"You did even better than the previous day!" said Zyra beside me.
I replied while panting, holding my breath, "Don't tell me we're gonna eat meat again today."
"Hey, don't make this face. That meat literally cost its weight in gold in the capital; you will regret these days," said Zyra, huffing at me.
"Now you mentioned it, it really is a good idea. I should take some and sell for gears and items before entering the academy," I nodded at his words while he gave me a speechless face.
After we both went up the pit, he stopped, rubbing the back of his head. "So this is the last day, boy. Take care of yourself in that place, eat well, sleep well, and keep training."
I gave him an unbelievable face. "You mean 'slashing the tree all day' training? Sorry, I don't think that will work there."
His face grew serious and he said to me, "Believe me, that will help."
A breeze passed between us. Silence. Those words seemed so important for no reason—only time could tell.
I've grown to notice something about Zyra: even though he acts chaotic and funny most of the time, he does give precious advice.
I nodded at his words. For some reason, just slashing all day made my mind clearer. Was it because of it?
Then something fell on my head.
"Hey, what day is this?" I shouted at Zyra.
"Hmm, today is the 27th. You still have a day before entrance, don't worry," he said, taking a clock from his shirt.
Then his face froze. "Oh no, kid. Time in the Shadow Forest passes more rapidly, so today may be the D-day," he said apologetically.
"How can I get there?" I cried. My only chance to change myself was about to disappear.
"There is a way," he said, growing more serious, then grabbed my coat, lifting me from the ground.
"Kid, when you're about to hit the ground, release all your mana in a burst, ok?" he said casually.
Crooking his arm back and holding me, he took a deep breath, pressed a foot on the ground, and a spider web appeared.
The earth cracked under him, air filled with dust. My eyes became red from allergy. Forcing my eyes open, I saw him there—the enormous pressure he exuded on everything nearby.
Tensing his legs, suddenly his whole body wrapped in mana.
"Aura!" I screamed internally. He was using a high-end technique only SS rank and above could do.
Blue light wrapped around his body like a calm blue fire, a proof of his insane mastery of mana usage.
It felt at the same time like liquid from its sheer density. It was insane, because that is not how it should be.
Then he threw me into the sky in the academy's direction.
The world turned to a blur. My vision distorted; everything I saw became lines.
My screaming drowned in the wind blowing past me.
Seeing the Shadow Forest getting smaller little by little below me, I smiled. "I really liked my short time with you, Zyra."
Meanwhile, the same Zyra on the ground squinted his eyes, seeing Lucien disappear with a twinkle.
"I really hope the kid heard my advice, but… looking back at our days, I guess he will survive."
Zyra's face cleared, smiling. He looked to the sky. "Now we are even, Samantha. The rest depends on your kid."
Zyra rubbed his chin, staring at the blue sky. "Time really goes fast. Who knew little Samantha had a child?"
"And he even has her eyes. Sigh… if only she took my advice and didn't marry that bastard noble."
Then his arms locked behind his head, and he lay on the fresh grass, inhaling cold air. "Damn, brat I already miss you. Don't forget to visit your mentor!"
"But… now thinking back about his request. He wanted the black stone, and with the thing inside him… does he want to-!?"
"Damn, Lucien, you really are crazy in the good way."
Meanwhile, the same Lucien, his mouth stretched from the sheer air entering his mouth, his eyes watery.
"Itc… commingh," I said, seeing the bright academy walls bathed in golden light. It had both divine and ancient vibes.
The runes carved on its outer walls shimmered against the sunlight, gardens in each direction.
In each one, a whole different ecosystem lived. Legends were forged inside this place.
"Like marble," I blurted absentmindedly.
Seeing the ground getting closer to me, I snapped back to reality. Wait… how do I stop?!
My mind flashed to Zyra's words: "I tell you, silk underwear is better for us men to wear!"
"No," I shouted—not these words, but the lines before he threw me.
"Kid, release your mana in a burst towards the ground when landing!"
"Yeah, those words." Forcing my stiff mana to my feet, it started heating slowly. Wisps of blue mana wrapped around them.
Like a second skin, I slowly started collecting my mana reserve in one-shot output.
The ground kept nearing. For maximum effect, I should release it just before hitting the ground.
If I missed my chance, my knees would break and I would be crippled for life!
When my feet were just far enough from the ground, I burst my mana through my legs.
Booom.
Like a jet, my mana collided strongly with each cracking, but I still landed roughly on the ground.
"Ouch. This will definitely keep hurting me for the next days. I already miss Zyra's healing now." I smiled wryly.