It had been six months since I had my status show up, I’ve been steadily learning swordsmanship and noble etiquette, writing and reading. I learned all the movements in Shuguri, and have even had a few bones break on me due to it. 

I also fought with Master daily to improve my fighting skills. Elena told me that my magical vessel has light and dark magic, so she can’t teach me anything else other than the theory.

And then suddenlyー

“This is your final assignment; get the ore, the ore of Mystran. From the mountains before Jashuzsk.” he said. 

“Go to the University of Magical Energy in holostia,” said Elena.

Both of them had now given me their final assignments as teachers. 

“I-Is that really a-all, sir?” I asked him, but he replied back with “Yeah, this final assignment is all that’s left. I have nothing more to do, you just need to learn by yourself now. This is optional, since I don’t want you dying and all. But, it still stands.”

Soon I had asked Elena. “Uhm... So, is the university special somehow?” - “Mhm. That’s probably the only place you could practically learn magic, I tried my best to teach you the theory and make you do it yourself, but it didn’t work out too well. But, I’m confident the university will be able to do it. And you’re at the perfect age for it.” she told me.

Sighing she continued “Look, I know you’re nervous. But, let me tell you this; you’re one of the only kids who diligently learn. Most nobles are too confident and later suffer for it. That’s why I want you to go there. Learn.”

Soon, Ryoko stopped coming to fight. And Elena didn’t teach anything more. Without anything to do, I sat on the bed in my room and stared at my ceiling, And then I asked Alf. “Alf, is there any necessity for me to stay here?” - “In all honesty, master, at the moment; a vessel of the duke is taking care of the land, and I was only instructed to assist you.”

“I see... Thank you for answering. I think I made up my mind now.” 

“Master... I just have one thing to say... Please trust yourself more.” he looked a bit sad, but he smiled at me.

Later Alf prepared some stuff I’d need. He gave me a bag with; some booklets, rations, money, and basic clothes. 

Everyone came outside the mansion to see me off, all the servants bowed and stood there, while Ryoko came up to me and gave a Thulwar with engraving. 

“Here you go, the sword has Dark-Light stones engraved into it, since I heard that you have magical aptitude for Dark and Light magic, it’ll boost your abilities by a bit as well.” he said.

Then Elena came up to me, and gave me a ring.

“Listen up, this ring will help you keep your vessels in check, I know that dark and light is a conflicting combination, so keep this ring on. It’s only a prototype and the only one-of-its-kind, so be careful.”

Estrelle just ran at me, and didn’t let go of me. She kept on crying. I then took her up and rubbed my cheeks against her. And hugged her. a few minutes later I took the bag, put on the basic armor and left. I waved to all of them, and started to walk.

| Even though you finally gained some people, you’ll have to be alone again. I’m sorry Maru. |

“No, it’s alright. I don’t mind. Besides, I need to find something of my own.”

It’s been nine months. It’s getting colder again, it reminds me of the time I had to walk in the snow. Ever since that day, my life has changed again and again. I can only change with it. That’s all there is to it.

Once I had left the middle sector where the ducal household is, I entered into the merchant’s sector. It seems that the four-sector policy still stands. I walked through to find some way to get to my village.

A boy was being beat up by a few drunkards. Deciding that I can’t get involved, I continued to walk past. Yetー

“Weren’t you the ones who took my sister?!” the boy shouted. “Shut up kid, just pay up.” one of the drunkards told the boy.

“Isn’t that why my sister came to you all!! Give my sister back, bastards!” he shouted again. 

My body moved faster than ever. Just as he was about to kick the boy, I punched him in the stomach. Even with his huge build, he was no match for my punch. He flew into the wall.

“Fuck! Look at this bastard!” another one of them charged at me, while the other one tried to tackle me. But, I crouched down; leading the both of them to crash into each other. 

The kid was in pain, holding back his pain he was lying on the floor. Crouching down, I asked him; “What happened?”

He replied back; “They took my sister! That- *cough* That’s why I w-” He then suddenly fell unconscious.

| Maru. Are you sure you want to get involved in this? |

“Yeah. I’m sure.”

This was the beginning of my journey.