The Unholy Pact - Gundham x Fem Reader

Chapter 4 - The Class Album

"It is imperative that you make the transmutation circle bigger! Like so! Consider the flow of its earthly energy as it flows through the circle in an eternal race to absolute power! Forget not the shapes that harness this world's elements. Nor should you forget the planes of this dimension's existence: life, matter, mind, energy—Stop! The seashells must be symmetrical! There must be balance in all things!"

After agreeing to be Gundham's "apprentice," you quickly realized that he was being completely serious in teaching you how to become a magic-user like himself. After gathering with everyone in the hotel restaurant after Usami's morning announcements, he would have an entire lesson plan set up for you. A whole day planned dedicated to elemental magic, transmutation, beast taming, alchemy, spells... Anything he could think of to get you to his astral level. He was dedicated and rigorous in his training to the point that you could hear him reprimanding you in your sleep.

At first, you eagerly went along with it because you wanted to collect Hope Fragments with him and potentially finish your first Hope Blossom. However, as training sessions went on, you realized you weren't actually becoming closer to him. He still refused to reveal anything personal about himself with you. He was always so busy instructing that you rarely got a chance to talk to him about anything substantial. It was not only unproductive, but it was also starting to get really really...

Annoying.

This morning, you miraculously convinced him to spice up transmutation training by building a sand castle in the center of a transmutation circle. Aside from him constantly barking reminders and recommendations, you were actually starting to have some fun. If only he could get away from his obsession with immersing you in his extensive training program...

"Gundham, did you bring the flag?" you asked as you finished the towers on top of the castle and solidified the columns. You were really proud of your castle, and by jove, you were going to top it off with a royal flag!

With a flourish, Gundham produced a tiny flag attached to a pick from his pocket. The flag was completely red and was fluttering in the breeze. "I collected this from the kitchen before we embarked on our morning quest to glory!"

"Ohhh, one of those little flag things restaurants put in burgers and sandwiches to keep them from falling over! Good thinking!" you praised.

Gundham held the little flag over to you. "Would you like to do the honors?"

Without a second thought, you grabbed the flag and tried to get the perfect angle to pop it on top. After a bit of workshopping with Gundham, you finally found the perfect spot and lightly flicked it on. The flag stayed upright and was perfectly centered! Taking a few steps back, you and Gundham surveyed your architectural masterpiece.

"Oh my gosh, it's... It's gotta be the cutest little castle I've ever built!" you squealed in delight. "It's got a moat, towers, a door, a drawbridge, windows, a courtyard... If I were a crab, I would totally live there!"

Gundham, with an expression of triumph, watched your excitement and nodded his head. "It was mostly your doing. You have... impressed your mentor. Even the Dark Devas of Destruction seem pleased with your craftsmanship."

On cue, their four little faces popped up out of his scarf and began squeaking in agreement.

In the midst of your excitement, hamster squeaks, and Gundham's pride, a strange, mechanical noise suddenly drew your attention away from the castle.

Click!

Looking over toward the sound, you saw your friend Mahiru with her camera pointed in your direction. She seemed really pleased with herself and the photo she apparently just took. Tromping over to you and Gundham through the sand, she gave both of you a friendly wave.