Departure

Here we are. The same cool-looking house. At first, I was worried to come here, but now it actually feels like home. As much as we've been teasing each other, I think I can consider her a friend. In her own weird way, she has tried to let me get used to this place.

[Hey there! I came to visit!]

"You scoundrel! Coming after a pure lady like I!"

[Of course! Otherwise wouldn't you forever regret not wishing me a good journey?!]

"As if!"

[What if I died a gruesome death out there? You would forever have to live with the guilt of having ignored me. There is no way I can let that happen!]

"Then don't die! Simple haha."

[Makes sense, but you know just in case.]

She slowly exits her house. She glances appreciatively at my new getup.

"Not half bad. Now that I think about it I should have made you a silk dress. It would have been nice with your fair complexion."

[Too late. I'm already done with that part!]

"No shoes?"

[Is it weird looking?]

"Not that much. It gives you a wild handsome beggar look."

[Hehe, *Sigh* even guardians are not immune to my charm. Is this a curse!]

"I also called you a beggar."

[I mean I am probably more destitute than a beggar, to be honest.]

"At least you can use some magic."

[Indeed nature magic and creation magic are awesome!]

Is it me or she shuddered with the latter part? Probably my imagination. I turn to the bear.

[Alright, you will be in charge of telling everyone to behave and that I wish them luck.]

"I'll do it, teacher!"

The roc props up too.

"I'll do it too, don't worry!"

[Nope, you are coming with me.]

"What?!"

[You don't think I'll walk all the way there, right?]

"T-that but the outside is dangerous and…"

[We'll be fine. You can fly.]

He seems to be about to have a heart attack just thinking about it. I guess everyone needs to start somewhere. This will be a test of courage for him. Hopefully, there won't be any issue because of that. PS: That totally wasn't a flag.

I invoke my magic and make a makeshift saddle on the Roc. At first, he is confused as to what the purpose of it is, but he slowly accepts it. I tell him it adds a layer of protection. I proceed to explain to him that if he ever encounters other beasts it won't be heavy enough to hinder his escape.

But if he encounters humanoids, they will see it and realize that he is under the orders of someone. Then they will think twice before attacking him. After all, how many could domesticate a roc? They would fear getting on the bad side of some powerhouse.

He understands it all and then starts strutting around proudly. Anything that may help him run away is a treasure in his eyes. After all, that is his favorite activity. I'm not sure why, but I get the feeling he won't remove it. Ever!

I slowly mount on his back. I'm not sure why but the addition of the saddle and the fact that I have actual clothes changes everything. I feel like some powerful emperor. One that can look down upon the world.

"Oh? You will take him on your quest? Usually, it is tradition to accomplish it alone."

[Tradition is it? Screw tradition!]

"What a bold statement. What happened to becoming one of us?"

[To be fair I'm only doing this to kill two birds with one stone.]

I can feel the Roc shivers underneath me.

[I simply want to explore the world, if I can help friends at the same time I may as well.]

"Oh? Are you seriously admitting to not caring about traditions?"

[Traditions are dead, men are alive.]

"Except that none of the people here are actually human."

[No matter, you understand the meaning.]

"Indeed. Still, if you proceed in such a way, they probably won't accept you."

[You mean the ones that didn't even bother to say hi? They can go fuck themselves for all I care.]

"Such vulgar language!"

[Not like you mind it, am I right?]

"*Sigh* Let's just say I won't deny your last statements haha."

Go figure.

[Alright, I'll leave the safety of this forest to you!]

"Please, you only recently came here. I've been safeguarding it well all these years without you."

[Still, don't make me come back to a scene of destruction.]

"Why do you even say that?"

[That's totally what happens in most stories to give a semblance of depth to it.]

She nods.

"Alright, I'll remember it."

I'm about to order the roc to start flying, but then comes a blur. A screaming one. Fast at that. What the hell is it?! Then as it comes closer, I can notice it is the old ghost.

[*Whisper* Who's faster between you and the ghost?]

"Teacher I am faster in the air."

[Good, be prepared to fly away at a moment's notice.]

He nods solemnly.

"Yggdrasil's Pupil! I just learned that you were leaving! Why didn't you send someone to tell me?!"

[Oh, I figured you would eventually hear about it is all.]

"What?! After all we went through together?!"

Eh, why can I only remember one-sided abuse? Either my memory is seriously lacking or that dead guy is crazy. I believe it to be the second option. Will I simply leave like this? Actually no.

There is one last thing I want to accomplish. One very little, tiny thing. Remember how I said I was going to get revenge? Well, I have finally figured out how. I will use a tactic that would never affect anyone. In normal circumstances that is...

[Actually, you are right. Thank you for putting me through such painful and annoying training.]

"No worries!"

[I will tell every single soul I meet that you are my teacher!]

"Of course."

I signal the roc to start flying. Then I scream at the ghost one last thing.

[I'll also butcher all that etiquette stuff you showed me and give you the reputation of the worst teacher of all time!]

With desperate and angry lamentations in the background, we fly away quickly.

Outside world here we go!