Chapter 5: To The Academy (3)

Chapter 5: To The Academy (3)

Do I get anything?

Huh?

You gave the warrior Ulan an ax made of bloodstone and a book. Then I thought you might have something to give me too.

Only then did Azur realize Noah desired something as well.

If you want something, you can tell me

Yes, I need money for travel. Itll take me at least two months to get to the academy, if not more, and I cant sleep on the floor all the time, can I?

Noah asked for money as if she had been waiting for it.

After all, money was necessary for survival outside the grasslands. Azur handed Noah a pouch filled with twenty silver coins.

Will this be enough?

It would be good for a little outing only, Noah grinned.

It wasnt enough, so she demanded more. After a lengthy argument, Noah robbed Azur of the majority of her fortune. A pouch filled with a hundred or so silver coins.

Noah was finally content with her newfound fortune.

Thank you, Master. When I go to the academy, I will devote myself to my studies to not tarnish Masters reputation!

What a damned disciple. I dont have more silver coins to give you, so get lost! Azur scowled.

Noah dashed out of the cabin, as if fleeing. Before long, Noahs presence had vanished. Left alone, Azur shook her shoulders.

Finally.

Finally, they are both gone!

Her body shuddered violently. Eyes drenched in emotion. As she sang her joyous tune, Azur recalled what had happened.

About ten years ago.

After many years of wandering, Azur returned to her hometown to spend the rest of her life comfortably. She hoped to live out her days in peace, occasionally offering advice to her clan.

Then I picked up Noah.

The reason she picked Noah was straightforward.

It was because Noah and Azur both had black hair. She also required a moderately useful servant, but no student.

So she took Noah in as her apprentice, and for about five years, she pampered her with cleaning, cooking, and laundry.

Until one day, that is.

Returning home drunk, Azur taught Noah basic magic. There was no real reason for it. It was just a drunken whim.

More than anything, she didnt think much of it at the time, that Noah wont be able to learn anyway.

But what the hell?

Noah learned all the basic magic arts overnight. Thats when Azur realized. That Noah had a talent as a shaman.

I should have stopped there.

It would have been fine if she had just taught the basic magic and moved on, but Azur didnt do that at the time.

She wanted to test the limits of her talent, so she taught various knowledge and disciplines including witchcraft.

The result.

Within three years, she was stripped to the bone.

Thats why I gave her an incredibly difficult assignment for her graduation exam.

This test, known as the Shamans Test, was a very demanding test, requiring a shaman to fulfill a single wish and slay all the monsters that roamed the grasslands.

Noah, on the other hand, returned after completing this in less than a half-year. Azurs worries then doubled.

Ulan, who had passed the Trials of a Hero and proved himself to be the strongest warrior in his clan, and stone-headed.

The world beyond the grasslands is much different from here. So always act with caution, and remember that rash killing will come back to haunt you.

He could roughly guess what she meant.

She was trying to prevent Ulan from injuring or harming people recklessly. However, it was a rather useless piece of advice for Ulan at this point.

I know what you mean.

In his last life, Ulan spent more than ten years outside the grasslands.

As such, he knows better than most that hurting or killing people will get you in trouble.

Second, I want you to accompany Noah on the way to the academy. Since you two are fellow alumni, I hope you get along well.

Noah?

Who was that? Ulan tilted his head.

Just then, there was a rustling in the bushes, followed by the sensation of movement. A small girl appeared after a while.

Uh, sorry Im late!

Black hair and blue eyes, and white skin that resembles snow. For some reason, the mysterious girl bowed her head repeatedly.

Im sorry, I realized I had more to prepare than I thought just before I was about to leave.

Alk waved his hand in response to the repeated apologies as if to say, Its fine, dont worry about it. Then he turned to Ulan again and said, This child is Noah. Noah Darshen. Shes a disciple of Azur from 8 years ago, and from what Ive heard, shes quite gifted in magic.

..

Ulan narrowed his eyes. Noah. Noah. Noah.

It was a name he couldnt remember no matter how much he thought of it. He couldnt remember exactly whether Azur had another disciple in the first place.

So he decided to let it go.

If he cant remember, it must mean that shes not a very important person.

Lastly, Noah is very knowledgeable, so you will learn a lot during your trip. So, if you have any questions, ask Noah.

This was good news.

For even if Ulan had wandered far beyond the grasslands in his last life, he still had much to learn.

This is the end of Azurs message. What Im going to tell you next is personal. Something I want to tell you.

I will listen, Ulan politely replied.

First, you are a warrior of the grasslands, wherever you are, Alk said as he walked over to him, patting him on the right shoulder, So do not hesitate to act according to your own will and beliefs.

Identity and pride as a warrior. Dont lose that, no matter where you are.

Second. You are never alone. There is me, there is Azur, there are other warriors and there is the clan. If you ever get into trouble, always call for help. Because the warriors of the grasslands will rush to you, no matter where you are.

It was comforting to know he was not alone. Especially when he was leaving the clan alone. A faint smile bloomed on Ulans lips.

Finally, dont forget that this is your home. You have a place to return to. You can come back whenever you want.

Words that make you feel at ease just hearing them. Each one of them was helpful to Ulan.

Ulan bowed his head in silence. He meant to keep it in mind. Now go, Alk said as he smiled, clasping Ulans hand, If we meet again, Ill work hard to show you that I, too, have changed.

Yes, please be well, After exchanging farewell glances, Ulan turned around.

Noah, who had been waiting, followed quickly. The snow crunched beneath their feet.

The two walked on the snowy field after the blizzard had stopped.

And so Ulan and Noah embarked on their journey. On a long, long journey to Arsene Academy.

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

If you like the story, you can review the novel here on Novel Updates The Academy Barbarian

If you liked the story and want to support and read ahead, you can do so via patron /SacredTextTL