The evening sky draped the magic school in shades of golden orange. The shadows of the buildings stretched across the now-quiet courtyard, leaving only a gentle breeze carrying the lingering traces of magic from the day's training.
The wind blew a little stronger, making Rena's hair sway softly as she pulled something out of her oversized robe—the letter she had read before, the love letter whose sender she still didn't know. The paper trembled slightly in her hand.
The decision hadn't fully formed yet… but the seed had been planted.
At least, that was what the ponytailed teacher saw when Rena said those words. She scratched her head a little and thought to herself.
Seems pointless to stop her now.
Besides, Rena was personally trained by the Headmaster… meaning she really does have potential.
I hope so…
Then, with a smile, the teacher placed her hand on Rena's small shoulder, locking her eyes seriously onto Rena's.
Rena!…
I know this is… too soon.
As your teacher, maybe it's not really my place to say this, b-but…
She took a breath, glancing briefly toward the school grounds, steadying herself.
I believe that whatever choice you make, Rena… it will be meaningful, at least for yourself, Rena!!!
Rena heard that, lowered her sword, and drove its tip into the school courtyard floor, causing a small crack—but it seemed stable enough to keep the sword upright without falling. Then she smiled.
Of course, Teacher!!! I'm definitely going to figure this out!!!
At least I know I'll be useful!!!
Slowly, Rena released the teacher's hand, retrieved her sword, and clenched her left fist.
She glanced down at her feet, which were trembling slightly from everything that had happened, but her heart was saying something else.
Strong!!
So motivated!!
Her right hand gripped her sword firmly as she slowly raised it upward, speaking in her heart.
Headmaster…
Thank you for everything up until now.
For getting me into this prestigious school, for personally teaching me how to be a knight…
I'm truly grateful. Whatever your reasons were, what you did means so much to me.
With determined steps, her gaze fixed straight ahead, Rena walked out of the school, thinking to herself.
I was so lonely back then.
Alone…
And you came and took me in.
Thank you…
I will find you, Headmaster!!!
The sky had turned completely dark when Rena left the school gate.
The last light of dusk had vanished, replaced by magical lamps glowing dimly along the road. Rena glanced back once at the school building—the place that had been her world.
Where she learned.
Where she doubted.
And where she… began to change.
Her hand gripped her sword tighter.
Tomorrow… won't be the same as before.
Without another word, Rena stepped beyond the gate. Strangely, she never lowered her sword the whole way, as if she had made a pact with herself—that she would not break her own word.
Eventually, night settled over the house where Rena lived. Calmly, Rena looked around. The house was luxurious, walls lined with marble, floors solid and strong. And she reassured herself that the person she wanted to find truly wasn't here… the Headmaster.
Suddenly, the door was knocked on firmly.
Knock knock knock…
Rena, who had just arrived, opened the door. Indeed, it was the Headmaster's colleagues—the teachers. The ponytailed teacher was there too. Rena welcomed them with a smile and exchanged words with the Headmaster's friends.
Several remarks and questions were directed at Rena, but she seemed unfocused, only giving template answers from her lips.
Seeing Rena like this, the ponytailed teacher took over the conversation, calmly looking into Rena's eyes, trying to bring her back to the present.
Rena, I think all the choices are yours now… do you want to take a leave of absence from school?
Rena snapped back to attention, glanced around at the teachers who were now watching her, and with clenched fists and a clear gaze toward the ponytailed teacher, she made her decision.
Teacher… I want to drop out!!
A few teachers were slightly shocked. One of them, wearing glasses, adjusted his hair slightly and spoke firmly.
Are you sure, Rena??
Do you forget that the Headmaster is the reason you're in school right now?
Wouldn't quitting suddenly disappoint her?
Rena flinched, those words hitting her heart. Slightly flustered, her eyes dropped to the floor, and she tucked both hands into the pockets of her oversized robe.
I- well, hmmm…
I'm sure about my choice— I-I—
The ponytailed teacher cut her off, noticing Rena's own lack of confidence.
How about you take a break from school for a while? How does that sound?
With a look of trust, the teacher raised her voice.
And of course, you decide how long that break is, Rena…
Rena lifted her head again, her eyes meeting the ponytailed teacher's… as if she saw hope in the choice being offered.
Meanwhile, the other teachers looked reluctant to accept the idea—at least that was clear on their faces—but the ponytailed teacher just smiled at them all.
Rena slowly took her hands out of her robe's pockets and, with a clear gaze, said in her heart.
Right… I can't drop out.
I have to graduate…
The Headmaster took care of me all this time, both at school and in this house…
At least this is just postponing things while I resolve this problem…!!
With her sharp gaze returning, Rena looked at the various teachers and the ponytailed teacher, then spoke her mind openly.
I agree!!
Please, teachers… give me time!!
The room fell silent.
Some teachers just stood quiet, except for the ponytailed teacher, who also seemed convinced.
In the silence, the ponytailed teacher swallowed slightly, scratched her head a bit—though still gracefully—and tried to change the mood.
Well then… how about we have some of Rena's cooking??
Rena is really good at cooking, you know.
I heard that before becoming a knight, she was offered a job as an assistant chef for the royal kitchen!
Rena immediately sprang into action without another word, preparing food for the teachers.
The teachers were still a bit awkward and silent because Rena's choice of action was unprecedented; they all felt somewhat guilty toward the other students if they allowed this.
Then, with a loud clap, the ponytailed teacher looked at the teachers with a wide smile.
Think of this… as just a regular get-together. It's not like we're bribing anyone, hehe.
She then turned her gaze toward Rena, speaking firmly and loudly while scratching her hair but still smiling.
Besides, when Rena returns to school, she'll catch up on all the missed assignments, right?
Rena, now in the kitchen, quickly prepared the food she was making—chicken soup. One by one, she set out all the utensils and served the soup on the table.
Of course. I'll finish everything when I come back to school!!
At last, the hesitant teachers began to smile again.
After some time, they all left the house.
Rena was now alone, gazing at everything in the house.
Nothing looked different at first glance. The lamps were still warm, the table neatly arranged, the window slightly open letting in the night breeze.
Her steps stopped in front of her bedroom door. Rena slowly entered the room and stood in the middle, looking around.
This was where she had spent so much time.
But tonight, she didn't feel like staying long.
She opened the wardrobe slowly.
One by one, she began packing.
A few simple changes of clothes, and her favorite oversized robes.
Her beloved training gloves.
A few small bottles of basic potions.
And her sword, which she lifted carefully, gazing at her faint reflection on the blade.
She paused for a moment.
I'm really going…
No great hesitation.
No tears.
Just a strange mix of fear, curiosity, and… a hint of excitement.
Inside the pocket of her now even more worn robe, the letter was still there.
Rena took it out again. She stared at it silently, as if hoping it would give her an extra boost of determination and a reason to go.
But this time, she didn't open it.
She just folded it neatly and tucked it into her bag.
I'm sure this is important… and I'll definitely find the answer there… and the Headmaster too.
Rena fastened her bag, making sure everything was ready.
Then she placed her sword behind the backpack.
For a few seconds, she stepped out of her room and stood in the middle of the house, listening to the silence.
Then, with a soft breath…
Click.
Rena opened the door.
The night outside awaited.
And without needing to look back,
Rena stepped forward into a world she had never seen before.
As an adventurer.