After the dramatic announcement of the scholar, Krisha, Roderick, Yozuke, Lima, and I packed our belongings, feeling a heavy mix of joy and deep nostalgia. We were preparing to return to our respective families, each of us carrying our own intense memories and experiences. Although the others hadn't won the scholar title, they had gained highly valuable lessons and formed lasting bonds during the trial. For me, receiving the restricted books on the Affinity Elements and the Teleportation Magic Circle was an absolute highlight. As I carefully packed these heavy treasures into my Item Space, I couldn't help but think about Krisha.
"What will Krisha do now?" I wondered, a deep sense of uncertainty creeping into my chest. The idea of never seeing her again troubled me greatly, but we had made a firm promise to wait for each other. I desperately hoped she wouldn't forget me when she returned to Soradia. "I hope she won't forget about me," I whispered to the empty room, letting out a soft, heavy sigh.
With my belongings fully secured in my dimensional void, I made my way down the halls to say my final goodbyes to Professors Garlock and Marlowe. The evening sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over the ruined but rebuilding academy grounds. The once-bustling stone halls were now quiet, filled with the faint echoes of past lessons and laughter. As I approached the faculty office, I encountered Roderick, who was clearly waiting for me.
"Kazu," Roderick said earnestly, stepping forward. "Thank you again for giving me the absolute chance to be a scholar here. I will never, ever forget your immense kindness. I hope we meet again someday."
I smiled warmly and shook my head, quickly brushing off the heavy praise. "Oh, it's nothing. I've learned so much here already, and you need that scholarship more than I do to support your family. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Roderick nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with deep gratitude. "Thank you so much, Kazu..." he said, bowing deeply before walking away toward the dorms.
I continued down the hallway, feeling the heavy emotional weight of goodbyes. When I finally reached the faculty office, I took a deep breath and knocked softly on the heavy oak door. It creaked open, revealing Professors Garlock and Marlowe, who were engaged in a highly quiet, serious conversation.
"Good evening, Professor Garlock, Professor Marlowe," I greeted them, my voice thick with sudden emotion. "I'm heading home now. Thank you for teaching me everything about the six elements." My eyes glistened with unshed tears as I added, "I will never forget you."
Before either highly respected professor could respond, I stepped forward and hugged them both tightly. The two powerful mages exchanged highly surprised looks over my shoulders, but then smiled gently, returning the embrace with genuine warmth and pride.
As I left the academy grounds, I noticed an opulent, crest-marked carriage waiting near the main gate. The armored horses were majestic, their dark coats gleaming beautifully in the fading sunlight. As I stepped closer, I saw Krisha about to board the carriage, a well-dressed man—her father—helping her with gentle care. Without thinking, I called out to her.
"Krishaaa! Take care of yourself, okay?! I'm going to miss you!" I shouted, my voice echoing loudly across the quiet courtyard.
Krisha paused, her delicate hand resting on the heavy carriage door. She didn't turn around to face me, but I saw her shoulders tremble slightly.
(In her heart, she whispered, "I'll miss you too, Kazu... I'm going far away, and it will be a highly long time before we see each other again. But please, wait for me…")
My heart sank deeply as I watched her climb into the dark carriage, entirely unable to respond. I didn't know that Krisha was silently crying inside, completely overwhelmed with sadness at our sudden separation. As the carriage began to move, carrying Krisha away down the winding mountain road, I stood there, my raised hand slowly lowering to my side.
"Goodbye, Krisha..." I whispered, my voice barely audible over the clattering sound of the departing carriage wheels.
The Sprint
As Krisha's carriage finally disappeared into the distance, I was starkly reminded of my own journey back to the orphanage. Though my heart was incredibly heavy with the sadness of parting, my deep determination to return home to my family was much stronger.
Without hesitation, I broke into a dead run, my boots pounding heavily against the cobblestones. The forty-mile journey from the high peak of Zirabia back down to the lower districts of Druzka lay ahead. The path was highly familiar but promised new opportunities for physical growth. I saw this grueling marathon as the perfect chance to massively enhance my Exploration skill, which had been steadily improving through my intense adventures.
I sprinted down the winding mountain paths, the cool wind rushing violently past me and carrying the sweet scent of the academy's gardens. The first ten miles passed quickly under my determined, system-enhanced pace. As mild fatigue finally began to set in, I spotted a small, wooden food stall nestled in a bustling market area near the city limits—a perfect place to quickly catch my breath.
I slowed to a brisk walk, my chest heaving rapidly as I approached the merchant vendor. The modest stall offered fresh fruits, warm bread, and highly refreshing drinks. I quickly bought a bottle of water and a cloth-covered flask, filling it with cool liquid. As I drank greedily, the crisp water revived my stamina, entirely washing away the weariness. With my energy fully replenished, I set out once more, my resolve unwavering.
As I resumed my rapid run, I felt a highly familiar tingle in my mind, and a blue notification appeared in my vision:
[NOTIFICATION] [Your Exploration level reached Level 99.]
A massive, wide grin spread across my sweaty face. The progress was a solid testament to my hard work, and the thrilling thought of finally reaching the maximum level spurred me on. I continued down the dirt path, my pace quickening with sheer excitement.
Vivid memories of my time at the orphanage filled my racing mind. I thought of Nozue, my closest friend, and wondered exactly how much he had changed in my long absence. "I wonder what Nozue is doing right now," I mused with a highly fond smile. "I bet he's gotten incredibly stronger too." The intense anticipation of reuniting with my friends and mentors filled my chest with absolute joy.
The orphanage had always been a profound place of comfort for me, a true sanctuary amidst my many challenges. Now, as I actively pushed myself to run even faster, the comforting thought of returning home gave me limitless strength. The happy images of Rosalia and Nozue eagerly waiting for me fueled my intense determination.
Minutes ticked by, and the surrounding landscape blurred wildly as I ran. My focus was absolute, my thoughts centered entirely on the reunion that awaited me. The path became a frantic blur of colors—green fields, bright blue skies, and the occasional startled passerby. I paid absolutely no attention to the beautiful scenery, my mind solely fixed on getting home.
An hour into my grueling run, the highly anticipated notification flashed before me:
[NOTIFICATION] [Your Exploration level reached Level 100 - MAX]
My heart soared with immense pride. I had finally mastered my exploration skill entirely! The realization completely energized me, pushing me to sprint even faster through the streets. The highly familiar landmarks of my hometown rapidly came into view—the bustling Blacksmith Shop where I had my dagger forged, and the loud wet market filled with shouting vendors and busy shoppers. Each sight filled me with deep nostalgia and purpose.
The dirt road seemed to fly beneath my swift feet as I neared the orphanage. Dust and small pebbles kicked up in my rapid wake, as if the ground itself recognized my sheer determination. My breath came in steady, rhythmic bursts, my leg muscles burning with intense effort, but I felt pure exhilaration.
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting instant, I arrived at the orphanage. The large building stood exactly as I remembered it, a true place of warmth and belonging. My heart raced wildly with excitement as I approached the heavy wooden door, my hand trembling slightly as I knocked. Behind that thick door were the amazing people who had become my real family, who had unconditionally supported me through every trial.
My eyes sparkled with deep anticipation as I waited, knowing that within mere moments, I would be reunited with those I cared about the most. The journey had been incredibly long, but it had finally led me back to exactly where I belonged.
Homecoming
Nanay Rosalia quickly opened the door, her kind eyes widening in sheer surprise as she saw me standing outside on the porch, completely drenched in sweat from head to toe.
"Kazu, my dear boy... How are you?! Why on earth are you so incredibly sweaty?!" Rosalia asked, her voice filled with deep, maternal concern as she took in the messy sight of me.
My face lit up with a joyful, massive smile as I embraced Rosalia warmly. "I've missed you so much, Nanay Rosalia," I said, my voice incredibly full of affection. "I ran all the way from the Academy peak down to here without stopping, which is why I'm so sweaty."
Rosalia was entirely taken aback by my casual response. "Why would you run all that grueling way?! It's such an incredibly long distance... You should wipe off your sweat and change your clothes right away. You might catch a terrible cold," she said, her worry highly evident as she quickly guided me inside the hallway.
I nodded, my face filled with eager anticipation as I looked around. "Where is Nozue? Is he home?"
Rosalia replied, "Nozue is actually out finishing up a heavy construction quest right now. You know, ever since you left for the Academy two months ago, Nozue has been diligently following the exact routine you both used to do every single morning—jogging, doing push-ups, and taking on quests. He's been meticulously keeping up with it every single day."
My eyes widened in complete amazement. "Really? Nozue has changed so much, hasn't he?"
Rosalia's smile grew incredibly warm and proud. "Yes, he has indeed. So, how did things go at the grand Academy? Did you manage to become the official scholar?"
My expression brightened even more. "Yes, I did win the scholar title."
Rosalia's eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise. "Is that so? Well, does this mean you'll need to pack and prepare to return to the Academy soon?"
I shook my head with a highly resolute look. "Actually, no. I actively decided to give the scholarship to someone else. I gave it to a boy named Roderick because he needs it much more than I do to support his family."
Rosalia's eyes softened with immense pride as she looked at me. "You're such a kind and deeply selfless child... But didn't you have a strong desire to continue your magical studies at the Academy?"
My smile was incredibly full of true contentment. "I did want to, but I've already learned everything I fundamentally needed to know. Plus, I brought back some highly valuable books with me."
Rosalia's curiosity was heavily piqued. "What kind of books did you bring?"
My eyes sparkled with sheer excitement as I spoke. "I brought back one massive master tome on each of the six elemental affinities—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Dark, and Light! And I also got a highly restricted book on the Teleportation Magic Circle. The Academy gave them to me as a reward. Now I have the chance to read and learn all about magic right here!"
Rosalia's face beamed with utter pride and admiration. "That's truly wonderful. You've done so incredibly well, Kazu. Now, go ahead and rest up in your room for a bit. Nozue will be back home soon, and you should be perfectly rested and ready to catch up with him."
I nodded happily and bounded up the stairs to our room.
A few moments after settling into a highly comfortable spot on my bed, I began to deeply feel the heaviness of sleep aggressively tugging at my mind. My eyelids grew incredibly heavy, and before long, I was entirely fast asleep, the immense physical weariness of the marathon journey from the Academy finally catching up with me.
The Reunion
Three hours later, the loud creak of the front door opening heralded Nozue's return.
"I'm back," Nozue called out tiredly as he stepped into the highly familiar warmth of the orphanage, his voice echoing loudly through the wooden hallway.
Rosalia looked up from where she had been busily tidying up the living room. Her eyes brightened with a highly welcoming smile. "Oh, Nozue, you're back! It's wonderful to see you. By the way, Kazu has returned from the Academy today as well. He's been eagerly waiting for you upstairs."
Nozue's expression instantly shifted to one of massive surprise and curiosity. "Kazu is back already?! But how did he manage that? I thought he was supposed to stay and become a scholar!"
"Indeed," Rosalia said, her tone a complex mix of curiosity and deep pride. "He is here, and he's resting in his room. Why don't you freshen up first, and then you can go up and see him?"
Nozue nodded vigorously, his mind still rapidly pondering the situation. "Sure! I'll clean up and then head straight over to his room!"
As Nozue made his way to the washroom to quickly change and freshen up, my deeply restful slumber was interrupted by the sound of highly familiar footsteps and voices. I stirred, rubbing my sleepy eyes, and became fully awake as I recognized Nozue's voice from downstairs.
"Wait a minute, that's Nozue!" I murmured to myself, sitting bolt upright in bed. I quickly glanced around the room, suddenly remembering the heavy books I had brought back in my inventory. "I need to pull these books out properly," I added, feeling a massive rush of urgency to organize my surprise before my friend arrived.
Nozue, now feeling highly refreshed and dressed in clean clothes, rapidly climbed the wooden stairs to our room. His steps were quick but highly cautious as he approached the door. With a gentle, hesitant knock, he pushed open the door and entered the room.
"Kazu! How are you?" Nozue asked with a massive, friendly smile. "Did you manage to become a scholar?!"
I was still adjusting from my long nap, but I greeted him with a sleepy yet incredibly cheerful grin. "Hey, Nozue! I did technically win the scholar trial, but I ended up officially giving the scholarship to someone else. I gave it to Roderick because he needed it much more than I did."
Nozue looked deeply intrigued. "Roderick? Who is he?"
"He was one of my noble classmates at the Academy," I explained, shrugging highly casually. "He's a really good person and desperately needed the scholarship to succeed."
Nozue's admiration was completely evident on his face. "Wow, Kazu, you're incredibly selfless. That was a massive, life-changing opportunity, and you just gave it up."
I smiled, quickly brushing off the heavy praise. "It's nothing, really. I've already learned so incredibly much from the professors, and I managed to bring back some highly valuable books with me too. Check this out."
I reached for the massive stack of ancient tomes I had pulled from my void and laid them out neatly on the bed, my excitement highly palpable. "I brought back one master book for each of the six elemental affinities—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Dark, and Light! And I also got a manual on the Teleportation Magic Circle! The Academy professors gave them to me. I'm incredibly excited to read through them."
Nozue's eyes widened with absolute, sheer amazement. "Wow, that's incredible! Even though you didn't stay as a scholar, you managed to bring back all these highly valuable resources. You really are quite the master strategist, Kazu."
I laughed softly. "It's all part of the grand adventure. And hey, if you ever want to borrow any of these books, just let me know! I got them so that we both can learn and improve our skills together."
Nozue's smile grew even wider as he took in my generosity. "Thanks, Kazu. I really appreciate that. It's so good to have someone like you around, always thinking ahead and actively sharing what you've learned."
As we continued to chat and excitedly catch up on everything that had happened over the last two months, the small room was entirely filled with the comforting warmth of our deep friendship and the shared excitement of our future studies. The afternoon sun streamed in through the window, casting a golden glow on our conversation, perfectly highlighting the unbreakable bond we shared and the exciting new chapters we were about to write together.