Chapter 138 |
Chapter 138.2. The Third Year at the Academy - Graduation (2)
Before leaving the academy, I visited the instructors.
I had seen them in the lecture hall, so I searched for them and found Desindo busy cleaning up.
I called out to him and exchanged brief greetings.
Although I quit military studies in my third year, I often had direct conversations with him during exercises and such.
Plus, I was the overall champion of the martial arts tournament.
According to Elphimia, that's apparently a really big deal, so I figured he'd be proud.
But instead, he sighed and said, "I'm really worried about your future."
Feeling unsettled, I headed into the school building next.
Next, I went to Rackendell's room, where both master and disciple were peeking out from the door.
As soon as they saw me, they pulled back and pretended nothing had happened, welcoming me in.
"Come back anytime."
Rackendell put on his instructor face, making his round face even rounder.
Cody's eyes were teary as he desperately tried to smile.
Even after three years, they haven't changed.
Both of them know I'm aiming to become a knight.
So they probably think we won't meet again.
Rackendell took care of me until the very end, so maybe I should tell him something.
When I brought up the trade plans I was working on, they both returned to their usual selves.
And as soon as I finished speaking,
"Hey! When you get back to Seren, stay at my place!"
Rackendell started waving his round hands excitedly.
"I appreciate the offer, but I already have a place to stay."
"Come on! My house is big, and you can stay as long as you want!"
I tried to decline, but he wouldn't back down.
Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.
If I stayed, he'd probably make me do [Alchemy] and [Magic Tool Creation] nonstop, without even letting me sleep.
I'd never get any rest.
"I'll think about it."
I accepted the note with his address and left.
As I walked away, I heard him shout, "It's a promise!" but I ignored it and headed to the garden.
Since the graduation ceremony had just ended, the academy head was likely meeting with someone.
But as I walked, I unexpectedly ran into him.
And he was still in the same outfit as before.
It seemed he didn't even have time to change, probably rushing off to see Lily.
In formal attire, he looks like a formidable mage, but in reality, he's just a troublesome old man who spends his days gardening and scheming to make Lily his granddaughter.
I stopped by the school building and thanked the academy head for everything he'd done for me.
Not only did he help with Lily's work, but he also assisted with the invisible mansion incident.
If he hadn't taken active steps, the temporary council wouldn't have been convened.
As I bowed my head in gratitude, the academy head placed his hands on my shoulders.
"Come back anytime."
"Rackendell-sensei said the same thing."
"Haha, did he? You were one of his favorites. But I mean it too. I'd welcome you as an instructor anytime."
"That's… thank you."
I was at a loss for words and could only manage a simple thank you.
An instructor, huh? I never imagined that kind of life.
Elphimia complained that it seemed tough, but it might actually be fun.
As I pondered this unlikely future, I heard the sound of running footsteps from inside the school building.
"Hey, have you seen the academy head!?"
"No, we haven't—"
The one asking was Hval, and the ones answering seemed to be underclassmen.
Did something happen?
When I turned my gaze back, the academy head was pressed against the wall.
Don't tell me he…
"Did you skip a meeting—"
"Take care, Alter-kun!"
The academy head raised a hand and quickly fled into the garden.
I was left dumbfounded by his undignified retreat.
Even if I became an instructor… I think I'll pass on this place.
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After leaving the academy, I went around saying my goodbyes.
First, I walked down the main street to visit Lauris at Larsen Trading, then I went to Breos Trading to bid farewell to Lola's parents. Breos Trading, alongside the lime lady's shop, was a regular spot not just for me but also for Ted and the others. I told them, "Please take care of Ted and the others," and left the shop.
Next, I headed to the adventurer's guild.
It was the second path I took after the academy, but today would be the last time.
I walked slowly, taking in the streets and committing them to memory.
When the guild's sign came into view, I stopped.
Is that… Harriet?
The girl I met at the martial arts tournament was leaving the guild, laughing and chatting with four men.
She found companions—though they seemed a bit older.
Is she going to be okay?
The five of them walked in the opposite direction.
I hesitated to call out to her and instead activated [Reference Point] on Harriet.
If she came out of the guild, someone there must know what's going on.
If there's no information, I can just follow her. As long as she doesn't leave Seren, the mana cost is negligible.
And maybe it's just my imagination, but the men looked familiar.
When I entered the guild, it was quiet, as it was past noon.
Rebecca at the reception desk gave me a sulky look as soon as she saw me.
"I thought you weren't coming back."
"I've been busy with things."
"Not that I care. When are you leaving?"
"The day after tomorrow."
"I see."
Rebecca tidied up some papers on her desk and pulled something out from under the counter.
"Here, take this."
"Ah, right. I forgot about that."
"Sigh… Everyone else is working hard to complete requests. You could at least act a little happier."
"I am happy. And I'm grateful too."
I thanked her as I returned my old adventurer's card and hung the new one around my neck.
It bore the mark of a C-rank.
My promotion was decided after the highway restoration request, but since C-rank would draw too much attention, I had asked Rebecca to hold off on the promotion.
Also, since promotions aren't announced, Tenko would leave Seren still believed to be a D-rank.
All that's left is to explain the situation to my parents before the news reaches them.
If I tell them directly, they probably won't be too mad. Maybe.
Since Rebecca seemed done talking, I checked [Reference Point] and brought up the topic.
"By the way, about that new adventurer you accidentally let slip—"
"I already apologized for that."
"Not about that. Did she find companions?"
I glanced at the door, and Rebecca seemed to catch on.
"Ah, you saw her. They're not companions, just helpers. The party [Geites] has been looking for a scout for a while. Apparently, they had a rough time escorting a caravan—"
A caravan… I see.
No wonder they looked familiar. They're the ones from the restoration request, not the C-rank ones.
They've been searching for nearly a year. Specialized roles are hard to fill.
"She's still a rookie, so she'll be traveling with them for a while."
"Are they trustworthy?"
"I can vouch for them. I've known them since they were rookies. I wouldn't recommend them otherwise."
Rebecca gave her stamp of approval.
Even in Seren, there are very few civilians who can use magic.
Rebecca was probably a former adventurer. And since she's not much older than [Geites], they might be acquaintances from her active days.
I was convinced and deactivated [Reference Point].
"Well, I'll be going now. Rebecca, thank you for everything."
"Likewise. Take care out there."
"You too. Oh, and—in the near future, another little one might come to register as an adventurer."
"…Really?"
Suddenly, Rebecca's smile stiffened.
"Don't worry. Ted and the others will train them well, and we won't let them become adventurers until they're ready."
"That's good to hear… But I'll warn you."
"Of course. I'll leave it to you to judge if they're ready. Well then."
I said goodbye to Rebecca and left the reception desk.
Casually, I directed [Presence Detection] toward the cafeteria next door, but Everlasting Harvest and Yabusho weren't there.
I wanted to say goodbye to them, but they weren't around.
I'll be back in Seren eventually, so I'll have another chance to see them.
As I was about to leave, I noticed a man standing by the door.
I smiled at him and walked past.
"See you, Hareist."
"Later, Tenko."
We lightly bumped fists, and I left the adventurer's guild.
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