After the announcement of the scholar, Kazu, Krisha, and the two other students packed their belongings, feeling a mix of joy and nostalgia. They were preparing to return to their families, each carrying their own memories and experiences. Although they hadn't won the scholar title, they had gained valuable lessons and formed lasting bonds. For Kazu, receiving the books on the Affinity Elements and the Teleportation Magic Circle was a highlight. As he carefully packed these treasures into his Item Space, he couldn't help but think about Krisha.
"What will Krisha do now?" he wondered, a sense of uncertainty creeping in. The idea of never seeing her again troubled him, but they had made a promise to wait for each other. He hoped she wouldn't forget him. "I hope she won't forget about me," he whispered to himself, letting out a soft sigh.
With his belongings secured in his Item Space, Kazu made his way to say his final goodbyes to Professors Garlock and Marlowe. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden light over the academy grounds. The once-bustling halls were now quiet, filled with echoes of past lessons and laughter. As he approached the faculty office, he encountered Roderick, who was clearly waiting for him.
"Kazu," Roderick said earnestly, "thank you again for giving me the chance to be a scholar. I'll never forget your kindness. I hope we meet again someday."
Kazu smiled warmly and shook his head, brushing off the praise. "Oh, it's nothing. I've learned so much here, and you need that scholarship more than I do. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Roderick nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Kazu..." he said, bowing deeply before walking away.
Kazu continued down the hallway, feeling the weight of goodbyes. When he finally reached the faculty office, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. It creaked open, revealing Professors Garlock and Marlowe, who were engaged in a quiet conversation.
"Good evening, Professor Garlock, Professor Marlowe," Kazu greeted, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm heading home now. Thank you for teaching me about the six elements." His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he added, "I'll never forget you."
Before either professor could respond, Kazu stepped forward and hugged them both tightly. The professors exchanged surprised looks but then smiled, returning the embrace with warmth and pride.
As Kazu left the academy grounds, he noticed a carriage waiting near the gate. The horses were majestic, their coats gleaming in the fading sunlight. As he stepped closer, he saw Krisha about to board the carriage, her father helping her with gentle care. Without thinking, Kazu called out to her.
"Krishaaa! Take care of yourself, okay? I'm going to miss you!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the courtyard.
Krisha paused, her hand resting on the carriage door. She didn't turn around, but in her heart, she whispered, "I'll miss you too, Kazu... I'm going far away, and it will be a long time before we see each other again. But please, wait for me…"
Kazu's heart sank as he watched her climb into the carriage, unable to respond. He didn't know that Krisha was silently crying, overwhelmed with sadness at their separation. As the carriage began to move, carrying Krisha away, Kazu stood there, his hand slowly lowering.
"Goodbye, Krisha..." he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the departing carriage.
As Krisha's carriage disappeared into the distance, Kazu was reminded of his journey back to the orphan house. Though his heart was heavy with the sadness of parting, his determination to return home was stronger.
Without hesitation, Kazu broke into a run, his feet pounding against the cobblestones. The 40-mile journey back to the orphan house lay ahead. The path was familiar but promised new opportunities for growth. Kazu saw this as a chance to enhance his exploration skill, which had been steadily improving through his adventures.
He sprinted down the winding paths, the wind rushing past him and carrying the scent of the academy's gardens. The first 10 miles passed quickly under his determined pace. As fatigue began to set in, he spotted a small food stall nestled in a bustling market area—a perfect place to catch his breath.
Kazu slowed to a walk, his chest heaving as he approached the vendor. The modest stall offered fruits, bread, and refreshing drinks. He bought a bottle of water and a cloth-covered flask, filling it with cool liquid. As he drank, the crisp water revived him, washing away the weariness. With his energy replenished, Kazu set out once more, his resolve unwavering.
As he resumed his run, Kazu felt a familiar tingle, and a notification appeared in his mind:
NOTIFICATION
[Your exploration level reached level 98.]
A wide grin spread across his face. The progress was a testament to his hard work, and the thought of reaching the maximum level spurred him on. He continued down the path, his pace quickening with excitement.
Memories of his time at the orphan house filled his mind. He thought of Nozue, his close friend, and wondered how much had changed in his absence. "I wonder what Nozue is doing now," Kazu mused with a fond smile. "I bet he's gotten stronger too." The anticipation of reuniting with his friends and mentors filled him with joy.
The orphan house had always been a place of comfort for Kazu, a sanctuary amidst his challenges. Now, as he pushed himself to run faster, the thought of returning home gave him strength. The images of Rosalia and Nozue waiting for him fueled his determination.
Minutes ticked by, and the landscape blurred as he ran. Kazu's focus was absolute, his thoughts centered on the reunion that awaited him. The path became a blur of colors—green fields, blue skies, and the occasional passerby. He paid little attention to the scenery, his mind solely on home.
An hour into his run, another notification flashed before him:
NOTIFICATION
[Your exploration level reached level 99.]
Kazu's heart soared with pride. He was now just one step away from mastering his exploration skill. The realization energized him, pushing him to run even faster. The familiar landmarks of his hometown came into view—the Blacksmith Shop where he had honed his craft and the bustling wet market filled with vendors and shoppers. Each sight filled him with nostalgia and purpose.
The road seemed to fly beneath his feet as he neared the orphan house. Dust and pebbles kicked up in his wake, as if the ground itself recognized his determination. His breath came in steady bursts, his muscles burning with effort, but Kazu felt exhilaration.
Finally, after what felt like both an eternity and an instant, Kazu arrived at the orphan house. The building stood as he remembered, a place of warmth and belonging. His heart raced with excitement as he approached the door, his hand trembling slightly as he knocked. Behind that door were the people who had become his family, who had supported him through every trial.
Kazu's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he waited, knowing that within moments, he would be reunited with those he cared about most. The journey had been long, but it had led him back to where he belonged.
Rosalia quickly opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Kazu standing outside the orphan house, drenched in sweat from head to toe.
"Kazu, my dear... How are you? Why on earth are you so sweaty?" Rosalia asked, her voice filled with concern as she took in the sight of him.
Kazu's face lit up with a joyful smile as he embraced Rosalia warmly. "I've missed you so much, Rosalia," he said, his voice full of affection. "I ran all the way from the Academy to here, which is why I'm so sweaty."
Rosalia was taken aback by his response. "Why would you run all that way? It's such a long distance... You should wipe off your sweat and change your clothes right away. You might catch a cold," she said, her worry evident as she guided him inside.
Kazu nodded, his face filled with eager anticipation. "Where is Nozue? Is he home?"
Rosalia replied, "Nozue is actually finishing up a quest right now. You know, ever since you left for the Academy, Nozue has been diligently following the routine you both used to do every morning—jogging, doing push-ups, and taking on quests. He's been keeping up with it every single day."
Kazu's eyes widened in amazement. "Really? Nozue has changed so much, hasn't he?"
Rosalia's smile grew warm and proud. "Yes, he has indeed. So, how did things go at the Academy? Did you manage to become a scholar?"
Kazu's expression brightened even more. "Yes, I did become a scholar."
Rosalia's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Is that so? Well, does this mean you'll need to prepare to return to the Academy?"
Kazu shook his head with a resolute look. "Actually, no. I decided to give the scholarship to someone else. I gave it to Roderick because he needs it more than I do."
Rosalia's eyes softened with pride as she looked at him. "You're such a kind and selfless child... But didn't you have a desire to continue your studies at the Academy?"
Kazu's smile was full of contentment. "I did want to, but I've already learned everything I needed to. Plus, I brought back some books with me."
Rosalia's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of books did you bring?"
Kazu's eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke. "I brought back one book on each of the six elemental affinities—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Dark, and Light. And I also got a book on the Teleportation Magic Circle. The Academy gave them to me. Now I have the chance to read and learn more about magic!"
Rosalia's face beamed with pride and admiration. "That's truly wonderful. You've done so well. Now, go ahead and rest for a bit. Nozue will be back home soon, and you should be ready to catch up with him."
Kazu goes to his room.
A few moments after settling into a comfortable spot, Kazu began to feel the heaviness of sleep tugging at him. His eyelids grew heavy, and before long, he was fast asleep, the weariness of the journey from the Academy finally catching up with him.
Three hours later, the sound of the front door opening heralded Nozue's return.
"I'm back," Nozue called out as he stepped into the familiar warmth of the orphan house, his voice echoing through the hallway.
Rosalia looked up from where she had been tidying up the living room. Her eyes brightened with a welcoming smile. "Oh, Nozue, you're back! It's wonderful to see you. By the way, Kazu has returned from the Academy as well. He's been eagerly waiting for you."
Nozue's expression shifted to one of surprise and curiosity. "Kazu is back? But how did he manage that? I thought he was supposed to become a scholar."
"Indeed," Rosalia said, her tone a mix of curiosity and pride. "He is here, and he's in his room. Why don't you freshen up first, and then you can go and see him?"
Nozue nodded, still pondering the situation. "Sure, I'll clean up and then head over to his room."
As Nozue made his way to his own room to change and freshen up, Kazu's restful slumber was interrupted by the sound of familiar footsteps and voices. He stirred, rubbing his eyes, and became fully awake as he recognized Nozue's voice.
"Wait a minute, that's Nozue," Kazu murmured to himself, sitting up in bed. He quickly glanced around, remembering the books he had brought back. "I need to put these books away properly," he added, feeling a rush of urgency to organize them before his friend arrived.
Nozue, now refreshed and dressed in clean clothes, climbed the stairs to Kazu's room. His steps were quick but cautious as he approached the door. With a gentle knock, he entered the room.
"Kazu, how are you?" Nozue asked with a friendly smile. "Did you manage to become a scholar?"
Kazu, still adjusting from his nap, greeted him with a sleepy yet cheerful grin. "Hey, Nozue! I did become a scholar, but I ended up giving the scholarship to someone else. I gave it to Roderick because he needed it more than I did."
Nozue looked intrigued. "Roderick? Who is he?"
"He was one of my classmates at the Academy," Kazu explained, shrugging casually. "He's a good person and really needed the scholarship."
Nozue's admiration was evident. "Wow, you're incredibly selfless. That was a big opportunity, and you just gave it up."
Kazu smiled, brushing off the praise. "It's nothing really. I've already learned so much, and I brought back some books with me too. Check this out."
He reached for the stack of books and laid them out on the bed, his excitement palpable. "I brought back one book for each of the six elemental affinities—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Dark, and Light. And I also got a book on the Teleportation Magic Circle. The Academy gave them to me. I'm really excited to read through them."
Nozue's eyes widened with amazement. "Wow, that's incredible! Even though you didn't become a scholar, you managed to bring back all these valuable resources. You really are quite the strategist, Kazu."
Kazu laughed softly. "It's all part of the adventure. And hey, if you want to borrow any of these books, just let me know. I got them so that we both can learn and improve."
Nozue's smile grew wider as he took in Kazu's generosity. "Thanks, Kazu. I appreciate that. It's good to have someone like you around, always thinking ahead and sharing what you've learned."
As they continued to chat and catch up, the room was filled with the warmth of their friendship and the shared excitement of their future studies. The afternoon sun streamed in through the window, casting a golden glow on their conversation, highlighting the bond they shared and the new chapters they were about to write together.