"You're great at convincing my father."
"Albert has no choice but to let you become a fighter. It's the only way you can shine."
Carl and Miku were walking side by side towards Astrix Academy. Yes, finally, the school allowed him to continue his studies there.
Indeed, the letter of recommendation had not yet been completed. However, Carl planned to have a look at the academy. He had never visited there at all. He had only heard the name along with the not-so-good rumors about it.
They're too much freedom.
Carl kicked the pebbles lightly in his shoe. "How can you be so sure? What if you're wrong?"
Miku saw a pebble that fell a few steps ahead. "It won't happen because I'm your companion. We're meant to be successful together."
"By becoming a fighter?" Carl voiced his disbelief. "I don't even know how to protect myself," he continued skeptically.
"I told you I'll protect you, didn't I?"
"But you can't be my shield forever."
Miku stopped her steps, which made Carl halt and turn around too.
"That's why we went to Astrix Academy. You'll learn a lot there," she replied with a reassuring smile. "I know you have doubts about me. But I promise you to be the best version of you." She assured him.
Carl sighed. "I have to believe you, don't I?"
"That's the only option."
"Then, we'll go. After all, we're halfway there." He meant not only his journey to Astrix Academy but also his life's journey. He had already decided to become a fighter.
Then Carl turned around and continued walking.
"I like seeing you this optimistic." Miku slightly ran after him.
"You're weird. It's the first time I've seen a companion who also rules human life. You can even convince my father and the school."
Miku pursed her lips. "It can't be helped. I have to remove obstacles."
Carl laughed loudly. This was his laugh-out-loud since his unpleasant incident. "You know what? You seem to prepare something big for me."
--
Carl stopped after passing the main gate of Astrix academy. He gazed at the vast area in front of him. Even though Astrix academy wasn't as big as the prestigious university Carl intended for—the university his father worked for—it was also big. He could see several other level buildings behind the largest one in front of him.
He then turned around. Apart from buildings, this academy also had many trees. He had never seen a place as beautiful as this, other than the forest.
Oh, he forgot. The school is in the hills.
But, what caught his attention was not the tree but what was there. He could see the ropes or long wires were connected to the tree. Instantly, he was reminded of physical exercise in nature.
"Are we going to practice there?" His finger pointed at the spot.
"Yes." Miku then continued on her way to school.
"I wanted to ask this, but I always forgot." Carl aligned himself with her. "How did you suddenly appear without a summoning? Did-"
"There's always an anomaly," Miku cut in quickly. "I came through it."
"What kind of anomaly? Was it like the previous earthquake?"
Miku was silent for a moment, thinking about how to answer that. "You know aurora?"
"Yes."
"It was like the aurora pulled me here."
It was time for Carl to think about the answer. That sounded reasonable and not at the same time. Since the collision of the universe, anything is possible.
"Excuse me."
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation. Carl and Miku turned their heads.
"Are you a student here?" she asked.
Her interlocutor was silent. But a second later, Carl realized that he was the one she meant because Miku was a companion who wouldn't officially be listed everywhere alone.
"No, I'm not a student. Not yet."
"Really? I thought you were the last year's student since your companion is a high level."
Yeah, he needed to get used to similar questions.
Carl couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. Better not to answer than to be asked follow-up questions. "And where's yours?"
"I haven't got one yet. My final test is next week."
Carl nodded in understanding. "So, you're planning on listing here?"
"Yeah. What about you?"
"Me too."
"What major?"
Carl rubbed his neck awkwardly. "I'm still figuring it out."
"As for me, I want to be a healer."
"Healer?" He parrotted. "You mean a doctor?"
Why had he been reminded of his dream since yesterday?
"Yes. I mean doctor," she corrected. "But, I heard they teach not only modern medicine but also classical ones."
Carl was taken aback. "Really?" He just heard about that.
"Yes. That's why I want to roll in here."
Carl had read about classical medicine. However, he had never met a doctor who practiced it.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself." She stretched out her right hand. "My name is Florence. You can call me Flo."
Carl shook her hand. "My name is Carl. And this is Miku." He did not forget to introduce the person next to him.
"Hi. I'm Miku." Miku gave a brief introduction. "Pleased to meet you."
"Pleased to meet you, too."
"Then, shall we have a look together?"
"That would be fun."
And then, the two-person group turned into a three-person one.