After three weeks of intense scholarship training, the five students—Kazu, Krisha, Roderick, Yozuke, and Lima—were nearing the end of their rigorous program. Each day had been a test of their skills and dedication, and now it was time for the final evaluation. They had received a letter instructing them to gather in a specific room for an important meeting. As they made their way to the room, a mix of anticipation and anxiety filled the air.
Upon entering, they found Professors Garlock and Marlowe already present, their faces set in serious expressions. The atmosphere was charged with a weighty sense of expectation. Garlock, with his imposing figure and the usual calm authority in his eyes, addressed the students as they took their seats.
"Good morning, our excellent students," Garlock said, his voice carrying a solemn note. "Today, we will discuss the final step of your scholarship training. As you know, this is a pivotal moment. We will be evaluating who among you will be given the honor of staying at this academy as a full scholar."
Marlowe, standing beside Garlock, nodded in agreement. His demeanor was equally serious, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "You are all aware that only one of you will be selected to remain here as a full scholar, correct?"
The five students exchanged nervous glances before nodding in unison. They had prepared themselves for this moment, but the reality of it still felt overwhelming.
"Yes, Professor," Kazu spoke up, his voice steady despite the tension. "But have you already made your decision about who will be chosen?"
Garlock shook his head slowly. "Not yet. We have only just begun reviewing the records of each of you. It's a thorough process, and we need to ensure that the decision is fair and based on your performance and potential."
Krisha, her brow furrowed with concern, raised her hand slightly. "Um, Sir Marlowe... is it truly only one person who will be selected?"
Garlock nodded solemnly. "Yes, unfortunately, only one. However, should you not be chosen, there is still an opportunity for you to continue your studies at this academy. You would need to cover your own tuition fees, but you would remain a part of the academic environment."
Krisha absorbed this information, her expression thoughtful. She nodded in understanding, though her eyes revealed a hint of apprehension.
"Students," Garlock continued, his tone softening slightly as he sought to offer reassurance, "please do not feel disheartened if you are not selected as a full scholar. The skills and knowledge you have gained over these past months are equivalent to what a full scholar would acquire. The only distinction is that a full scholar does not pay tuition. So, regardless of the outcome, you have all achieved something significant."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully, as if considering the weight of his own words. Marlowe, standing beside him, offered a reassuring nod, supporting Garlock's message.
The students sat quietly, taking in the gravity of the situation. Each of them had worked tirelessly, driven by the desire to prove themselves worthy of this opportunity. Now, they faced the reality of their imminent future, uncertain of what the final decision would bring.
As the meeting progressed, Marlowe addressed the students with a mix of respect and encouragement. His voice carried a tone of genuine admiration as he spoke, reflecting the weight of their journey.
"Despite everything that has happened here at the academy," Marlowe began, "you have all given your utmost effort to prove yourselves worthy of being a scholar. I commend each of you for your dedication and hard work. However, I hope you will accept the outcome with grace and not let any disagreements arise among you regarding who will be chosen."
The five students nodded in agreement, their faces a mixture of apprehension and determination. They understood the gravity of the decision that lay ahead and the importance of maintaining harmony among themselves.
Garlock stepped forward, his expression serious but tinged with a hint of warmth. "Tomorrow morning, you will need to arrive early at the Grand Hall of the academy. It is there that the final decision will be made regarding who will be granted the title of scholar and who will need to return home. For now, you may go back to your dorms and prepare for the next day."
He smiled, his hand stroking his beard as he finished speaking. The students bowed slightly and began to make their way out of the room, their minds buzzing with the anticipation of what was to come.
As the students departed, Garlock and Marlowe remained behind, their conversation turning to the matter at hand.
"Marlowe," Garlock said quietly, once they were alone, "I have made up my mind. I believe Kazu is the most deserving of the scholarship."
Marlowe regarded Garlock with a nod of agreement. "I was thinking the same. Not only is he a formidable student, but he also played a crucial role in thwarting Mizawa's plan to destroy the entire academy. His contributions have been significant."
Garlock sighed, his expression thoughtful. "I only hope the others do not harbor ill feelings towards our decision. This choice has been difficult, and I wish for them to understand the reasons behind it."
Marlowe nodded, his eyes reflecting the weight of their responsibility. "Indeed. It is never easy to make such decisions, but we must trust in our judgment and hope that they will see the value in what has been done."
That evening, Kazu was quietly doing push-ups in his dorm, determined to keep his body strong. His muscles flexed as he moved, sweat dripping down his face. The room was silent except for the sound of his steady breathing. Meanwhile, Krisha made her way to Kazu's dorm, her heart pounding slightly as she approached his door.
When she arrived, she paused for a moment before knocking softly. "Kazu?" she called out, her voice a little uncertain. Without waiting for an answer, she slowly opened the door and peeked inside.
Kazu was so focused on his exercise that he didn't notice her at first. Krisha stepped in, her eyes widening as she saw him. His body was glistening with sweat, and she couldn't help but blush as she took in the sight of his strong physique.
"K—Kazu..." Krisha's voice faltered, and she felt her cheeks grow warm. She had never seen him like this before, and it left her feeling shy and flustered.
Kazu finally noticed her presence and quickly stood up, surprised. "Waaaah! What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.
"I—I'm scared to sleep alone tonight..." Krisha admitted softly, looking down at the floor. "Is it okay if you stay with me for a while?"
Kazu's expression softened. He understood that Krisha wouldn't ask unless she really needed to. "S—Sure... After all, this is our last night here at the academy," he said, offering her a reassuring smile.
As Kazu grabbed a towel to wipe his face, Krisha couldn't help but admire his strong build. He really is in great shape... she thought, feeling her heart skip a beat.
After quickly changing into more comfortable clothes, Kazu turned to Krisha with a warm smile. "Let's get some sleep. We have an early day tomorrow," he said gently.
Krisha nodded, her face still slightly flushed. "Thank you, Kazu," she said, her voice full of gratitude.
"Come on, let's sleep!" Kazu encouraged, leading her towards the bed. "Will you join me for an early morning jog tomorrow?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Krisha smiled a little and nodded. "Sure... I'd like that," she replied, feeling a bit more at ease. She settled into bed beside him, finding comfort in his presence.
As the room grew quiet, Kazu's mind drifted back to memories of his past. He remembered the harsh life he had lived before, where he had been mistreated, beaten, and eventually cast out to become a homeless child. It was a life full of pain, one that still haunted him at times. But now, here he was, lying in a comfortable bed with powers he never imagined he'd have. It all felt like a dream.
Unable to shake the feeling, Kazu decided to check his status, a habit he had picked up to remind himself of how far he'd come.
STATUS
Level: 83
Name: Kazu Gonomiya
Age: 13
Job Class: God
Passive Skills:
Divine Knowledge
Infinite Mana
Maximized Self Healing
Sword Play
Active Skills:
Blink
Explosive Blink
Bloodlust
Blood Steal
Rage (Locked)
Quick Wield
Whirlwind
Wind Slash
Fist Authority
Magic Spells:
Fire Pierce
Fire Spirit Flare
[???]
Unique Skills:
Exploration Level: 98
Assassin Level: 92
Cooking Level: 8
Mining Level: 1
Smithing Level: 1
Strength: 47
Seeing the familiar list, Kazu felt a mix of pride and disbelief. Each skill and level was a reminder of the journey he'd been on and how much he'd grown. But even with all his strength, there was still a part of him that felt like that lost boy from Quezon City.
As Kazu was checking his status, he noticed something that made his heart ache. Krisha, lying beside him, was quietly crying in her sleep. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she murmured, "Mama, Papa, please don't leave me..." Her voice was filled with sadness, even in her dreams.
Hearing this, Kazu felt a deep sense of sorrow for her. Without a second thought, he gently wrapped his arms around Krisha, holding her close as she slept. He wanted to comfort her, to make her feel safe, even if she was unaware of it.
The next morning, Kazu was up early, ready to start his morning routine of push-ups and jogging. As he prepared, Krisha slowly woke up, rubbing her eyes and noticing Kazu getting ready.
"Ahmm, Kazu, I'll join you for your jog... Let me just get changed," Krisha said, her voice still soft from sleep.
Kazu gave her a warm smile. "Sure, Krisha. Take your time," he replied, feeling a sense of relief that she wanted to join him.
After their morning jog, Kazu and Krisha returned to their dorms, feeling refreshed. An hour later, as they were settling in, Krisha received an unexpected letter wrapped in a beautiful, shimmering paper. It was from her family in Soradia.
Krisha carefully opened the letter, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she unfolded the paper, she saw the familiar handwriting of her father.
Letter:
Dear Krisha,
I know you've heard about the destruction in Soradia, especially near where we live, but I want you to know that we are safe. Nothing bad happened to us... We miss you so much, my dear! Keep doing your best at the academy!
Your dad,
Tears welled up in Krisha's eyes as she read the letter. She felt a mix of relief and overwhelming emotion, knowing her family was safe. Hugging the letter close to her chest, she whispered a silent thank you, her thoughts filled with love and determination.
Grand Hall
In the grand hall, a grand ceremony was held to announce the new scholar among the five candidates. The hall was filled with anticipation as students and faculty gathered to witness the momentous occasion. The air was thick with excitement, and the five students stood nervously, waiting for the decision that would change one of their lives forever.
Garlock and Marlowe stepped forward to address the crowd, their presence commanding attention. Garlock, with his deep voice, began the announcement.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Garlock said, his voice echoing through the hall. "We are here today to announce the student who has been chosen as the scholar of this esteemed academy. After careful consideration, we have selected Kazu Gonomiya."
A wave of murmurs swept through the audience as all eyes turned to Kazu. He stood still, trying to process what he had just heard. Garlock continued, "Professor Marlowe will now explain why Kazu was chosen."
Marlowe stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the students before settling on Kazu. "Good morning, my dear students," he began. "Kazu has shown exceptional abilities throughout his time here. His mana output is extraordinary, and his combat spells are powerful beyond his years. From the beginning of his studies, Kazu has demonstrated remarkable talent. He was instrumental in helping Professor Garlock and me defeat Mizawa, the right hand of the Demon Lord. It is only fitting that he be named the scholar of this academy."
Kazu felt a mix of pride and gratitude wash over him, but as he glanced around, his eyes fell on Roderick. Roderick's face was a picture of disappointment, his dreams of being the scholar for his family slipping away. Kazu understood how much this meant to Roderick, and a decision formed in his mind.
Raising his hand, Kazu stepped forward. "I'm honored by this recognition and the academy's decision to name me as the scholar," Kazu began, his voice clear and steady. "However, I believe that Roderick needs this scholarship more than I do. I would like to give it to him."
The hall fell silent as everyone processed Kazu's words. Krisha, standing among the students, felt a deep admiration for Kazu's selflessness. He was willing to give up such a prestigious reward for the sake of a friend.
"I have already learned what I needed about the six affinity elements," Kazu continued. "Roderick deserves this opportunity."
Garlock and Marlowe exchanged surprised glances. Garlock stroked his beard thoughtfully before nodding. "I'm not surprised by your decision, Kazu," he said with a smile. "It seems this academy may no longer be enough for someone like you."
Marlowe also nodded in agreement. "But it wouldn't be right for you to leave this academy without something to take with you, Kazu," he added.
Kazu thought for a moment before replying, "If it's alright with you, I would like to ask for some books. Specifically, books on the six affinity elements and one on the teleportation magic circle."
Garlock chuckled. "If that's all you want, it's fine by me. What do you think, Professor Marlowe?"
Marlowe smiled warmly. "Of course, Kazu. Go ahead and take the books you need."
Roderick runs toward Kazu and said "is this for real Kazu?.
Kazu replied, "yes Roderick".
Roderick stared at Kazu, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you serious, Kazu? You're really okay with me becoming the scholar?"
Kazu smiled, his expression calm and sincere. "Yes, Roderick. I've already learned so much. This opportunity will mean more to you. Besides I already missed my mom and my friends back home."
The entire academy erupted into applause, their cheers filling the grand hall. Even the other two scholar candidates joined in, their initial disappointment melting away as they celebrated Roderick's good fortune. Krisha clapped the loudest, her eyes shining with pride for her friend.
With that, Kazu's humble request was granted, and the ceremony continued. Roderick, overwhelmed with gratitude, could hardly believe what had just happened. As the crowd applauded, Kazu felt content, knowing he had made the right choice.