Time seemed to accelerate following the incident with Wadatsumi, Messenger of the Giant God.
The winter days flew by in a blur, and by early March, the graduation ceremony was underway.
As expected of a world-renowned, prestigious academy, the ceremony was attended by an array of illustrious guests. It remained exceptionally solemn... at least, until the halfway point.
The ceiling and walls of the Great Auditorium—everything save for the chairs the attendees sat upon—suddenly turned transparent. In their place, a projection of a vast, azure sky appeared.
This shifting blue expanse enveloped the entire hall, and from somewhere unseen, pale, glowing petals began to flutter down. They felt faintly warm to the touch before dissolving into particles of light upon contact.
The stifling formality vanished. By the end, the auditorium rang with the cheers of the graduates.
They would never walk these halls as students again.
Final conversations with friends were filled with a bittersweet mix of sorrow and nostalgia. Outside the school buildings, graduates, current students, and faculty members gathered to exchange their final parting words.
Trees planted in the gardens were heavy with blossoms of every color. Beneath the clear sky, the latest class of graduates prepared to leave the nest.
It was shortly after noon on that brilliant day, not long after the ceremony had concluded.
Ren walked through the gardens, which had been decorated to match the peak of spring. Licia and Fiona walked beside him, watching the bustling circles of graduates from a distance.
"That felt like our entrance ceremony—the way Director Chronoa used her magic," Ren remarked.
He was referring to the display during the ceremony. It surprised all three of them to realize that a whole year had already passed since Ren and Licia had first stared in wonder at Chronoa’s magic during their own induction.
"Though I think there were even more guests today than at the entrance ceremony," Licia noted.
"Now that you mention it, you're right. There were quite a few," Ren agreed.
"It's likely because so many family members and recruiters were in attendance," Fiona added.
As they spoke, Ren reflected on the sheer number of dignitaries he had seen. The sight, a testament to the authority of the Imperial Military Academy, could still be observed across the grounds.
However, the three of them moved toward a quiet corner of the gardens to escape the crowds. They reached a small plaza with a fountain hidden behind manicured hedges—a spot where students usually gathered to eat lunch. On this graduation day, it was as deserted and peaceful as they had hoped.
Just as Ren was about to sit on the edge of the fountain, a familiar voice called out.
"Ren!"
It was a friend he hadn't heard from in a while. Wayne came running toward them, followed by Sera and the other representatives of the Seven Great Ducal Houses.
"Wayne? What’s the rush?"
"Well, I really wanted to talk to you...!"
Previously, Ren and Wayne had been roughly the same height. Now, however, Ren’s eye level was slightly higher. It was a subtle difference, but it served as another reminder of how much had changed since the start of winter break.
"Winter was pretty intense for you, wasn't it? I wanted to hear the details...!"
Classes hadn't been in session since the end of the break, but their schedules hadn't aligned due to spring parties and various noble duties. Even today, the current students had gone directly to the Great Auditorium, bypassing the classrooms. Wayne had been swamped by other classmates asking about his own winter, so he had only just managed to track Ren down.
"So that's why you were in such a hurry."
Ren offered a wry smile. With his neutral features, the expression was almost boyish, yet deep down, there was a presence that seemed to tug at Wayne’s instincts.
"I wasn't the only one who had a busy winter, though," Ren said casually. He turned his gaze toward Kaito while waiting for Wayne to catch his breath. "That goes for you too, Senior Leonall. I heard you were attacked by Wadatsumi, Messenger of the Giant God, before you even reached the magic ship landing."
"...Yeah, something like that. We were flying along when a swarm of Forest-Devourers and some other nasties jumped us."
"Man... hearing it again, that’s just wild."
"What are you talking about? You had it just as bad, Ashton! Besides, yours was... well, you know!"
The news had been in the papers, and the details had reached the Ducal Houses. The fact that the Strong Sword User Ren Ashton had attained the rank of Sword Saint and received the Holy Grimdahl Sword Emblem from the Lion Holy Chancel was no longer mere rumor.
Without dancing around the subject, Wayne looked Ren in the eye.
"Ren, is what they're saying about this winter true?"
He was asking about the rumor that Ren had soloed a Messenger of the Giant God. His voice was thick with a conviction that suggested he already knew the answer.
Ren gave a small, quiet nod. "Yeah. It's true."
There was no reason to keep it a secret, but Ren’s humble nature prevented him from boasting about his feats. For Wayne and the others, that simple confirmation was enough.
Wayne looked like he wanted to dig deeper, but Ren and his companions couldn't stay.
"Sorry to break this up, but Ren, it's almost time," Licia reminded him.
"Right—you're right." Ren checked his watch as Wayne and the others fell silent. "Sorry. You just got here, but I have an appointment."
"N-No problem! Sorry for ambushing you!"
The members of the Lion King Festival Executive Committee had arranged a small gathering to celebrate Mirei’s graduation. They had only been killing time at the fountain, but the conversation had lasted longer than expected.
"Let’s catch up properly later. I actually have some things I want to talk to you about too, Wayne," Ren said.
Accompanied by Licia and Fiona, Ren headed back the way Wayne’s group had come. Even after they disappeared from view, Wayne and the others continued to stare in their direction.
A few days after the spring festivities, Ren stood at the main entrance of the school building.
"...Hey, Ashton," Kaito called out.
Ren, now officially a second-year, looked at the third-year Kaito, who had just arrived. "Yes? What is it?"
"Doesn't it feel like... something’s missing?"
"Um... that’s a bit vague. What do you mean?"
"I mean, first we had the graduation ceremony, right?"
"We did," Ren nodded.
"Then the entrance ceremony. On top of that, there were a ridiculous number of spring parties, weren't there?"
"It is the season for them, I suppose."
"Exactly. It was like that everywhere."
Ren himself had attended several with Licia. Many of the nobles who approached them were looking to gain favor with Viscount Lezard Clausel, whose influence grew daily, but quite a few were clearly interested in Ren himself. Fortunately, Lezard had fended them off with his usual grace—and the looming shadow of the "Strong-Armed" Duke Ulysses was often enough to make some nobles see the man as a literal demon.
But Kaito was talking about something else entirely.
"I like it when things are lively. Last spring and summer were the best."
"The Lion King Festival was incredible, but I think that was a special exception."
"I know you can't compare it to a once-in-a-few-years festival. But still, once all that excitement ends, it’s just back to the grind, isn't it?"
"Even with the new school year, the classroom environment doesn't change much."
"Exactly! The Special Merit Class doesn't get reshuffled like the general classes. It’s convenient, sure, but it feels hollow."
As Kaito said, the atmosphere in their class remained largely static. While new subjects were beginning and grade-specific specialized lessons were starting, it lacked a certain freshness. Then again, considering everything that had happened over the winter, it felt like life had been non-stop since last spring.
"We had plenty of excitement this winter. Isn't a bit of peace a good thing? Peace is best, after all," Ren argued.
"I get that, I really do... but I want 'peaceful liveliness,' you know?"
"I... suppose?"
Kaito groaned and leaned his weight against the wall. Ren noticed several nearby students glancing at them and giggling—the sight of the two boys in such an unbalanced posture was apparently quite funny.
Kaito eventually started walking again, though his steps lacked any trace of his usual overpowering aura.
"Speaking of which, we had that short test yesterday. You second-years had it too, right?"
"We did. Is that why you're so drained today?"
"My grades are getting better, but I've still got a long way to go."
"So that’s it. You were being laughed at earlier, you know."
"Who cares? My father isn't here to see it."
"...If you're okay with it, Senior Leonall."
They stopped at a wide landing on the stairs. The space was so vast that Ren’s entire room at the Ashton Manor could have fit inside it with room to spare. Kaito stood before a large window, basking in the sunlight and the spring breeze as he stretched.
"Alright! Time to get to work—"
The moment Kaito turned around from the window, a high-pitched voice cried out.
"Oof!?"
A girl’s yelp echoed through the hall. Beside Ren, Kaito immediately panicked. "Crap, sorry!"
"Ow, ow, ow...!"
A girl stood there, clutching her nose and glaring up at Kaito with watery, reproachful eyes. She wore an oversized blue robe decorated with gold thread and clutched a wide-brimmed witch’s hat to her chest. She was of average height and slender, with a face that anyone would call adorable. Her hair, the color of milk tea tinged with cherry blossoms, fell to her shoulders.
(Wait... I know her,) Ren thought.
"Fugh... not bad, Kaito! To think you’d sense the great me approaching—as expected of a man with Leonall blood in his veins!"
Ren didn't interrupt her vigorous speech, simply smiling at her sheer energy.
"Lizred!? What were you doing behind me!?"
"I saw you lounging around with such a pathetic posture that I thought I’d poke you in the side!"
"...So you were that close?"
"But then you turned around so fast that my nose went 'clonk' right into you! It actually really hurts!"
Now that the initial shock had worn off, the girl—Lizred—remembered the pain, and her eyes welled up again. "It huffts...!"
Ren, who had been watching the scene, stepped in to check on her. "Are you okay?"
"Th-thank you for your concern... but I am fine. This is nothing compared to Grandmother’s training...!"
"I believe it. The Arches are known for being strict when it comes to teaching magic."
"Mumu! You know my family name?"
The girl was Lizred Arche. Her ancestor among the Seven Heroes was Rino Arche, the mage who had defeated the Demon King and laid the foundations for modern magical education. Despite her age, Lizred was a magical prodigy capable of wielding immense power.
She was about to give a proper introduction when she was interrupted.
"Liz is basically the group’s little sister. Sharo uses her like a hug pillow," Kaito teased.
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't say such embarrassing things in front of someone I've just met! If you're looking for a fight, I'll take you on right here, Kaito!"
To a casual observer, it just looked like a group of friends joking around.
During lunch break, Ren and Radius sat together in the cafeteria, drawing a fair amount of attention. The two of them, however, paid it no mind.
"So, she was quite a lively character," Radius commented.
"You certainly have a knack for meeting interesting people."
As they spoke, a corner of the cafeteria became noisy. Kaito, Wayne, Sharo, and the rumored Lizred had arrived. It was natural for them to attract stares; Wayne was the talk of the school, and he was walking with the heirs of the Heroic Ducal Houses.
Upon spotting Ren, Lizred's eyes lit up. "Ah!"
She called out and hurried toward them, but she froze the moment she saw Radius sitting next to Ren. She seemed to turn to stone from sheer intimidation.
Maintaining a polite distance, Ren turned to the Third Prince. "Did you do something to her?"
"...Why would I? I've never even spoken to the girl."
Radius stood up, ending the conversation. "I'm heading out."
"Leaving already?"
"I've finished my meal. I’m going to the library to discuss some official matters with Mirei, the new staff member."
"I see. So that’s why she took the part-time position."
"Yes. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Whether he actually had business or was simply being considerate of Lizred’s nerves, Radius left the cafeteria without a backward glance.
Once he was gone, Lizred cautiously approached Ren. Wayne and the others followed a few steps behind.
"I’m sorry for the mess this morning," she said, giving a small, polite bow. "I am Lizred Arche. As you know, I am a descendant of Rino Arche, and I am also a somewhat great mage."
"I'm Ren Ashton. Nice to meet you."
Sharo didn't miss the chance to poke fun at the introduction. "Isn't it embarrassing to call yourself a great mage?"
"That’s why I said 'somewhat'! Also, it’s a bit ticklish when you point it out, so please stop."
"Right, right. I'll remember that for next time."
"Honestly, Sharo... only your body grows up. To be a lady who isn't an embarrassment, you need to show consideration for others."
"I'm fine. I'm perfectly polite to everyone except you, Liz."
"That is a strangely hurtful answer... but I'll let it slide for now."
Lizred turned back to Ren, her expression turning more serious. "I have a request, Senior Ashton."
Ren wasn't used to the title. Being called "Senior" reminded him that he really was a second-year now.
"A request? I didn't think you knew who I was."
"Just as you knew me, I have many reasons to know you. Especially since my family has the worst compatibility—I mean, a long history—with Strong Sword Users!"
"Is it because people like me who use Star-Slayer are the natural enemies of mages?"
"U-Ugh...!"
Star-Slayer was a technique that used the Shroud to cut through magic itself. Since it required the skill of a Swordmaster, those who wielded it were also masters of the blade. To a mage who struggled in close quarters, they were a nightmare.
"That's exactly it! It’s totally cheating!" Lizred cried.
"I'm not sure if you can call it cheating when it was the Lion King who invented the technique."
"Guh... even I can't argue with the Lion King!"
Lizred wasn't actually there to complain. She quickly got back on track. "So, about that request."
She straightened her posture. "For the upcoming holidays, would you like to go to Windea with us?"
"I'll have to pass."
"...Eh?"
Ren’s immediate refusal left Lizred with her mouth hanging open. Ren couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction.
"That was too fast! Why not!?"
"I already have plans. Sorry."
"Oh... well, if you have plans, I can't really push it."
Lizred gave up with surprising grace and bowed. "Sorry for the sudden invitation. I'll drop it for now."
"No, I should be the one apologizing for the blunt answer."
"It’s fine! But you have to come with us next time! Alright, Kaito, let’s go!"
"Wait! Where are we going!?"
"To train during the lunch break, obviously!"
"We won't have time to eat! At least wait until after school!"
"Oh... good point."
As the two bickered, Wayne looked at Ren. "Sorry about that. She heard the rumors about you and thought it would be great if you joined us."
"Now I really feel bad for being so blunt."
"Don't worry about it. I’d have loved for you to come along, but it was our fault for springing it on you."
Ren actually was going to Windea, but he would be traveling with Ragna. It was better for everyone if their groups remained separate.
"Liz, training is fine, but you promised to go shopping after school today," Sharo reminded her.
"I know! But we can go after training, right?"
"No. It’s about time you bought proper spring clothes."
Lizred winced. "This is a nightmare... that’s the second time today my shame has been exposed in front of Senior Ashton."
"I think it’s charming," Ren offered.
"Aguaa...!"
"She’s such a shut-in that she never wants to go shopping, even though I tell her to every year," Sharo explained.
"What are you talking about? I get new clothes every year!"
"If you're talking about magical training robes, I don't know what I'm going to do with you."
"...Well now."
Unable to argue, Lizred pointedly looked away at nothing in particular.
"Besides, my size hasn't changed much, so there's no point in buying new dresses. It’s just a waste of money! Right, Senior Ashton?"
"Please don't ask me to weigh in on that," Ren said. Especially when it came to a girl’s figure.
Sharo laughed apologetically. "You can just ignore her."
"That’s so cold! It was just a witty joke!" Lizred huffed, putting her hands on her hips. "What’s wrong with wearing what you're used to? Fabric that's been washed a lot is soft and comfortable!"
"I get that. Like with training towels," Ren noted.
"Exactly! Towels are the best example of that!"
"You can do whatever you want with your towels and loungewear. I'm talking about what you wear in public," Sharo countered.
"Fughu...!" Lizred let out a sound like a deflating balloon.
"Wayne, you should probably get some food while you can," Ren suggested.
"Yeah... I'll do that."
Ren stayed with them for a bit, but he stood up after twenty minutes, heading off to prepare for the afternoon.
The Herbology class, which continued into the second year, took place in a specialized lab. While students sat for the lecture, they spent much of the time moving between their desks and the supply shelves to process various plants. Because of the required preparation, most students arrived early.
Ren sat next to Licia, with Sera and Wayne across from them. Nemu stood nearby, effectively positioned between the four of them.
"I understand that Herbology continues to be a headache for many of you second-years," the professor began, turning to the blackboard. "However, I expect you to apply yourselves again this year. Today, we begin on page fifty-six."
"We really need to stay on top of this subject," Licia whispered in Ren’s ear. She was close enough to make any other boy in the room jealous.
The professor gave the signal to start, and the lab became a flurry of activity. The atmosphere was relatively relaxed, and students were permitted to chat as long as they produced results.
Ren worked in tandem with Licia, cutting and grinding herbs before placing them into the distillation still.
"No, Wayne! Not that one!"
"S-Sorry!"
"Wait, Sera, you’re making a mistake too!"
"What!? No way!"
Watching the chaos across the table, Ren and Licia continued their work smoothly. Once they reached the final stage of the distillation process, they were able to pause.
"Ugh... Herbology, you’re still my enemy!" Sera groaned, gritting her teeth.
"You don't have to take it so personally," Licia said.
"No, Licia! This subject is my natural rival! If I blink, it wins!"
As if on cue, thick black smoke began to billow from Sera’s still.
"Wait, no!"
She scrambled to kill the flame, but it was too late. Realizing she had to start from scratch, she looked up at the ceiling in despair.
"As expected of Sera! You never fail to entertain!" Wayne teased.
"It’s fine... I still have time," Sera muttered, pulling herself together. "I really need to review more than usual. Nemu, Wayne, do you want to head to the library after class?"
"Sure, let’s do it."
"Count me in. I want to lock this in before I forget."
"It’s settled, then. Licia, Ren, what about you two? We could all stop somewhere on the way home."
It was a tempting offer, but Ren and Licia looked apologetic.
"Sorry. We have plans after school."
They were heading to the Hanging Garden to see the Lemuria. Ren had received word from Werlich that morning.
After several test flights, Werlich officially declared the repairs on the Magic Ship Lemuria complete.
Standing in the dock of the Hanging Garden, Werlich held out a document for Ren to see. All necessary confirmations had been finalized, and the ship was now officially permitted to fly through Leomelian airspace. While use of the city landings required specific agreements with local lords, Lezard had already handled those negotiations.
"The Lemuria is officially back in business!" Werlich declared.
The ship looked the same as it had a few days ago, but it seemed to possess a newfound majesty. Beside Ren, who was examining the permit, stood Ragna, who had come along after hearing the news.
"I’d heard the rumors. A ship rendered useless by some foolish royalty... so this is the Lemuria. It’s even more magnificent than I expected," Ragna remarked.
"Ho! You’ve got a good eye, kid! She’s a beauty, isn't she?"
"She is. Knowing that the Dragon Vein Reactor I provided is powering such a vessel... it's a satisfying feeling."
"Wait, that reactor was yours?" Werlich asked.
"Indeed. I gave it to Ren as a reward, though it seems he found a far more impressive use for it than I imagined."
Ren watched as the two men—both difficult and stubborn in their own ways—seemed to hit it off immediately.
"I’d like you to take us somewhere during the upcoming holidays, Werlich. I have Lord Lezard’s permission," Ren said.
"You got it! I can fly her wherever you want now!"
Ren glanced at Ragna, letting him take over the explanation.
"Ren has accepted an Emblem mission from me. I could have provided a ship, but the Lemuria’s performance is clearly superior. We’d like to use this vessel if possible."
"Well, you won't find another ship that can touch her," Werlich said, his voice full of earned confidence. "Go on."
"The destination is Windea. The mana currents in that airspace are unstable. Is that a problem?"
For most magic ships that relied on magic stones for propulsion, the dense concentrations of wind and water mana in Windea were a nightmare, as they interfered with both the reactor and the hull’s control systems.
"Not for this ship. Though if we're going to Windea, we should probably stay out of the high-altitude currents."
"Because of the mana density?"
"Yeah. The Lemuria can handle it, but she's fresh out of the shop. I want to keep an eye on things as we go. Is that alright?"
Ragna folded his arms and thought for a moment. "Ren, what do you think?"
"It’s fine. If you can get us close to the rock face in the Windea Mid-layer, we can handle the rest. I’m confident in our stamina."
"Good enough for me," Ragna agreed.
"By the way, Ragna, you’re okay in monster-infested areas, right?"
"What a strange thing to ask." Ragna snapped his fingers.
Chains erupted from a distortion in the air, coiling around Ren’s right hand. Ren didn't even flinch.
"...On second thought, there's no way a Bag Traveler wouldn't be able to fight," Ren said.
"Exactly. Don't state the obvious."
"Sorry, I just had to be sure—hup!"
Ren grabbed the chains with his left hand and applied pressure. They shattered instantly. His Shroud technique, further refined over the winter, was as potent as ever.
Ragna whistled, a grin spreading across his face. "Those chains were supposed to be able to completely immobilize a C-rank monster."
"Please don't test your power on me like that."
"My apologies. It was the quickest way to show I can hold my own. Still... as expected, a Sword Saint among Strong Sword Users is truly a monster."
Ragna seemed genuinely impressed by how easily Ren had broken the spell.
"As you can see, I can fight. Once we arrive, it'll just be me and Ren camping out."
"Then it's settled. Werlich, we're counting on you to pilot," Ren said.
"Leave it to me!" Werlich thumped his chest so hard he ended up in a coughing fit.
Despite Werlich’s slightly undignified display, the plan was locked in.
"Looks like we're set for Windea."
"Everything is proceeding smoothly. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll contact you once my preparations are complete," Ragna said.
"Anything I need to do?"
"No, I’ll handle everything. Just wait for my word."
The Bag Traveler gave a curt nod and left, his robe billowing in the high-altitude wind.
As Ragna departed, Licia and Fiona arrived at the dock. They had been finishing up some paperwork related to the Lemuria and were clearly excited about the upcoming journey.
"Ren, he says we can fly right now!" Licia chirped.
"That's the word. What do you think?" Werlich asked, clearly itching to get into the sky.
Ren had been waiting years for this day.
The bullet-shaped upper wings of the ship unfolded and shifted as if swimming through the air. The vessel moved slowly out of the dock and gracefully gained altitude.
The flight was so smooth and quiet—more like a carriage on a well-paved road than a ship—that they were able to step out onto the deck and lean against the railing. Only the three of them and Werlich, who was in the cockpit, were aboard.
As the ascent leveled off into a gentle cruise, the girls were breathless.
"Wow... it’s so beautiful!"
"Ren, look! The capital looks so tiny from here!"
Ren joined them at the railing. He had seen Erendil from the air before, but always through a window. Standing on the open deck made it feel like a completely different world.
"Are you sure it’s okay for it to just be us?" Ren asked.
Since the ship was finally fixed, the suggestion had been made to take Licia and the others up for a trial run.
"Our fathers said they’d join us next time," Licia explained.
"Yes... they told me I should enjoy this with you and Licia first," Fiona added.
Ren felt a surge of gratitude for the adults’ thoughtfulness.
White birds flew past the ship. As they zipped by, Licia held down her hair to keep it from whipping in the wind. Fiona, clutching her skirt, stepped closer to Ren.
"I’ve never been on the deck of a moving magic ship before. I can't believe how wonderful the wind feels."
"Normally, passengers aren't allowed out here. Werlich mentioned something about the ship having several safety artifacts to make this possible..."
"I see... that’s why it feels so safe even at this height."
The two of them stood in the cooling breeze, looking out toward the horizon where Windea lay.
"With this ship, I think we can make it to Windea without any trouble."
"Yes. Though... I really wish I could go with you," Fiona admitted softly.
"But you have to focus on your exams."
"I know..."
As a fourth-year, Fiona had exams scheduled during the holiday break. And since Ren was the one who had officially accepted the Emblem mission, there was no reason for her to tag along. Licia also had her own schedule—she was meeting with Chronoa to stabilize her Holy Magic, and Estel had offered to give her personalized sword lessons over the break.
"Still... I wish you were at least a little sadder to leave me behind," Fiona murmured.
Ren didn't quite catch her whispered words, but his next response was exactly what she wanted to hear.
"To be honest, it would be a lot more reassuring if you were there, Lady Fiona. Just like in Eupeheim."
Fiona’s eyes widened. "...Ren, are you secretly using magic you haven't told us about?"
"I can't use magic at all. Why?"
"Then... let’s just call that a secret."
"Wait, another one!?"
The Black Priestess offered a shy smile and looked away, using the convenient excuse to hide her blush.
As the veil of night began to fall, the graceful flight came to an end. The Lemuria began its descent back toward the city.
"We'll make sure everything is handled on our end while you're gone," Licia said.
"Exactly. So go to Windea without a worry in the world."
In the privacy of the deck, the three of them shared their final secrets as a new night began.