Chapter 6

(3)

5.

“Do I get nothing?”

“······Huh?”

“You gave Ulan, the Hero, an axe and a book made of monster bloodstone. So, I thought you might have something for me too.”

Only then did Ajuheuh realize.

Noa wanted something.

“Anything specific you want······.”

“Yes, I need travel expenses. It’ll take at least two months to get to the Academy, and I can’t sleep on the ground every night, right?”

Noa, asking for money as if she’d been waiting for this.

Well, living outside the prairie would require money. Ajuheuh handed Noa a pouch containing twenty silver coins.

“Will this do?”

“Good for a short trip, I guess.”

Noa’s face lit up with a bright smile.

It was clear she wanted more. After a long back-and-forth, Ajuheuh ended up giving Noa most of her savings.

A pouch containing a hundred silver coins.

Finally satisfied with the hefty amount, Noa smiled.

“Thank you, Master. I’ll do my best at the Academy to honor your name and dedicate myself to my studies!”

“You little brat. I’ve got no more coins to give, so get going already!”

Ajuheuh’s face twisted in frustration.

Noa left the cabin as if running away. Soon, Noa’s presence completely disappeared. Left alone, Ajuheuh’s shoulders trembled.

“Finally······.”

Finally, both of them were gone!

Her body shook violently.

Her eyes filled with emotion. Ajuheuh, who had been cheering inwardly, recalled the events of the past.

About ten years ago.

After years of wandering, Ajuheuh returned to her hometown to live a peaceful life. She planned to occasionally give advice to her clan.

‘That’s when I picked up Noa.’

The reason was simple.

Noa’s black hair was the same as Ajuheuh’s. Plus, she needed a decent servant—no, a disciple.

So, under the guise of taking her as a disciple, Ajuheuh made Noa do all the cleaning, cooking, and laundry for about five years.

Then one day.

Drunk, Ajuheuh taught Noa some basic sorcery.

There was no particular reason.

Just a whim brought on by the alcohol.

At the time, she didn’t think much of it. She figured Noa wouldn’t be able to learn it anyway.

But what do you know?

Noa mastered all the basic sorcery in just one night. That’s when Ajuheuh realized. Noa had a talent for sorcery.

‘······I should’ve stopped there.’

If she had just taught her the basics and left it at that, it would’ve been fine. But Ajuheuh didn’t.

She wanted to test the limits of Noa’s talent, so she taught her various forms of knowledge and academics.

And the result?

In three years, Ajuheuh was completely drained.

‘So, I gave her an insanely difficult graduation exam.’

Named the ‘Sorcerer’s Exam,’ it required completing a sorcerer’s lifelong wish and defeating all the monsters roaming the prairie—a very, very tough test.

But Noa finished it in just half a year and returned. That’s when Ajuheuh’s worries doubled.

Ulan, who had proven himself as the clan’s strongest warrior by passing the Trial of the Hero, but was as dense as a rock.

Noa, a sorcerer with an overwhelming, burdensome talent who had drained Ajuheuh’s resources.

The thought of having to teach these two made her suffocate. So, she kept thinking of ways to escape this mess.

A way to deal with these two headaches.

Then, suddenly, she thought of the ‘Arsen Academy.’

‘If I send them to the Academy······.’

At least until graduation, she’d have her freedom.

Besides, those two wouldn’t stay studious forever. Once they graduated, they’d surely wander the world and live their own lives.

Just like she had done long ago.

The moment she thought this.

Ajuheuh began her plan to send them to the Academy. The result was a great success.

“Hehe, now no one can bother me!”

From now on, she wouldn’t take any more disciples.

She’d just quietly retire and rest.

Just the thought made her happy. Ajuheuh’s face brightened as she laughed heartily.

The laugh of someone who had regained her freedom.

6.

The next morning.

The fierce snowstorm had subsided.

Ulan quietly left the village. Though it was still dark before dawn, he wasn’t worried. His night vision was quite good.

Crunch, crunch!

As he walked through the pure white snow.

He soon reached the outskirts. There, he met a familiar face.

“Brother?”

Ulan’s brother, Alk Bator.

He looked at Ulan with a troubled expression, as if he had guessed Ulan would leave the village secretly.

“Ulan.”

Alk spoke.

“Are you leaving already?”

“Yes, the snowstorm has stopped.”

Ulan nodded.

“······I still can’t believe it.”

Alk sighed softly.

With a complex expression, he muttered.

“I was surprised when you offered me the position of Clan Leader, but I never thought you’d say you’re going to the Academy.”

Surprise, confusion, regret.

Various emotions flickered in his candle-like eyes. In contrast, Ulan’s eyes remained steady.

“Because I’ve realized a lot through the Trial of the Hero. There are many things in this world that can’t be solved by strength alone.”

Though that wasn’t the only reason.

But saying this would make anyone nod. Ulan’s attitude had changed since passing the Trial of the Hero.

Alk was no exception.

“I see. If that’s your decision, I’ll respect it. After all, to become a great warrior, wisdom is also necessary.”

Once he respected Ulan’s decision.

Alk’s eyes no longer wavered.

“Then, I’ll relay Ajuheuh’s message.”

The fact that he called it a message suggested Ajuheuh didn’t plan to come out. But Ulan didn’t mind.

‘We already said our goodbyes yesterday.’

So, there was no need to feel sad.

Ulan bowed his head calmly and listened to Ajuheuh’s message.

“The world beyond the prairie is very different from here. So, always act cautiously, and remember that reckless killing brings misfortune.”

It was clear what she meant.

She wanted to prevent Ulan from harming or killing people carelessly. But for the current Ulan, this advice was somewhat unnecessary.

‘I already know what it means.’

In his past life, Ulan had spent over a decade outside the prairie.

So, he knew better than anyone that hurting or killing people would lead to trouble.

“Secondly, I want you to take Noa with you to the Academy. Since you two are fellow disciples, I hope you’ll get along well.”

“Noa?”

Who’s that?

Ulan tilted his head in confusion.

Just then, there was a rustling sound from the bushes. Soon, a presence was felt. Moments later, a petite girl appeared.

“S-sorry I’m late!”

Black hair and blue eyes.

Plus, snow-white skin like snow. The girl, who exuded a mysterious aura, repeatedly bowed her head.

“There was more to prepare than I thought when it came time to leave. I’m really sorry.”

Alk waved his hand at her repeated apologies.

As if to say it’s fine, don’t worry. Then, he turned back to Ulan and said.

“That’s Noa. Noa Darshen. A disciple Ajuheuh took in about eight years ago. I hear she’s quite talented in sorcery.”

“······.”

Ulan narrowed his eyes.

Noa. Noa. Noa.

No matter how much he thought about it, the name didn’t ring a bell. He couldn’t even remember if Ajuheuh had another disciple.

So, he decided to let it go.

If he couldn’t remember, it probably meant she wasn’t that important.

“Lastly, Noa is very knowledgeable, so you’ll learn a lot from her during your journey. So, if you have any questions, ask Noa.”

This was good news.

Even though Ulan had experience traveling outside the prairie in his past life, he still lacked knowledge.

“Ajuheuh’s message ends here. Next is something personal. Something I want to say to you.”

“I’m listening.”

Ulan replied respectfully.

Alk approached him. Then, he patted Ulan’s right shoulder and said.

“First, wherever you are, you are a Prairie Warrior. So, never hesitate to act according to your beliefs and convictions.”

A warrior’s identity and pride.

He meant not to lose this, no matter where he was.

“Second. You’re never alone. I’m here, Ajuheuh’s here, and so are the other warriors and the clan. If you’re ever in trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The Prairie Warriors will come to you, no matter where you are.”

The words ‘you’re not alone’ were comforting.

Especially when leaving the village alone. A faint smile appeared on Ulan’s lips.

“Lastly, don’t forget that this is your home. You have a place to return to. You’re always welcome to come back anytime.”

Words that brought comfort just by hearing them.

Each one was helpful to Ulan.

Ulan silently bowed his head. It was a sign that he would remember. Seeing this, Alk finally smiled and shook Ulan’s hand.

“Now, go. I’ll strive to show you a changed version of myself when we meet again.”

“Yes, please stay healthy.”

After exchanging farewell glances.

Ulan turned around.

Noa, who had been waiting, quickly followed. The sound of footsteps crunching on the snow echoed.

The two walked through the snow-covered plains after the storm.

And so, Ulan and Noa embarked on their journey. A long, long journey to the Arsen Academy.

Chapter 3. Noa Darshen