It took a while before the two Great Mages and Nora headed to Great Mage Mirlie's classroom after the final classes wrapped up. After a brief period, Percy joined the classroom. He had been worried for Nora after she didn't show to any of their shared classes.
The very second in which Percy saw Nora, he ran up to her, "Nora, why weren't you in class! I couldn't stop myself from worrying for you!"
"Well..." Nora spoke, "that's kinda hard to explain..."
Sev then stepped in to explain, "Both Great Mage Mirlie and I have chosen Nora as our inheritor. We're willing to take you along to join Nora in a far more private education. If you are willing to join us, we can guarantee that you will be able to gain the power to survive if not thrive in this world."
To Percy the choice was rather obvious, he didn't have any other friend beside Nora and anyone could see the advantages of having a far more one on one education. Especially with teachers who know that you aren't really 6 years old, and treat you accordingly.
Yet, Percy still wanting to think things over, "Great Mage Sev, could you give me a moment to think things over?"
"Go ahead Percy..." Sev was rather surprised that Percy had to think it over at all, it was quite an obvious improvement so why would he need to think things over?
In truth, Percy had already decided within his heart but he wanted to reflect on what brought him to this point. The many choices he had made since his reincarnation in a new world. He knew from his past life that all the little choices that one made throughout their life made them who they were. The proposition in front of him was by no means small. It would set him on the path of greatness. Receiving the teachings of two Great Mages and the assistance of Nora who was once heralded as the First Paragon in her old world could only lead to a good future. This would be one of the most pivotal crossroads in his life. Composing himself he thought back to his new family which welcomed him and loved him. He thought back to the joy he felt when he first learned that the world was of knights and magic... He also recalled how he cowered in the face of power, in the face of the Headmaster. He had wronged his friend, yet she stuck by him. He recalled the very moment he realized the truth of this world. Only with strength can he protect his family. Only with strength can he protect his friends. Only with strength can he make up for what he did to Nora.
"Great Mage Sev, I'll go. I want to be able to protect those I hold dear!" A confused facial expression appeared on Percy's face. The emotions of both joy and sorrow combining within him.
Having heard his agreement, Great Mage Mirlie, added to the discussion, "If we are going to take you along," her face still showing that she didn't really agree with the idea of taking Percy with them, "I'll have to report Percy as my inheritor. At least for the academy to grant us leave without prodding too far into our matters. Since he has the potential to be a fire mage it won't be too much of a stretch. Nora, on the other hand, is already an anomaly which has caught the attention of the Lightcrows so Sev declaring her as his inheritor won't cause too much more pandemonium.
Little did they know that the moment that Sev would declare Nora as his inheritor, the Lightcrow Family would raise hell itself as they came to the conclusion that if the 'Vulture of Death' Sev had declared an inheritor, he must've found prospective youngling who finally met his impossible standards. Someone who could truly become a threat in the future...
"If everything is settled, Great Mage Mirlie and I will go notify the Headmaster about us enacting our right to teach an inheritor and our subsequent leave. Hopefully, things don't go too badly..." Sev's own uncertainty, clearly visible in his words.
"While we go take care of that, make sure to stay safe in here. We'll be back soon, don't do anything rash." Great Mage Mirlie added as both her and Sev walked out of the room.
With the now absence of the two Great Mages, Nora and Percy found themselves in an awkward silence. Although the silence at first was quaint and fresh, it quickly grew from it's refreshing quiet to a daunting silence. Soon overwhelming the overall mood of the room. At that moment, Nora decided that she wanted to somehow break the ice. Nora tried to bring up a shared topic she knew that would reinvigorate the feeling in the room, "How's your cultivation of 'Tempering by a Thousand Cuts'? Have you had any progress so far?"
Succeeding in her attempt Percy answered, "I managed to enter what you described in the manual as the first stage of the Mana Circulation Realm." his words picking up glee as he relished in his accomplishment. "I've already noticed the difference this one lone stage has granted me. I feel the power flowing under my skin and I finally feel alive!"
Nora couldn't help but think, 'He may be quite talented after all...'