Chapter 9

Graduation Part 1

After I woke up, we all went to grab Lunch. I was brought back to the magic guild to have one last check-up. The lady who came into my room seemed to be the one in charge of me. Zenith said that she is the one that got a lot of knowledge about Magic circles and summoning magic.

"Now then. Let's do this," she said as her assistant held what seemed to be a Notepad in her hand. "Alright, little Lady, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

"no. In fact, I feel so refreshed." I said.

"Uh huh…then do you know where did you get the magic circle from?"

"I don't know. I just knew about it the moment I woke up too." I said. The assistant next to her starts writing it down. She nods while looking at Zenith and Paul.

"I see…then…here is my last question. Can you use Magic?"

I look at Paul and Zenith wanting their reaction to this. They both nod their head. So I look at her cautiously and answer her. "I…Can use magic." Her eyes start to beam with joy.

"Then can you show me? It's for research." I nodded at her and started to chant the spell for Fireball. "No no no…I want to see your Chantless Magic." At her word, I started to look at Both Paul and Zenith again. They nod again this time so I just create a fireball.

"Woah ... .There really is a kid who can use magic and a Chantless one at that! Sepha write everything down!"

"um…Teacher? what should I write about?" The girl Sepha asked.

"Idiot! Of course, it's her Reaction! Both how she moves her body and eye! observe everything you see! This is how we work!" That girl got scolded by The researcher.

"Ah. Sorry sorry, I was getting sidetracked by this. Then can you tell me how you do this? since when have you been using magic? and how much mana do you think you have?!" She starting to become scary.

"Um…Wasn't that the last question?" I asked. Her face when I said that just screamed, Do you really think that was the last question?

That whole day. I got bombarded with questions and got inspected by almost everyone in the guild. And at the end of it I got a letter of recommendation to Ranoa magic university that is located in Sharia.They said that I can come to study here for free.

"I'm tired….I want to go home." I said it out loud. After I finished getting questions I was quickly released. They still want me to stay in sharia but Paul quickly shut it down and took us back. Right now we are waiting for the carriage Paul hired.

"Lucy, are you really sure that you feel ok? Not uncomfortable anywhere?" Zenith asked. She is still worried.

"Um! I feel really refreshed! And what more I feel like I can use all my Magic now." I answered her with a smile. She didn't press any further and we just talked about things that happened during my 2 month coma. And in no time Paul came back with a carriage for us and we began our ride home.

……………..

It has already been a month since we journey back home from Sharia. Paul and Zenith have been bugging me nonstop about my health for the whole carriage ride.

And here we are. Back home in one piece. Well, I understand them. I mean if a kid you have been caring for since birth suddenly collapses for no reason and hasn't woken up for two whole months everyone will be worried for sure…Now that I think about it, It's really weird. Where did I get this magic circle? What about those dreams? I feel like I shouldn't forget them but I feel weird about wanting to know them too. Like a part of me just disappears and appears back again.

The strange thing is why do I have this Magic circle? The only reason I could come up with is my Mother. Anashia is the only one that could do it. From how Zenith describes her before she definitely has some strange ability.

Like seeing the Future? But is that even possible? No, think about it Lucy. This is a world of sword and magic. It is a possibility. I mean there are even stories about a Demon god who tried to eradicate all humans but got screwed over instead.

"Welcome back!" Lilia, Rudeus and Roxy welcomed us when we walked into the house. They prepare a feast because of my recovery. I am really happy but I really hope that they will stop questioning me about those things. But anyway we finally got home and that's all that matters to me.

………….

Fwish…

Rain. It is something that no one should be able to control. Even if a master magician wants to create rain they still require mana. A natural Energy to control it. Even someone like him can't just create rain out of nothing.

But why? Why can rain appear wherever you are? Even in the harshest of deserts, a dead forest with no life or a mountain full of snow. Everywhere I go. You follow me and make it rain. I don't understand. Why are you with me? Why can I see you and others can't?

Wherever you appear there alway misery. Be it My parent, Slavery, Murder or Rape. Why is it that I need to face all of this with you? Why are you making me go through this? Just for you to be born? Just for you to take My child away? Just so I can die?

I asked you one last time.

What is your name?

……………

"Huah! Fu….haa...Another nightmare?" I look outside the window seeing the sun rising a bit. Walking out of my bed and fill the bowl on the desk with water I wash my face with it.

"This is the second or third? Nah it's probably the fourth time since I woke up from my coma." 2 weeks have passed since we came back from Sharia. Rudeus will turn 5 today. Making it his first birthday party.

I have prepared some presents. It was a charm Elinalise gave me but I make it myself using high quality wood I got from looking around the forest and Monster magic gem. It is from the first Terminator Boar I defeated. Although small, it had a shining Blue color. I tried to use it to amplify my magic but it didn't boost much. Around 1 or two percent I think? Well it's more of a charm than anything.

Changing my clothes to a new one, I walk into the backyard. Creating a Longsowrd from magic I start my daily practice. Before long Paul is coming out as well. Seeing me practice by myself he threw me a wooden sword. I grab it midair and change my stance to match the sword length.

"You body is ok right?" Paul asks as we begin to exchange blows with each other.

"Um, it surprised me too. Even my magic feels normal now and I can use it without having headaches." I said, while ducking under him and kicking his leg. Paul kicks back and we take a step away from each other. "By the way. How can you match your strength as me? I mean I don't want to be rude but I should be stronger than you right?"

Paul stops to think for a moment. "Isn't that because you're still a kid? Nah a kid wouldn't punch a red leaf tiger to death right?" Hm...Maybe it's something we can't see? Like mana...That right Mana!

"It mana! Paul, can you try to chant the fireball spell? Here I will say the chant for you." I quickly recite the chant to Paul and boom! A fireball in his hand!

"And what does this have to do with my strength?" Paul asks as he throws the fireball away.

"Your body is probably unconsciously using magic to boost your strengths. Think about it Paul. Humans are weak creatures. How can we fight against monsters twice our size? It is stronger , more durable and more agile than us. The answer is simple! We enhance our body with mana!" Why didn't I think of this before? It really is a simple thing!

Paul, seeing me muttering to myself, just scratched his head and walked into the house.

………...

"Yes, do it like that Roxy. Poking and salting the skin will make it dried and when we bake it the skin will be more crispy." Zenith said as she put the pork inside the oven.

"Next is...Ah I forgot some ingredients. Lilia! Let's go out. And the two of you can stay here and watch over the pork ok?" As she said that Zebith quickly left with a basket in hand. Hm...what do I say...It's kinda awkward here.

Although Roxy and I got along, but somehow after I came back the atmosphere between us was really awkward. It seems to be something I said just before passing out and going into a coma.

"Ah...um...Today the weather was nice right?" Roxy is the one who starts the conversation.

"...yeah it's really nice today." I said.

"Good...good."

….god this is awkward! I don't have anything that can start a conversation and what more Roxy is as equally awkward as I am. Please god buddha jesus or anything in this world just let this end soon…

"So...about me putting up a wall around you." Roxy said her hand started to fidget around. "You thought that I would try to keep distance between us?"

So it is this question after all. "...well. it's just a feeling but what can I say? It's normal to put distance against a weird kid right?"

"No! That's not it...It's just...jealousy."roxy said. Clenching her fist.

"To be honest I'm very jealous of you and Rudy. After all, not only are you guys talented but also a good kid and smart." Roxy said, her hand clenched into a fist slowly relaxed. "When I see you both growing so much in just a few years something in my heart starts to hurt. Maybe it's pride? Maybe I'm proud of teaching you guys. But now you will easily surpass me in just a few years even though all my life I spend it on magic."

She said with a proud face. "But…Deep down I feel jealous of you guys. Rudy is a genius that will absorb everything I teach in a matter of seconds. He is a kind boy although he is a big pervert. I respect him. And you Lucy…How should I say this? You are perfect…You can do everything. mathematical, geography, writing, swordsmanship, magic and medicine. Everything you get your hand on you will learn how to do them in a matter of seconds.

"I was so jealous that I began to put up a wall that I didn't know existed. I began to question my own effort. Is it really worth it? The life I lead the path I Choose. Why do It if someone better will alway appear? I really think about myself a lot. Then I begin to think that if I didn't meet you, I wouldn't be like this. I hate myself for blaming you like this. It was just like when I was a kid."

So…this is how she feels huh… "Perfect…Is it something that can be accomplished? No…I don't think Perfect existed. Even if you call me perfect, I'm not. I make mistake. We all did. How many swords have I broken before I can control my strength? How much ingredient waste before I got it right?" How many times I fail to save the patient before my eyes…how I fail to save even my own parents.

"I was not perfect. Even when I try to do everything there is always something I can't do. keeping our old party together…To be honest I'm even worse than Rudy when it comes to keeping my room clean." I laugh at my own comment. " But you know? That is not really some reason to give up. After all, I have a promise to keep. I want to meet them again. No matter how long it takes. I was sure That I would meet them all again. Elinalise, Ghislaine, Talhand and Gesse."

That's right. I have a goal. I will do anything to make that goal come true.

"Hey, Roxy? Can I ask something?"

"Yes. Yes you can."

"The thing that is called Perfect…What is it to you?" I ask, my eyes still glue to the meat in the oven. waiting for it to roast to Perfection.

"...Something that is completely free of all faults. Something that will never be tainted by anything."

"That what It is to you, huh? Then for me that is not real. No matter what, there is nothing that is perfect. See this pork here? Even if you take it out before it finishes roasting someone will say it is perfect. Even if it is charred black it will be perfect for someone. Everyone's meaning of Perfection is different. That's why no one is correct, well It's just my way of thinking. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong."

The pork finished roasting so I quickly took it out. Put it aside on the counter and drain out the juice that comes out into the pan. heat it up a bit and add butter and The wine I stole from Paul and make a quick sauce from it. I gave it a taste and it was a bit bitter but I think It will go well with the pork. "Here give it a Taste." I spoon up a bit of sauce and hand it to Roxy. She takes it and gives it a taste too but spits it out quickly. "Too bitter?"

"Ah…yes."

I smile lightly "Well, Roxy got a sweet tooth after all. But if you pair it with the pork that we just finished roasting it will balance the bitterness with the Pork neutral sweetness." I put the plate up to the table with Roxy. Both of us didn't speak till Zenith and Lilia came back.

……………..

We all finished making the feast for Rudeus's birthday. And here comes the man himself.

"Rudy, happy fifth birthday!" We all said in unison as all of us started to begin drinking and eating. Rudeus is smiling happily. Yup, that is the smile of a child. We continue to party like that until deep into the night and Paul starts to get more drunk so we start giving our present.

Paul's gift is a sword the size of Rudeus' arm. Rudeus looks happy but also annoyed at Paul drunk talk about responsibility.

Next is Zenith's gift. It was a book about Plant life. She probably got it on her last trip to Roa. Rudeus looks really happy.

He probably liked the book more than the sword Paul gave him.

Even Paul, who is very insensitive to things like this, feels that Rudy likes Zenith's gift more and he mutters in a voice that everybody hears.

Next is Lilia. Her gift is a scarf that she made herself. I got them too on my fifth birthday.

Now It's my turn. I walk up toward Rudeus with my Gift in hand. "Happy birthday Rudy."

"Thank you very much, Big sister!" Rudeus alway calls me Big sister. Well is it normal I think? But getting calls like this makes me feel like a real family to him too.

"Now, hold your hand out." He did as I said and I began to wear the Charm on his right hand. I made it into a simple bracelet. "Hm...It fits you well." I said petting his head. Rudeus looks at the bracelet and his eyes widening for a moment.

"I will treasure this." I nodded my head and looked at Roxy who slowly walked toward Rudeus.

"Rudy, here is my present for you." She said, handing him a little staff.

"Teacher...this?"

"It's a tradition. When the pupils can use Elementary magic, We give them a staff to say that they are a true mage. Honestly It slipped my mind because both Rudy and Lucy can already use magic after all." Said Roxy.

"Thank you so much teacher! No...Master!" Rudeus said out loud. At first Roxy was a little shocked but she smiled lightly.

"And with this there is only one last thing left to do." Roxy mutters out so softly that only Rudy and I who are next to her can hear.

"Eh? What do you mean?" Rudy said out loud and gathered the attention of others.

"Rudy, tomorrow I will be holding your graduation test." Roxy said it out loud enough for all of us to hear.