Atelier Tanaka

Book 6: Chapter 4 (1)

Academic City (2nd)

It was the following day after challenging Ester-chan.

As always, we were in my guest room located in the central section of Academy City. The JC and I were currently hard at work on her report. We were finished with the outline and now needed to start with the details.

Weve got the bones of a good report here, but now we need to start adding some meat to the bones.

You think we have enough to fill all of this in?

Of course. We just need to get started gathering everything well need.

T-Thats not possible.

Edita Sensei helped us out when coming up with our outline.

With her help, this has to be possible.

DId you really need to go all out like this?

We can make a greater impact by using citations from other respected researchers and alchemists. The more of them we have the more value our report will hold. Im sure many of the professors and researchers in Academy City will appreciate us citing others to support our own findings.

The kind of report youre suggesting is something Ill never be able to write.

The JC was motivated at the beginning of the day, but as the hours dragged on that motivation began to waver. The fall of her family must have really affected her mind. She gives up so easily because she expects to fail.

Maybe if she continues on this path, shell turn to prostitution.

While that may be something to look forward to in the future, I should be focused on beating Ester-chan for now.

Why not try actually making the potion?

As we were working on the report, Edita Sensei offered us a suggestion.

Both of them were continuing their routines from yesterday. Edita Sensei was sitting on the sofa drinking tea while Goggoru-chan was lazily rolling around in bed. As always, I couldnt see her panties.

They each have their own rooms, but they spend all day here in mine.

When the JC first entered my room, she was shocked by the sight of the chocololi rolling around on my bed. She was suspicious, but after I ignored her stares, she lost interest in the chocololi.

Yeah, that might not be such a bad idea.

Ha? Why should we waste time doing that? It sounds like a pain.

Have you ever made a potion before?

Why would I?

It wouldnt hurt to try it just once. Maybe youll like it.

I dont want to. I have no plans to become an alchemist in the future. This report is just a part of the required curriculum here. I dont need to make potions or take on other jobs like other people that have no choice but to do so to make a living. I wont have my future turn out like that.

This girl just disrespected Edita Sensei and doesnt even realize it.

Hou? Your bias is showing.

See, look how mad you made my blonde loli Sensei.

Well, of course. Why wouldnt I be? An alchemist isnt something anyone aspires to be today.

Then, what do you want to be when you get older?

Isnt that obvious? Im going to be a wizard. Ill be a powerful wizard capable of shaking the planet with my powerful spells and capable of killing a dragon in a single blow. Ill be the type of great wizard that can stroll through the Dark Continent without any fear.

Hmph, a great wizard, huh?

Edita giggled at the JCs great claims.

Her childish side is adorable.

I can think of many earth-shaking spells that a human body could withstand casting, but that doesnt necessarily mean your body. Do you think you have the ability to cast several of these spells in quick succession? On the battlefield, theres nothing more pathetic than a wizard relying on magical tools to aid in casting a powerful spell.

I-If I work hard enough!

Work hard?

Yes, if I put in the effort, one day Ill be able to use it without any aid!

Coming from the girl who cant put in the effort to make a single potion.

Gu.

Edita Sensei struck where it would hurt the bullied girl most. I could see the twin tails hanging down her back trembling as she tried to suppress her anger. That look of resentment she gave Edita was also quite cute.

It was an honest reaction, expected from a girl her age.

While Edita Sensei was showing a glee-filled arrogance unbecoming of someone her age.

She looked lively after winning the argument with the JC.

If I leave them to it, they might even keep going and start an actual fight. I should step in now before it gets worse. The two of them dont seem the type to fight, but I still dont want the atmosphere in the room to get any worse than it already is. I just want to have fun making potions with everyone in my room.

Is that what most students aspire to in Academy City?

Isnt that obvious? Ive even heard about a girl in the Penny Empire. Her name is Cyan of the Bitch family. She became the vice-commander of the Magic Knights and she was only a teenager. Ive heard that shes famous in the capital.

Wow, you know a lot about her.

I didnt realize how famous the idol bitch was.

Ah, and on the topic of the Penny Empire, I cant leave out His Excellency Fahren-sama! I admire him so much. Hes the exact type of wizard I aspire to become one day! Im so grateful that I was born in his lifetime!

I see.

The JC became more lively as she spoke of the people she admired.

I dont really view the noble mage in the same way. He has a seemingly limitless amount of knowledge and skills when it comes to magic and he knows how to utilize them to great effect in real world scenarios. Hes soundproofed his living room and even managed to build an airship himself. His DIY spirit is unmatched. Still, he is just a crazy, magic obsessed old man.

Still, I dont want to ruin this young girls image of Fahren so Ill keep those thoughts to myself.

Which is why something like alchemy is looked down on. Why try so hard and put so much effort into something that has so little payoff!? If you just think about it for a second, youd realize that my argument makes the most sense and is far superior!

That may be how she feels, but I still dont like seeing people slack off.

That is an aspect of her attitude that I must fix.

Its true that alchemy may be less flashy than magic.

Right!?

But there is pleasure to be found in its simplicity.

Its completely and utterly boring!

If youre so confident youll feel that way, it wouldnt hurt to at least try it out.

.

When we returned to the topic at hand, the JCs face was contorted by disgust.

This was Edita Senseis suggestion, so its happening no matter what.

This can also serve as a test for my own abilities. This will probably be the only chance I get to work with the JC. This may have all happened by chance, but I want to take this opportunity to help guide the JC in the right direction.

So, today we will try our best to make potions. Does that sound okay?

That sounds boring. Incredibly boring.

The JC continued to whine and complain.

She was clearly displeased.

But Im not letting her get out of this.

***