Last Gun Alchemist

Chapter 298: Orientation Week XV

I should continue strengthening my body before attempting another breakthrough.

Ezra quietly continued to observe the two stars floating within his Mind Realm.

While his thoughts remained calm.

There wasn’t a trace of impatience.

Every advancement an Alchemist made was built upon a solid foundation. Rushing only increased the chances of failure, something Ezra understood better than most especially because of his body condition.

My body isn’t ready yet.

The conclusion came naturally, while he observed his inner body condition.

Forcing a breakthrough would only damage the foundation he had painstakingly built.

That’s why the decision was made up in his mind.

I should also expand my physical training too.

His current routine had served him well, but his body had changed significantly since entering the Royal Academy.

His muscles had become denser.

His endurance had improved.

And Ezra’s balance no longer resembled that of the sickly child who had once lived inside the Sterling Manor.

That meant his training should also evolve.

It’s about time I introduce more calisthenics.

With the exercises recorded inside the Book of Memories possessing advance exercise practice combined with the physical conditioning methods used by Alchemists...

The results would definitely be fruitful.

However...

One problem continued lingering in the back of his mind.

My cold intolerance.

His expression remained as calm as ever, though his thoughts became slightly heavier.

Ever since leaving the Trial Base, his condition had improved considerably.

The frequency of his attacks had decreased.

His body had grown stronger.

Even so...

The illness hadn’t disappeared.

The Heat stimulating pills he bought to help him continue helping him suppress the symptoms were working.

But relying on medicine forever wasn’t a solution.

If my body develops resistance...

The pills will eventually lose their effectiveness.

That possibility worried him far more than the illness itself.

He couldn’t allow his survival to depend entirely upon medicine.

I need another method.

One that treated the source...

Not merely the symptoms.

"..."

Ezra quietly exhaled.

The thought slowly faded as his consciousness withdrew from the Mind Realm.

Darkness dissolved.

The familiar surroundings of his room gradually returned.

The warm glow of the lamp light around his room illuminated the whole room, casting soft shadows across the quiet room.

The residence had already fallen silent.

Only the gentle ticking of the clock resting against the wall continued echoing through the room.

His eyes slowly lowered.

Speaking of physical training...

His thoughts shifted once again.

My Tai Chi level...

Although he had practiced the martial art consistently, he clearly understood his current level.

I’m still at the Intermediate stage.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

His understanding of movement had improved tremendously.

Plus, his control over his own center of gravity had also become far more refined than before.

Every step.

Every turn.

Every shift in weight.

He could now instinctively adjust them without wasting unnecessary strength.

That alone represented remarkable progress.

But...

It also exposed the next obstacle.

There was little room for further improvement through ordinary practice alone.

He needed stronger stimulation.

A new way to utilize the Tai Chi Martial Arts with his Cognis enhancement to improve his combat ability overall.

The thought remained in his mind for several moments.

While he simply stared at his own reflection.

Silent and motionless.

Then...

A slow breath escaped his lips.

Only after looking at the steady ticking of the clock did Ezra finally lift his head.

"..."

More time had passed than he realized.

Without lingering any longer, he stood from the throw pillow.

His movements remained light and efficient.

There wasn’t a single unnecessary action.

He made his way toward the washroom.

After freshening up and changing into his nightwear, Ezra returned to his room, then switched off the multiple lamp lights in his room.

The moonlight slipping through the curtains gently illuminated one side of the bed.

He quietly lay down.

Closed his eyes.

Before long...

Sleep claimed him.

***

Morning arrived almost before he realized it.

Golden sunlight poured across the East Wing, washing the elegant stone roads and carefully maintained gardens beneath a gentle warmth.

Thin wisps of steam drifted from distant chimneys as the residential district slowly came to life.

Servants swept pathways.

Steam carriages rolled along the roads.

Birds perched atop the rooftops sang without concern.

Students gradually emerged from their residences one after another.

Not everyone, however.

Although today was technically another free day...

It remained only partially scheduled.

Many first-year students decided to sleep in after the exhausting events of Club Hunting.

Others stayed home because they had already secured partners for tomorrow’s Welcome Party.

There was little reason to rush toward the academy.

On the other hand...

Some students who still hadn’t found dance partners, headed toward the Academy Center as early as sunrise, hoping to improve their chances before the day ended.

The lively atmosphere surrounding the Welcome Party had already begun spreading throughout the Royal Academy first year quarters.

The excitement was impossible to miss.

Meanwhile, Ezra stepped out of his residence wearing his usual training clothes.

His appearance hadn’t changed much.

A black cardigan rested comfortably over his upper body.

Black trousers allowed easy movement while exercising.

A white scarf wrapped neatly around his neck.

And Black gloves covered both hands.

The cool morning air brushed gently against his face as he closed the front door behind him.

Just then...

Movement caught his attention.

Across the neighboring residence...

Cyrus stood beside his mailbox.

Ezra quietly watched as Cyrus pulled a folded envelope from inside, casually glanced at its contents, then sighed before tossing it straight into the nearby rubbish bin.

Without another look...

Cyrus stretched both arms above his head before stepping onto the road, evidently preparing for his own morning run.

"Morning."

Ezra raised one hand in greeting while maintaining his slow jog.

Cyrus looked up.

A relaxed smile appeared on his face.

"Oh...Morning, Ezra."

He lifted his own hand in return before matching Ezra’s pace.

Soon...

The two boys remained silent as they continued jogging through the quiet streets of the East Wing.

Neither of them felt the need to force a conversation.

The steady rhythm of their footsteps echoed against the stone-paved roads as they passed students who were either finishing their own morning exercises or just beginning them. Some stretched beneath the shade of tall trees, while others practiced breathing techniques before starting their daily runs. A few students could even be seen carrying weighted packs on their backs, making their training far more demanding than an ordinary jog.

Before long, the large fitness center of the East Wing came into view.

The training complex occupied a considerable amount of land and was one of the busiest places in the residential district during the mornings. Several buildings surrounded the main grounds, each designed for a different purpose.

Some contained rows of physical training equipment used to strengthen the body. Others were fitted with endurance facilities, and weight-training rooms built for students who wished to improve their physical foundations. Beyond those stood multiple combat arenas where students sparred under supervision, while a larger open field was reserved for mock battles and practical combat drills.

The sound of fists striking training dummies, and wooden practice weapons colliding, filling the area with life.

This was the place Ezra usually came after completing his morning jog.

Occasionally, Lucy would accompany him as well, using the opportunity to train her own physique under the exercise routines Ezra had taught her.

A few hours passed...

The morning gradually gave way to noon as students slowly began leaving the training grounds.

After finishing their exercises, Ezra and Cyrus made their way back toward their respective residences.

The cool morning breeze had disappeared, replaced by the warmer air carried by the midday sun.

Cyrus lazily rested both hands behind his head as they walked.

"So..."

He glanced sideways at Ezra.

"What’s your plan for today?"

His tone was relaxed.

"Today is still considered a free day."

He shrugged.

"So, most people who already have dance partners...or those who know they don’t stand a chance of getting one...will probably stay home and relax."

A faint grin appeared on his face.

"No point joining the crowd if you’ve already accepted your fate."

Ezra looked at him without much expression.

"I plan on going to the academy center."

He answered calmly, folding his arms across his chest as they continued walking.

Cyrus stopped for half a second.

Then he looked at Ezra as though he had just heard something unbelievable.

"Wait..."

He raised a hand.

"Wait, wait."

His eyes widened with exaggerated disbelief.

"You’re actually one of the people going there to look for a dance partner?"

He slowly placed a hand beneath his chin, wearing the expression of someone who had just lost an ally.

"I didn’t know..."

Cyrus muttered to himself.

Ezra narrowed his eyes.

"I’m going to the library."

His flat reply instantly shattered Cyrus’ imagination.

"...Oh."

Cyrus blinked twice.

"So that’s what you meant."

A helpless laugh escaped him.

"I honestly thought you were leaving the rest of us."

He scratched the back of his head before smiling again.

"You seriously don’t intend to dance with anyone? I’m pretty sure a lot of girls would be happy to dance with someone as popular as you."

There was an obvious teasing in his voice.

"Even if that’s true..."

Ezra answered without the slightest change in expression.

"I already told Vera. I can’t dance."

"Yeah..."

Cyrus nodded once.

"You did."

His smile slowly faded as the memory surfaced.

He remembered Ezra saying those exact words during Club Hunting.

At the time...

Cyrus had simply assumed Ezra was making an excuse.

So, he wasn’t joking...

His eyes unconsciously drifted toward Ezra.

A noble who can’t dance...

That’s honestly something I’ve never heard of.

The thought quietly lingered in his mind.

After all...

Dancing wasn’t merely entertainment among the noble class.

It was considered basic etiquette.

Every Noble received dance lessons from a young age.

The same was true for Non-Nobles who moved within noble society through business, commerce, or high-ranking professions. Many also learned musical instruments, table etiquette, ballroom manners, and various social skills expected during formal gatherings.

They weren’t optional.

They were part of growing up.

Ezra naturally understood what Cyrus was thinking simply by looking at his face.

It was an understandable reaction.

After all...

Ezra himself had once been expected to learn those same skills while living in the Sterling Manor.

Unfortunately...

His health never allowed it.

Because of his chronic illness and Helena’s almost excessive protectiveness, he had been kept away from anything that demanded prolonged physical exertion.

Hours of ballroom practice...

Endless etiquette lessons that required constant movement...

Anything capable of exhausting his body or worsening his intolerance to the cold was immediately rejected by Helena.

Zavier, on the other hand, had wanted the opposite.

He had insisted Ezra should learn regardless of his condition.

In the end...

Neither side truly won.

Ezra simply stopped attending most of those lessons altogether.

As time passed...

He never thought about learning them again.

"I’ll be going."

Ezra turned toward the entrance of his residence.

Before opening the door, he casually raised one hand in farewell.

"Alright."

Cyrus waved back with an easy smile.

"I’m heading to the library later as well."

He pointed toward the academy district.

"So, we’ll probably run into each other again."

With that, he turned and walked toward his own house.

Ezra quietly entered his residence.

The familiar scent of breakfast greeted him almost immediately.

Lucy had already arranged everything neatly on the dining table.

Freshly prepared food released thin streams of steam, filling the dining room with a warm aroma.

Meanwhile...

Lucy herself stood a short distance away in the living room.

She was carefully practicing the yoga routine Ezra had taught her.

Her movements were much steadier than the first time she started practicing it.

The moment she noticed Ezra entering, she immediately stopped.

Straightening her posture, she gave a respectful bow.

"Good morning, Master."

A bright smile naturally appeared on her face.

"Good morning, Lucy."

Ezra replied with his usual calm voice.

Rather than sitting down immediately, he first returned to his room to freshen up after training.

Only after changing into clean clothes did he return to the dining room.

The meal passed peacefully.

Lucy quietly watched as Ezra finished breakfast before excusing herself to freshen up as well.

By the time she returned...

Ezra had already stacked the empty plates together, taking them to the kitchen.

The two worked side by side without needing many words while taking care of the plates.

Lucy washed the dishes while Ezra dried them and returned them to their proper places.

The cooperation flowed naturally, even though Lucy didn’t like having her master help out in the kitchen.

Once everything was finished...

The pair left the residence together.

Outside the East Wing, they boarded a Noble Steam Carriage headed toward the Academy Center.

The closer they drew to the heart of the Royal Academy...

The livelier the surroundings became.

Students filled nearly every street.

Groups of boys gathered together, encouraging one another before approaching girls they hoped would accept an invitation to tomorrow’s Welcome Party.

Others had already found partners and walked through the academy chatting happily together.

Several girls showed no intention of waiting.

They confidently approached the boys they had their eyes on, making invitations of their own.

Occasionally...

Someone celebrated after receiving an acceptance.

Elsewhere...

Someone else walked away after being politely rejected.

The entire academy buzzed with youthful excitement.

Of course...

Not everyone was participating.

There were still plenty of students wandering around without any intention of finding partners.

Some lacked the confidence to ask.

Others simply weren’t interested.

And Ezra belonged to the latter.

His destination had always been the library.

As the Noble Steam Carriage passed the large academy park...

A wave of excited shouting suddenly echoed across the area.

"Sir Ravenor!"

"Kyaaa! Please dance with me!"

"Sir Ravenor, please accept my invitation!"

"My mother and your mother are very close! I’m sure she already asked you to look after me!"

"Sir Ravenor!"

Dozens of girls surrounded a certain young noble, their voices overlapping as each tried to gain his attention before the others could.

Some continued calling his name repeatedly.

Others introduced themselves, hoping he would remember their family names.

A few even stepped closer, trying to convince him why they should be chosen over everyone else.

The lively voices mixed together until they became one endless wave of noise, drawing more and more students to stop and watch the spectacle unfolding inside the park.

Standing at the center of it all...

Ravenor simply looked at the girls with an annoyed expression.

His brows twitched slightly as another voice entered his ears before the previous one had even finished speaking.

This is getting annoying.

He thought to himself.

Just then...

"Girls... Girls..."

A bright, cheerful voice came from behind the crowd.

"It’s Lady Sasha!"

Several of the girls immediately turned around.

The tightly packed crowd naturally parted to make way for her as Sasha slowly walked toward the center with her usual innocent smile decorating her face.

"I know all of you want to dance with my dear brother."

She spoke gently, her tone carrying a friendly warmth that immediately drew everyone’s attention.

The girls willingly stepped aside, allowing her to pass through until she finally arrived beside Ravenor.

Without the slightest hesitation, Sasha casually placed one hand on his shoulder.

Ravenor slowly turned his head toward her.

His eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"What the hell are you doing?"

He asked quietly, making sure only she could hear him.

"Sheesh."

Sasha replied, still wearing the same innocent smile as though she hadn’t noticed the suspicion in his voice.

She then looked back toward the crowd.

"Unfortunately..."

Her cheerful smile gradually turned into a slightly apologetic one.

"My brother has already been booked."

The moment those words left her mouth...

The excitement surrounding the girls immediately disappeared.

Several lowered their heads in disappointment.

Others stared blankly at Ravenor, clearly unwilling to believe what they had just heard.

The atmosphere instantly became much quieter than before.

"...I’m already booked?"

Ravenor blinked.

His serious face was now mixed with genuine confusion as he looked at Sasha.

"Quiet."

Sasha whispered softly, making sure only Ravenor could hear her.

Before he could say another word, she immediately raised her voice again.

"My dear brother’s followers!"

The disappointed girls looked back toward her almost immediately.

Hope quietly returned to several of their faces as they waited for what she was about to say next.

Sasha raised one hand while smiling brightly.

"Whether my brother has a partner or not doesn’t mean none of you can get the chance to dance with him."

She slowly gestured toward the crowd standing before her.

"I mean... This is only a Welcome Party. It isn’t a party where you’re limited to dancing with only one partner. A boy or a girl can have more than one dance partner."

Several girls looked at one another.

After thinking about it for a moment...

Many of them slowly nodded.

What Lady Sasha said wasn’t wrong.

There had never been a rule stating that students were only allowed to dance with one person during the Welcome Party.

Beside her...

Ravenor quietly narrowed his eyes.

He had a feeling his sister was about to say something strange.

It was the same expression she often wore back home whenever she came up with one of her unusual ideas.

Sure enough...

Sasha confidently continued.

"I believe guys who only have one dance partner are just lame asses."

She nodded firmly as though she had just stated an undeniable fact.

"It’s because they can’t get the girls."

Her gaze swept across the female students standing before her.

"The same goes for you ladies."

She nodded once again, looking completely convinced by her own reasoning.

Silence briefly fell over the surrounding area.

Not far away...

A random boy had just been celebrating after the girl he invited happily accepted his request to become his dance partner.

Only moments ago, he had been smiling proudly.

However...

The instant he heard Sasha’s loud and confident speech...

His smile slowly stiffened.

He subconsciously glanced toward several other boys nearby who were already talking with multiple girls.

The happiness he had been feeling only moments earlier suddenly diminished.

For some reason...

Having only one dance partner somehow didn’t feel as impressive anymore.