Under the scorching sun hanging directly overhead, the training ground of the magic school was filled with a lively, buzzing energy. The ground was dry and a little dusty, but the magic circles etched in various spots still glowed faintly, as if holding back chaos from spreading.
The students were scattered in small groups, each immersed in the role they had chosen.
On the eastern side of the field, mages stood with robes fluttering gently. Their hands were raised, chanting spells in low but intense voices. Fireballs floated in the air, streaks of lightning crackled for an instant, and wind swirled into small whirlpools before vanishing. Each spell released felt heavy, as if the air itself was trembling under the pressure of its power.
Not far away, marksmen trained with sharp focus. Arrows zipped swiftly, cutting through the air with a sharp
whoosh
before hitting the bullseye. Some used magical long-range weapons, firing light projectiles that left faint, shimmering trails in the air. Their eyes never left their targets—cold, steady, and deadly.
Meanwhile, at the edge of the field, healers worked tirelessly. Soft green or golden light enveloped their hands as they treated minor injuries from students hurt during practice. Their faces were calm but deeply concentrated—any small mistake could turn healing into danger.
But in the center, there was a role not many students liked, though it was always maintained: the sword-wielders, the shield-bearers positioned at the very front to fight or protect—and the ones most likely to die first, especially in battle.
Rena, in her oversized robe that made her small frame look even smaller, was breathing heavily, scanning her surroundings while calculating her next move.
Aghhh!!!
Take this!!!!!
Shyaaah—energy slash!!
A trainer—the only one there—shouted in a mix of panic and awe at Rena.
Rena!!!
Take it easy, don't go too far!!! What if you hit me?!
Rena calmly sheathed her sword, clenched her fist, raised it high, and smiled as she looked at him.
Headmaster!!!
Of course I'm serious. I'm about to graduate soon, you know!!
The person she called Headmaster scratched his head and replied,
Yeah... that's true...
Then, in a firmer tone, the Headmaster said,
But... don't forget, I'm the only female knight here!!!
What if you accidentally kill me, Rena? Who's going to pass down these skills then?
Rena, who had been holding her fist high, lowered it and tucked both hands back into her oversized robe, casting her gaze to the ground with a hint of regret.
I guess you're right...
Sorry, Headmaster...
The Headmaster sighed, looking slightly annoyed, then glanced at Rena's sword.
It's fine, I forgive you...
And let me make this clear again—I'm a woman, so stop calling me Headmaster, Rena. Hmph!!!
Relieved, Rena calmly pulled her sword back from her shoulder.
Thank you, Headmistress.
The Headmaster quickly interjected,
Don't call me Headmistress either! I'm still young!!
Not really caring, Rena continued,
Then how about we train some more?!
Shyaah! I'm so ready!!!
The Headmaster could only take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
Huff...
Fine, do whatever you want...
Alright!!! Let's go!!
Suddenly, the school bell rang.
Ding!! Ding ding ding!!
Hearing this, Rena brushed off the dust on her clothes and glanced at the large clock mounted on the school building.
Huh!!
Hah!!!
I'll be right there!!
The Headmaster stood still, arms crossed.
Hmm...
I can't believe there's still someone choosing to be a knight these days, even though heroes exist...
The Headmaster gazed at the slightly overcast sky, scratching her head lightly.
I don't know how long it'll take to defeat the dragon... but I hope the heroes and everyone else succeed.
Then, the Headmaster walked slowly toward the school building, leaving behind a sheet of paper that was gently swept away by the wind.
Training Record – Knights (1/1 members present)
1. Rena – Grade A+
Later, after some time, all students were finally allowed to go home.
One of the teachers, a woman with a ponytail, spoke gently.
Are you sure Rena wants to handle the cleaning duty all by herself?
Rena, brimming with enthusiasm, clenched her fist and raised it as high as possible—even above the teacher's head.
Of course, Teacher!!
Have I ever lied?!
Besides, this is just a little extra training to make me a tough and unyielding knight!!!
The ponytailed teacher swallowed nervously and thought to herself.
This kid is incredible. Her stamina is nothing to underestimate, even if her body isn't as tall or large as the other students.
Then, with a smile, the ponytailed teacher concluded in her heart.
Natural recovery, huh...
Looks like the Headmaster's evaluation was right.
Walking slowly out of the classroom, the ponytailed teacher looked ahead.
In that case... thank you, Rena.
The door was gently closed behind her.
After that, Rena quickly finished everything, relying solely on her physical strength.
Phew!!!
Still not enough!!!
But it's decent! Hehe!
Rena then happily slung her heavy sword over her back, panting slightly from excitement as she made her way home.
Yay, going home!
Can't wait to train again at the big field near the house!!!
Suddenly, a few books slipped from her back.
Rena immediately panicked, shoving one hand into her large robe.
Ahhh!!! No, no!!
If this keeps up, I'll have to put my sword down again!!
Reluctantly, she lowered her sword and started picking up the books one by one.
But at first, Rena only intended to retrieve the fallen books. She knelt beside her desk, brushed a strand of hair from her face, and leaned down into the slightly dark space beneath.
Something caught her eye.
There, tucked beneath the desk, lay a small envelope that shouldn't have been there.
It looked simple, pale cream, but neat—too neat to be a stray piece of paper carried in by the wind. Its seal was still intact, and on the front, her name was written in a delicate hand.
For Rena…
Rena froze for a moment.
Her heartbeat quickened for no clear reason. Slowly, she reached for the envelope, her fingers hesitating just before touching it, as if uncertain she was ready to know what was inside.
When she finally picked it up, a faint, pleasant scent lingered—like a flower she had smelled before.
Her mind began to wander.
The handwriting… wasn't familiar, but wasn't completely foreign either. The way the letters were formed felt… careful. Like someone who wanted to get their feelings exactly right.
Rena swallowed.
No way…
A possibility crossed her mind—one that made her cheeks grow warm.
A love letter?!!!
But… is that even possible?
Could someone actually like a knight like me?
She stood still for a moment, then walked slowly out from behind the desk, turning back to sit down again. Both hands tucked into her robe, she sat and stared at the envelope for a long time, as if expecting the answers to reveal themselves just by looking.
Outside the window, the afternoon sunlight filtered in, catching the edge of the envelope and making it seem even more striking.
The classroom, once ordinary, now felt different.
Quieter.
Tenser.
And somehow… more private.
Blushing slightly, Rena began to read the letter.
Hi Rena… I can't say my name here, but would you come to the hill behind the school? I heard it's really nice there, especially with all the lavender flowers… I thought it was cute. If you like me back or are curious, please come tomorrow…
Rena finished reading and, too flustered to wait until the next day, immediately headed to the hill behind the school.
And sure enough.
Behind the magic school was a hill that seemed to exist outside the flow of time. A small path flanked by old trees that whispered softly whenever the wind passed.
Upon passing through the tree line, the view suddenly opened wide.
The hill was covered in lavender as far as the eye could see. Its soft purple hues swayed with the wind, creating waves like a calm sea. The delicate scent of lavender mixed with the fresh mountain air, soothing anyone who came.
The sky above often looked different here—clearer, with thin clouds moving lazily as if purposely slowing down time.
Rena, impatient, paced back and forth on the hill, grinding her teeth slightly, her hands tucked into her large robe as always.
Argh!! I can't wait!!!
Hmm… should I change into something more attractive??
She slowed her steps, caught her breath, and glanced around before exhaling, thinking to herself.
Hmm… but from the romance books I've read, it shouldn't matter.
If someone truly loves you, appearance and all that don't matter.
Suddenly, her stomach growled.
Grrrrrrrrr!!!
Rena tried to ignore it, but soon after, she drifted off to sleep…
The next morning, Rena woke up and saw the school in the distance, already bustling with activity.
She panicked a little but tried to stay calm, glancing toward the training ground. The Headmaster wasn't there.
Hmm???
What's going on???
Isn't the Headmaster usually waiting for me there?
Maybe she had something else to do.
With a smile, Rena clenched her fist and raised it high.
Then I'll just train here!
And so, she spent her day on the lavender-covered hill, swinging her sword until the afternoon turned to dusk again.
Rena, after a few swings, paused and looked around.
Empty.
No sign of anyone coming.
She then picked up an apple lying a little way from the lavender.
Crunch…
Munch… munch…
As she chewed, she gazed around, one hand tucked back into her worn, oversized robe.
Munch… munch…
Suddenly, she heard distant thunder and saw dark clouds gathering.
Hmm… Is something happening?
Not sure what to make of it, she slowly descended the hill and headed toward the school.
A little disappointed, Rena tucked both hands into her robe and concluded.
Looks like romance isn't really my thing. Maybe the Headmaster knows about this.
Finally, she arrived at the magic school. But this time, it was quiet—truly quiet. The gate was locked, rooms that should have been open at this hour were sealed shut.
Confused, Rena walked through the gate and headed toward the Headmaster's office.
Eh??
Shaking off her unease, she knocked on the door.
Knock knock knock!!
After several unanswered knocks, her breath grew uneven. One of her hands, tucked inside her robe, was clenched tight as she waited for certainty.
Is the Headmaster on leave?
The ponytailed teacher greeted Rena.
Rena… are you on cleaning duty again?
Oh, by the way, weren't you absent this morning? Were you sick?
Rena smiled, though still a bit uneasy.
No, Teacher. I was just training on my own.
The ponytailed teacher looked at Rena calmly, then spoke more firmly.
Oh, I see… have you heard about the Headmaster suddenly disappearing?
Is she with you?
Rena was startled, gritting her teeth slightly, tucking her hands back into her robe.
Disappeared?
The teacher continued,
Also, strangely enough, the male students, male teachers, and other male professionals have vanished without a trace.
Rena spoke seriously, trying to stay calm as she gritted her teeth.
But the Headmaster is a woman, isn't she?
The ponytailed teacher paused, puzzled.
That's right… the Headmaster is a woman.
Hmm… then why did she vanish too?
This is strange, but maybe we should leave this matter to the adventurers and heroes, Rena.
Rena was a little frustrated but tried to stay composed. She looked around, then took her sword from her back, gripping it tightly and raising it high with one hand while keeping the other tucked inside her robe.
You're probably right, Teacher.
Looks like if I want to get involved… I'll have to become an adventurer.