Chapter 138 |
Chapter 138.3. The Third Year at the Academy - Graduation (3)
Shortly after leaving the guild, I was looking up at the towering school building.
"I hope it's still open..."
Lapnas Academy of Science. It's an academy named after Lapnas, a practitioner of [Multi Casting] like myself, but this was my first time visiting. It seemed to be graduation day here as well, with carriages lined up on the grounds and students and their guardians wandering about. I approached one of the gatekeepers and introduced myself.
"I'm Alter Les Reedwald, a third-year at Cartilarl High Academy. I'm here to meet Talvitt Subrowa."
Since I had already returned my student ID, I showed my graduation medallion as proof of my status. The gatekeepers stared at my face intently.
I guess the medallion doesn't serve as an ID. The seal on my ring wouldn't be recognized either—and I had thrown my graduation certificate into my magical Telpas Bag. I don't want it known that I carry around a Telpas Bag.
As I hesitated, one of the gatekeepers spoke up.
"Could it be... from the martial arts tournament?"
"I knew it! I had a feeling!"
Suddenly grinning, the gatekeeper reached out for a handshake. Confused, I reciprocated. What... is this reaction?
Then one of the gatekeepers went off to look for Talvitt, and in the meantime, I was bombarded with questions about the tournament, which I answered in a daze.
So this is what Elphimia meant by "being in the spotlight." I never expected to feel it from the guards. Well, when I think about it, Radim's consecutive victories were on the line, and Talvitt is a promising third-year. Since I defeated him, it makes sense that I would be recognized. We were enemies, after all.
After a while, I was led by the gatekeeper to where Talvitt was. He was surprised to see me but beckoned me in and guided me to a less crowded area along the outer wall.
"Your graduation was today too?"
"Yeah. My grandmother talks so much, it wore me out."
Talvitt twisted his mouth as he said this.
The headmaster of Lapnas Academy, huh. I only met him at the emergency council, but he was quite a character. He seems to be close with my grandfather, so it would have been interesting if I had attended Lapnas instead.
"So, what's the reason you came?"
"I have something I want to ask. What are your plans after graduation?"
"You came all the way here to ask that? You're a bored guy."
Looking perplexed, Talvitt continued.
"I came out from the Imperial City to join the defense squad."
"Oh, you're from the Imperial City? I didn't know that. So, do you think you'll get in?"
"Do you think I'm just anybody? But..."
Suddenly, Talvitt's expression clouded. He seemed to be concerned about being overheard, lowering his voice.
"From your perspective, what's the defense squad in Selene like?"
I hesitated for a moment, then replied,
"They're decent. It's rare to have mages in their ranks, but overall, their training is lacking. The main job of the Selene Defense Squad is maintaining order in the city. And since there are few monsters around, and they're surrounded by golems, I think their experience with combat is lacking."
I shared what I had felt during the defense of the ranch. Talvitt nodded as if he agreed.
"I see. It might be too soon for me to join the defense squad. Eventually, I'll work under my grandfather, but until then, I'm thinking of becoming an adventurer to hone my skills."
"You'd definitely gain practical experience. Do you have any companions?"
"None. I decided to go this route after losing to you in the martial arts tournament."
With that, Talvitt fell silent.
It hasn't been long since the tournament ended. It wouldn't be easy for him to find companions, and I couldn't think of any students who would match him. The idea of becoming an adventurer probably came up because of meeting Ted and the others.
They've already formed a party. I guess they've already excluded me from joining.
"Then, how about joining Castle of Sorrow?"
When I brought it up, Talvitt tilted his head. He probably thought I was referring to some adventurers.
"It's a clan formed by Ted and the others. We cooperate and share information among members. Since my house is the base, you can visit if you're interested. But once you join, you'll be forced to become a part of the team."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Sounds like a hassle."
Despite his words, Talvitt laughed heartily.
"Actually, the real reason I came to see you is different. It doesn't matter what kind of future you choose. Take this."
He took a two-handed sword out of his Telpas Bag. Talvitt, puzzled, reached out and grabbed it. The moment he touched it, he let out a low growl.
"So, you've recognized it. The name of this sword is Light Heavy Two-handed Sword. You can change its weight up to a certain point, but due to some circumstances, it has a strong quirk."
It originally belonged to a goblin leader and was a lightweight two-handed sword. I accidentally damaged it, and after using [Magic Item Modification] to repair it, I reinforced the broken part with a Hill Giant magic stone that I received as payment for a road restoration job. As a result, Light Heavy Two-handed Sword was born.
Apparently, it wasn't completely repaired, so sometimes the ability activates on its own. It's hard for me to wield due to its weight, but someone with Talvitt's physique should be able to master it.
"I can't accept such a sword..."
"I can't handle it. Besides, it used to belong to that goblin."
Upon hearing that, Talvitt's eyes changed.
"This sword was used by that goblin?"
"The abilities are a little different, but yeah. I accidentally damaged part of it and had to repair it. It's more powerful than before, but also harder to wield. If you can master it, you'll surpass him."
Talvitt stared intently at the sword.
"If... I don't become an adventurer?"
"It doesn't matter, it's yours. I'm still concerned about Ted and the others, but I have an attachment to Selene after spending three years here. The stronger you become, the more peaceful Selene will be."
"If I decide to return to the Imperial City..."
"Don't make pointless assumptions. If my grandfather's in danger, I'll come flying, no matter where I am."
"Yeah, you're right."
Talvitt grinned and nodded as if making up his mind.
"Alright. I'll train them. And together with this sword, I'll protect Selene."
"Thanks. But—just to clarify, it's not an extraordinary magical item. It just changes weight. If you ever find it lacking, send it to Reedwalt. Or, when I come, give it to me. By then, I should be able to re-enhance it. Don't forget to prepare magic stones or magical items to use as materials."
"...There's a lot you're not saying."
I talked to Talvitt about trade. By the time we finished, he had a completely dumbfounded expression on his face.
"You seemed like you wouldn't come back after all this."
"It depends on my father's decision. Even if he rejects me, I'll still come and visit during my break."
For some reason, Talvitt shook his head in disbelief. Then, suddenly becoming serious again, he extended his rough hand.
"Thank you. If I hadn't met you, I wouldn't have realized my own weakness. I've been taking the long way around in life."
"I should thank you too. Because of you being in Selene, I can leave with peace of mind."
We shook hands and promised to meet again.