I have to know more, the thought crossed Naki's mind.
With his guise as Naruki, and the trust Maya had in him, he could learn more about Maya's true feelings, without running the risk of exposing his.
She cared so much.
She wanted to become a sage for one person alone.
Naki didn't want to jump the gun; he needed 100% certainty that the person he was thinking of aligned with the one Maya was talking about.
"I see you care deeply about this, umm-" Naki said softly, leaving his sentence hanging in an attempt to get a name.
It was a smart bait that Maya didn't think twice to bite.
"Naki, his name is Naki," she said, smiling. She had nothing to hide, she loved him dearly.
Naruki nodded, maintaining the calm, professional outlook of a professor. But within, his heart raced.
"(I've always known we shared something special, but to think she had no reservations whatsover, to think she's doing all this because of me)"
"(I would reveal my disguise this very moment if we weren't surrounded by strangers. But, I don't think coming open about this now is the best idea, not with the competition right around the corner)."
"This Naki must be pretty lucky to have such a compassionate and caring friend," Naki remarked.
"Haha, well, I like to think of us as more than friends. But...I don't want to push him away by being ...you know, overbearing?" said Maya, her words hinging with uncertainty.
"(Perish the thought. Never have I found your company to be anything less than privileged)"
"That's why...I have to prove myself. I have to show him I can help, I can be someone he can rely on. Then...it is my hope, my feelings can be reciprocated," she said.
"Hahaha, I sound like a silly high school girl right now, don't I?" she added,, exposing her cute side to Naruki.
Naruki smiled, "A girl in love is nothing to scoff at, Maya," he said, much to Maya's surprise.
"Instructor..."
"Don't know much about this Naki person, but."
"What I can say is, your efforts, so long as they remain genuine, will be sure to reach him. So do your best, I'm sure he's doing the same, holding on, waiting for your return." Naruki said in a gentle tone.
Maya's eyes watered, and she nodded, before resisting the urge to cry.
She remembered their promise in Ampha 3 years ago.
<><><>
"So, Maya, umm...would you...wait for me then?" Naki muttered
Maya smiled and placed her hand on his. "Always and forever, Ki," she replied
<><><>
"Yes, he is. So I will do my best both now and in the competition tomorrow, instructor, you have my word!" she said, quickly drying her eyes.
Naki nodded, "Very good. You have nothing to worry about. The competition is as good as won."
"Haha, your confidence has always amazed me. It's like our opponents and their fates don't terrify you at all," Maya said, before noticing the blank expression on Naki's face.
"Huh? Wa-wait, you do know...about our opponents, don't you?" she asked.
"Umm...should I?" Naki said, scratching his head.
Maya's mouth gaped, "Wow... there's overconfidence and then there's carelessness, I wonder which this is?"
"Hahaha, well, when you've been through the things I've been through, the world and the mysteries around it become a little bit less scary," Naki replied.
Maya sighed and leaned back on her chair.
"I suppose we can use this opportunity to cover this vacancy."
She used magic to form a small hologram image, displaying the competition.
"As you know, Listeria Magic Foundation has 4 academies: One in Sorusha, two in Allura, with the main HQ being this fine establishment in Listeria."
"Listeria is where the competition will be hosted this year, so we expect the sage potentials and the fans of the 2 other kingdoms to be arriving in their quarters not long from now."
"Huh, that will explain all the buzz I saw coming here. The lunch room was surprisingly the quietest spot around," Naki commented.
"Yes, the various parties from the other kingdoms are the reason why."
"I have a feeling a certain party from Allura is the primary reason for the...buzz, as you put it," Maya added.
"A certain party?" Naki asked.
"In Allura, there's the East Academy and the West Academy. The West Academy's party has been rated the most talented in the history of the world's magical students."
"Hohhh...huge praise!" Naki said.
Maya nodded, "I agree, but not without justification. They haven't lost a single minor competition. Both individuals or teams."
"We were...their latest victims to put it in context, and we were thoroughly beaten. Even Habiki, our greatest prodigy, didn't stand a chance against their prodigy."
Naki frowned, "(Hard to imagine Habiki being overwhelmed by any opponent...Perhaps I should do some scouting later on this party's quarters)"
"The only one who obtained a victory in the individual battles back then was Bisky," Maya continued.
"Bisky huh..."
"Yeah. That was also the last time we saw her use a grimoire in battle. Fun fact, she was formerly of West Allura Magical Academy, but transferred here just barely 2 months after she enrolled."
"Interesting...So this...West Allura party currently stands as the favorites for this year's competition?"
Maya had a bite of her lunch, "Yup, without a doubt. But it'll be unwise to focus just on them."
Maya changed the visuals of the hologram to display the next party's information.
"The Sorusha party excels in delicate but highly effective magic, which makes them dark horses. While the East Allura party boasts the best record after the West Allura party."
"Huh, and what does our Listeria Party have to proudly raise their head to?"
"Umm...does the poor record count?" Maya shrugged
Naruki snickered before noticing Maya's frown.
"Ehhm", he cleared his throat. "No."
Maya sighed, "Well, despite having lost to West Allura's prodigy completely, Habiki still ranks as the most likely to become a sage. The claim is she has a higher ceiling than her rival."
"Her rival?"
"That is according to the world. Her name is Hana, the Dairies of Rosalia. She is currently the most powerful of the sage potentials in the world, and the leader of West Allura's Party."
Naki took note of this name, for the upcoming encounter with her shall reveal to him just how much is lost on him, when it comes to the magic of the world.