On Aplika Academy's Ground A, many students and teachers lie dead. Tianzhu stands there, looking up at the sky as the portal above slowly closes. At that moment, Nandu and Rundie arrive along with several other teachers.
Nandu:
Take everyone to the healing room. And those who have already died… respectfully return them to their families.
Teacher:
Yes, sir!
Scene – Nandu and Rundie fly toward Tianzhu.
Nandu:
Are you okay, kid?
Tianzhu:
Huh? Ah! Yes!
Nandu:
You fought like a brave man.
Tianzhu:
Thank you, sir. But… who are you?
Nandu:
I am Head Principal Nandu.
Tianzhu:
Oh!
Nandu:
By the way, did you see who that enemy was?
Tianzhu:
Well… yes. I saw his face. H-he was an elf…
Nandu:
An elf… huh…
Rundie:
Kid, what is your name?
Tianzhu:
Tianzhu. TIANZHU KACHI.
Rundie:
So, Tianzhu, do you know who I am?
Tianzhu:
No…?
Tianzhu (in his mind):
How would I know? I'm seeing this face for the first time.
Nandu:
Well, he is a top magician among humans—Rundie Cathup.
Tianzhu:
Oh…!!!
Tianzhu (in his mind):
Cathup? Didn't he have any other surname?
Rundie:
I watched your fight. You're very powerful for someone so young.
Tianzhu (in his mind):
I trained nonstop for seven years—of course I'd be strong.
Rundie:
If you want, you can join me.
Tianzhu:
Meaning?
Rundie:
Do you want to be my disciple?
Tianzhu:
Like… a student?!?!
Rundie:
Yes.
Nandu:
It's good. If you join him, you could become a very powerful magician in the future.
Tianzhu:
And what about Aplika Academy?
Nandu:
You'll still have to join it. An academy is necessary for basic knowledge.
Tianzhu (in his mind):
Hmm… I want to become an insanely overpowered magician. And if the strongest human magician trains me, it'll become much easier.
Tianzhu:
I'll ask my mom and dad first.
Rundie:
No problem. Here's my card—call me when you want to talk.
Scene – Rundie hands Tianzhu a card.
Tianzhu:
Thanks…
Nandu:
Okay… now GET OUT OF HERE! WHY DID YOU FIGHT SOLO WHEN YOU'RE STILL A STUDENT AND YOU CAME HERE ONLY FOR AN EXAM?! WHAT IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED TO YOU LIKE THOSE KIDS?!
Scene – Other teachers are rescuing and healing students and teachers.
Tianzhu:
!!?!!
After that, I safely left the ground and met my mom and dad at the academy's main gate.
Scene – Suddenly, Emily hugs Tianzhu tightly and starts crying.
Emily:
A-are you okay, my dear?! Did you get hurt anywhere? sob sob…
Brock:
If you're in pain, we can go to the doctor.
Tianzhu:
I-I'm okay, Mom, Dad.
Tianzhu (in his mind):
No matter how much tension or happiness there is in the world, the best peace is always found in a mother and father's arms…
Emily:
I… I heard that many people died there…
Tianzhu (sad and regretful tone):
Yes… sorry…
Emily:
Why are you saying sorry?! You did nothing! You're safe—that's all that matters to me!
Brock:
Yeah. Tianzhu, let's go home together.
Tianzhu (in his mind):
I could have saved them, but my attention was completely on the fight… Maybe I was enjoying the battle too much. That's wrong. If I become someone who loves fighting too much, that wouldn't be right—it's a bad path. I'll be more careful from now on… And Mom and Dad probably don't even know that their son defeated those enemies solo…
Tianzhu:
Hmm. (nods happily) Let's go home.
Oh wait—Mom, Dad, I need to tell you something first.
Brock:
Whatever it is, we'll talk at home. You're very tired. Let's go first.
Tianzhu:
(nods)
Scene – It's evening. All three get into the car and go home.
Next day
Tianzhu is sleeping on his bed when his phone rings.
Phone:
Bzzz… bzz…
Tianzhu:
Huh…?
Scene – Tianzhu sees an unknown number and picks up the call.
Tianzhu:
Hello…?
Caller:
Tianzhu?
Tianzhu:
Yes…
Rundie:
This is Rundie. So, what did you decide? Do you want to be my disciple?
Tianzhu:
! Sir Rundie!!
Scene – Tianzhu jumps up in shock.
Tianzhu:
Sorry, sir. I couldn't talk about this with my parents yet. Yesterday I was very tired, so after eating, I went straight to sleep.
Rundie:
I see. Let me know by evening. I'm leaving the city tomorrow, and I was thinking of taking you along for some experience.
Tianzhu:
Sure… I'll call you back in a little while.
Scene – After brushing and one hour later, Emily is watching the news in the living room.
News:
Yesterday, Aplika Academy was attacked by enemies. Seventeen teachers and four students lost their lives. How will Aplika Academy handle this? How will they compensate the families of the victims? And are your children safe after this attack? Think about it and email us your opinions.
Scene – Tianzhu comes and sits beside Emily.
Tianzhu:
The news about yesterday…
Emily:
Hmm. (nods) Many people died there. You're lucky you're safe.
Tianzhu:
Mom, I need to tell you something.
Emily:
What? Oh right—you said yesterday that you wanted to tell me something. Go on.
Tianzhu:
Have you heard the name of the strongest human magician—Rundie?
Emily:
Yes… but I've never seen him.
Tianzhu:
He was at the academy yesterday.
Emily:
What?! Then why didn't he do anything?
Tianzhu:
I don't know. But Mom… he said he wants to make me his disciple. What do you think?
Emily:
Meaning… a student, right?
Tianzhu:
Yeah… like a private student, I think.
Emily:
But why you?
Tianzhu:
W-well… you know—
Oh, you don't know. The one who killed those enemies… that was me.
Emily:
Huh!! Pff… nice try, dear…
Tianzhu:
I'm not joking.