Special Lessons
“Alright everyone, please move to your respective locations.”
Miss Lallanoa said, and the students began moving. But Joan remained seated.
“Joan? Aren’t you going?”
“Hmm? I’m Null.”
““““““““Eh!?””””””””
The remaining students looked at her in shock.
“R-really? Sorry.”
“Eh, huh? I didn’t say so?”
“N-no.”
“Oh, my bad, my bad. Well then, see you later~”
“Y-yeah. See you later.”
Only five Null students remained in the classroom, including Joan. Among them were Souya and Kosshi. Juliette had asked them to wait and left the classroom.
“U-um… about earlier… I’m really sorry. I didn’t know you were a margrave’s daughter…”
Kosshi apologized.
“Eh? Still on that? I’m not bothered at all. Actually, the formal speech is more awkward—so cut it out~”
“Y-yes, I unders… oh, okay.”
“Joan, you’re Null? Mind if I sit next to you?”
“Ahaha, you already are, so sure. Yeah, I’m Null.”
“A noble with Null… uh…”
Kosshi seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
“Wondering if I’m embarrassed? Not at all.”
“Why?”
“Just because you’re Null doesn’t mean you can’t do anything, right? Actually, the Vice-Commander of the Monster Subjugation Unit is Null. You can still succeed without an attribute, can’t you? It’s not like every job requires an attribute either. I don’t feel embarrassed about being a Null noble. I’m just searching for what I can do.”
“Joan, you’re really strong.”
“Really? I’m just a D-ranker.”
“No, I mean… well, physically too, but mentally strong. You’re mature. I never thought of Null like that.”
“Souya, don’t you have any dreams?”
“Hmm… I wanna take over Grandma’s shop. Or become a merchant like my cousin. Ah, but I also wanna be an adventurer.”
“Ahaha, nice. Just do everything you wanna do. You only live once.”
“Joan… that’s less ‘mature’ and more ‘old-timer thinking.’”
““““Ahahaha!””””
The students around them laughed at Souya’s comment.
“Hey, that’s rude, you know?”
“Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m Juliette Longest, your professor. I’m currently researching the potential of Null abilities. You might know each other, but since this is my first time, could you introduce yourselves? Name, hometown, skills, and future dream, please. Let’s start with you in the blue shirt.”
Juliette pointed at Kosshi.
“Ah, yes. I’m Kosshi from the Mujika territory. My skill is only Repair. My dream… is to become a carpenter.”
Next was Souya.
“Uh, I’m Souya from the royal capital. My skills are Body Enhancement, Stealth, and Speed. My dream… well, I want to be a merchant, an adventurer, a bit of everything.”
“Next, you,” Juliette pointed to a student not next to Joan but another boy.
He had messy blue hair and black-rimmed glasses.
“Ah, um, I’m Manuel. My skills are Read and Memory. Uh… I’m from the Baris territory… I-I want to own a bookstore or maybe become a scholar.”
Next was a girl with twin orange braids and freckles.
“Yes. I’m Miura from the Hapine territory. My skills are Clean and Dry. I haven’t decided on my dream yet.”
“Thank you. Lastly, you. I’d like your full introduction.”
Eh? Everything?
She must mean skills too? Is it okay to say them?
Surprised, Joan looked at Juliette, who nodded with a smile.
“Yes. I’m Joan Lampail from the Lampail territory. My skills are Search S, Storage S, Repair, First Aid, Aqua, Dry, Assist, Teleport, and Animal Talk. My dream is to join the Monster Subjugation Unit or become an adventurer.”
““““Eh!?””””
The four students were shocked by the number of skills.
“Ehehe. Of course you’d be surprised by that many skills. Oh, and by the way, she’s my niece.”
““““Ehhh!!””””
After the four calmed down, Juliette continued.
“Let me explain why Null students are getting special lessons.
My research shows that Null may mean average capability across all elements. But not everyone fits this pattern. Some might be able to use two or more elements, while others might not use any. And it’s unpredictable when or how this manifests. It might surface in a moment of need, or it might not. That’s why I need your cooperation.”
““““……””””
Everyone fell silent upon hearing about the possibilities of Null.
“And Joan’s large number of skills might be connected too.”
“What do you mean?”
Miura asked, tilting her head.
“There might be hidden skills in you—ones you didn’t even know existed.”
““““Hidden skills…””””
“Auntie, what exactly do you mean?”
Joan asked, and Juliette stared intently at her.
Ah… was it because I said ‘Auntie’?
I mean, I can’t just casually call her ‘Big sister Julie’ here.
Joan gave a wry smile.
“… Well, whatever. You see, I believe that Null students might compensate for not using magic with superior skills. Joan is an exception, sure, but others might have hidden abilities too. I’d like Joan to use her Search S to check on everyone.”
“““““Eh?”””””
At Juliette’s words, Joan and the four others were left stunned.
What do you think about this chapter?
