Chapter 6: Unexpected Generosity

Chapter 6: Unexpected Generosity

Alister stood before the massive wooden doors of the headmaster's office, his things already packed into a small stuffed bag he had on his back. He didn't have much to begin with, and it didn't look like he would be leaving with much either.

'I wonder what he wants to talk to me about.' Alister thought as he proceeded to knock on the door.

"Come in." The headmaster's response came, calling Alister in.

"Pardon me." Alister said as he proceeded to open the door and stepped into the office. His eyes were greeted by a scene that he was all too familiar with.

Alister took a small look around, noticing some changes in the office. The usually cluttered desk was now carefully organized, and the shelves that usually held a collection of scrolls and trinkets now had on them a few well-chosen artifacts. The air seemed quieter, more calmer than he remembered.

His eyes drifted back to Magister Vance, who stood near the window, gazing out with a thoughtful expression. Alister cleared his throat. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Magister turned slowly, letting out a deep sigh. "First, I owe you an apology, Alister," he began, his voice filled with regret. "My granddaughter, Yanzi... her attitude towards you was uncalled for."

Alister's frowned slightly as he mutterd. "Yanzi..." Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

"Yes," Magister continued, moving away from the window and seating himself behind the large oak desk. "She takes after her father, in more ways than I intended. You see, when I was younger, I taught her father that only results matter. Talent ranks, achievements, status—they were all that counted." He shook his head, a shadow of guilt crossing his face. "Her father was born with a D-rank talent. Despite his best efforts, he always felt inadequate because of that. It seems he passed that belief onto Yanzi."

Magister studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly, a look of understanding in his eyes. "Very well, Alister. I respect your choice. Just remember, the path you walk may be harder, but it is yours to choose."

Alister nodded in return. "Thank you, sir."

Just as Alister was about to leave, Magister called out to him. "Wait, Alister," he said, rising from his seat and walking toward him. Placing a hand on Alister's shoulder, he continued, "Hold out your palm."

Puzzled, Alister did as he was told. Magister placed a Union credit card in his hand. "The pin is the numbers that correspond with the letters of your name," he explained. "Although this isn't as much as what Anya offered, this card holds 40,000 Union credits. You should be able to get some basic equipment and support yourself for a while."

Alister's eyes widened in surprise. "I can't accept this sir," he said, shaking his head.

Magister tapped his shoulder gently. "Don't be so stubborn, Alister. Just say thank you. We both know you barely have any Union credits because you spend most of it on your sister. Take care of yourself once in a while."

Alister's stern expression softened into a grateful smile. "Thank you, sir," he said earnestly. "I'll make good use of it."

"Good." Magister simply replied with a smile.

With a nod, Alister turned to leave. As he closed the door behind him, Magister stroked his beard thoughtfully, murmuring to himself, "I hope that boy finds happiness for both himself and his sister. It's sad, but this is all an old man like me can do."