| Author: Shizuku | Original Source: Syosetu | Word Count: 2807 characters |
| Translator: Nomad | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 1422 words |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | ||
Today I’m graduating1. It’s already spring, with the weather getting warmer and the Geminus Cherries’ yellow and white flowers in full bloom.
Regular students don’t have classes today, so only those graduating are at the Academy today, and we’ll receive the cape and staff that serve as graduation certificates in our respective classrooms from our homeroom teachers.
“Everyone, you’ve worked hard the last three years, and I’m proud to see that all of you made it here without falling behind once.” Our teacher, Damuel, also sounds much more amiable today.
Eventually it’s time for us to receive our capes and staves, and we all step forward as our names are called.
“Olivia Eto Gardeland.”
“Here.”
It’s finally my turn, so I give a response and stand up, before walking up to the teacher’s desk.
“You’re exceptionally good at combat, but you’re still lacking a lot of knowledge and control. As long as you focus on those areas and improve, I’m sure you’ll grow to become stronger than you can imagine. But that’ll be your own journey to take, and I wish you the best.”
“I promise I’ll become just as strong as my parents were.”
“Good, I’m sure you can do it. Congratulations, you’ve graduated.”
“Thank you very much.”
I receive the cape and staff, then return to my seat.
The cape is made of gray fabric, with the Academy’s emblem embroidered on it, and it should be resilient enough to withstand basic magic attacks. The staff is made of a Torrent branch, offering neither too much or too little assistance with using magic, and it has a Mana Crystal on the tip, so it can help as a mana reserve as long as the crystal is charged up beforehand.
Both were things that could help a magician.
I don’t usually cast magic with staves, but receiving something tangible as proof of graduating still feels good.
“Everyone, this concludes one chapter in your lives, but it certainly won’t be the last one. I know you’ll all move on to accomplish great things in the future. So one last time, congratulations, you’ve graduated.”
With those closing words, Damuel’s speech concluded and our time in the Academy concluded.
We all head out towards the Academy gates, where Natalia, Ruri, and even Miss Annabelle and Plum are waiting for us.
“Man, it really feels like those three years went by in an instant.”
Amy says with a chuckle while carrying her staff on her shoulder. She’s my childhood friend who’s always thinking of ways to make money.
We went to school together even before coming to the Academy, and she’s always been helping me. She gave me medicine and food to take with me when the Black Roc took Natalia, and she’d always give me advice or plan something when I was in trouble. She’s really reliable, and I’m proud to have her as my best friend.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these past three years together with all of you, and please know that the Barnard estate will always welcome you, so feel free to come visit whenever you have a chance.”
Christina was really timid and introverted at first, but now she’s more mature and calm.
She’s been helping me study for a long time, and also helped with repairing Natalia before, so I’m really indebted to her. It was also the magic device she prepared that saved me when I fought the Black Roc. I feel like we wouldn’t have made it out alive without that.
“Thank you everyone for welcoming me and treating me as a peer, even if I’m from a foreign land. I hope that Reibana and Seperion can continue reaffirming their ties of friendship in the future.”
Ryuka has always had this graceful and elegant demeanor, and even though she has black eyes and hair like me, our personalities are like polar opposites. But somehow we’ve always gotten along, and could talk without reservations.
But she’s not restrained at all times. I’ve heard that she was one of the first to fight back against the Rufus when they attacked during the festival. She’s also a vampire, of which there’s only a handful in Seperion. It was a bit shocking when I learned that, but that didn’t change our friendship whatsoever.
When she cooked food from Reibana it also reminded me of my father’s cooking, which felt quite nostalgic.
“I have to say, the only regret I have is not being able to win against you.”
And then came Mathias, who I recently fought in the festival’s tournament.
I didn’t like him at first, since he insulted my mother, but that was all a misunderstanding that he took too far due to his strong dedication to honor and propriety, and he apologized when he learned he was wrong. We had no issue talking to each other in the classroom after that, or training together, and we also became something like rivals.
“What do you mean? You’ve always had much better grades than me, and I only won in the tournament by a bit.”
Mathias looked slightly frustrated, but he doesn’t seem to be letting it drag him down too much. I did win in the tournament, but I don’t know how our next fight will end. I’ll just have to train as much as I can so I don’t lose and embarrass myself if that time comes.
“This won’t be the end though. Next time we meet I’ll-”
“Olivia!”
“Woah?!”
Then someone called my name and interrupted Mathias.
A flash of light came from behind Mathias, and he quickly twisted his body to evade it somehow, and I punched it up into the sky before it could reach me.
That flash of light had come from Marize’s fist clad in lightning. Luckily it was only a short attack, and with quite limited power, so I don’t think any of the students nearby noticed it. But we couldn’t hide our shock seeing it.
She wasn’t just being reckless for the sake of it. That hadn’t been a regular lightning spell, but Sparkling Lightning Shock that I normally use.
“Next time we meet I’ll definitely beat you! Don’t forget that!” Marize points at me as she declares that loudly.
I hadn’t imagined she’d learn one of my best spells. It’s a bit of a shock, but I’m also kinda happy for her.
“Th-That’s what I was going to say… But nevermind that, are you crazy?!”
“Chill, Mathias. I knew you’d dodge it, and you did, so who cares.”
“That’s not the point! And why do you always talk to Olivia with more respect than me!”
“I mean, it just feels right to talk that way.”
I haven’t seen Mathias this riled up in a while, though he’s right, I feel like Marize acts more loosely around Mathias.
“You two really are good friends.”
“”We aren’t friends!!””
Their voices are literally overlapping so it’s really hard to believe that.
“Anyway, we still have a score to settle, so make sure you’re always ready!” Saying that, Marize turns around and walks away while stretching her shoulders.
“That girl is as impertinent as ever, huh.”
“I think that gives her some charm though.”
I think Amy still hates Marize, but for me it’s impressive how she refuses to lose. If she can keep that spirit and learns how to use her power properly without giving up, I’m sure she’ll keep getting stronger. Though I guess I should be doing the same.
“Thank you for everything, everyone. I hope we can keep being friends forever.”
“Of course we will.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll always remember my time with you.”
I’m really blessed. I have my strong and cool parents, who I want to be like one day. I have friends I can rely on, and rivals who push me to improve. They’re all good friends, sometimes kind and sometimes strict, and always cheerful and funny.
I really couldn’t ask for anything more. Even if we embark on different paths and meet adversity, I’m sure we’ll all be alright.
I part ways with everyone and go see my family of Servants. Natalia is holding a bouquet of flowers, and Clarissa is scratching her neck with her foot while waiting for me.
“I’m back.”
“Woof.”
“Will that be everything then?”
“Yeah. Though it’s not like this is the end of the road.”
“That’s true. I’m sure you’ll be seeing each other soon enough.”
“Mhm, but let’s go back home now.”
Thank you, Ingralowe’s Magic Academy.
Staying here was really really fun2.
