Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XVI: The new system

He hums, apparently satisfied with my response. "Correct. Now, what's the difference between a mineraloid and a mineral?"

I pause briefly, more for effect than actual thought. "A mineral has a crystalline structure. A mineraloid doesn't."

He props his elbow on the table, resting his cheek in his palm as he studies me further. "And why don't mineraloids have a crystalline structure?"

I let out a soft sigh before answering, "Mainly due to the rapid cooling of magma or mineralizing fluids."

Aonio-sensei chuckles softly, though it's more a sound of resignation than amusement. "You see, Ayanokouji, that's exactly my point. You know the material inside and out, yet you sit there like you couldn't care less. Why is that?"

I don't respond, letting the silence stretch as his words hang in the air.

...

"I'm not answering that," I say flatly.

Aonio-sensei lets out a snort, leaning back slightly. "I suppose I shouldn't care all that much." He adjusts his posture, sitting straighter than before. "But your classmates might notice that you look more dead than alive in there."

I remain silent, making it abundantly clear that I couldn't care less about my classmates' opinions. Most of them wouldn't notice anyway, and as for the few who might? They could go eat uranium for all I care.

"Hm? No reaction. Why?" he probes further, curiosity flickering in his sharp gaze.

I shrug. "Why should I answer something that has nothing to do with you, sir? I wouldn't ask about how your years in the military were either."

Aonio-sensei raises an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Touché, Ayanokouji. But don't think you're as inscrutable as you like to believe."

"Why do you care, sir?" I ask, keeping my tone even. "If I remember correctly, you're not my homeroom teacher. Why should it matter how I act in lessons? It's not like you'll lose anything."

I can see a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "We'll see soon enough," he replies cryptically. "Now then, we still have a few minutes left. I'm certain you're at least a little curious about my service."

Hm. Not particularly, but I decide to play along. It's rare to hear personal stories from teachers here anyway. "Sure. What unit were you in?"

Aonio-sensei leans back, his gaze steady as he begins. "2nd Division of the Northern Army, 3rd Infantry Regiment. I enlisted in June 1968, on my eighteenth birthday. Spent most of my career stationed at Camp Nayoro until I was deployed to Iraq in 2004. Got sent back home in 2006. Not much direct combat—most Japanese forces there were focused on logistics. Still, I was involved in seven confrontations, wounded four Jama'at members, and killed one during my time there."

He pauses, his expression unchanged as he adds, "I was pulled back from deployment due to nearing retirement age. Retired as a Sergeant First Class."

I nod, processing his words. It's a rare insight into someone who's clearly seen much but shares little. "Not exactly a peaceful career path," I remark.

He shrugs, a faint smirk on his face. "Not every path leads to peace, Ayanokouji. Some are just necessary."

I give a slight nod, understanding that paths some might find ugly or brutal are often seen differently by those who walk them. It's not a concept foreign to me, though it doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of my life. Enlisting in the military? Not a chance.

I'm fairly certain my father has contacts in the armed forces, which means I'd be found sooner or later. Escaping into something like the French Foreign Legion might seem appealing to some, but the thought of settling in France? Definitely not my style.