There was nothing left for me to learn at Gloria Magic Academy.
I informed Lord Geese, my recommender, and received his approval before withdrawing.
I came to the headmaster's office to say goodbye.
"Oh, Alan. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for... but I found this."
Previously, when Headmaster Fourier had called me in, I had consulted with him about ways to counter Mist's [Shadow Magic].
The headmaster held out an exquisitely bound book.
"If you can read it, you'll be able to master the magic written within — but countless scholars have attempted and failed over the ages. Eventually, it was forgotten entirely and buried deep in the back of the library shelves."
"Let me take a look. ...This is the 'Shield of the Goddess'?"
"What! You can actually read it?!"
Before coming to the academy, I probably wouldn't have been able to read it.
Now that I've learned all sorts of things, I can read it just fine, but the magic inside assumes you can already use a shield that automatically defends for you and that you're able to wield [Holy Magic].
It floats in the air and guards in all directions, and since it leaves your hands free, you can hold your sword with both.
With this, I might actually be able to counter the surprise attacks from [Shadow Magic] that I couldn't handle before.
"Thank you very much, Headmaster Fourier."
"Hmm... I'm glad to hear that. Say, Alan — are you truly sure you don't want your graduation certificate? With your grades, there'd be no issue granting you one."
"Because if I did, I might accidentally get recruited as a court magician or something, and I don't want that."
More importantly, someone would probably kick up a fuss about how a mere commoner managed to graduate, so I'd rather not have it.
"I see. You came here to gain power so you could live freely, didn't you."
"Yes. I was finally freed from my family home, after all. I may settle down somewhere someday, but now is not the time."
"Indeed. There's still a vast world out there that you haven't seen, so go see that first. I shall pray for your luck."
◇◇◇
"So you're really quitting, Alan."
"Yeah. It was a short time, but thanks for everything, Melty."
Alan departed the academy.
Melty had wanted to put Alan forward as a partner candidate, but her father wouldn't allow it.
He'd be away from home for long stretches, and as an adventurer who could die at any moment, it would be difficult to have him inherit the merchant business — or so her father said.
It couldn't be helped.
Melty could only tell herself that she'd have other encounters someday, and leave it at that.
◇◇◇
"Geese, sir — I've withdrawn from the academy."
I came by the Lazing estate to give Geese a report.
"Did you accomplish what you set out to do?"
"Yes. I'm stronger than before, so I'd say I'm harder to kill now."
"Fourier was grateful, you know. He said the slacking instructors and students have thinned out, and it feels like the academy is getting back to what it's supposed to be."
"Geese, sir — was that your aim all along?"
"That was part of it, yes. But I also figured there was a good chance Alan would grow sick of the academy and drop out early."
When I had spit dumped on my clothes the moment I walked in, I did briefly consider doing just that.
Oh, right — I should lift that curse that drops bird droppings on me once a day.
Looking back, I know it was childish to curse him with dark magic just because he spat on me. I regret that now.
"Anyway, my strengthening is complete, so thank you very much, Lord Geese."
"Mm. By the way, was there anyone good at the academy?"
"I can't imagine there are many people finer than Lady Nina, but..."
I feel like my only options were noble kids who looked like troublemakers, or hardcore girls who cared about nothing but magic.
Melty-san seemed to be searching for a potential successor too, though.
Besides, I've already
had someone on my mind
for a while now.
Well then, time to get back to everyday life.
Maybe I'll take on a quest at the Adventurer's Guild for the first time in a while.
◇◇◇◇◇◇
Melty: "Hey, wasn't I making heroine moves? Like getting taken hostage and stuff?"
Sophia: "Sorry, Melty-san, but there's only room for one heroine."
*Not that I have anything against harems or anything.
Skills: [Reverse] [Divine Eye] [Sword God] [Gentleman Thief] [Dark Magic] [Rock Iron Magic] [Holy Magic] [Spacetime Magic] [Scorching Magic] [Freezing Magic] [Magic Hand] [Seduction] [Pain Relief] [Complete Status Ailment Resistance] [Flame Spirit Protection] [Phantom Demon] [Gale Thunder] [Dark Spirit Protection] [Monstrous Strength] [Thunder God Sword] [Good Fortune] [Clear Sky Magic] [Humility]
Rank: Silver (Alisa: Gold)
Thank you always for reading 😊