Do I get anything?
Huh?
You gave the warrior Ulan an ax made of bloodstone and a book. Then I thought you might have sothing to give too.
Only then did Azur realize Noah desired sothing as well.
If you want sothing, you can tell
Yes, I need money for travel. Itll take at least two months to get to the academy, if not more, and I cant sleep on the floor all the ti, can I?
Noah asked for money as if she had been waiting for it.
After all, money was necessary for survival outside the grasslands. Azur handed Noah a pouch filled with twenty silver coins.
Will this be enough?
It would be good for a little outing only, Noah grinned.
It wasnt enough, so she demanded more. After a lengthy argunt, Noah robbed Azur of the majority of her fortune. A pouch filled with a hundred or so silver coins.
Noah was finally content with her newfound fortune.
Thank you, Master. When I go to the academy, I will devote myself to my studies to not tarnish Masters reputation!
What a damned disciple. I dont have more silver coins to give you, so get lost! Azur scowled.
Noah dashed out of the cabin, as if fleeing. Before long, Noahs presence had vanished. Left alone, Azur shook her shoulders.
Finally.
Finally, they are both gone!
Her body shuddered violently. Eyes drenched in emotion. As she sang her joyous tune, Azur recalled what had happened.
About ten years ago.
After many years of wandering, Azur returned to her hotown to spend the rest of her life comfortably. She hoped to live out her days in peace, occasionally offering advice to her clan.
Then I picked up Noah.
The reason she picked Noah was straightforward.
It was because Noah and Azur both had black hair. She also required a moderately useful servant, but no student.
So she took Noah in as her apprentice, and for about five years, she pampered her with cleaning, cooking, and laundry.
Until one day, that is.
Returning ho drunk, Azur taught Noah basic magic. There was no real reason for it. It was just a drunken whim.
More than anything, she didnt think much of it at the ti, that Noah wont be able to learn anyway.
But what the hell?
Noah learned all the basic magic arts overnight. Thats when Azur realized. That Noah had a talent as a shaman.
I should have stopped there.
It would have been fine if she had just taught the basic magic and moved on, but Azur didnt do that at the ti.
She wanted to test the limits of her talent, so she taught various knowledge and disciplines including witchcraft.
The result.
Within three years, she was stripped to the bone.
Thats why I gave her an incredibly difficult assignnt for her graduation exam.
This test, known as the Shamans Test, was a very demanding test, requiring a shaman to fulfill a single wish and slay all the monsters that road the grasslands.
Noah, on the other hand, returned after completing this in less than a half-year. Azurs worries then doubled.
Ulan, who had passed the Trials of a Hero and proved himself to be the strongest warrior in his clan, and stone-headed.
And Noah, a shaman with a genius talent that was burdenso enough to wipe out her own money.
She quipped in horror at the prospect of having to teach these two colossi. So she struggled to figure out how to get out of this ss.
A way to deal with both headaches.
Then, out of the blue, she ca up with the idea of Arsene Academy.
If I send them both to the academy
Shed be liberated, at least until their graduation.
Above all, they wont be able to study hard forever. Once they graduate, they will surely wander the world and live their own lives.
Just like she herself did in the distant past.
The mont she thought this far, Azur began planning to send them both to the academy and the result was a great success.
Hoo-hoo, no one can bother now!
She will no longer accept disciples. She just has to be quiet and get so rest.
Just thinking about it made her feel happy. Azur laughed coolly, her face brightening even more.
It was the joyous laughter of soone who had regained their freedom.
Dawn of the next day.
The fierce snowstorm had passed.
Ulan quietly left the village. It was still dark because it had not yet dawned, but he was not worried; his night vision was quite good.
crunch, crunch, crunch!
He made his way through the white snow.
In no ti, he arrived at the entrance, and there he saw a familiar face.
Brother?
It was Ulans brother, Alk Bator.
He looked at Ulan with a confused face. As if he had guessed that Ulan would secretly leave the village.
Ulan, Alk said to him, Have you considered leaving already?
Yes, now that the blizzard has stopped, Ulan said, nodding.
To be honest, I still cant believe it, While letting out a soft sigh, Alk muttered with a complicated face, Not even when you told you were relinquishing your position as Chieftain, but I never thought youd tell you were going to the Academy.
Surprise, confusion, regret, and more.
His eyes flickered like candlelight, showing a variety of emotions, but Ulans gaze never wavered.
Its because the Trial of a Hero has taught a lot. There are many things in this world that cannot be solved solely through strength.
That wasnt the only reason, though.
Still, when he said this, everyone nodded. Ulans attitude changed after he passed the Trial of a Hero.
This was also true of Alk.
I see. If thats your decision, Ill respect it. To beco a great warrior, you must also be wise.
After respecting his wishes, Alks eyes no longer quivered.
Then Ill tell you about Azurs ssage.
The word ssage suggested that Azur had no plans to visit here. But Ulan didnt care.
If it's goodbye, I said it yesterday.
So theres no need to feel bad.
Ulan bowed his head in silence and listened to Azurs ssage that followed.
The world beyond the grasslands is much different from here. So always act with caution, and rember that rash killing will co back to haunt you.
He could roughly guess what she ant.
She was trying to prevent Ulan from injuring or harming people recklessly. However, it was a rather useless piece of advice for Ulan at this point.
I know what you an.
In his last life, Ulan spent more than ten years outside the grasslands.
As such, he knows better than most that hurting or killing people will get you in trouble.
Second, I want you to accompany Noah on the way to the academy. Since you two are fellow alumni, I hope you get along well.
Noah?
Who was that? Ulan tilted his head.
Just then, there was a rustling in the bushes, followed by the sensation of movent. A small girl appeared after a while.
Uh, sorry Im late!
Black hair and blue eyes, and white skin that resembles snow. For so reason, the mysterious girl bowed her head repeatedly.
Im sorry, I realized I had more to prepare than I thought just before I was about to leave.
Alk waved his hand in response to the repeated apologies as if to say, Its fine, dont worry about it. Then he turned to Ulan again and said, This child is Noah. Noah Darshen. Shes a disciple of Azur from 8 years ago, and from what Ive heard, shes quite gifted in magic.
..
Ulan narrowed his eyes. Noah. Noah. Noah.
It was a na he couldnt rember no matter how much he thought of it. He couldnt rember exactly whether Azur had another disciple in the first place.
So he decided to let it go.
If he cant rember, it must an that shes not a very important person.
Lastly, Noah is very knowledgeable, so you will learn a lot during your trip. So, if you have any questions, ask Noah.
This was good news.
For even if Ulan had wandered far beyond the grasslands in his last life, he still had much to learn.
This is the end of Azurs ssage. What Im going to tell you next is personal. Sothing I want to tell you.
I will listen, Ulan politely replied.
First, you are a warrior of the grasslands, wherever you are, Alk said as he walked over to him, patting him on the right shoulder, So do not hesitate to act according to your own will and beliefs.
Identity and pride as a warrior. Dont lose that, no matter where you are.
Second. You are never alone. There is , there is Azur, there are other warriors and there is the clan. If you ever get into trouble, always call for help. Because the warriors of the grasslands will rush to you, no matter where you are.
It was comforting to know he was not alone. Especially when he was leaving the clan alone. A faint smile blood on Ulans lips.
Finally, dont forget that this is your ho. You have a place to return to. You can co back whenever you want.
Words that make you feel at ease just hearing them. Each one of them was helpful to Ulan.
Ulan bowed his head in silence. He ant to keep it in mind. Now go, Alk said as he smiled, clasping Ulans hand, If we et again, Ill work hard to show you that I, too, have changed.
Yes, please be well, After exchanging farewell glances, Ulan turned around.
Noah, who had been waiting, followed quickly. The snow crunched beneath their feet.
The two walked on the snowy field after the blizzard had stopped.
And so Ulan and Noah embarked on their journey. On a long, long journey to Arsene Academy.
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