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Chapter 14 - “A straight line is not the shortest distance between two points” ( part 4 )

The class was nearing its end. The professor had packed away every object he had taken out during the lesson, gathered his books in his arms, and left with a spring in his step. The students left behind began to engage in quiet conversations. While none of them seemed particularly interested in forming friendships, they all understood the importance of socializing. The academy had warned them repeatedly—classmates were teammates. They would have to face tests and situations carefully designed to challenge their teamwork.

Csendes remained seated, her expression unreadable. She pulled out her book once more and resumed reading. The system embedded in her ring was eager to experience the outside world but restrained itself. Instead, it sought to encourage its host.

[Mistress… shouldn't you make friends? When I was assigned here, they told us that beings need a social circle. Isn't it a necessity? Or do you simply dislike everyone here? But… what does it mean to have friends? Or to be one?]

The system's incessant questioning and loud curiosity left Csendes with little choice. She closed her book, set it aside, and rose from her seat. She soothed the system as she walked toward the door, ready to answer its queries.

This time, the other students paid her less attention. They no longer fell into an awkward silence whenever she made a sudden move. In a world where power was both respected and feared, the actions of the strong carried weight. This was not merely a political factor but, unfortunately, also a partially genetic one. The exaggerated reactions that sometimes accompanied the younger generations were a learned behavior—but not entirely. For thousands of years, various races had attempted to suppress this instinct of submission to power. The results had been less than promising. However, for the younger generations, the shift had been relatively simple. Though the tendency still lingered, it was gradually being overcome by sheer will.

As a result, Csendes classmates no longer reacted to her every move. Their minds were slowly adapting to new ideas. The title of 'the strongest' no longer held the same weight it once did. Perhaps the professor's odd behavior had served as a catalyst - an ironic one. The students were beginning to realize that this was a school, a place where, in theory, everyone was equal. Here, grades mattered. Even if that weren't the case, with their own strength, they could rise through the ranks.

It might seem abrupt, but it wasn't. Beings with long lifespans tended to change their attitudes quickly. Besides, the 'Introduction to Magic' class had lasted all morning, and over the course of the lesson, their focus had gradually shifted toward learning and gathering knowledge.

Csendes, now in the hallway, walked toward a bench and gazed at the academy's inner garden.

'You asked me what friends are. Now I'll answer you. «Friends» are people who put on masks to get close to someone - usually for various reasons and motives. They tend to share something in common, yet they still have many differences. In most cases, friendships serve practical purposes. In higher circles, friendships are simply diplomatic relationships - something to gain from, but on relatively equal footing. Meanwhile, among lower species, friendship means a companion in suffering, at least as I understand it. They ask for help, often without expecting anything in return, relying on something called morality and reputation.'

Hearing this explanation from his phoenix host, the small system seemed enlightened, though also confused. The main system had always emphasized that friendship was something positive - that those without friends could never be happy.

Csendes, upon hearing its doubts, did not even blink before bursting into laughter.

'So that's what the main system teaches you? That's hilarious.'

[It didn't say it in those exact words, but that's how I understood it… I wasn't really paying attention at the time. I was more focused on the images it used to illustrate friendship…]

She chuckled but soon quieted, her gaze drifting back to the classroom door. From her position, she could see two rows of desks.

'Little system, look at the second row. Do you see that girl?'

[Yes, I see her.]

'What do you think of her?'

[She looks indifferent.]

'Okay. Where is she looking?'

[Uh… at the girls in front of her?]

'Exactly. She's watching the group ahead of her.'

[Why is she only looking at them?]

'Why do you think?'

[I… don't know.]

'Because she wants to be part of that group, but she can't.'

[I don't understand. So she wants to make friends?]

'You could say that.'

[Why can't she?]

'It's tied to interspecies relationships. Look at the bigger picture. Even though that group seems to be chatting comfortably, if you observe closely, you'll notice it's not entirely so. In politics, even enemies have relationships. You can learn a lot from this.'

Csendes explained to the small system the alliances and rivalries among the various species - their allies, their enemies, and those who remained neutral.

The revelation fascinated the small system. Thoughts of friendship faded as it became engrossed in this new perspective. It no longer had time to dwell on why its host refused to make friends.

Csendes noticed her successful distraction and smirked. She retrieved her book, intending to read a few more chapters before the next lesson to relax.

Her plan, however, was thwarted.

Before she could finish even a few pages, more of her classmates exited the room, making their way to the central hall. A peculiar sensation tingled at the edge of her awareness. A crease formed between her brows - her thoughts unreadable - but she did not look up. Groups passed by, and eventually, even the girls from earlier left. The only ones who remained were herself and the girl from the second row. Both had books in their hands, reading in silence.

Time passed slowly, and the next class was drawing near. Csendes closed her book and stood up. Immediately, the girl inside the classroom did the same, following her. The phoenix ignored her at first but then turned to meet her gaze.

The girl was a djinn - a species that had no real connection to phoenixes. In fact, their history was riddled with enmity rather than friendship. Their power was widely despised, and they were often seen as demons, despite rejecting that label themselves.

They stared at each other with unreadable expressions. The moment lasted only briefly before Csendes turned away and continued walking. The djinn followed, this time much closer.

- What kind of catalyst suits you?

The sudden question from the djinn girl was met with silence. Csendes seemed lost in thought, though she did not appear annoyed.

- All of them.

Kae, the djinn girl, didn't seem surprised by the answer. She nodded and moved to walk in sync with the phoenix.

The system, watching from within the ring, found itself in turmoil. After their earlier conversation, it could no longer view this as a simple attempt at socialization. Instead, Csendes words about friendships filled its mind - exploitation, betrayal, hidden motives.

It almost wanted to emerge and chase away the 'dangerous' girl.

Sensing the system's thoughts, Csendes began another lesson. She reinforced her views on friendship, alliances, and enmity, reshaping the small system's once-innocent perspective.

[Csendes… is the world really this cruel? Why does everything sound so dangerous? Is there no sincerity at all?]

The system sounded wounded, like a cornered animal.

'There is.'

[There is? What a relief…]

'Don't be too happy. Those who are truly sincere and honest are rare. And they usually suffer for it.'

The phoenix felt no remorse for shattering the little system's idealized image of the world. She had no use for a naïve subordinate. If it was too gullible, it would suffer - just like those who were too honest. 

It needed to understand that not everything should be spoken aloud and that sincerity wasn't always met with sincerity. More often than not, it was met with exploitation. 

'The world isn't 'cruel' out of malice," she continued. 'It's simply that everyone prioritizes their own comfort and gain. It's rare to find someone who would put another's safety before their own. Power rules society - whether political or physical. That hasn't changed in thousands of years. Even now, efforts to equalize relationships and improve lives are underway… but the final outcome remains to be seen.'

Their conversation ended just as they arrived at the massive training hall.

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