CH 24

“Training 2”

Once I met Searat, I tried to forget everything that happened before that.

I was only able to meet them by cutting off my past. There is no need to taint my dormant skills.

Who cares about my classmates. Who cares about the old world.

Of course, it’s not like none of them had regrets when casting me aside, but that’s not an excuse to throw me out into the wolves.

I met Meirir, Dike, Roar, which led me to meet Rudra, Feria, and Ever.

I’m certain my circle of friends will only continue to expand.

I have to leave the past behind.

– I…

But I couldn’t deny what Rudra said.

Show them… what I’m capable of…

The ones who have pushed me to the edges, both physically and mentally.

I could get back at them.

Long ago these thoughts would have never even occurred to me. I would always have been outnumbered.

But now…

I looked again at the roots of my tree paper.

– …I can do it.

I would never win in a fight. I don’t have the talent to punch or use magic.

But now it’s different.

I could probably do unimaginable things once I reach Level IX.

It will take effort. It will take time. I won’t become an expert from one day to another.

But I have a chance.

“How should I learn?”, “What should I study?”

That’s what this tree paper would tell me.

– I’m not saying you should get revenge on them. All I’m saying is, you could show up as a Level IX mage and humiliate them.

– Humiliate? That’s not what I had in mind when you said “Show them what I’m capable of”.

– From what I heard, those guys are idiots. They might not even notice you, but at least you’ll get some closure out of it.

Rudra knocked my chest with his fingers.

– Takaya, go with the Great Sage. Don’t worry about us. Come back once you’ve grown stronger. Make me feel like I made the right decision.

– Uh, I still haven’t decided if I’m going with Ever.

– No, you did. Your eyes are saying it. They remind me of my young self.

Rudra was able to feel my determination.

– Hey, don’t be rude. Takaya’s eyes are way more beautiful than yours. (Ever)

– I agree. When I met you, your eyes were already as empty as a dried water channel. (Feria)

– Feria, when I first met you, my mind was illuminated. You opened the unknown doors of legal lolis. (Rudra)

– Ugh, disgusting pig.

I wonder how they met for him to have ended up like this.

But they still talk like normal. Their relationship is not necessarily bad. Maybe they’re lovers?

– Meirir-san.

– Yes?

I turned to ask something to Meirir, who immediately responded with a smile.

She probably knows what I’m about to say.

And she’s ready to accept such a selfish request.

She’s truly amazing.

– I am deeply grateful that you found me. I would like to return the favor by working with you. Would you please wait for me?

– Of course. Go to that woman’s place. I’m obviously worried, but if that’s what you want, then I won’t stop you.

Meirir held my wrist.

There were some scars left.

In order to erase those scars, I have to become stronger.

– Hey, why don’t you ask me for permission too? (Dike)

– Just so you know, it was me who made the decision of dragging you here. (Roar)

– Sorry guys. I’m leaving for a while.

– Good luck. (Dike and Roar)

They both shrugged. I don’t think they were going to try to stop me.

But I knew they would be happy for me.

I’m also incredibly indebted to them, just like I am to Meirir. I’ll make sure to pay it back.

– Looks like it’s settled then, apprentice.

– Ever-san, I still have a lot to learn, but I hope you can take care of me.

– Of course. But please, call me Grandmaster. Everyone calls me that back at home.

– Yes, Grandmaster.

– Great. From now on you will be under my guidance. I will take you to my headquarters. You will live in the Sage’s Palace.

Ever grabbed my hand and shining particles of light started appearing.

– I’m going to teleport us. Do not let go of my hand. You might end up stranded in a different dimension.

– Wait, I still haven’t finished saying goodbye.

– You can always come back anytime you want. The dimensions are tied together so I have no issue traveling here.

As the particles surrounding Ever and I were getting stronger, I took a last glance at everyone.

Meirir, Dike, Roar, Rudra, Feria… It’s a shame Mitta isn’t here but I’ll write her a letter eventually.

Everyone looked proud of my departure, so I gave them the best smile I could muster.

– Thank you all.