Episode 3 — The Girl Who Refused to Stay Weak
Uzumi Izue couldn't understand most of what was being taught in class.
The screens, the formulas, the floating holograms — this world's technology was far beyond Earth.
She clenched her fists.
If I don't catch up… I'll be useless here.
As the final bell rang, she quickly stood up, ready to leave.
But—
"Wait."
Arae Mizumi grabbed her wrist.
Uzumi turned. "What?"
"I'm coming with you."
"To where?"
"The library."
Uzumi blinked. "You? Since when do you go to the library?"
Arae smiled slightly. "I've never gone. That's exactly why I want to."
Uzumi hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
---
The Academy Library was enormous.
Floating shelves stretched endlessly, filled with ancient magic books and advanced technological manuals. Blue and violet lights hovered in the air, illuminating words written in glowing runes and digital code.
Uzumi sat down immediately.
Her watch activated, projecting holographic screens in front of her — diagrams, formulas, machines, and energy systems.
She studied magic technology.
Power cores.
Dimensional signals.
Weapon systems.
Neural networks.
Her eyes burned with determination.
"I'll start from the basics," she whispered. "I won't stay ignorant in this world."
Arae watched silently.
This girl… isn't normal.
Days turned into weeks.
Uzumi attended every class with full focus.
After school, she went straight to the library.
At night, she studied again in her room.
Her life became one long battle against her own limits.
---
One evening in the library, a boy approached her.
"Um… excuse me," he said nervously. "Do you know where I can find Dimensional Signal Theory?"
Uzumi didn't even look up.
"Aisle four. Third shelf."
The boy froze.
"Oh— thank you!"
He left quickly.
Arae stared at Uzumi.
People were starting to notice.
---
That night, Arae visited Uzumi's room.
Mechanical parts lay everywhere — half-built devices, strange metal pieces, glowing circuits.
"What is all this?" Arae asked.
Uzumi picked up a small broken machine.
"I don't remember making them… but my hands do."
Arae felt something cold crawl up her spine.
This soul… it's awakening Uzumi's true potential.
---
The next morning, the school felt different.
Students whispered.
Eyes followed them.
Uzumi leaned toward Arae. "Why is everyone staring?"
Arae's expression darkened.
"Our President has returned."
"President?"
"The strongest student in this world. He vanished months ago. Everyone thought he was dead."
Arae looked ahead.
"But now he's back."
Uzumi felt her heart tighten.
Something big was coming.
And somehow…
It was coming for her.