Chapter 22: Toward the Academy! (No, there won’t be any academic arc, don’t worry, just read!)
The sky above Dustwall was a pale pink, streaked with golden hues that heralded the dawn.
Lian wore new clothes. His leather armor had become useless; the resilience of his body was now sufficient.
"Lian! Wait!" A familiar voice halted him. Roland was running toward him, his sword swinging at his side.
"You did not think you could leave without a final goodbye, did you?" Roland said, stopping in front of Lian.
Lian laughed, giving him a hearty pat on the shoulder. "I thought you were still in bed, lazy as always."
"Lazy? Me?" Roland feigned offense. "Maybe before, but I have changed. Ever since I discovered my talent, I have been training hard. And I will train even harder now that I know you are a Mage!"
"Oh?" Lian eyed him up and down, pretending superiority. "We shall see... When we meet again and I defeat you, I want no excuses. Watch yourself!"
"Who do you take me for? I will wipe the floor with your ass!"
The two laughed like children before exchanging a big hug, their bond a warmth that lingered in the cool morning air.
"Make a name for yourself, Lian."
"You too, Roland."