Chapter 345: Spring Day — Complete

The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

Snowflakes fluttered gently.

In the corner of the Butterfly Garden, the pearlescent sky reflected off the white snow piled on the ground.

When I laid back there, my body sank into the snowfield with a puff. It felt as cozy as lying on a bed, so I quietly let myself relax.

The place where I began my training.

I came back after a long time.

Because it was a good place to organize my thoughts.

Recently, I learned something new.

My ability, [Clairvoyance], had extended its range to other dimensions.

As time passed, my body adapted to divinity, naturally approaching an unimaginable level.

For example.

I discovered that before the Evil God Nephid gained the Authority of Godslaying, many more things had already been prepared in this world beyond what Stella had mentioned.

Humans named after characters from fairy tales. Magic Beasts with names mentioned in myths from other dimensions. Their origins.

Fate flowed in line with the plan of ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, leaving such traces, all for the purpose of defeating the Evil God.

Because these were elements familiar to and intriguing to Earth’s people.

Recently, I spoke directly into the mind of Lucifer the Morning Star, the demon of the Icy Lake. Even though he was far away, it was a simple task for me, who now possessed divinity.

Lucifer said that one day, he gained some enlightenment, expelled his dark mana, and was reborn as a new being. He was no longer considered a demon.

Thanks to that, even after the Evil God was annihilated, he was still alive and held his position as the overseer of the Icy Lake.

I later learned that when the end began, Lucifer protected people and returned to the Icy Lake.

It was truly something to be grateful for.

The First Campus of Märchen Academy had been restored to normal.

From the next academic year, students would be able to apply to either the first or second campus of their choice, with no difference in the quality of education.

Accordingly, the number of new admissions was expected to double.

The graduation ceremony was decided to be held at the First Campus, reflecting the opinions of the prospective graduates, as more memories were made here.

I liked this place too.

When I took a deep breath of the cold air and exhaled, a white steam of breath flowed out.

After achieving a once-daunting goal, idle concerns inevitably followed, like a tag that lingered behind.

So these days, two concerns have arisen.

How should I live from now on?

What do I want to do?

Spending time idly wandering around was enough every once in a while, as I wasn’t used to it.

I had no intention of getting used to it either.

“Then…”

I finished my thoughts.

Coming there definitely helped organize my thoughts.

I stood up from my spot.

***

The warm breath of spring tickled my skin.

Bright flowers greeted spring, and colorful petals fluttered in the spring breeze like pieces of confetti.

The First Campus of Märchen Academy, once restored, now surpassed its former state and felt almost brand new. It was very neat.

I received my graduation robe at Orphin Hall. The academy maids personally dressed me in the robe and placed the mortarboard on my head.

I removed the brooch symbolizing my grade from my tie and tucked it into my pocket.

Removing the brooch during the graduation ceremony was a symbolic tradition, after all.

“Ohhh.”

Is this premium fabric?

The graduation robe boasted an incredibly smooth texture.

I looked at my reflection in the full-length mirror.

The navy blue graduation robe with golden borders swayed with a soft sound as I moved.

Heading to the academy square to attend the graduation ceremony, I saw students dressed in their graduation robes.

The square was bustling with noise, laughter spreading everywhere.

Whether anticipating or worrying about the days to come, finishing a long journey naturally brought smiles.

“Sir Isaac!”

Kaya ran toward me with a smile, and Luce followed behind her.

Both of my peers were also dressed in the same graduation robes as me.

I couldn’t help but laugh. Kaya and Luce in their graduation robes were simply adorable.

As the graduation ceremony began, students in graduation robes stood in an orderly manner by faculty in the square.

Many people including family members, acquaintances, and friends of the graduates, watched the ceremony from the outskirts of the square, holding bouquets.

“From now, we will commence the Märchen Academy graduation ceremony,” the host spoke into a microphone from the podium.

After several formalities, the host called my name, “Next, we will proceed with the valedictorian’s speech. Valedictorian, Isaac, please come forward.”

As the valedictorian, I climbed onto the stage and walked toward the podium.

The host stepped aside, and I took their place.

I took the microphone handed to me by the host.

Silence followed.

I gazed at the graduates gathered in the square. They were all quietly watching me.

The valedictorian speech.

The faculty selected outstanding students and chose one among them to be the valedictorian. This year, I was chosen.

Although I had prepared a formal speech, standing there and looking at the students brought a flood of thoughts to my mind.

So, I decided to just speak whatever came to mind.

“Hello, graduates. I’m Isaac, valedictorian of the Magic Department.”

I bowed my head in greeting.

“On this meaningful day when we all graduate together, I sincerely thank Märchen Academy for giving me the honor of standing here.”

Politely.

And with a gentle smile.

“To be honest… as you all know, I had a separate purpose for attending Märchen Academy. Perhaps I’m the least suited person for this position.”

Many graduates shook their heads, expressing disagreement.

“…Oh. That’s a relief if that’s not the case.”

When I lightened the mood, the graduates chuckled.

I took a quiet breath.

Considering my current position, I likely couldn’t draw any shared sentiment from them.

So I decided to share the words I wanted to say to myself with the graduates.

“You’ve spent several years here at Märchen Academy. There must have been many joyful moments as well as difficult ones.”

I saw Kaya Astrea with sparkling eyes and Luce Eltania looking at me with a gentle expression.

“There must have been many moments when things didn’t go smoothly, and you were even caught up in various incidents and accidents.”

I saw Ian Fairytale and Amy Holloway with subtle smiles on their faces.

“But none of you gave up, and you safely completed your eventful journey in the end. Truly, well done.”

I saw Tristan Humphrey with fiery determination in his eyes and Mateo Jordana with a serious expression.

“As for my story… I didn’t want to leave behind any regrets. I had a goal, so I kept running without rest every single day.”

I saw Lisetta Lionheart looking down, Keridna Whiteclark with wide, curious eyes, and Ciel Carnedas, unusually awake.

“There were definitely moments when I wanted to give up, and many times I lamented my abilities, which seemed endlessly lacking compared to my goals. Even so, I told myself to keep going and didn’t stop studying and training, because I felt I’d regret it if I didn’t give it my all.”

Outside the square, I saw Princess Snow White with tears welling up in her eyes, Saint Bianca Anturaze smiling kindly, and Priestess Miya listening intently to my speech.

Abel Carnedas nodded, standing beside Roanna Shelton.

Mitchell, wearing a red cape, was there too.

Aria Lilias with an expressionless face, and Elena Woodline with her arms crossed, smiling, were also present.

“In the end, I achieved my goal. Thanks to that, I am able to stand here today.”

I saw Eve Ropenheim, Dorothy Heartnova, and Alice Carroll holding bouquets and looking at me lovingly.

“In the process of running without rest, so many people have truly helped me and pushed me forward. Now, I am called a hero who saved humanity, but to me, all of you who supported me were my heroes. I can only offer my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you.”

Outside the square, I saw many disguised figures, including the Elemental Kings and global dignitaries.

“Graduates. An end is merely a new beginning. Now, you will graduate from the academy and step into society. The Märchen Academy diploma will be a great asset to you, and it is the result of your relentless efforts and dedication.”

I gently lowered my gaze.

“That said, life won’t always go as planned. There will be many times when you face unexpected challenges. However, as long as you don’t give up, you will come to realize that every moment you’ve strived for has meaning. For example, the experiences you had while working toward your Märchen Academy diploma, as well as the achievements and failures you’ll face ahead—every experience has value.”

I looked at the graduates again and smiled brightly.

“To the graduates who ran alongside me, to my seniors and juniors, to the professors who provided excellent lessons, to the knights who struggled to protect the academy, and to all the faculty of the academy, I offer my deepest gratitude. Congratulations to all on your graduation. This concludes my valedictorian speech. Thank you.”

As I bowed my head to conclude, applause erupted.

The remaining ceremonies proceeded, and like Dorothy last year, I recited the oath and returned to my seat.

When the graduation ceremony ended, the graduates spent time taking pictures, laughing, and chatting.

“President, Big Sis is here!”

“Baby, congratulations on graduating.”

“Senior Isaac, congratulations on graduating…!”

Dorothy, Alice, and for some reason a teary-eyed White approached and handed me bouquets.

Dorothy and Alice were dressed in their uniforms.

“Thank you, everyone. But Senior Dorothy and Alice, why are you wearing your uniforms…?”

“Because it’s your graduation day, Baby. We thought we’d take pictures in our uniforms for old times’ sake. It’s like matching outfits.”

Alice smiled warmly.

“What, President? Don’t you like your big sis wearing her uniform?”

“How absurd.”

“I wasn’t asking you, dummy.”

Dorothy scolded Luce, who responded with a playful “meh” and stuck out her tongue.

Those two have really gotten close…

Anyway, when I told Dorothy and Alice they looked good, both of them were delighted.

“Isaac…. Here.”

“Oh, Sister. Thanks for coming.”

Eve timidly approached. When I accepted the bouquet she handed me, she gave me a bright smile.

She was now living in Düpfendorf. It must have been a long way, so I was grateful she came to see me.

“Lord Ice Sovereign, heartfelt congratulations on your graduation.”

“Senior Isaac! Congratulations on graduating!”

The saintess, the priestess, and many others approached to hand me bouquets. I smiled and expressed my gratitude.

I had received so many bouquets that I asked Alice to float them with her telekinesis.

“Senior Isaac…”

“Why have you been crying nonstop?”

“Thinking that I won’t see you at the academy anymore… it just makes me cry! Whaaaa…!”

“It’s just a year. We can see each other during the breaks too.”

“Still…”

White sobbed uncontrollably, but when I said, “It’s okay, I’ll visit often,” and comforted her, she hiccupped and stopped crying.

We laughed and took many photos, capturing the moments.

As we walked toward another scenic spot to take photos, a gust of wind brought petals that gently grazed our skin as it passed by.

I suddenly looked up, and the bright blue sky and the silvery sun filled my view like a stream.

I let the lazy sunlight bathe my face. It felt so warm and comforting.

At that moment, White suddenly remembered something and began chattering about a funny story.

I couldn’t help but burst into a genuine laugh.

It was a beautiful spring day.

Today is truly happy.