Chapter 6: Graduation

Arthur quickly adapted to school life. Every day began with him gathering in the spacious classroom alongside other children, where they studied basic disciplines at wooden desks. Strict but patient teachers explained the fundamentals of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Anna always sat next to Arthur. She gradually overcame her shyness with the support of her friend. Together, they tackled assignments, completed exercises, and helped each other through difficulties. If any classmates teased Anna, Arthur would always stand up for her, even if it wasn't through direct confrontation.

Over time, the lessons became more engaging. The children learned about the nature of their world, stories of great heroes, and legends about magical creatures. Arthur especially loved history lessons taught by a kind and gentle teacher.

When Arthur turned eight, the curriculum became noticeably more challenging. New subjects were introduced: material science, the history of kingdoms, and basic military training. The children particularly enjoyed lessons about magical creatures. The teacher would bring miniature figurines of creatures like fire fairies and show how they glowed in the dark. Arthur was captivated. He could spend hours studying these tiny creations, learning about their anatomy and habits. He dreamed of owning a magical pet someday, though he knew that such a privilege was reserved for the wealthy or for wizards.

After class, Arthur often stayed behind to talk with the teacher, asking countless questions about magical creatures: what other types existed, where they lived, and what magical abilities they possessed. The teacher, delighted by Arthur's enthusiasm, answered all his questions. One day, after a particularly engaging conversation, the teacher gifted Arthur an old book about magical creatures. Arthur treasured it, reading it over and over. The book's pages were filled with colorful illustrations and detailed descriptions of various fantastical beings. Arthur dreamed of one day encountering some of them in the wild.

By this time, Arthur had become one of the most diligent students. He wasn't the strongest or the fastest, but his memory and curiosity set him apart. Even the teachers noted his persistence and deep interest in the world around him.

Knightly training, though challenging, became an essential part of Arthur's school life. While he couldn't boast physical strength, he quickly learned that skill and experience could somewhat compensate for his lack of power.

Anna, on the other hand, didn't enjoy these lessons. She stayed away from group exercises, preferring to spend her time drawing or embroidering. Arthur always tried to support her, teaching her simple techniques so she wouldn't fall behind the class.

Not everything went smoothly, however. Conflicts with Eric and his friends persisted. Eric still sought to assert his dominance, often picking on Arthur and Anna. Yet, with each passing year, Arthur paid less attention to Eric's antics, focusing instead on his own progress.

By the time Arthur was twelve, noticeable changes in his condition began to emerge. His parents grew concerned: he started spending more time asleep, sometimes sleeping 13 or even 15 hours a day. Waking up in the mornings became difficult, and he tired quickly throughout the day, though his body appeared perfectly healthy. They consulted local doctors and even sought advice from herbalists, but no one could pinpoint the cause of his condition.

Martha watched anxiously as her son came home from school and went straight to bed after barely finishing his homework and dinner. Tom was worried too, but seeing that Arthur's mind remained sharp and his achievements continued, he tried to find some comfort in the situation.

Surprisingly, despite these changes, Arthur's academic performance soared. His memory improved to the point where he could recall complex texts after hearing them just once. Formulas that once seemed difficult and confusing now came easily to him. The teachers noticed his progress and praised him, noting that he had become one of the best students they'd ever taught.

Arthur, however, sensed that something unusual was happening to him. The dreams he experienced were vivid and immersive, as if he were living other people's lives. In some dreams, he was a knight fighting in medieval battles; in others, he was an explorer uncovering ancient ruins. Sometimes, he dreamed of being a child experiencing first love or an old man lamenting his youth. These images felt like fragments of lives that weren't his own.

One day, as Arthur walked home after another long school day, he pondered what was happening to him. The fatigue in his body wasn't painful; it felt natural, as though his body was preparing for something important. He noticed that after each long sleep, he felt slightly different. It was hard to pinpoint exactly how—he wasn't becoming stronger or faster.

His family grew accustomed to Arthur's new routine of sleeping longer and spending more time in bed. Martha worried, but seeing that her son's health didn't deteriorate, she tried not to show her concern. She prepared nourishing soups and herbal infusions recommended by local healers, hoping they would help Arthur regain his strength.

Arthur felt these changes were no coincidence. He began paying more attention to the world around him. Tiny details he'd previously overlooked now caught his eye: how trees grew in the forest, how the wind swayed the leaves, how the grass changed throughout the day. It all suddenly seemed important, as if the world had come alive in new colors.

By the time Arthur was thirteen, not only had his memory improved, but his senses had sharpened as well. He could hear the faintest sounds that previously escaped his notice and distinguish scents at an extraordinary level. His classmates joked that Arthur was becoming strange, but thanks to his calm demeanor, he maintained good relationships with most of them. Only Eric and his friends continued to mock him.

Anna, as always, remained by his side, and her support was a crucial part of Arthur's life. She too noticed the changes in him but, with her vivid imagination, saw them not as something strange but as part of his uniqueness.

Arthur even thought that Anna might have developed feelings for him… but then he remembered one of the three great illusions of his past life: assuming someone likes you.

Arthur tried to use his new abilities to benefit his studies and help his family. He could spot tiny cracks in wooden planks when helping his father in the workshop or predict weather changes just by the smell of the air. These skills made him more useful to those around him, and he was happy to help.

By the age of fifteen, Arthur had grown into a quiet but confident young man. He had come to terms with his unusual life and realized that his abilities opened many doors. His success in school drew the attention of his teachers, some of whom spoke of a bright future for him.

Physically, Arthur was still not the strongest among his peers, but he compensated with quick reflexes. In knightly training, he couldn't overpower stronger opponents, but he could easily predict their movements, often leading to his victory.

However, the most valuable thing Arthur gained over the years was loyal friends. Anna, who remained his closest companion, had become more confident in herself. Her talent for drawing had attracted the attention of teachers, who even recommended she continue her studies in the kingdom's capital.

Together, they often discussed their dreams. Anna spoke of creating books that would inspire people, while Arthur dreamed of becoming a wizard or a legendary knight from the stories.

When Arthur turned sixteen, he graduated with honors. Over the years, he had transformed from a simple village boy into someone who understood and appreciated the complexity and beauty of the world around him. His parents were proud of him.

Arthur contemplated the upcoming wizard qualification test. He wondered how his life would change if he truly became a wizard…