Scene: Dorm Room – The Request

He stared at me, clearly trying to understand the situation. Confusion flickered in his eyes, then he blinked and said awkwardly:

“M-My master… he needs medicine. When I saw you earlier, I thought maybe… maybe you could cure him.”

I scoffed. “Did you not hear the principal back there? Do I look like a fucking healer to you? An alchemist?”

“But… I can give you anything you want. Money—how much do you need? I searched everywhere across the continent, but no one could help! Please! If you can cure him, I’ll grant you any wish—anything!”

I just stared at him. Blankly. Slowly blinking, letting the silence grow heavier.

“Do you even know who I am?” I said finally, voice low and sharp. “Whose son I am? Which family I belong to? And you—some nobody hiding in a robe—think you can buy me with money?”

My eyes narrowed.

“You don’t even have the guts to show me your face, yet you beg for help? What a joke. Hah!”

I stood up, cracking my neck.

“But… since you helped me earlier, I’ll return the favor.”

I glared at him.

“Now, tell me. Who the fuck is your master?”

He hesitated. “…I can’t disclose that information.”

“Tch. Then how the hell am I supposed to treat him, genius?”

“…I’ll explain what happened. His body—suddenly—it turned cold, like ice. His aura vanished, and it hasn't returned. He collapsed unconscious. It's like… there’s no heat left in him. No life.”

I raised a brow, amused.

“I don’t even know who he is. What if he’s one of my enemies? Hmm? Hehehehe. That might actually make this more fun.”

He paled.

“That master of yours… man or woman?”

“…Man.”

“Married or unmarried?”

“Married.”

“Health of the wife?”

“She’s… healthy. Strong.”

I smirked.

“Good. Then give this to her.”

I pulled out a small sealed letter and handed it to him.

“Only she is allowed to read it. Don’t even think about peeking.”

He stared at it, confused. “What kind of cure is this… that only the wife can understand?”

“Tch. That’s not your concern. Just keep that thick head of yours down and follow instructions.”

I leaned back on the bed, snickering to myself.

“He thinks I’ll just give him an easy cure. Let’s see how your precious madam handles that.”

Scene: Departure – Leaving the Academy

The next morning, I got up, preparing to go home. Then it hit me—I had barely packed anything when I ran away from home. No staff, no clothes… no money.

As I stepped through the academy gates, I noticed the robed man quietly following behind me. I ignored him.

Outside, I found a ridiculously luxurious carriage parked nearby—no noble family crest, but clearly built for someone with wealth.

Then I remembered: I didn’t bring a single coin with me.

“Hey, old man.”

He turned.

“I want that carriage.”

“…What?”

“You said you’d give me anything, right? Then lend me that damn carriage.”

“I—I can’t give it to you, but…”

“Then what the fuck can you do?”

“I can… arrange another one. A simpler one.”

“Good. Get it. Fast.”

He bowed lightly. “Is there… anything else?”

“Nah.”

Scene: A Sudden Disruption

Just then, another student was kicked out of the academy gates, stumbling as he hit the ground. I looked at him.

“Hah. What’d you do now?”

He avoided my gaze. “Fees…”

“Hey, old man—pay his fees too.”

Both the robed man and the expelled student turned to me, startled.

“What? You want it or not?” I snapped.

The kid stammered, “But… I don’t have anything to offer you. I’m a commoner. My family can’t help, and I’m not skilled enough for any sponsorship…”

“I’m the one who decides what you’re worth. So just shut up, take the help, and fuck off.”

“…Thank you.”

Scene: The Carriage and the Road Ahead

The carriage arrived a few minutes later. It was simple, but solidly built—sturdy enough for long travel.

The coachman, an older man, climbed up and asked, “Destination?”

“Bamboo Forest. Southern Hills.”

The moment I said it, his entire body tensed.

“…No,” he said quietly. “I can’t take you there.”

His eyes—filled with fear—stared straight ahead, avoiding mine.