Magic School Reunion

He couldn't believe it.

He had always known he was different, even as a child, but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a woodsman. Even if he had no knowledge of magic, he at least knew that a commoner had no place in a magic academy.

"Is this real? H-How did this happen?"

"I was lucky. I used to work as a librarian for a noble family. Fortunately, they thought highly of me and gave me a chance to enroll. In short, I was accepted through a special admission."

The children's faces turned blank.

No matter how well he had performed as a librarian, nobles wouldn't go out of their way to help a commoner like that.

It was only natural that they couldn't understand how Shirone had made it this far.

"That's amazing! So, you're learning magic now?"

Hearing Altour's words, the children quickly gathered closer.

"Wow! Magic? Show us! Show us!"

Shirone gave an awkward smile and raised both hands.

"Haha, I'm not very good at it yet. Besides, using magic outside of school is against the rules."

"Aw, come on."

The children looked disappointed, but Altour couldn't shake off a creeping doubt that had begun to form in his mind.

Perhaps, deep down, he just didn't want to believe it.

Since childhood, he and Shirone had been close yet always maintained a strange distance.

Of course, in the slash-and-burn village, Altour was the undisputed leader.

His background, his strength—there was no one among their peers who could rival him.

But ever since Shirone began visiting with Vincent, small cracks had started forming in their group dynamic.

Shirone wasn't particularly strong, but he had an air of refinement. More than anything, he was incredibly smart.

'Some of them probably liked Shirone more than me.'

Altour knew it.

The reason the pecking order had been settled without any major incidents was because Shirone had willingly submitted to him.

At the time, he had believed it was purely due to his strength, but now, things had changed.

A magic academy?

His childhood friend was walking a completely different path now, and recalling their past made Altour feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"If you're attending a magic academy, why are you out here? Shouldn't you be studying?"

"Ah, well… I took a short leave of absence. I just went through a really tough exam a few days ago, so I needed a break."

This was the only excuse he could give. If they found out he had been suspended, Vincent would hear about it too.

Regardless of the real reason, he didn't want to worry his parents.

The children seemed to believe him. Since he had official leave papers, there wasn't much to be suspicious about.

Lumina tugged at Shirone's sleeve and asked, "How long are you resting?"

"Hmm, let's see… About three days?"

"Really? Then are you going home?"

"No. The semester is almost over anyway, so I figured I'd just wait until then. My parents are busy too."

"Makes sense. Three days would just fly by."

The children knew better than anyone how busy a woodsman's life was.

Martin asked, "So, do you have a place to stay? Where are you planning to sleep?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Lumina's face lit up. "Then come with us! You used to sleep over at our village before, remember? We moved back about a year ago, so there's plenty of space."

Shirone remembered too.

In their close-knit community, they had been more than just friends—they were like siblings, lovers, and family all at once.

"Would it be okay for me to come?"

Shirone turned to Altour again.

Though they were all grown up now, he still remembered how important a leader was for survival in the slash-and-burn village.

Altour smirked.

Come to think of it, even back then, Shirone had always been considerate. It wasn't something he disliked about him.

Burying his past emotions, Altour pulled Shirone into a headlock with one arm.

"What are you talking about, idiot? Of course, you can come! Alright, everyone! We've sold our goods, so let's head back!"

"Ow, ow! That hurts!"

"Hahaha! How are you even skinnier than before? You need to build some strength if you want to be a great magician."

Shirone knew this was Altour's way of re-establishing his authority.

It was an unspoken initiation ritual—proof that he was still accepted here. And truthfully, it made things easier for him too.

"Alright! You get the special seat."

Altour effortlessly lifted Shirone onto the cart.

Even though Shirone was slim, lifting a full-grown man so easily was no small feat.

Shirone stared at him in a daze, realizing just how much stronger his childhood friend had become.

Altour ruffled Shirone's hair and laughed.

"Welcome back, Shirone! Let's drink until we drop tonight!"