Chapter 5

The center of the world and the only neutral zone on the continent. The place where the Source of Magic, ‘Arsen,’ exists. Here, there was the most prestigious educational institution, famous for producing countless talents since ancient times. ‘Arsen Academy.’ The place Ulan aimed to enroll in. Though his heart fluttered at the unexpectedly swift invitation, he quickly regained his composure. There was one concern. “I am still lacking,” Ulan said, well aware of his own level. He instinctively knew that if he took the entrance exam as he was, he would never pass. “Frankly, I don’t have the confidence to pass the entrance exam. I appreciate the offer, but I think it would be better to challenge it after gaining more knowledge…” “Don’t worry about that,” Ajuheuh suddenly interrupted. “The recommendation letter I mentioned earlier refers to the documents needed for admission to Arsen Academy. Given your status, even taking the entrance exam would be difficult.” She added an explanation. Arsen Academy is open to anyone, but this is limited to ‘citizens’ of the kingdoms and empires beyond the prairie. On the other hand, Ulan is a mere barbarian. Therefore, not only is admission impossible through normal means, but even taking the entrance exam is out of the question. “However, with a recommendation letter from a Grand Noble, the story changes. Submitting the letter not only guarantees your status but also exempts you from one of the hurdles of the entrance exam, the written test.” You don’t have to take the written test. At these words, Ulan’s eyes widened. But only for a moment, as Ulan seemed to recall a new concern and asked, “But will Count Dermore really write a recommendation letter so easily?” “You don’t need to worry about that either. Ulan, have you ever heard the story of how I left the prairie and wandered the world?” Of course, he had. Ulan nodded. “At that time, I happened to save the life of a certain brat. He was a diligent kid, hard to believe he was of noble blood.” As if reminiscing about a fond past, Ajuheuh wore a distant expression. “Anyway, in return for saving his life, he made a sworn contract with me. When he eventually inherits his family, he promised to grant me any one wish within his power.” “Then that brat is…” “Yes, Count Dermore.” After the hidden story ended, Ulan roughly understood the situation. Then, with a slightly awkward expression, he asked, “But are you really okay with this?” “What do you mean?” “Using your one and only wish for me…” “It’s fine. It’s better to use it for a sprout that’s about to bloom than for a weed that will soon wither.” It seemed Ajuheuh had already made her decision. The certainty in her voice was evidence of that. “Ulan,” Ajuheuh spoke again. “This world is much wider than the prairie.” Pointing at the sky with her staff, she smiled brightly. “Leave the prairie. See and learn many things in the wide world. Devour all the knowledge you can to broaden your world.” After Ajuheuh’s words, Ulan finally understood the meaning behind her attire. Today was the day her six months of teaching ended. In other words, it was a day of farewell. Realizing this, he knelt and bowed his head. “Thank you for your teachings.” It was the utmost expression of gratitude, respect, and honor from one warrior to another. After rising, Ulan was about to leave the cabin when Ajuheuh’s voice stopped him. “Take these with you.” What she pulled out was an axe and a book. When Ulan looked at them questioningly, Ajuheuh explained patiently. “This axe is forged from a strange bloodstone I found in a cave. It has the characteristic of becoming harder the more it absorbs blood.” The strange bloodstone is an ore used by sorcerers as a medium for spells. Knowing it was a high-priced item, Ulan was surprised it was used to make an axe. Ulan lightly swung the axe. The weight was just right, and the length was perfect. Of course, it couldn’t compare to the axe he often used in his past life, but it would undoubtedly be a useful weapon for the time being. “Next, this book contains teachings I couldn’t fully impart to you. Study it diligently on your way to Arsen Academy.” “I will gratefully accept it, Ajuheuh.” Unable to hide his joy, Ulan smiled brightly. Ajuheuh nodded silently and looked out the window. “It’s late today. If you plan to leave, do so after the snowstorm subsides. You’ll also need to bid farewell to Alke and the other warriors.” “I will.” Ulan nodded obediently. Shortly after, he left the cabin. Despite the fierce snowstorm raging outside, Ulan walked steadfastly, as if determined not to falter no matter what trials lay ahead. 4. A while after Ulan left, as the heavy snowstorm momentarily subsided, the sound of footsteps crunching on the thick snow could be heard. A visitor had arrived at the cabin. A girl dressed in thick fur clothing. With hair as black as the night sky and blue eyes, she had a mysterious appearance. She knocked on the cabin door. Knock, knock, knock! Exactly three times. Then she announced her name. “Master, it’s Noa.” Her voice was clear and crisp. Soon, a cough was heard from inside, a signal that it was okay to enter. Opening the door and stepping inside, Ajuheuh immediately spoke. “…Has Ulan left?” “Yes, he’s completely left the forest.” Noa nodded. At this, Ajuheuh seemed to relax and slowly sat down. “Phew, finally free!” A smile spread across her wrinkled face, a laugh filled with joy. Meanwhile, Noa looked like she had many questions. After a moment of hesitation, she cautiously asked, “Um, Master.” “What is it?” “May I ask why you want him to enroll in the Academy?” “What? Are you asking because you don’t know…!” Ajuheuh suddenly flared up in anger. But the anger didn’t last long. “…Well, I guess it’s possible you wouldn’t know. You’ve just finished your exam, after all.” The girl’s name was Noa Darshen. About eight years ago, Ajuheuh had found her by chance and took her in as a disciple. After teaching her all sorts of sorcery and academics, she had just returned today after taking the sorcerer’s exam to prove her achievements. Meanwhile, having regained her composure, Ajuheuh sighed again and muttered, “That guy is hopeless.” “…What?” “There’s no blockhead like that blockhead. Even a ten-year-old from the clan would understand better than him!” Ajuheuh’s body trembled, as if she was fed up. “Of course, not everything is a mess. His concentration and memory are quite useful. But everything else is below average.” What good is a good memory if it takes too long to remember? And that’s not all. From comprehension to reasoning, everything was below average. No, it was rock bottom. “The only saving grace is that he knew his place and handed over the position of clan leader to Alke. If he had become the clan leader…” The clan’s future would have been bleak. There was a time when Ajuheuh had hopes for Ulan. She believed that with his strength and wisdom, he could conquer even the continent beyond the prairie. But that was a vain hope. She realized that all of Ulan’s talents were skewed towards strength and combat. So, she used his desire to enter Arsen Academy as an excuse to drive him out of the prairie. At least until Alke could solidify his foundation as the clan leader. Meanwhile, after the story ended, Noa had a puzzled expression. “But if it’s just about driving him out, is there really a need to send him to the Academy? Even if he gets in, he won’t be able to keep up with the classes…” Wouldn’t it just be a waste of a wish? Noa thought so. On the other hand, Ajuheuh’s thoughts were different. “Ulan’s potential as a hero is immense. Among the heroes who have made their names known in the world, he could easily be called the greatest.” Honestly, she acknowledged his qualities as a warrior. Noa seemed to think similarly, nodding her head. “But his capacity for knowledge is too small. So, I want him to realize the size of his own capacity through this opportunity.” “Ah! Now I understand.” Noa’s eyes widened. “So, what you want is not for him to walk the path of learning, but to fulfill his mission as a warrior and hero?” “Yes, exactly.” Ajuheuh nodded with a smile. Noa finally let out a sigh. A sigh of relief. “Phew, that’s a relief. I was worried about what would happen if he didn’t fulfill his mission as a hero…” “But Noa.” “Yes?” “What exactly is a hero’s mission?” “Well, of course, it’s to stop the Lords of the Abyss, ah, no! Ah, it’s nothing! Hehe.” As if realizing her mistake too late, Noa awkwardly brushed it off. Ajuheuh furrowed her brow and tilted her head, but soon let it go. There were other important matters to discuss. “Noa.” “Yes, Master.” Noa answered respectfully. Ajuheuh looked at her and then took out a white envelope from her pocket. “Congratulations on passing the exam.” “Master, what is this…?” “It’s the same letter Ulan took.” A letter requesting a recommendation from Count Dermore. As Noa took it, her eyes widened, and Ajuheuh continued. “You too, go to Arsen Academy.” “…!” Her face stiffened in an instant. She understood Ajuheuh’s meaning. Noa shouted with a trembling voice. “B-but I’m still lacking! I want to learn more by your side…!” “No, you’ve already learned everything.” Her voice was sincere. Ajuheuh spoke with a kind expression. “So, go to the Academy, build up your skills, and come back. You too are the future of the clan.” “…Master.” She bit her lip tightly. She had sensed it subconsciously. Ajuheuh had already made her decision. After a considerable amount of time had passed, Noa nodded with a determined expression. “Yes, I will follow your words.” “Good. You’ve made the right decision.” Ajuheuh smiled kindly. But even as time passed, Noa showed no sign of getting up. She just kept looking at Ajuheuh with bright eyes. If there was nothing more to say, why wasn’t she leaving? As Ajuheuh tilted her head in confusion, about to ask the reason, Noa spoke first. With a very serious expression. Chapter 2. Towards the Academy.