I just wanted to be special.
I've been praised for being talented. Of course I have talent.
But I'm sure I wanted to believe it was something I've worked hard to earn. And that's why I wanted to be special. It wasn't just talent, it was something special ─ ─ I wanted to be the top seven magicians.
If I can get there, I can be special. Become beyond talent. That's what I've come to believe.
I've been lost. Lost and confused, the Special Selection Unit "Astral" arrived at the end of the day.
That's where I met real geniuses. They showed me an area I couldn't possibly reach.
Lydia-Aynesworth.
Abbey-Garnett.
Carol-Caroline.
All three are geniuses. I was held to be a genius, but now I understand. Because of their talent, they will not touch these three realms.
I was jealous at first.
I wonder why these young women are talented, not me. Why doesn't God make me special? It was repaired on the front. I hid the jealousy and spent time in the army.
But as I spent my time, I began to think of them purely as human beings.
Caroline is always a bright and troop mood maker. It's a good joke, and I don't care about my surroundings at all. Some people are shying away from her. But I knew. Caroline is a good fellow.
"Caroline, what are you doing alone?
"Huh? If so. Howard!
A room in the base. So she was working alone with a lot of documents in front of her. I've been worried about it for a long time, so I actually chased after it.
"Are you doing this alone?
"That's right! Fufufu! Caro is actually working hard behind the scenes!
"... I see."
This was the first time I realized I was a sweet girl. Caroline also seems to be playing. I'm sure it's one of her. However, there was no change to being more of a companion. Originally, we were supposed to do the job, but they took the initiative to make sure it wasn't burdensome.
I hide it and behave as usual. I didn't think you were going to be rival at all.
"Thank you."
"... eh?
I gently stroke my head. Sometimes my age is far away and I thought it was like my sister. Caroline blushed her face.
"But I already....! It's sudden! But when Carlo grows up, you can hang out with him.
A glorious smile. That wasn't really what I meant, it was like making fun of me.
"Untie me. I like older people."
"Fufu. You don't even know if I'm gonna be a beautiful sister.
"Ha ha ha. I hope so."
I had such an exchange. It was a nostalgic memory now.
Abbey-Garnett thought it was too serious to be clear. No, of course it's a virtue, but it seems to be sticking my elbows too much... I had that impression.
"Garnett, how are you?
"Yes. I'm perfect. Second Lieutenant Kennett."
"... isn't it a bit stiff? We're on the same team, aren't we?
"But...."
"When you're done, hang out. I'll buy you a drink."
"Ah, thank you."
She grew up to be unlike Einsworth and Caroline. However, considering their actual age, they may be more normal.
Garnet is overstretching her elbows, good or bad. I've never seen her laugh, so tingling all the time. I invited him to dinner, but he was more rap than I thought.
And Lydia...
"Ho ho."
"It was really hard for Carol when he was a student..."
You're struggling.
"Ugh... I'm really glad you understand..."
"Hey, hey! Don't cry... this is my drink!!?
I thought I'd tell the rap anyway, but it seemed like I was drinking my liquor by mistake. As her face turned bright red, she kept talking with a smile.
"Am I too strong for that?
And I decided to answer honestly because I asked you that.
I see. It also seems a little overwhelming. What do you got?
"That's...."
She seemed hesitant, but never revealed herself.
"We've always been called geniuses. But it's still the same for teenage girls. That's why I thought you shouldn't be strict to admit your surroundings... Lydia and Carol are doing well....."
I see, I see.
Apparently, Garnett was acting strictly with both of them in mind. Some in the army are jealous of their young talents. I'm not going to do anything directly, but I'm sure there's a rumor in my ear.
When I was about my age, I could wash it away, but when it comes to teenagers, it's a very emotional time. I don't suppose it's impossible to be worried about various things.
At the same time, by telling me the truth, I felt that the distance was getting closer.
"It's okay. We'll protect you if you need us. I don't carry it that much. We have company here. Isn't it?
"Lieutenant Kennett... thank you."
On this occasion, the garnet began to have a slightly soft atmosphere. However, it's the same as Flor, and I'm not changing the role of the squad leader. Besides, he used to talk to me.
I knew the color was a little mixed up in the line of sight, but I pretended not to notice. I thought maybe it was time to face that emotion someday.
I feel really taken care of by Einsworth. No, I think I've taken care of him a lot, but his life was dazzling and respectable to me.
"Howard, let's go!
"Howard, let's eat! Your luxury!
"Howard, let's go shopping! You, take your stuff!
The interaction was a routine matter. But I had a sister, and I was complaining and dating her. As I told you before, Einsworth was serious.
"Howard, I thought you were happy."
"What? What's the matter, suddenly?"
She said that when she was eating as usual. But it was a serious atmosphere, so it didn't tear it down.
"I've always been alone. I remember feeling lonely. But when you're in this unit, you calm down."
"... that's good."
"That's why you're going to have to buy me a drink.
Smile as usual. But I don't have much to drink today.
"Today is a split."
"Hah!!? Why did you do that!"
"You've eaten too much!!
I had some fun yelling at each other like this. Others include deluxe and flour. And the Commander really took care of me. I can't thank you enough. I was beginning to think of this unit as a real family.
Of these, Ray was special.
"Ray, let's do this!
"Muscle tre...?
When we met, Ray was a desperate person in the whole world. But that's why I was persistent with Ray. I'm not the only one. Everyone in the team loved Ray.
And then I realized that Ray grew up big and became a magician beyond me. But Ray had never been proud to continue his efforts.
I just respected my diligence.
You're a lot younger than yourself, but it doesn't matter how old you are to respect me.
If you admit that you deserve respect, it doesn't change even if you're a child.
"Ray, you're doing great today."
"Howard, it's routine."
Ray grew fast because of his high magic aptitude. I was just doing a muscle tread, and I just brought Ray a towel.
"How's it going?
"Not bad."
I see. All right! I'll do my best too!!
Ray and I were quite old, but I thought it was like a brother. Sometimes I was jealous of the talent, but Ray was still working hard. Talented and able to work. Being stupid and calm, I felt like I couldn't lose either.
I feel really encouraged by Ray's presence. It is embarrassing to use words directly, but I hope to be able to convey them one day.
I was really happy to meet Ray.