The Art of Gold Digging

Ch.22- Progress.

[C'mon, Amy, wake up. We have much to do today.]

Amy groaned, pulling the blankets over her head to block out the unwelcome sunlight. When would she learn to close the curtains before going to bed...?

[Wake uppppp!!!

"Please, please for the love of god, shut up..." she begged, her grip on the covers tightening.

[You have already slept for more than nine hours. Isn't that just abnormal? At this rate, you'll miss breakfast entirely– wake up!!!!]

With a click of her tongue, she reluctantly lowered the blankets, glaring at the floating book. "Alright, alright. I'm up now. Happy?"

[Ecstatic.]

She clicked her tongue once more before dragging herself upright, her hair sticking out in every direction. After stretching, she shuffled to the bathroom, yawning widely as the floating book trailed behind her.

[You have exactly forty-five minutes before the morning bell. I suggest you hurry.]

"Ughhhh... I don't wanna work..." she grumbled, splashing cold water on her face.

[Didn't you say yesterday—]

"Libris," she shook her head while staring directly at the book. "Yesterday is yesterday, and today is today. Just like my past is my past, and my future is my future."

[Huh...?]

Amy sighed and shook her head, turning away and reaching toward her toothbrush. "What I mean is: now that I have to actually deal with the promises of the past, I'm starting to regret having ever opened my big ass mouth... There is so much to do not only today but this week, too... I'm already tired..."

Indeed, so much to do. Her status, talking about Zayd with Crow, classes, training her powers, and planning her next ability with Libris... When would she get a break?

"Lez'tz starzz wizz tze—"

[How many times do I have to remind you to stop speaking with your mouth full of toothpaste?]

She huffed before spitting out the product and then rinsing her mouth. "Let's start with the status," she repeated, "Though I doubt it has changed much since last time."

[Your optimism is truly inspiring. But yeah, you're right, it hasn't changed much. And even if it did, it wouldn't make that much of a difference while your mastery is so low.]

"And I'm the optimistic one..." she muttered while combing her hair.

***

Back in her room, Amy sat cross-legged on her bed. "Alright, let's see it."

[Very well.]

Libris floated before her, pages glowing softly as the status materialized in its pages:

Name: Amy Stake
Special ability: Fate's road.

STR: F / END: E / DEX: E / AGI: F / MAG: C (F)

READER SENTIMENT:
Fanatic: 0.01% ↑ (Increase of 0.01% since last checked)
Devoted: 1.3% ↑ (Increase of 0.3% since last checked)
Like: 23.8% ↑ (Increase of 3.1% since last checked)
Neutral/Undecided: 72.61% ↓ (Decrease of 4.88% since last checked)
Dislike: 0.7% ↓ (Decrease of 0.1% since last checked)
Hate: 0.01% (No change since last checked)
Amy-Level: 0.0%

Overall: Your ability power has increased from level 12 to 13.

Ability's Mastery: 4

Amy leaned forward, squinting at the last entry on the sentiment scale. "Um, what the hell is that?"

[What?]

She jabbed her finger at the page. "That! 'Amy' at the bottom? Why is my name listed as a sentiment category?"

[Oh, that. I added it.]

"Yeah, I can see that. But why?"

[Well, there are three tiers of positive sentiment—Fanatic, Devoted, and Like—but only two negative ones—Dislike and Hate. For symmetrical data visualization, a third negative tier was required.]

She stared at the book, her mouth dropping open slightly. "And you named it after me?"

[It seemed appropriate.]

"Appropriate?" she sputtered. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

[Amy, do you really need me to explain the joke?]

A silence ensued as she glared at Libris in silence. "...Forget it," she eventually said with a sigh. "Let's just get some breakfast before I'm late for class."

After hurrying through a quick meal, Amy went to change into her uniform. She stared at the Academy's signature ensemble laid out on her bed.

So many buttons…

She groaned, then glanced at the clock; time was running short. If she wanted to make it to class without rushing, she’d need to hurry..

"Hey, Libris? Can you put on my uniform for me?" Amy asked, putting on her best pleading expression.

Libris sighed. [And why should I?]

"Because we're friends, remember? That's what friends are for, right?"

The book remained silent for a short second before it flew toward Amy's satchel and entered inside.

[...friends. Yes, I suppose we are,] it finally said.

After those words, a soft golden light emanated from the book's pages, enveloping Amy. The familiar sensation of magic washed over her skin, and when the glow faded, she found herself perfectly dressed in her Academy uniform.

"Thanks, Libris," she said with a smile.

[Yeah, yeah~ Now hurry up before you're late.]

Before heading out, Amy caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and paused. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, studying her reflection—the perfect symmetry of her features, the flawless complexion, the unnaturally beautiful golden eyes.

Damn, I’m beautiful!

"You know," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "when I first arrived in this world, I actually hated looking like this. It felt so... artificial."

[Oh, please. You used to gush about your appearance every time you appeared in the manga. 'Oh, look at my perfect skin! My gorgeous eyes! My flawless hair!']

Amy exhaled through her nose. "That was different. I mean, I didn't hate exactly how I looked—I hated how I was perceived... It felt like cheating– like I was getting advantages I didn't earn." She leaned closer to the mirror, examining the subtle golden glow that seemed to emanate from her eyes; another side effect of her abilities. "But now... I guess I've gotten used to it. Maybe even started to enjoy the upgrade. Even if deep down I know this isn't really... me."

[So what you are saying is that you disliked people liking you? That's hilariously ironic considering your entire ability scales with approval.]

Amy crossed her arms defensively. "That's not what I meant, and you know it."

[Mmm-hmm. You know, Amy. I feel like I'm getting better at human emotions thanks to you. You are such a complex entity. I appreciate your guidance.]

"Guidance? Is that what you call our constant bickering?"

[Yes. Your emotional responses provide valuable data points for my understanding of people's behavior, however irrational they may be.]

"Wow, you make it sound so clinical."

[I just say it the way it is.]

Amy turned from the mirror toward her satchel with a frown. "You know, for something that's lived for... however many centuries you've been around, I'm surprised you don't know more about people."

[Perhaps that's because most people are far less aggravating than you.]

She rolled her eyes. "Please, I'm asking a serious question. Would you answer?"

The book stayed silent for a few seconds then sighed. [As I told you yesterday, most of my existence was spent in something no different from sleep. My awareness—what you might call sentience—only truly began approximately three years ago.]

Amy froze. "Wait, what? Only three years? You don't sound like a three-year-old."

[I have access to extensive knowledge. Though, that is not the same as experience or emotional comprehension.]

"So you're basically a toddler?" Her eyes widened as realization dawned.

[I knew you would react this way... I'm warning you, I don't enjoy you calling me either grandma or toddler, so don't start. And please for the love of the goddess, be logical. Attempting to assign a human age equivalent to my consciousness is fundamentally stupid. In terms of emotional development, I am both older and younger than you simultaneously.]

"I'm not stupid—"

[Either way, while this conversation is heading toward a rather fascinating existential topic, perhaps we could contemplate it when you're NOT ABOUT TO BE LATE FOR CLASS?]

"Huh..?" Amy's eyes darted to the clock, and she grimaced. "Oh crap!"

-————-　■　-————-

"This is entirely your fault!" Amy hissed, skidding to a halt outside the door.

[My fault? How?]

"If you hadn't distracted me with all that existential talk, I would have left on time," she whispered furiously, straightening her uniform before reaching for the door handle.

[Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't you the one who asked about my understanding of people? A question that, by its very nature, invited existential discussion?]

"Semantics," she muttered. "The point is, you know I'm easily distracted, and you took advantage of that. Totally on you."

[Alright, so let me get this straight. First, I managed to wake you up with ample time despite your resistance. Second, I dressed you in your uniform using my power when you asked me to– a favor that saved you time. Third, you initiated the topic of conversation and prolonged it even further by asking questions on top of more questions. And fourth, at no point did I prevent you from checking the time or departing for class; in fact, I'm the one who reminded you that the time was ticking. The logical conclusion is that not only am I not at fault for your lateness, but without my intervention, you would still be asleep in your bed, completely missing your class rather than merely being late for it. Say, Amy, have you no shame?]

Amy's mouth opened and closed several times, her finger raised in protest. "That's... you're... I..."

[Furthermore, you're currently wasting additional time standing outside the classroom door arguing about whose fault it is, rather than simply entering and minimizing your tardiness. So let me ask you this: How is this my fault? Because honestly, everything points toward—]

"Oh my god, stop talking," she whispered, her hand tightening around the doorknob, and a small flush appearing in her cheeks. "We'll continue this... never. We'll continue this never, because you're wrong and I'm right and that's the end of it."

The book sighed. [Just enter, please.

"I was going to do that!" she hissed.

With a frown, Amy returned her attention to the classroom, then took a deep breath, smoothed both her expression and uniform, and stepped inside with as much dignity as she could muster.

Professor Lirienne was already addressing the class. She paused mid-sentence as Amy slipped into the room, raising a delicate eyebrow. To her relief, Lirienne didn't look angry at all.

"Welcome, Miss Stake," she said with a kind smile before gesturing to an empty chair. "You've arrived at an opportune moment. I was just about to make an announcement that I believe will interest you all greatly."

Amy bowed slightly before moving to her seat, aware of the eyes following her.

Stella and Alba caught her gaze from across the room and gave her a small wave that Amy returned with her own.

Professor Lirienne moved to the center of the room, and with a clap of her hands, returned the attention to herself. "As I was saying. First-years, today marks a significant milestone in your education at the Academy. Until now, we've focused primarily on theory, understanding the fundamental principles that govern magical energy and the nature of your abilities specifically. But beginning today, you will start practical applications of basic external energy manipulation. In simple terms," she smiled slightly, "you'll finally begin learning how to use magic."

An excited murmur swept through the classroom. Even Amy found herself sitting up straighter, paying close attention.

"While many of you possess special abilities.” Lirienne explained, “These represent only one facet of your magical potential. Every person has an affinity for specific elemental or conceptual domains that extend beyond their unique talents. And today, we will determine your primary magical affinity through meditation. This knowledge will guide your subsequent training, allowing you to develop complementary skills that enhance your natural abilities."

Lirienne instructed the first-year students to arrange themselves in a circle around the chamber’s center while the second-year students worked on their own things.

"You will need nothing but yourselves for this exercise," the professor explained, moving to the center of the circle. "Close your eyes, quiet your minds, and focus on your breathing."

Amy settled onto the floor alongside her classmates, crossing her legs, closing her eyes, and trying to get comfortable.

[Try not to get distracted this time; this is something that could be genuinely useful.]

"I'm trying," Amy muttered, earning a strange look from Alba, who was seated next to her.

Professor Lirienne's voice guided them through the meditation, instructing them to visualize their magical core as a sphere of light within their center and fill it with the energy around them. Amy focused, trying to block out distractions and reach for that energy she had always felt around her since arriving in this world. It wasn't that difficult to achieve.

"Now," Lirienne's voice seemed to come from very far away, "envision the paths extending from your core. Allow your awareness to follow each one. One path will feel more natural, more resonant. That is your primary affinity."

Amy's consciousness drifted along invisible tunnels, testing each direction. Some felt resistant, others simply neutral. But when she turned her attention toward one particular channel, the response was immediate—a warm, welcoming sensation that seemed to draw her forward.

"That's it," Lirienne murmured, turning toward Amy, somehow knowing exactly when students found their resonance. "Hold that awareness. Feel the nature of that connection."

The path Amy had found shimmered with a golden light. "Spirit," she whispered, understanding instinctively.

"Correct, Miss Stake," Lirienne said, her voice closer now.

Amy opened her eyes to find the professor standing before her, a satisfied smile on her face.

"Not unexpected, knowing your capabilities,” the professor continued. “Spirit magic, while less flashy than elemental affinities, is remarkably versatile. It primarily excels at enhancement, diminishment, and containment—what mages commonly refer to as buffing, debuffing, and shielding. Combined with your unique abilities, Miss Stake, this affinity could prove quite formidable."

Magic… Could this be the start of Amy the Archmage?

Amy glanced down at her hands, trying to imagine the possibilities.

"Now," Professor Lirienne continued, moving to another student, "let's see what the rest of you have discovered..."

Around her, other students were having similar moments of discovery. Alba, next to her, appeared to have a strong affinity for light magic, while Stella was excitedly discussing what appeared to be an unusual dual affinity with another student.

Meanwhile, in addition to one other boy, Tallen hadn’t even participated in the exercise. Instead, they just sat while talking amongst themselves.

"In addition to your special ability training, you will now begin developing general spellcasting skills aligned with your natural affinities," Lirienne explained as she waved her hand, and small crystals of various colors materialized, floating toward each student. "These focus stones will help you begin channeling your affinity. Practice with them daily and learn to direct your energy through them to produce simple magical effects."

The crystal that drifted toward Amy was clear with a faint sheen. She caught it in her palm, feeling a slight tingle as it made contact with her skin.

"First-years will now have an additional period each day dedicated to elemental or conceptual magic training," Lirienne continued. "Second years, you will instead be focusing on combat class during that time."

The rest of the class passed by doing similar exercises, with Professor Lirienne explaining the principles behind what they were experiencing. By the end, Amy's crystal glowed with a steady, if somewhat modest, light—a little above average among her classmates.

As the class dispersed, Amy tucked the focus stone into her pocket.

[This could prove quite valuable,] Libris commented as she gathered her things. [Particularly given your extreme physical limitations.]

"You mean the fact that I have the combat prowess of a particularly uncoordinated kitten?" Amy muttered.

[Your words, not mine. Though I wouldn't insult kittens by comparison.]

"...I'm going to let that one slide because cats are my favorite animal."

As they filed out after class, Amy spotted Crow walking in the corridor. His black eyes locked with hers, and he gave her a small nod.

I suppose it's time.

She approached him, adjusting her satchel where Libris rested. "Hey."

"Hey," he replied, his expression carefully neutral.

A small, awkward silence ensued as they stared at each other without saying anything. For a second, Amy considered starting a casual conversation, but she quickly dismissed the idea. It was better to just get this done as fast as possible, she thought.

She glanced around to ensure no one was within earshot before speaking, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

Crow's eyebrow rose. "About what?" he asked.

"Zayd Gaspard."

Crow's posture shifted subtly, his attention sharpening. "What about him?"

"He knows about our plan," Amy said, no point in dancing around the subject. "He sent me a note after I had tea with him yesterday."

She reached into her satchel and withdrew the folded paper, handing it to Crow. He unfolded it, his expression darkening as he read the brief message.

"How?" Crow asked, his voice low and tense.

Amy hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. "I can't be certain, but I suspect he has some way of... observing conversations without being physically present."

Crow's eyes narrowed with suspicion clearly aimed at Amy, but he quickly shook his head, as if brushing the thought away. "That's concerning. But not entirely surprising. The Gaspards have always had abilities that extend beyond conventional divination." He folded the note and put it in his pocket. "I'll discuss this with the others. If Zayd truly wants to help, we'll need to proceed with extreme caution."

Amy nodded.

"Thank you for telling me," Crow said, his black eyes studying her face as if searching for something. "...And” he added after a pause, "be careful around the Gaspards. They have too much power here in the Academy."

Thanks for the advice, Crow, but it's already too late.

"I will," she promised. "And speaking of being careful, how are the preparations going? Do we have an exact date?"

"It's going well. I've been studying the security patterns thoroughly, and I believe that we should go on Saturday night. We'll meet at eight pm in my room to review the final plan. So we’ll do it in four days ."

Amy nodded. Crow nodded back, and without further words, they both went their separate ways.

[Now, regarding your schedule for the rest of the day—]

"Please don't remind me," Amy groaned, running a hand through her hair. "After all this is over, I'm sleeping for a week straight. No arguments."

[We'll see about that. The path of fate rarely allows for extended naps.]

"Watch me prove you wrong."