for you for a while now."

All three of them turned towards the source of the voice just to find the student council president Kenji himself standing there.

"We aren't having an argument here, are we? Because if we are, I would have to ask you, gentlemen, to stop."

"There is nothing of that sort"—Souta turned towards Yasumi—"Let's talk about this some other time."

After saying that, he hastily turned around and rushed towards the elevator. The aura of violent rage around him was so strong that no one would want to be the next person thathe encounters.

"Thanks, you two. Things had started getting a little out of hand."

"There is no need to thank me. I just happen to come across this while I am looking for Razak."

Razak looked the time in his MM and realized that there were only 9 minutes left before his training begins.

"Kenji, my training is about to start. Let's talk on the way."

"Looks like you are busy, will see you in the club."

Razak responded to Yasumi with a nod. The two of them then started walking towards the elevator while Yasumi went towards the washroom at the other end of the hallway.

After they entered the elevator and set the destination to the ground floor Razak spoke.

"I guess I owe you one."

"No, don't make it sound that big. I just happened to be nearby when I got your message. Anyways, let's not waste more time on this. What conclusion have you come up with?"

The elevator stopped at the ground floor. After the two of them got out of the elevator, they started walking towards the general lab building.

"I will join you as an advisor, but would you mind keeping that a secret from any non-members until the end of the next month?"

"I understand. Though I don't think announcing that would be disadvantageous for you. There may be few controversies, but I think you will gain a more positive reputation."

"Yes, that is what I would like to avoid before the rankings."

Kenji looked towards Razak and smiled. He knew that Razak was trying to avoid getting the attention of the masses, especially the ones outside the Academy. But the question that had right now was: 'why?'

The only reason he hadn't asked him that directly was because they barely knew each other as acquaintances. If it was someone open, this would have been a good opportunity to build a friendship. But in the case of someone like Razak, it would only be seen as putting nose in someone else's affairs.

As they were talking, the two of them reached in front of the general lab building.

"Then the announcement will only be made after the ranking matches. Though you must already be aware that you would need to attend the weekly meeting every Friday."

"Yes, I am aware of that. Thank you for your understanding."

"Then I won't be taking any more of your time. Enjoy the rest of your day."

After Kenji said that, Razak walked inside while Kenji walked towards the Club building.