Konosuba 500

by AitchBerry

500 years after the Demon King's defeat, the world faces ruin again! Papitas, a clumsy martial artist with ridiculous strength, teams up with Lalemana Dustiness, a hot-tempered noble, to fulfill a prophecy. From bickering to battling, their chaotic quest to recruit the elusive Sapphire Spirit spirals into absurd adventures, quirky allies, and over-the-top battles!

2. Chapter 1: A Crimson Fist! – Part 1

The port town of Minmin was bustling with activity, its docks crowded with newly arrived ships. Merchants and sailors bustled about, unloading crates and barrels, their voices mingling in a cacophony of shouts, laughter, and haggling. The salty sea breeze carried the scent of fish, fresh produce, and spices, blending with the occasional whiff of smoke from the nearby forges. Streets that wound up from the harbor were filled with vendors peddling their wares, while the taverns were already lively with patrons.

A few blocks away, in the backyard of a modest two-story house, a girl was engrossed in her training.

Her bangs clung to her forehead, soaked with sweat as she repeatedly pounded a large sandbag hanging from a sturdy wooden frame. Her long black hair swung wildly with every hit, the air thick with the scent of dust and sweat. Each strike, powerful yet lacking precision, sent the bag swinging erratically.

She was short, with a slender but well-toned frame, her muscles defined from endless hours of training. Despite her petite figure, her movements carried a strength that belied her size. Her outfit, a mix of red and yellow, looked almost as fierce as the intensity in her eyes. The top, sleeveless and cropped just enough to reveal a glimpse of her midriff, was adorned with a symbol across the chest. Red shorts hugged her waist, while her right leg was wrapped in bandages, contrasting with the sleek black stocking that covered her left.

Both hands were covered by worn sparring gloves, their material scuffed from countless punches. Her stance was low and aggressive, each hit building on the last, determination etched across her face. She was a fighter in every sense, her body honed for battle, every strike filled with the passion of someone who refused to back down.

.

On a table behind her, lay a large worn book. Taking a break every few movements, she thoroughly checked it before resuming her training.

"Hey, Papitas!" a voice suddenly called, a boy with disheveled hair wearing a black cape and holding a magic staff emerged from the house.

She paused her training, wiping the sweat off her brow with a small towel, "What is it, Salchi? I thought I told you not to interrupt my training."

"Do you really call this training? If anything, I'm surprised you keep wasting your time doing this."

"I don't expect a peanut-sized brain wizard like you to understand the appeal of martial arts. Don't you some flowers to water or something? Get out of her, shoo-shoo!"

"My name is Salchi!" he retorted, "My calling is that of an Archwizard, the best among ages 18-21 to control water magic, and I won't take this offense!" Throwing his cape and striking an odd pose he lifted his staff, "Take this, Create Water!"

From the point of his staff, a stream of water was fired towards Papitas. She deftly dodged, twisting gracefully in the air before moving on the counterattack, aiming to punch the Archwizard in the chest. However, as she was about to strike, she tripped, her fist now arching downward, aiming to a much more important and delicate target.

The impact was like the tolling of a bell—sharp, resonant and unmistakable. Across the entire town men froze in their tracks, a collective shiver going down their spines as if they could feel the agony themselves.

"Poor bastard" an old sailor muttered to himself, as he kept unloading cargo of a large steamboat.

Papitas made her way to the harbor, pulling a wooden carriage behind her.

Salchi lay sprawled across it, his face pale and hands gingerly cradling his crotch, "After today, I will no longer be able to have descendants. Papitas, the future of our family's bloodline is in your hands…"

Papitas chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "Aw, shut it. Consider yourself lucky you didn't get my book wet; you'd really regret that. Our family's future was already up to me anyway, you couldn't possibly compare me to a 20-year-old NEET that hasn't even kissed a girl!"

Salchi groaned, "You already did irreparable damage to my body, why do you have to crush my soul too?"

"Anyway" Papitas said, trying to move the conversation away, "What are we doing again?"

"Foreign merchant ships just arrived, and I got roped into helping unload them," Salchi grumbled, "Seems everyone that can cast Create Earth Golem is out of town. But I figured I could drag someone with more muscles than brain, ow—!" He yelped as the carriage jolted over a bump in the road, causing him to clutch is aching body.

"That's the problem with you wizards," Papitas replied with a smirk, "if you don't know the specific spell or are without a staff, you're pretty much useless," She guided the carriage towards the main road leading downhill to the harbor, where the ships and bustling with activity of the docks came into full view.

Papitas stopped for a moment, taking in the scene. Then, with a mischievous grin, she called out, "Hold on tight!" before dashing to the harbor at full speed.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait!" Salchi's scream echoed as the carriage rocked and bounced wildly down the road.

"Careful, that's fragile!", "Stack those with the rest", "I'll give you one million Eris for the lot!", "Wait, the crane's jammed!"

The air around the harbor buzzed with shouts as sailors hustled to unload their cargo. The docks were packed with ships of all shapes and sizes, some barely larger than Papitas' carriage, while others loomed over the waterfront like floating fortresses, dwarfing most buildings in the city.

Papitas paused, her eyes drawn to one of the largest vessels docked nearby. Her gaze sparkled with excitement as she imagined what it would be like to set foot on such ship.

"Hey, what are you gawking at?" Salchi's voice snapped her out of her daydream, he gestured towards a fat man with a large beard and a white hat, "The captain's over there, let's go."

"Captain Dori, this is who I mentioned. With her help, we'll have the cargo unloaded in no time. Now about your goods—"

"Are you messing with me, lad? This little lass is supposed to handle those crates? The lightest one weighs over a hundred kilograms! I asked for a mage that can use Create Earth Golem!"

"Ha! Rely on those mages, and you'll never get anything done!" Papitas scoffed, casually dropping the carriage handle, sending Salchi tumbling to the ground.

"I drank a health potion, why does it still hurt so much!?" Salchi whined, tears brimming in his eyes as he clutched his sore crotch.

Papitas approached a towering stack of barrels, easily twice her height and several times her weight. She placed her hand on one, feeling its heft.

"Don't even bother, lassie. It'd take at least four strong men to lift one of those—what!?"

Before the captain could finish, Papitas hoisted a barrel onto her shoulders with ease, then grabbed another, balancing both as she walked back to the carriage. She set them down lightly, leaving space for a couple more.

"See, what did I tell you? When it comes to lifting heavy things she's unbeatable!" Salchi chimed in, standing proudly next to the captain, "Now as for your cargo—What's our payment?" he added, rubbing his hands together with a greedy glint in his eye.

"Huh—? Ah, yes, yes. We've brought goods from Arcanletia. The bulk of it is bottled holy water, but we've got a variety of wares. Come to the market later, lad. I'll make sure you and your... lassie are paid handsomely."

"His what?" Papitas questioned, her crimson eyes flashing as she effortlessly lifted two more barrels.

"His lovely sister!' That's what the captain said Papitas, nothing else!" Salchi quickly interjected, waving his hands in a flustered manner, "Anyway, let's go to the market and get this unloaded. What's your section, captain?"

While Salchi and the captain finished their deal, the onlooking sailors began to whisper among themselves.

"Would you look at that? Can you image what she'd be like in private quarters, eh?" one sailor from a nearby boat murmured to his colleague with a sly grin.

"If you value your life—or sanity—don't get involved with Crimson Magic women. Either way, she's lacking too much up there compared to her fellow countrywomen—"

"WHO SAID THAT!?" Papitas roared, her crimson eyes flaring as she forcefully dropped the barrels with a thunderous crash, shaking the entire dock. The sound echoed across the harbor, causing the other sailors to freeze in place, their faces pale with fear.

Her eyes fiery scanned the surrounding sailors, her fists clenched and every muscle in her body ready for battle.

"Um, Papitas—" Salchi attempted to interject, his voice shaky as he tried to calm his sister down.

"No! That was an insult to my honor!" Papitas declared, her voice booming across the docks, "My Crimson Magic Heart demands satisfaction!" She pointed an accusing finger at one of the sailors, her gaze fierce "It was you, wasn't it!? The one that looks like a cabbage!"

The unfortunate sailor, now pale and trembling, stammered, "N-no, I didn't say anything!" His eyes darted around in panic as Papitas stormed toward him, her eyes filled with murderous intent. Desperate, he pointed at another sailor, "I-it was him! He said that!" But his colleague had wisely vanished into the crowd.

Papitas' eyes narrowed as she closed in on the cowering sailor. She hoisted the large crate the men were untying from the crane with ease, her strength on full display. She stepped closer to the terrified sailor, her eyes glowing a fierce crimson.

"Come on," she taunted, her voice low and menacing. "Say that again. To my face this time."

The sailor, frozen in terror, could barely form words, "I-I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice trembling. "All sizes are good. I meant no offense!"

Papitas' expression shifted into a smug grin as she leaned in closer. "Really?" she said, her tone mocking. "I guess you didn't mean to drop this into the water either."

"W-what—?" The sailor's question was cut off by the sound of splashing water as the crate slipped from Papitas' grasp and plunged into the water.

She then returned to the dropped barrels, resuming her task with relentless efficiency. Taking the carriage loaded with barrels to the market and back. Repeating this process until all the cargo was delivered.

As the sun dipped below the horizon after a full day's labor, Papitas sat atop a stack of unopened crates, her gaze fixed on the bustling central plaza now transformed into a makeshift market. The lively buzz from the docks had shifted here, where merchants were setting up their wares for sale. Over fifty stalls lined the square, showcasing a myriad of products from overseas—clothing, weapons, armor, books, and curious items Papitas couldn't even identify.

"Satisfying, isn't it? To take a break after a long day's work," Salchi said, leaning casually against the crates beneath her.

"What are you talking about? You didn't do anything," Papitas retorted an annoyed expression.

"No, no, little sister. Unlike you, I used my brain and got us this job. You wouldn't be sitting up there if it wasn't for me!"

"Ah, there you are!"

"Captain!"

"Thank you very much for your help today lassie. I must admit, I know you Crimson Magic folks can be a bit… unique. But I had no idea you could become so strong! Tell me, what kind of magic are you using?"

"No magic here captain." Papitas replied with a proud flex of her biceps, "It's all muscle! I'm a Martial Artist, not a wizard—it's all natural!"

"Huh? I thought everyone in this country was supposed to be a wizard?"

"Don't mind her captain" Salchi said, dropping an arm over the captain's shoulders and steering him away, "Regarding your wares, I believe you got some of those special adult books? You know, the kind that aren't for the general public," His playful demeanor suddenly turned serious.

"Ah, indeed we do", the captain replied with a knowing smile, "Such entertainment is essential for all sailors. Be sure to come after dark; we can't sell those during the day. I'll set aside some of the highest quality material just for you." He gave Salchi a thumbs-up.

"Thank you, Captain. I knew it was a great idea to work with you," Salchi said, lifting his thumb in response.

As Salchi released his grip, the captain turned to face the puzzled Papitas, still perched on the crates. "I hope you'll join us for drinks tonight, lass. I'll cover your tab, of course."

"Yeah, I'd love to—!"

"No, no, no. You're welcome to join us for dinner, but there'll be no drinking on my watch!"

"Aww, come on!"

"You might be a bit too strict on your sister, Mr. Salchi. After all, she did most of the work. It's unfair for her not to join us."

"It's not me being strict, captain. She can't drink until she graduates—those are the rules. She's welcome to join us for the meal, but no drinks."

"Aww…"

Papitas tried to enjoy her dinner at one of the bustling pubs by the docks, packed with drunken sailors, merchants, and Salchi. Despite a few offers of drinks earlier in the evening, they were quickly turned down by her brother and the pub staff, who used magic to enforce the rule against giving the young girl any booze.

"Screw this…," she muttered, chewing on a piece of duxion meat. She wanted to finish quickly so she could head home, but the constant noise and jostling made it challenging.

Suddenly, the captain appeared with a serving of flan. "Here you go, lassie. Sorry about this, but you know how the rules are in your country. We can't afford any trouble while we're here."

"It's fine, captain," Papitas said, nearly finishing the flan in one bite. "Sometimes it feels like the whole place is against me. By the way, how long will you be staying?"

"We'll set sail in a week, that's the limit of our permit," the captain replied, taking a sip from his pint. "Make sure to visit the market, lass—I'm sure you'll find plenty that interests you." With that, he stood up and left, leaving Papitas to finish her dinner.

She watched the captain disappear into the crowd, his boisterous laughter blending with the lively chatter of the pub. She sighed and pushed her empty plate away, her mind drifting to the days ahead.

With a glance at the bustling pub, Papitas stood up and made her way out. The night air was cool against her skin, and the stars above twinkled faintly, almost mocking her indecision.

Taking a final look at the docked ships, she made her way back home.

Monday, the next morning.

The sun bathed the city in a soft golden light as Papitas made her way towards the Crimson Magic Academy. Perched atop a hill, the school overlooked the bustling city below, its clock tower visible from nearly every corner. The streets leading up to it were alive with students of all ages, their flashy uniforms standing out against the stone pathways. All the students wearing long black capes adorned with yellow and a red collar, the girls wearing pink shirts and skirts, while the boys wore red shirts and black pants.

As she navigated the crowded streets, Papitas' sharp eyes caught sight of a familiar figure a few blocks ahead, a girl holding a paper bag in hand, munching on a snack.

"STEAAAAAAAAAL!" Papitas roared, breaking into a sprint. The girl whipped around in surprise, a large cookie clutched between her teeth, but it was too late. With a swift motion, Papitas snatched the bag from her hands.

"Ahhhhh, delicious taiyaki. Your taste in food never disappoints, Furita," Papitas declared, already taking a hefty bite out of one of the snacks.

"Hey, that's mine!" Furita protested, her voice trembling as she half-cried in dismay. Furita complained like a little girl, despite her height and body development making her look like the older sister compared to Papitas. Her hair formed into a large bun on the back of her head.

"This may seem like a bad deed, Furita," Papitas said with a playful grin as she swallowed the taiyaki. "But I'm just protecting you from overeating! I mean, look at this!" She reached over and pinched Furita's stomach, making the girl squeal.

"S-S-S-S-STOP THAT!" Furita cried out, her face turning red. "I-I just haven't had time to work out much lately because I've been busy earning the skill points I need!"

"Keep telling yourself that," Papitas replied with a smirk, tossing the bag back to Furita, now holding just one taiyaki. She turned to continue toward the school.

"Papitas, Papitas! Have you gotten enough skill points yet?" Furita hurried after her, clutching the bag. "According to my adventurer's card[1, I'm …a bit far away. I should be ready for next week… I hope."

"Yeah, yeah. I've got a few dozen points to spare, no big deal," Papitas said, shrugging as she finished the last stolen taiyaki. "But that doesn't mean I'm easing up on my training."

"Are you seriously not going to do it?" Furita asked, her concern evident. "You know that if you don't learn Advanced Magic[2, you won't graduate, right?"

"Yes, yes," Papitas responded nonchalantly. "Don't worry about that—"

"You're not planning to dropkick the headmaster again, are you!?" Furita's voice rose in alarm.

"Well, about that—" Papitas began, scratching her cheek awkwardly.

"My, my, if it isn't our favorite knucklehead!" came a mocking voice from the school entrance. A trio of girls were waiting for Papitas, pointing and laughing as some students gathered to watch.

"Don't you have anything better to do, Marakuya?" Papitas scoffed, glaring at the leader of the trio. "Why don't you make it like a tree and leave? We're going to be late soon."

"Thankfully, this is our final week together," the leader, Marakuya sneered. "I just wanted one last look at you. After Monday, I'll be an Archwizard, and you'll be a… what was it? A wrestler?" She burst into laughter lifting one of the large curls that fell to the sides of her head, her cohorts echoing her mockery.

"Well, if you want, I can teach you some wrestling!" Papitas lunged forward. Marakuya was too busy laughing to notice as Papitas grabbed her by the waist and executed a powerful suplex, flipping the girl over and exposing her pink panties to the onlooking crowd.

"See, I told you they'd be pink today. You owe me lunch," one boy whispered to another, as if this spectacle was a regular occurrence.

Marakuya's cohorts quickly scrambled to pick her up and rushed inside the school, knocking aside some of the gathered students. "You'll regret this, bitch! This ends next Monday—you won't make a fool of me anymore!" Marakuya yelled as she fled.

"Ohhhhhhhohohohoho~!" Papitas cackled with an exaggerated, ear-piercing laugh that rang out across the schoolyard.

"U-Um, Papitas—" Furita began nervously.

"Hey, don't interrupt, I'm laughing at those idiots…" Papitas slowed her laughter as she noticed the large witch's hat of the stern figure standing behind her. "M-Miss Morocho! T-this is all a misunderstanding! They started it! I was just defending myself—"

"Lightning," the teacher intoned in a monotone voice. From the clear sky, a bolt of lightning struck Papitas on the head, leaving her standing still for a moment before collapsing face-first onto the ground.

"Make sure she's not late," Miss Morocho instructed Furita, her gaze sharp and commanding. "Show's over! Everyone, get to class!" The crowd dispersed instantly under her authoritative tone.

Papitas sat at her desk, balancing a pencil on her lips, her hair frizzed into an afro from the lightning strike earlier. The classroom buzzed with chatter as students exchanged last-minute gossip. Furita, sitting beside her, was absorbed in a book, while on the opposite side of the room, Marakuya sat with her cohorts, brushing her hair and whispering.

Suddenly, the sliding door slammed open, and Miss Morocho strode in, silencing the classroom instantly. "Good morning, girls, and welcome to your final week at the Crimson Magic Academy. Starting Monday, you all will be Archwizards." Her gaze swept across the room, pausing pointedly on Papitas with an edge that made Papitas sit up a little straighter.

"I expect everyone has enough skill points by now?" Miss Morocho's question was met with a chorus of affirmations, though a few nervous murmurs rippled through the class.

"For those still falling short," she continued, her voice carrying a hint of warning, "we'll be focusing on intensive studies this week. Now, take out your history books. We'll be finishing our lessons with the Sixth Tenma War."

Papitas sighed inwardly as she retrieved her well-worn history book. Another boring week, she thought, flipping to the designated page. At least it'll be the last one.

As Miss Morocho droned on about the Tenma War, Papitas found her mind drifting. Her eyes scanned the text, but her thoughts were miles away. The weight of the impending graduation hung over her, but instead of excitement, she felt a knot of uncertainty tightening in her chest.

From her window seat, Papitas had a clear view of the harbor. Captain Dori's ship stood out among the others, just as it had every time she'd seen it. I have to do it, she thought, her gaze lingering on the vessel before she forced herself to focus, at least outwardly, on the lecture.

With another day of classes behind them, Papitas and Furita made their way home.

"I'm so glad we won't have to do this much longer," Papitas said, stifling a yawn that turned into a large snore. "Hey, are you free to go to the market today? I want to see what all the foreigners brought."

"I'll be at the restaurant all day, it's all the busier with all the foreigners and my mom asked me to help out," Furita replied, her shoulders slumping as she glanced at her adventurer's card. "I didn't realize I'm still missing so much; I'll never make it in time—hey!"

"Oh wow, you're right, there's no way you'll make it," Papitas teased, swiping the card from her and giving it a quick look. "I wish I could transfer you some skill points; I have way more than I need."

"Papitas…" Furita suddenly stopped in her tracks, her expression turning serious with clear concern etched on her face. "Are you really going to do it?"

"I'd be a coward if I didn't. I've been telling you about this for years. I won't become an Archwizard," Papitas replied, not turning around to face her. "Come on, let's go have lunch. Judging by your stomach, you're hungrier than me!" She flashed a grin as Furita blushed, her stomach growling loudly in agreement.

A few blocks later, they arrived at a ramen shop in a bustling district filled with various eateries. "I'm home!" Furita announced as they entered.

"Welcome home!" a large woman wearing an apron and a chef's bandana greeted from behind the counter, skillfully serving plates to other customers. "You too, Papitas. All good?"

"As always, ma'am. I'll have a large bowl of tonkotsu ramen. You can give the duxion meat to Furita—she needs it more than me!"

"Hahaha…" Furita laughed nervously, avoiding her mother's stern gaze.

"Not that you're not welcome here, Papitas, but why don't you ever eat lunch at home?" Furita's mother asked while preparing their food.

"My father's always busy and comes home late. We don't have dinner together often. Salchi is useless as ever—I'm definitely not cooking for a NEET! There's no one to cook for me, and it's not like I'm any good at it anyway. Besides, why wouldn't I want to eat your terrific ramen?" Papitas replied with a big smile, though both Furita and her mother noticed the slight tinge of sadness in her voice.

"Well, you're always welcome here, but remember, after you graduate, prices for you will double." She then clasped her hands together. "Ah, that reminds me! We're going on a family trip to Patakon on Monday to celebrate Furita's graduation." She gave her daughter a playful pinch on the cheek. "You're very welcome to come. I'd hate for you to spend your first days as an adult home alone."

"Thanks, ma'am, I'll think about it." Papitas said, her eyes drifting to the streets outside with a longing look.

Furita couldn't help but glance at her friend with concern. Before long, their food arrived, and both girls ate like they hadn't in days.

"Ahhhh, thanks a lot, ma'am!" Papitas exclaimed, dropping her bowl with a satisfied sigh. "Well then, I'm off to train. See you tomorrow, Furita!"

"Ah, wait!" Furita called out, but Papitas had already sprinted out of the restaurant.

Tuesday

Papitas' class gathered in the schoolyard for their final PE session. The girls were all dressed in white shirts and bright red bloomers, chatting among themselves until the teacher—a very large and muscular bald man—appeared, his booming voice roaring through the yard.

"Good morning, girls! I hope you're all ready for our final class. Make sure to pay attention, as this may be the most important lesson of all!"

His voice echoed so strongly that some of the girls covered their ears, and students from the surrounding classrooms started peeking out to see what the commotion was about.

"Let me begin with a question. Furita!" he suddenly called, causing her to stand up straight.

"Y-Yes, sir!"

"When in combat, what is the most important thing for a member of the Crimson Magic Clan?" he asked, his focused gaze intimidating the already frightened girl.

"A-Ah… well, I guess to keep calm and have a sound strategy…?" she began strong, but her voice trailed off into a barely audible whisper by the end.

"Completely and utterly incorrect," he declared, making Furita sigh and slump her shoulders in defeat. "What about you, Papitas?" he then directed his attention to Papitas, who had been happily shadowboxing, PE is her favorite class.

She perked up immediately, "To mercilessly crush our enemies with overwhelming force! To teach the world not to mess with the Crimson Magic Clan! Ahahahahahaha!" she shouted manically, her laughter echoing like that of a villain. Her intense response drew awe from some of the surrounding students.

"Closer, but still incorrect," the teacher retorted, leaving Papitas with a very audible "Huh?"

"Come on, how many Gates of Hell Festivals have you girls attended? At least one of you must know the answer!" He scanned the class until Marakuya lifted her hand.

"To look amazing," she said, striking an odd pose that made most of the class clap in approval.

"That's exactly right!" the teacher roared triumphantly. "A strong impression is what matters the most! Make sure your enemies know how amazing and stylish you are!"

At his powerful declaration, the girls began to clap loudly, except for Furita, who was too bewildered to understand what was happening.

"By the end of class, I want each of you to give me your signature introduction. Here, let me show you how it's done." He lifted his right hand, encased in a large metallic gauntlet that began to glow brightly. The clear skies suddenly turned dark with stormy clouds gathering overhead, "I am Wayaba!" he bellowed as several lightning strikes hit the gauntlet. "The best PE teacher in the city of Minmin, and future owner of the city's greatest gym!" He finished by opening his clenched fist, releasing a bright flash of light.

"And that's how it's done," he said in a casual tone, some of the girls having been blown back by the flash. "Keep in mind that both the speech and the pose are incredibly important. Form pairs and practice among yourselves. I'll be back in a while." He then took his leave, whistling as he walked away, the sky clearing back up.

"Isn't he the only PE teacher? And this city has no gyms…" Furita muttered incredulously as she sat on the ground.

"Come on Furita, practice with me! I've always wanted to do this!" Papitas exclaimed, stars in her eyes as she quickly shifted through different poses.

"Oh, is our resident boxer going to give it a try? You do realize this is for Wizards, don't you?" Marakuya sneered, her cohorts giggling behind her.

"Don't get cocky just because you aren't wearing a skirt now!" Papitas retorted, flexing her arms. "That shirt of yours could still be sent flying!"

Marakuya flinched but didn't back down. "I am Marakuya!" she shouted. "The prettiest girl in the city of Minmin! And after I become an Archwizard, I'll get my revenge!" She struck a pose, her locks flowing stylishly, drawing further awe from the class. "Beat that, Martial Artist!"

The sudden challenge excited Papitas, who took a dramatic pose and yelled, "I am Papitas! Daughter of the town chief and future greatest Martial Artist of the Crimson Magic Clan!"

While Papitas stood confidently, her declaration only drew snickers from most of her classmates.

"She's still calling herself that?" "Her father must be so disappointed…" "We're in the final week; when will she come to her senses?" "Weirdo…"

The murmurs spread through the class, but Papitas was all too used to them. Furita tried to intervene but was quickly stopped by Papitas' confident smile. "Come on, let's practice. Your introduction needs a lot of work," she said, leading Furita away.

It had been such a stressful day at the academy that Papitas needed to blow off some steam. After the PE class, she ran laps around the town, her way of shaking off the stress. By the time she was ready to head back home, the sun had set for a long time, and the night sky hung above her. She was drenched in sweat, her clothes clinging to her body as she made her way through the busy streets.

Before returning home, Papitas stopped by a small bakery, the warm glow of the shop's lights drawing her in. She picked out a few treats, her mind on something else as she paid. With a small bag in hand, she continued her walk.

When she finally arrived at her house, she stopped in front of the door, catching her breath and trying to tidy herself up. Can't enter in such a sorry state, she thought, using the edge of her shirt to wipe away some of the sweat from her face and neck. After wiping away as much as she could and smoothing down her wild hair, she finally turned the key and stepped inside, flipping on the light at the entrance. The house was silent, all the lights off, just as she'd expected. "I'm home…" she called out softly, the words hanging in the stillness.

The house was quiet, the kind of silence that felt heavy, almost reverent. She slipped off her shoes and made her way to the small altar in the corner of the living room, the place where she always went first when she got home. The altar was simple but well-kept, with a photograph of a woman who could have been mistaken for an older version of Papitas. The resemblance was striking, down to the curve of the jaw and the relaxed expression.

The altar was adorned with small offerings: a few fresh flowers, some incense sticks, and a couple of carefully placed mementos. Papitas kneeled in front of it, her movements slow and deliberate.

"Good night, Mom," she whispered, her voice soft and reverent. After a moment of silence, she reached into the bag she'd brought from the bakery and took out the sweets, setting it down with care, "I brought some manju, your favorite."

She bowed her head respectfully, taking a moment to close her eyes and offer a silent prayer. The room smelled faintly of incense; a comforting scent that always made her feel closer to her mother, "It's almost time, our promise. I should be in that town a week from now."

She remained there for a few minutes, simply being in the moment, before she rose to her feet. Her legs trembled slightly, the day's exertion catching up to her as she made her way upstairs, pausing briefly to glance at the empty rooms of her father and Salchi before retreating to her own. She collapsed onto her bed, her body aching, but her mind more resolute than ever.

Wednesday

The following afternoon, after enduring another round of exhausting lectures with Miss Morocho, Papitas and Furita finally headed to the market to check out the foreign goods.

"Hey, isn't that your brother?" she pointed at a young man trying to draw customers to a book stall.

Papitas followed her hand and sighed. "So that's what he's been up to. That NEET isn't working just for money; there's something else to this." She looked at Salchi with clear disgust.

"Why don't we go greet him—?" Furita said, smiling.

"No." Papitas cut her off sharply.

"But—" Furita tried to insist.

"No," Papitas repeated, even more firmly this time. "Come on, let's go. I want to get new sparring gloves. Hopefully, I'll find plenty of replacements for my training gear." She then moved closer to one of the stalls, clearly done with the conversation.

The main plaza must have been around four blocks across, with a large manatite statue of some ancient hero standing proudly in its center. The plaza had been transformed into a makeshift market, filled with dozens of stalls run by foreigners selling their wares.

"By the way, Furita. How much money did you bring?" Papitas asked as they wandered through the bustling crowd.

"About ten million Eris. That's supposed to be a lot of money outside the islands," Furita replied, lifting a large money bag. "And I'm not lending you any!" she quickly added, narrowing her eyes.

"Don't worry about that. I helped bring some stuff here the other day, so I'm owed some payment," Papitas dismissed her concern with a wave of her hand. "Now, just where might Captain Dori be…" She put a finger to her chin, scanning the crowd for the familiar face of the captain.

As the girls moved through the market, merchants from every stall tried to catch their attention, offering everything from clothes to weapons to odd trinkets they couldn't even identify.

"I've been wondering, Furita," Papitas began, glancing over at her friend.

"Hmm?" Furita replied, distracted by the bracelets she had just purchased.

"What kind of magic are you planning to specialize in?"

"Where does that come from? You never want to talk about magic," Furita said, surprised.

"I just wanted to make some small talk. You've been staring at those things in silence for over 20 minutes!" Papitas huffed.

"What!? Oh, well, I've been thinking of fire-based magic. I could help more at the restaurant." Furita's voice dropped in volume as she spoke, clearly self-conscious about her choice.

"That's not something to be embarrassed about, you know? I don't get why you're so insecure about what you like—Ah! There he is!" Papitas interrupted herself, spotting Captain Dori at a stall, smoking a large cigar.

"Lass! I almost thought you wouldn't come!" Captain Dori greeted Papitas with open arms, shaking her hands vigorously. "Mr. Salchi already got paid, and he's even working more to earn further payments! Hahaha!" He laughed heartily, pointing at Salchi, who was diligently tending to his stall.

"Whatever…" she cringed looking at Salchi, "What do you have for me? Oh, this is my friend Furita. If she likes something, we'll take it too!" Papitas said, her tone making it clear she expected to be catered to.

"T-that's not necessary—!" Furita stammered, trying to protest, but Papitas quickly silenced her with a glare.

"Well, most of what we brought was holy water, but that was a special delivery, not for sale. We do have some of the newest fashion from Arcanletia: blouses, skirts, shoes, dresses, plenty of things for young lassies like yourselves!" Captain Dori explained, gesturing to his wares.

"Ugh…" Papitas grumbled. Fashion wasn't her thing, but she went along with it as soon as Furita showed interest. The captain led them through his goods, showing off the various items.

After what felt like hours to Papitas, but was actually just 30 minutes, she finally spotted something that piqued her interest. "Hey, what's that?" she asked, pointing to a box deep within the stall.

"Oh, these? They're special new items called 'sunglasses,'" Captain Dori said, opening the box.

"How can you see anything with these things?" Papitas asked, lifting a pair of sunglasses and examining them before putting them on. "Woah! Everything looks really dark!"

"They're meant to shield your eyes from sunlight. Helps when it's too bright out. Though lots of young folk wear them even when it's dark too, apparently because they're 'cool,'" Captain Dori explained with a chuckle.

"Cool?" Papitas echoed, her curiosity piqued. "You got a mirror?"

"Oh, sure, here you go—"

Papitas snatched the mirror, staring at herself with the sunglasses on. "Cool? Cool!? That barely describes this!" she declared, striking a triumphant pose that startled both Furita and Captain Dori. "I am Papitas!" she announced dramatically, "And I just got the coolest attire in the entire Crimson Magic Islands!"

Later.

Papitas was making her way home as the sun began to set, still proudly wearing her new sunglasses. Her intention was to train to exhaustion before heading to bed, just like she did most evenings. However, her plans were abruptly interrupted when she spotted Salchi waiting for her at the door.

"Hey Papitas—wait, what are those things? They're cool as hell!" Salchi exclaimed, his eyes widening at the sight of her sunglasses.

"These, NEET brother," Papitas replied with a mischievous grin, pointing at her sunglasses, "are the fruit of my hard work the other day. And you ain't getting any!" She gave him a playful but firm look, clearly enjoying her prize.

"Aww, come on—" Salchi began, but then his playful demeanor shifted to seriousness. "No, no, that's not what we need to talk about." His expression grew more somber. "Father will be coming for dinner tonight. Please dress… appropriately. I'll go out to buy the food."

Papitas' cheerful expression faltered, replaced by a steely resolve. She stood frozen for a moment, her eyes narrowing as Salchi walked past her. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, slightly trembling.

With a deep breath, Papitas straightened herself and turned to enter the house, mentally preparing for the evening ahead.

Dinner was eerily silent. Papitas, Salchi, and their father sat around the low wooden table, each absorbed in their own thoughts, the only sounds being the soft clinking of chopsticks against bowls and the faint rustling of clothing as they ate. Papitas glanced briefly at the small altar dedicated to her mother, her eyes lingering on the photograph. How long has it been since we were all together like this? she wondered, though the silence made her wish the meal would end quickly. There was little she had to say to her father anyway.

"I'll be going on an official trip starting Friday," her father suddenly announced, setting his chopsticks down with a soft clatter. He looked at his children, his stern expression unchanging.

"Where are you going, Father?" Salchi asked, sensing that their father expected one of them to respond. A quick glance at Papitas confirmed she had no intention of indulging him.

"Nice of you to ask," their father replied, his tone remaining as impassive as ever as he stroked his moustache, "I'll be traveling to Zankocho. I have an appointment with the main chiefdom at the capital. I'll be gone for a week or two."

Not even going to attempt to attend the graduation, eh? Papitas thought, though she felt no real disappointment. She had never expected him to make the effort. She kept her eyes down, focused on her meal, mentally distancing herself from the conversation.

"Um, Father…" Salchi hesitated, glancing at his sister, who was clearly growing more irritated by the second. "Papitas' graduation is on Monday. Are you sure you can't delay the trip—?"

"I have truly important matters to attend to," their father interrupted sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. His words cut deeper than Papitas cared to admit, reaffirming what she had always known. Still, she forced herself to continue eating as if the conversation had nothing to do with her.

"Daughter," he addressed her directly, his voice softening slightly as he tentatively reached out, attempting to place his hand near hers. "We have something important to discuss, but it will have to wait until after your graduation. Once you become an Archwizard, is that understood?"

"Of course, Father," Papitas replied in a monotone, not bothering to look up. As she noticed his hand inching closer out of the corner of her eye, she swiftly folded her chopsticks. "Thank you for the food," she clapped her hands together and then quickly stood up, "If you'll excuse me," she added, her voice flat and distant as she left the room without making eye contact with either her father or Salchi.

The sound of her bedroom door closing sharply echoed through the house. Salchi turned to their father, who had already resumed eating as if nothing had happened. "Father, are you sure—?"

"She'll understand in due time, boy. She'll understand," their father replied, his tone devoid of warmth, as if his words were more of a command than a reassurance.

Thursday

It's the final day of class. With a special event arranged for Friday, most classes went by as each teacher gave final advice on life as Archwizards and recommendations on what to do as adults. During break, most of the final-year students, including Papitas, spent their time in the library.

She wandered through a section she knew well, Foreign Arts, a place she had visited countless times over the years. She was giving it one last look, though she doubted she had missed anything. Most books were so old they were close to falling apart. She sighed in disappointment, then made her way to another of her favorite sections, Foreign History. While heavily outdated, there was always something interesting to discover here.

As she scanned the large bookshelf, her eyes landed on one of her favorite books, Adventurers of Belzerg. She had read it several times since she was little and quickly flipped to the page she was looking for.

[The post Demon King world.

After centuries of relentless warfare against the Demon King's Army, the Kingdom of Belzerg finally entered a prolonged era of peace following the defeat of the Demon King by a group of adventurers who have since passed into legend. Though the names of these heroes, their origins, and their ultimate fates have been largely lost to history.

This loss of knowledge was compounded by the fall of the Belzerg royal capital more than 200 years ago, which resulted in the loss of most historical records from that era. However, the deeds of these legendary adventurers remain immortalized in the annals of Belzerg.

Among these legendary figures were a blue-haired Archpriest known for her divine healing and unshakeable faith, a Crusader whose unmatched defense was as famous as her noble lineage, a fiery Crimson Magic Clanswoman who wielded the destructive power of Explosion magic, and a mysterious figure, often referred to as 'some guy', whose role in the defeat of the Demon King remains the subject of much speculation.

The story of how this diverse group overcame countless trials, defeated the Demon King's generals, and ultimately brought an end to the terror that had plagued the world for so long is known far and wide across the continental region. They became the stuff of legends, inspiring countless generations of adventurers who dreamed of following in their footsteps.

The peace period ended approximately 300 years ago when the Demon Queen rose with a new army…]

Papitas thought to herself, Members of the clan going on adventures? Almost feels like a different reality. The Crimson Magic Clanswoman had always fascinated her. Though often mentioned in history books, details about what she was like or even her name were lost in time.

The tale of how this legendary party defeated the Demon King was a well-known children's story on the islands, and Papitas had heard several different versions of it, but they all ended the same way: with the Demon King being defeated with Explosion magic.

Explosion magic can cause unparalleled destruction but comes at a great cost—draining all of the caster's mana and leaving them utterly defenseless. Despite its power, Explosion magic has long been considered joke magic, shunned by most due to its significant drawbacks.

Miss Morocho had told the class many times that, regardless of how cool the story of the legendary party was, learning Explosion magic was a waste and that they shouldn't bother. Very few people across the islands could use it—mostly elderly Archwizards who had already mastered other types of magic and did it to fill out their adventurer's card. Although there's also an odd sect known as the Crazy Explosion People, a group of eccentrics dedicated to mastering the supposedly useless magic.

Before Papitas realized, it was time to return to the classroom. As she put the book back on the shelf, a mocking voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Still daydreaming about running off to be an adventurer, huh?"

Papitas cringed as she turned to see Marakuya standing at the end of the shelf, a smug grin on her face.

"You do realize that without becoming an Archwizard, you'll never get off this island, right?" Marakuya continued, slowly approaching Papitas with a confident, almost predatory smile as she twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers.

"I'll manage," Papitas replied curtly, hoping to end the conversation, but her path was blocked by Marakuya's cohorts, who wore equally menacing grins.

Papitas quickly turned back to face Marakuya, only to find an adventurer's card shoved right in front of her face.

"See this? Advanced magic. I've got enough points for it and a very special spell. Why don't I unlock it with Cursed Lightning? I'm curious to see how a supposed Martial Artist like you plans to counter that." Marakuya's tone dripped with condescension as she teased Papitas. "Oh, I just can't wait for Monday. Why don't you show us your card? I'd love to see how many Martial Artist skills you've unlocked! Hahahahahaha!"

The laughter of Marakuya and her cohorts echoed through the now mostly empty library, filling Papitas with a mixture of anger and frustration.

"I don't see why I should do that—wait!" Papitas was about to leave when she realized her adventurer's card had been snatched by one of Marakuya's minions, who darted off in the opposite direction.

"Get back here!" Papitas roared, giving chase as the girl tossed the adventurer's card to Marakuya.

She caught the card and began reading it aloud in a mocking tone. "Let's see how many skill points our little fighter has…" Her tone dropped as she continued reading. "What the hell is this?!" she shouted, shocked by what she saw.

Papitas quickly snatched the card back.

"You have twice as many points as needed—you could've graduated last year!" Marakuya's voice was filled with disbelief, but Papitas simply gave her a brief glance before turning to leave.

"Wait, one more thing!" Marakuya called out.

Out of patience, Papitas turned around, clenching her fists and ready for a fight. "What?"

"Those dark glasses… where did you get them?"

Papitas had not taken off the sunglasses since she bought them, and she wasn't about to give Marakuya the satisfaction of a proper answer. She simply smirked, turning back around to leave Marakuya and her lackeys fuming in the library.

Papitas and her class sat waiting for Miss Morocho to arrive for the last time. The room buzzed with an odd sense of anticipation, an unfamiliar mix of relief and sadness.

"Feels weird, doesn't it?" Papitas murmured, her voice carrying a note of melancholy. "For so long, I was counting down until the last day, but now that it's here… it feels weird. Miss Morocho will walk through that door, but after today, we won't be dreading her lectures or scrambling to avoid her wrath anymore."

"I know what you mean," Furita replied softly, her eyes scanning the classroom with a nostalgic gaze, "I'm going to miss seeing all my friends every day."

Before the sentiment could get any deeper, the sliding door slammed open with its usual force, startling everyone. Miss Morocho entered the room with her typical no-nonsense flair.

"Good day, girls. Time to talk about our final topics," she began briskly, her eyes concealed under her large witch's hat. For well over an hour Miss Morocho explained in detail several careers the girls could follow, as well as what kinds of magic to specialize in and how.

The class was not unlike a typical one, that is until the final minutes, where she changed topics to the upcoming graduation, "First of all, anyone still lacking the necessary skill points will need to attend tomorrow's Gate of Hell Festival. We'll meet at the south train station with the younger students." She gave Furita a sharp look as she said this, causing the rest of the class to giggle. Furita blushed but smiled sheepishly.

"Second, regarding Monday's ceremony," Miss Morocho continued, changing topics swiftly, "you will all be required to wear your uniforms, and don't forget your adventurer's cards. I'll be expecting you all to be here no later than 8 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 9, with seating for families starting around 8:30. The ceremony will be straightforward: each of you will present your card to the headmaster, unlock advanced magic, and officially become Archwizards." A small cheer went up from the class—something that would have been unthinkable on any other day. Miss Morocho, though visibly annoyed, let it slide, just this once.

"That's about it," she said, pausing as if searching for the right words. "It may be embarrassing to admit, but you girls are the first group to graduate under me. You can't imagine how proud I am of you all." Her voice wavered slightly as she dipped her head, the brim of her hat obscuring her eyes. "I'm sorry if I was ever a little strict, but I did it all thinking of your wellbeing." She bowed deeply, an act of humility that shocked the class into silence. "Thank you very much!"

The atmosphere grew heavy with emotion as Miss Morocho's speech took everyone by surprise. Before anyone could react, she straightened up and flashed a rare, warm smile. "Well, that's enough of that. So, for the last time, class dismissed!"

Rather than rushing for the door, eager to leave, most girls lingered, crowding around Miss Morocho to offer heartfelt thanks, handshakes, and even tearful hugs. Furita was among those who embraced her, tears now streaming freely down her face. Papitas, though touched by the moment, found herself feeling oddly detached from it all. It was strange seeing Miss Morocho like this. After a while, Papitas realized she was the last student left in the classroom. She lingered for a moment before stepping outside with Miss Morocho.

Furita waited nearby, just outside of earshot, as Papitas spoke quietly to their teacher. She couldn't hear the conversation, but she could see the emotion on Papitas' face—her head lowered, shoulders shaking as if trying to hold back tears. Whatever Miss Morocho said next must have been comforting, because Papitas suddenly wrapped her in a strong hug, holding on for just a moment longer than expected. As the teacher walked away, Papitas bowed deeply in gratitude, standing still for a moment before finally turning to leave.

Outside the school gates, Furita caught up with Papitas, who seemed a bit distracted.

"Hey," Furita called out gently. "Want to hang out today? The restaurant is closed."

Papitas seemed lost in thought, her eyes wandering toward the harbor and Captain Dori's ship. After a moment, she snapped back to reality. "Oh, uh, sure. But I'll need to leave before nightfall. I have something important to take care of."

She didn't elaborate, and Furita didn't press further, though her eyes followed Papitas' gaze toward the harbor, a feeling of unease settling in her chest.

Papitas and Furita headed back to Furita's room to enjoy a snack together. The atmosphere was relaxed, but there was an underlying tension within Papitas that hadn't gone unnoticed.

Papitas looked at her wristwatch and noticed the time. It was 4:30 pm. "Hey, Furita, at what time do the banks close?"

"Hmm?" Furita murmured, more focused on her snack than the conversation. "I think at 5 p.m. Why?"

"I've got to go!" Papitas suddenly jumped, startling her friend as she rushed out of the room.

Furita watched from the window as Papitas sprinted away. "Papitas, what's the matter!?" she shouted, but Papitas didn't turn around.

She arrived at the Crimson Magic Bank with ten minutes to spare. Out of breath and sweaty, she limped over to the only available teller. "I… need… a… withdrawal…," she managed to say between gasps.

"Of course, miss," the teller greeted her with a polite smile. "May I see your adventurer's card?"

Papitas handed over the card, still trying to catch her breath. The teller placed the card into a magic device, checking it. "Everything looks in order, Miss Papitas. How much would you like to withdraw today?"

"I… need… fifty… million," Papitas replied, wiping the sweat from her forehead.

The teller's expression turned serious as he checked the device again. "I'm sorry, Miss, but your withdrawal limit is set at five million per day, as established by your father."

Papitas' eyes widened in disbelief as she quickly tried to think of a solution, but there was no time. "Then please, give me the five million," she said, resigned.

Back in her room, Papitas made a mess as she frantically gathered everything she could. The lights outside indicated that night had fallen. She stared at her desk, where stacks of cash and coins were scattered. "This barely amounts to ten million," she muttered, her voice filled with desperation, "But it'll have to do. Another withdrawal might raise suspicion, and I can't ask Furita."

With a clenched fist, she stuffed the money into a bag and stormed out of the house, not caring that no one was around to notice.

She made her way to one of the main pubs by the dock, her eyes hidden behind sunglasses, reflecting both determination and dread. She scanned the pub for her target, trying to be as discreet as possible. Finally, she spotted him: Captain Dori, whose cheeks were flushed from drinking, was laughing with some of his sailors.

"Ah, good evening, lass!" he greeted her cheerfully as she approached. "Mr. Salchi mentioned you're graduating on Monday. Shame we'll be leaving at the same time. I'd love to share a drink with you, but I guess that'll have to wait until next time!" He laughed heartily, and his men joined in.

Papitas ignored the merriment and sat at the chair in front of the captain, dropping the sack of money in front of him.

"What's this?" The captain's demeanor shifted instantly, becoming deadly serious. "You don't need to pay for those sunglasses you're still wearing," he said, not touching the bag. "They were a payment for your work. If anything, it's too little. If you want more, go to the market before we tear it down on Sunday morning. I'm sure there's plenty you'll like."

Papitas took a deep breath, carefully choosing her words. "This isn't about that," she said, staring directly at the captain with determination. "This is payment for a ticket on your ship."

The captain leaned closer; his expression grim. "I'm afraid that's not possible, lass." He pushed the bag back to her. "Only Archwizards may leave this country. You know how it is."

Papitas didn't back down. "I must leave, Captain," she insisted, emphasizing the urgency. "You don't understand my situation—"

"No, lass," the captain interrupted, "I don't think you understand our situation." His tone was firm. "The coast guard will inspect the ship with a magic device before we leave. If they find that we've stolen something or, Eris forbid, kidnapped a child, we won't live to tell the tale." He pushed the bag back to her with his left hand while his right hand rested on his pistol, a gesture not lost on Papitas.

"Captain!" she began, trying to keep her voice steady.

"No, lass," he cut her off again. "You're a good girl, Miss Papitas, and I'm sure you'll become a great Archwizard," he said, causing her to grit her teeth. "But I'm not risking my men's lives because of a girl's whim." He motioned to the door. "Please, take your money and leave. I don't want any trouble."

Papitas' anger was palpable, and the sailors around the captain instinctively readied their weapons.

Just as she was about to speak, the door to the pub burst open, and a loud voice boomed, "Goooooooooooood evening everyone!" Papitas immediately recognized it—Salchi had arrived at the worst possible time. She grabbed the money and made for the door.

"Hey, you're not supposed to be here!" Salchi called after her as she pushed past him. "You'd better not have been drinking—we'll do plenty of that on Monday!" He laughed loudly, but Papitas ignored him and left the building.

"What was her problem?" Salchi asked the captain, who looked as if he had aged twenty years in the last few minutes.

"All's well, lad," the captain replied, regaining some of his composure. "Come, let me buy you a beer."

Friday

The train station at the southern end of Minmin was bustling with activity. Dozens of students from the Crimson Magic Academy filled the platform, accompanied by their parents, teachers, and other adult volunteers.

"Quiet, everyone!" The soft-spoken headmaster attempted to calm the crowd, but only a handful of students seemed to notice him.

"SILENCE!" Miss Morocho's strong voice immediately silenced the station, even the adults straightened up.

"T-Thank you, Miss Morocho. Well, good morning, everyone! Today the Crimson Magic Academy will take its students to the…huh?" The headmaster managed to grab attention for only a brief moment. After a few words, most students resumed their chatter.

"MISS FURITA!" Miss Morocho's voice roared again. Making Furita, who had tried to stay as far from her former teacher as possible, recoil in horror.

"Y-Yes!?" Furita stammered, her voice barely audible.

"Speak up, I can't hear you!" Miss Morocho's voice echoed across the station.

"YES MA'AM!" Furita yelled, as her mother stealthily approached her.

"Here," her mother whispered, pointing a small magic wand at her, "Thaumaturgy."

"What may I do for you, Miss Morocho?" Furita's voice now reverberated clearly, thanks to the spell.

"Do you mind explaining to your fellow students what we are going to do today? I believe you're very familiar with this operation." Miss Morocho's voice still outdid the magically enhanced Furita.

"Oh, um—we'll be going to one of the Gates of Hell on this island to do an extermination. A lot of dangerous monsters, demons and devils gather around over time, and it's the duty of the Crimson Magic Clan to show them who's boss." She stammered over a few words, her nervousness evident.

"Very good, please continue." Miss Morocho's tone was satisfied.

"W-well, the adults will take care of the monsters so we, the students, can give them the finishing blow and earn all the experience points for ourselves."

"Yes, that's correct. Thank you, Miss Furita. You've earned a skill potion. The Gate of Hell is an hour away by train. You'll be split into groups, each accompanied by adults. You are to stay behind the adults until it's confirmed that the monsters can no longer move, at which point you'll deliver the finishing blow. After you graduate, you'll be able to tear through them as easily as you tear through your breakfast pancakes. But remember, you are still harmless; follow the rules, and nobody gets hurt."

"Miss Morocho, if I may—" The headmaster had prepared some kind of written speech and tried to get Miss Morocho's attention.

"You may not," she curtly cut him off before resuming her instructions.

At the opposite end of the group, Furita sighed heavily. "Why does she always pick on me?"

"It's because you're easy pickings," Papitas suddenly appeared, resting her elbow on Furita's slumped shoulders.

"P-Papitas!?" Furita couldn't hide her surprise and joy. "What are you doing here? Didn't you say you had enough skill points?"

Papitas gave a confident smile. "Oh, I do. I just wanted to tag along; don't worry, I won't be stealing your experience points." She noticed two other girls from their class nearby. "Hornado and Kui? I never imagined you two would be missing skill points."

"I tried to get my mom to buy skill potions, but she insisted I do this the 'real' way," Hornado, a slender girl with dyed white hair covering one of her eyes and using bright purple lipstick, replied. "I'm only missing two skill points—one monster should be enough."

"I've been so absorbed in the swimming club's activities I honestly forgot to complete most of my tasks," Kui, a tall, tanned girl with short hair, replied. "I checked my card after Miss Morocho asked and was shocked to see I was missing nearly ten points!" she said, laughing it off. Then she placed her elbow on Furita's other shoulder. "At least I'm not doing as bad as a certain someone!" she teased, pinching Furita's cheek.

"No way, how many are you missing?" Hornado asked curiously.

"Eighty points," she replied so softly they could barely hear her.

"What was that?" Papitas leaned in closer, pretending she hadn't heard.

"Eighty points," Furita repeated, her voice slightly louder.

"We can't hear you!" the three girls chimed in unison, grinning widely.

"She's missing a lot!" Furita's mother interjected, lightly whacking the three girls on the tops of their heads. "We'll be taking down a lot of monsters. That should help you two as well—you'll have plenty of spare points after unlocking advanced magic."

"By the way, what's in the bag?" Hornado asked Papitas, noticing the large backpack she was carrying. Furita stood frozen in place, still embarrassed.

"I didn't come empty-handed," Papitas replied, patting the bag. "I brought food for a picnic. Figured it'd be a heavy day for Furita. Also, some spare weapons in case any of you forgot."

Their conversation was cut short by the loud whistle of a steam engine. The train was arriving, and all attention in the station turned to it. Students and their parents began queuing up for the entrances.

"It's here. You girls sure you didn't forget anything?" Furita's mother asked.

"Ahem, I will be joining this group as well." Furita turned pale as she heard an all-too-familiar voice behind her. "You're still my students, after all," Miss Morocho said.

"Alright!" Kui celebrated. "I've always wanted to see what you can do, Miss Morocho!"

"Yes, yes." Miss Morocho waved off the excitement, signaling her students to board the train. "Let's go," she directed.

"A moment, Miss Papitas." She stopped her just as she was about to follow the others. "Those dark glasses, where did you get them?"

Rotten land, withered plants, and the skeletal remains dotted a barren wasteland. It could've been a scene straight out of hell if not for the large group of children and their families traversing it as if going on a field trip.

It had been over thirty minutes of a mostly downhill trek since leaving the train station. The pristine forest of the Crimson Magic Islands slowly but surely gave way to this hellish landscape. Despite the eerie environment, the entire group was eager to arrive at the Gate of Hell; it was hard to find anyone whose eyes weren't glowing with anticipation.

"Hey, the students from Minmin are arriving!" a guard at a checkpoint post called out to his colleague.

Without taking his eyes off a magazine, the other guard replied, "Go with them to open the gate; I'll hold down the fort here," flipping a page nonchalantly.

The first guard approached the group, led by the headmaster, to exchange greetings.

"Welcome! Another year, another Gate of Hell Festival, eh?" the guard said with a grin.

"Indeed," the headmaster replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We've brought a promising batch this time. Are we clear to go?"

"All clear. I'll lead you to the gate." The guard waved them forward.

Furita nervously scanned the desolate surroundings, the only one among the group showing a hint of dread. Even the younger children were happily running around, as if this was a normal outing, some even played with the bones of dead monsters.

"A-Are we there yet!? I want to go home…" Furita stammered, clutching her spear tightly.

"We'll be there in a few minutes," said Miss Morocho, carefully cleaning her staff in preparation for the upcoming battle. "You'll know we're close when you hear the cries of lost souls."

A thunderous roar echoed through the wasteland, shaking the ground beneath them.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Furita screamed, terror seizing her.

"Was that a wyrm?" Papitas asked, unbothered.

"No, no, that was clearly a greygnarl," Kui said, lifting a finger as if giving a lecture.

"Are you two deaf? It was a black dragon, no doubt about it," Hornado asserted, puffing out her chest.

"It was a skelegon, girls," Furita's mom interjected, her tone calm and matter of fact. "We're near a Gate of Hell; the monsters you mentioned are too weak for this area."

"This is close enough," the guard announced, stopping as a large hole in the ground came into view, bright red light emanating from it, with faint lights darting around as the cries of lost souls filled the air, mingling with the distant roars of monsters. "Form up around the gate. I'll open it when you're ready."

The main group split up, forming a loose circle around the Gate of Hell, each team consisting of no more than 10 people, with at least two adults leading each. Papitas' group took their position, Furita's mom and Miss Morocho taking the front, wands and staffs at the ready. The girls lacking sufficient skill points positioned themselves behind the adults, spears in hand. Further back, Papitas was carefreely laying out a blanket, getting ready for the picnic.

"Everyone ready?" the guard called out. The adults nodded, their faces eager. "Alright, here it goes… Release!"

A bright golden light appeared at the entrance of the hole before shooting skyward at tremendous speed, disappearing into the clouds. Almost instantly, a massive swarm of monsters erupted from the gate.

Some flew with powerful wings, others bounded forward on muscular paws, while a few floated menacingly, defying gravity. All of them surged toward the people with murderous intent, sharp claws and sharper teeth gleaming.

What would normally terrify even the most hardened adventurers instead brought wide grins to the adults' faces as they readied their spells. Staffs, wands, and other magical catalysts glowed brightly around the gate, each charged with immense power.

Hell broke loose—not because of the monsters, but because the adults unleashed their magic all at once.

"Inferno!" "Thunderstorm!" "Bottomless Swamp!" "Dimensional Hell Break!" "Light of Saber!" "Cursed Crystal Prison!"—and many more spells filled the air. Fire, ice, lightning, and other elements tore through the monsters, some of which were annihilated the moment they emerged from the gate, unaware of what had even hit them.

"Glacial Cataclysm!" Miss Morocho yelled, summoning an endless barrage of ice arrows that shot toward the oncoming horde.

"Ultros!" Furita's mom followed, conjuring a large black orb of energy that she hurled at a gigantic living armor, causing an explosion on impact.

"Girls, there!" Miss Morocho directed, pointing to her right, "That gigantos on fire can barely move—take it out!"

The three girls charged, spears in hand, screaming. Hornado and Kui wore the same deranged expressions as the adults, but Furita hesitated, tears pooling in her eyes. This scene repeated all around the gate, as the dying monsters were picked off by the children—dullahans, liches, great devils, deadly poison slimes, growth chimeras, dark gods, fallen angels, etc. Monsters that would typically be the final challenge for an average adventuring party, were all slain by cheering children, an impartial observer would probably feel sorry for the monsters.

Meanwhile, Papitas continued preparing the picnic, setting out tea, glasses, and a basket filled with sandwiches. "I put pepper in some of these sandwiches; does anyone not like spicy food?" she called out, raising her voice to be heard over the cacophony of the extremely one-sided battle.

"None for me, please!" Hornado shouted back, wiping some blood off her skirt.

As Papitas separated the sandwiches, she made sure everyone else was distracted before sneaking a package into Furita's bag.

A couple of hours later, the battle had mostly subsided. The few straggling monsters that leaked out of the gate were quickly slain by the adults, but most were now enjoying a pleasant meal with their children, including Papitas' group.

"Ah, I can't believe I actually did it!" Furita sighed in relief, rubbing her adventurer's card against her cheek. Hornado and Kui had done the same a while ago, and the six were now enjoying their picnic on the edge of the battlefield.

"The way you screamed after that dead killer machine moved its arm was hilarious!" Kui said, pointing at Furita and laughing while stuffing her face with a sandwich.

"It almost sliced me in half!" Furita protested.

"You would've been fine," her mother said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I didn't take my eyes off you for a moment. It's been years since I last attended one of these—I forgot how much fun they could be."

"You were amazing, ma'am!" Hornado exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "The way you shot that light arrow at the undead king was incredible!"

"Oh, it was nothing," Furita's mom replied, blushing and rubbing the back of her neck.

"Don't forget about Miss Morocho!" Kui added, pointing at their teacher. "I didn't even know ice dragons could be frozen!"

"They don't call me the Ice Witch for nothing," Miss Morocho said with a chuckle.

Their pleasant conversation was interrupted by another monster roar, the loudest of the day.

"It's an alabast dragon!" the guard announced, peering down into the hole and spotting a gigantic white dragon climbing to the gate.

"I'll take care of it!" the headmaster declared, rolling up his sleeves and readying his staff.

"Are you sure about this?" one of the teachers questioned, a slight tremor in his voice. "You know the deal—these things require a team effort."

Alabast dragons were the bane of the Crimson Magic Clan for a reason: they had incredibly high magic resistance, meaning it took a tremendous amount of powerful spells to damage them. Not only that, but their special scales absorbed and reflected magic, making them nearly the perfect counter for an Archwizard. The only reliable way to deal with one was through physical combat or by overwhelming it with magic. Standard procedure dictated that several Archwizards attack it simultaneously.

"No, that's okay," the headmaster replied with a confident smile. "I've got a new spell I'm dying to try!"

The attention of most picnics shifted to the headmaster, who stood on top of a large rock overlooking the gate. He began chanting as the ground shook with the dragon's approach.

Darkness beyond twilight,

Crimson beyond blood that flows,

Magic began leaking from the tip of his staff, multicolored streams flowing in every direction.

I desire for my torrent of power a destructive force:

A destructive force without equal!

Return all creation to cinders and come from the abyss!

This is the mightiest means of attack known to man,

The ultimate attack magic!

Large magic rings appeared above the gate, encompassing it and bathing the surroundings in crimson light.

The tower of rebellion creeps upon man's world…

The unspoken faith displayed before me…

The time has come!

Now, awaken from your slumber, and by my madness, be wrought!

The dragon's roars were deafening as it got closer to the gate, making the ground shake violently.

Let the fools who stand before me be destroyed!

The dragon quickly emerged from the gate and made a beeline for the headmaster, but he stood his ground, his eyes glowing with intense crimson light.

"Explosion!" he shouted, thrusting his staff forward.

The blast was nothing short of cataclysmic. A deafening roar tore through the landscape, sending shockwaves that rippled outward with terrifying force. The ground quaked violently as the explosion obliterated the remaining dead trees, and the corpses of fallen monsters were hurled into the air like ragdolls. An immense cloud of smoke and debris surged upward, towering over the Gate of Hell and darkening the sky, visible from Minmin far away. The sheer power of the explosion echoed across the entire island.

When the smoke cleared, the alabast dragon was reduced to mere ashes.

"W-What the hell was that!?" Furita screamed, coughing as she struggled to see through the thick dust coating her from head to toe.

"Wow, Explosion magic! I can't believe it!" Papitas exclaimed, grinning widely despite being suspended upside down from the branches of an uprooted tree.

All around the Gate of Hell, the scene repeated—people rising shakily to their feet, covered in dust, dirt, and even monster guts, as they surveyed the aftermath of the colossal explosion. Their collective groans filled the air when they turned and saw that the Gate of Hell had also significantly expanded, though there were no monsters around to be found.

"Oh man, closing this again is going to be a pain!" the guard grumbled, running a hand through his hair, which now stood on end, thanks to the blast.

With the chaos subsiding, the group slowly reassembled around the headmaster, who was sprawled face down on the ground, utterly immobile.

"Ahem!" Miss Morocho cleared her throat, her witch's hat nowhere to be seen.

"Please help me…" the headmaster groaned weakly, still lying motionless on the ground.

"Let this be a lesson to everyone!" Miss Morocho's voice boomed as she looked around, ensuring all the students were paying attention. "This! This is why explosion magic is a waste. None of you want to end up like this withered old fool, now do you?"

"M-Miss Morocho, that's not necessary—" the headmaster tried to protest, his voice feeble.

"Look how easily I can hit him now that he can't move at all!" Miss Morocho declared, grabbing the headmaster by the collar and giving him a series of powerful slaps. "This is the fate of anyone foolish enough to follow the path of explosions!"

"P-Please stop!" the headmaster begged; his voice full of despair.

"Look how pathetic he is!" she resumed, this time pinching his nose and giving it a twist for good measure.

Most of the students shuddered at the sight, quickly resolving never to dabble in explosion magic. But Papitas was the exception. She remained entranced, her eyes shining with admiration at the remnants of the cloud left behind by the explosion, her heart racing, the first time she'd gotten this reaction from seeing magic.

"Clean yourselves as best as you can," Miss Morocho instructed, letting go of the headmaster, who slumped back to the ground with a groan. "Those who can use water magic, please help out. We'll be heading back to the station in less than an hour—the train will be waiting for us by noon."

After 1 p.m., the south train station in Minmin was abuzz with activity once more as the train disgorged its passengers—children and their families scattered in every direction, the air filled with laughter and chatter. Papitas, Furita, Hornado, and Kui were caught up in their own lively conversation, sharing exaggerated retellings of the day's events, mostly at Furita's expense.

"I knew I'd find you here!" Salchi's voice suddenly cut through the jovial atmosphere as he grabbed Papitas by the arm.

"What are you doing? Let go of me!" Papitas protested, turning to her friends for support, but Salchi didn't relent.

"You knew Father is leaving," he said, his expression serious. "He told me he wanted a photo of the whole family for the media. He was furious when he didn't find you at home this morning. I've been looking for you all day!" Despite her struggles, Salchi's grip remained firm. "Come on, we might just make it!" he urged, glancing at her uniform, still dirt-stained from the day's events.

At the main train station in Minmin, a group of well-dressed individuals gathered, waiting for the train bound for Zankocho. Among them was Papitas' father, his impatience evident as he tapped his foot, surrounded by journalists holding magical cameras, yawning in boredom.

Salchi finally pushed through the crowd, still holding Papitas by the arm. "We're here, Father. Papitas was helping her classmates at the Gate of Hell, she's not exactly presentable…"

The sudden appearance of the chief's children immediately drew the attention of the onlookers, especially the journalists. His expression shifted as he quickly masked his irritation with a broad smile, raising his arms in a show of celebration.

"Of course, my dear daughter," he declared, his voice smooth and practiced. "Always the supportive and caring kind. It's clear where she got it from!" His tone was warm, but there was a calculated edge to it—every word carefully chosen to play to the crowd.

The surrounding crowd responded with polite applause; he gestured for his children to join him. "Regrettably, I will be unable to attend my daughter's graduation, but before I depart, I'll have a picture with my family!" He motioned to the journalists to ready their cameras, striking a pose with Papitas and Salchi on either side.

The cameras flashed rapidly, the light overwhelming Papitas, who instinctively raised her hands to shield her eyes, her sunglasses barely providing any relief from the blinding lights.

"I know my daughter will make the whole city proud, just as she's always made me!" he continued, signaling the end of the photoshoot with a final, charismatic smile. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we're running rather late." He gave his children a brief, perfunctory hug before turning to board the train, never once making eye contact with either Salchi or Papitas.

"Chief Poyo, a question!", Chief Poyo when will the waiting times for the trains decrease?", "Chief Poyo, why do you allow the foreigners to stay here for so long?" Seemingly dozens of questions were fired at once as the journalist asked questions to the fleeing chief.

"Alright, that wasn't too bad," Salchi remarked, trying to sound relieved. "Hopefully, he won't remember by the time he returns. Right, Papitas—?"

But when he turned, his sister was nowhere to be seen.

She was already making her way home, eager to clean up and change into something fresh. As she walked, her eyes drifted toward the harbor, her gaze lingering on the docked ships with a sharp, calculating look.

Saturday

The harbor was unusually quiet, almost eerie. Considering it was the last full day of the market, most of the foreign merchants and sailors were busy trying to sell off their remaining goods. Meanwhile, the harbor itself was practically deserted—just what Papitas had been hoping for all week.

She spent the entire morning wandering around the harbor, mentally mapping it out. Every detail mattered; she couldn't afford to leave anything to chance. She had her eyes set on several ships, but Captain Dori's vessel was still her preferred choice.

Of course, there was still one big problem: the insides of the ships. Papitas had never actually been inside one before. Sure, she'd read about them in books, but who knew if that info was still accurate? She briefly considered sneaking onto a ship right then and there but getting caught was out of the question. She'd have to wing it when the time came.

She sighed and sat down at the water's edge, dipping her feet into the cool sea. The rhythmic sound of the waves against the docks usually soothed her, but today it did little to ease her anxiety. Glancing up at the clock tower of the Crimson Magic Academy, she realized it was nearly noon. Her stomach growled, reminding her it was time for lunch.

Papitas made her way to Furita's family restaurant. "One large bowl, please!" she called out with her usual grin, looking around for her friend. Furita was nowhere in sight, though, "Hey, where's Furita?"

For years, the two had met up at the restaurant on weekends, usually hanging out after lunch. This was the first time Furita wasn't waiting for her.

"Welcome, Papitas," greeted Furita's mom as she prepared the order. "Furita went out with Hornado and Kui. She said they'd head to your place, but I guess you weren't home."

Papitas blinked in surprise. "Hornado and Kui? Seriously?"

"You should've seen them!" Furita's mom said with a laugh. "Furita invited them over yesterday after your brother dragged you off. They were laughing like crazy the whole time!" She suddenly sliced through some meat with a bit too much enthusiasm. "They even stayed the night here. I had to shoo them to bed at midnight because they were so noisy."

"Wow, I didn't expect them to get along so well," Papitas said, twirling her chopsticks absentmindedly. "But hey, that's great news. Furita's usually just with me."

"I know, right?" Furita's mom chimed in, placing the steaming bowl in front of her. "I honestly thought she didn't have any other friends besides you."

As Furita's mom chatted away, Papitas quietly finished her meal, nodding here and there while she kept talking, "The trio left early this morning. Furita mentioned going to your house, but who knows where they are now. You should go look for them."

Papitas stood up, thanking for the food before heading out, "I'll see you at dinner!"

The smile faded from her face as soon as she was outside, replaced by a more serious expression. As much as she wanted to hang out with Furita, there were more pressing matters to attend to. Taking the main road, she headed straight for the Crimson Magic Academy.

The academy's pool, tucked away in the back, was deserted. Normally, it'd be bustling with the swimming club, but with classes over, the pool was all hers. Papitas had been coming here regularly after hours, training with single-minded determination. Today, she had the pool to herself for the entire afternoon.

She submerged herself completely, holding onto the edge of the pool as bubbles drifted lazily to the surface. After what seemed like an eternity, she resurfaced, gasping for air, her grip tight around an empty balloon in her right hand. She glanced at her wristwatch, safely tucked away on the poolside. "Twenty… minutes…" she panted, catching her breath before filling the balloon again and diving back in.

After her grueling training session, Papitas made her way to the market one last time. Stalls were beginning to pack up, and she spotted some earth golems hauling goods to the harbor. A list in hand, she quickly scanned to see if the foreigners were selling some things she needed, namely: a waterproof bag.

By the time the sun had set, Papitas was heading back to Furita's family restaurant, her hair still damp from the pool. She announced her arrival with a cheerful "Hey, I'm back!" only to find Furita deep in conversation with Hornado and Kui. The three greeted her enthusiastically as she walked over.

"Papitas!" Furita called out, waving. "Where have you been? We've been looking for you all day!"

"I've been kinda busy," Papitas replied, her voice a bit hoarse from the day's exertion. "What have you guys been up to?"

"Oh man, you missed out," Hornado said with a grin. "I had no idea shy little Furita could be so much fun!"

As Furita's mom served dinner, the trio launched into a lively recount of the day's events, laughing and teasing each other. Papitas, sitting at the edge of the group, listened quietly, occasionally chiming in. In the corner of her eye, she noticed how genuinely happy Furita looked, and a bittersweet feeling settled in her chest.

Finishing her meal well before the others, she leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Ah… that hit the spot," she said, standing up to leave. "Well, I'll be heading out. See ya—!"

"Wait, Papitas!" Furita jumped up, "Can't you stay the night? We're having another sleepover."

"Yeah, stay!" Kui chimed in with a grin. "I wanna see if half the stuff Furita said about you is true. She talked about you all day." Hornado burst into laughter as Furita turned bright red.

"Of course, your friends are always welcome here," Furita's mom added, prompting Hornado and Kui to cheer. "But this time, lights out by 10!"

"Sorry, I can't," Papitas replied, bursting their bubble. "Salchi and I will do an inspection of the foreign ships tomorrow, on behalf of our Father. And you can't rely on a NEET—if I don't do it myself, it won't get done. I need to get ready. I'll try to come by for dinner tomorrow, though."

As she made her exit, Furita followed her outside, making sure they were alone. "Papitas, wait!"

Papitas turned around to face her friend.

"My mom also invited Hornado and Kui to come with us to Patakon. You're coming too, right?" Furita asked, her voice soft, eyes downcast.

Papitas' heart ached as she looked at her friend, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped Furita in a warm hug, holding her close. Furita was too surprised to respond, her arms hanging limply by her sides.

"Furita, come on!" Kui's voice echoed from inside as Papitas let go, giving Furita a small smile before silently walking away.

Papitas stayed up late that night, perched on her windowsill, staring out at the harbor, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

Sunday

The busy sounds of the street outside echoed in Papitas' room. She'd been awake for a while but hadn't moved, staring at the ceiling, just thinking, quietly thinking.

She glanced at her wristwatch. She needed to get to the harbor soon or risk being late. With a decisive leap, she quickly got up, dressed, and headed out.

The market would officially close by noon, but most stalls were already packed. The market had been a success once again, the satisfied looks on the faces of the foreign merchants as they shook hands with the locals were proof of that. A large queue of Earth Golems was diligently moving to and from the harbor, transporting the mostly empty crates and barrels back to the ships.

Before heading to the harbor, Papitas made a quick trip to what remained of the market. There were only a dozen stalls still operating from the fifty at its peak. Aside from the golems, most of the activity was focused on cleaning up, restoring the plaza to its usual state. Papitas had hoped to see Captain Dori, but his stall was already gone. With nothing else to do there, she made her way to the harbor, carrying a large file organizer.

Her job was straightforward: ensure that all the foreigners who arrived nearly a week ago were still accounted for. The coast guard would take care of the rest tomorrow, checking that the ships weren't taking anything, or anyone, they weren't supposed to take with them.

The harbor was bustling, a stark contrast to the previous day. The activity was comparable only to the day the ships first arrived, with sailors busily loading the empty crates back onto the ships. Papitas sat by one of the docks, waiting—or rather hoping—that Salchi would show up. She hadn't seen him all morning.

As the day progressed, Papitas made her way from boat to boat, checking the files she held against the registries of each sailor. It was a tedious task, made even more so by the vast difference in the size of the ships. Some boats had only a handful of crew members, while the larger ships were practically floating villages, with nearly a hundred sailors on board.

Well past noon, after a quick lunch in a nearby pub, Papitas finally reached Captain Dori's ship.

"Good afternoon, Miss Papitas," the captain greeted her respectfully, his demeanor towards her having changed since their talk on Thursday night. "Is Mr. Salchi not with you? Don't tell me you're doing the registry all on your own."

"Ugh…" Papitas replied with a loud groan. Her brain felt fried from the monotonous work, and the intense heat didn't help. Summer was clearly on the way. She'd gladly trade doing this for a five-hour lesson with Miss Morocho. "Remember what I told you when we met? You can't trust wizards. If there isn't a way to use magic and make things easier, they're nowhere to be found. And my brother is not just a wizard; he's a NEET!" Steam practically flowed out of her mouth as she spoke.

"Oh! Ah, well. We won't waste your time. I've had my men line up on the deck. Please, come aboard," the captain said, motioning for her to follow him onto the ship. The crew was lined up alphabetically across the deck, making Papitas' job easier.

The captain and Papitas made small talk as she finished up and prepared to leave the ship. She took the opportunity to get a good look at the deck and all its entrances. As they reached the edge of the deck, she suddenly asked, "I take it you haven't changed your mind?"

The captain's previously calm demeanor turned serious. "No, lass, and I hope you won't insist," he said firmly.

"Right. Oh, by the way, where are you headed?" she asked, her tone still playful.

"We should be arriving in Port Altria by Wednesday noon. It's a town northwest of here, right by the mouth of the Gulf of Elroad," the captain answered nonchalantly.

"Well then," Papitas said, turning to face him and dropping her sunglasses to give him a playful wink. "Have a safe trip!" She waved goodbye and walked off.

"Wait, lass! We're leaving tomorrow morning!" The captain called after her, but Papitas didn't look back.

Her duty continued into the night. After dinner at the same pub, she made her way back to the harbor to finish checking the last few boats. "I wanted to eat that ramen one more time…" she murmured to herself, when she suddenly heard a voice behind her that made her blood boil.

"Hey, Papitas! How's the work going? You done, yeEEEEEE—!" Salchi called out cheerfully, but as soon as he got close, Papitas forcefully smacked him on the head with the file container. The wooden dock beneath him gave way, plunging him into the water.

"Hey, what gives—!" he protested after surfacing, just in time to catch the file container with his face.

"You finish. I'm going home," she said dryly, her tone full of anger, and walked off.

Papitas stopped by the bakery on her way home and took a few bites of the sweets she bought, trying to calm herself down. As she reached her front door, she took a deep breath, trying to relax as much as possible before going in. "I'm home…" she said softly, stepping into the dark house and taking off her shoes.

Lighting a candle by her mother's altar, Papitas slowly sat before it. "Good night, Mom," she said, taking the remaining sweets out of her bag and placing them on the altar. She silently prayed for a long time, her expression steady and focused, until she heard someone else enter the house.

"Papitas?" Salchi called out. He hadn't paid respects in years, but he remained silent until Papitas released her hands and lifted her head, "Are you okay?" he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

Without turning to face him, Papitas looked at her mother's photograph for a moment before replying, "Yeah, I am." She then stood up quietly and headed to her room.

As she reached the top of the stairs, Salchi called out again, "Hey, what time is the ceremony?"

"I have to be at the academy by 8," she replied dryly, looking down at him.

"I'm going drinking now; you should get some sleep. The ships will start leaving around 7. You can come to say your goodbyes if you want, but don't be late. I won't miss the ceremony," he said, his voice filled with affection.

"Sure," Papitas replied with a reassuring smile before heading into her room and closing the door.

Later

The city had fallen into a hushed silence, except for the occasional sound of bars closing for the night. Minmin was quiet.

Papitas sat on the roof of her home, having quietly slipped out through her window. She overlooked the city, nearly all the lights in the houses were out, with only the streetlights illuminating the empty streets. She glanced in the direction of Furita's family restaurant, obscured by the many buildings in between, before taking a final look at her bag. Her adventurer's card, some spare underwear, dried food, water, and the money Captain Dori had refused to take—all in order. She closed the bag and slung it over her shoulder, just as the clock tower struck 2 a.m.

"Alright then," she whispered, standing up and getting a good look at the harbor. She leaped to the house in front of hers and began her journey, moving as directly as possible to her destination

Monday, the next morning.

Salchi stood at the harbor early in the morning, though whether he woke up early or just slept there after drinking all night was anyone's guess. Either way, the chief's son was present to see off the foreign ships depart.

By 7 a.m., most of the smaller vessels had already set sail, becoming tiny dots on the horizon as they made way for the larger ships, including Captain Dori's. Only a few massive ships remained in the harbor.

"Well, Captain," Salchi began with a smirk, "I hope to see you again in a few months," he leaned closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. "And don't forget about that very special delivery. My library is in dire need of new content."

"Of course not, lad," replied the captain with a matching smirk, pulling out a weathered ledger. "I've noted your requests here. You have my word; we'll bring the highest quality material next time."

Their exchange was cut short by a coast guard officer who approached briskly. "All in order. You're cleared for departure," he said before moving on to the next ship.

"Well, lad, this is goodbye for now," the captain said, shaking Salchi's hand. "A shame your lovely sister couldn't be here."

"Her graduation is today. I guess she's nervous or something. I knocked on her door, but got no response," Salchi replied, scratching the back of his head.

The captain boarded his ship, and a few minutes later, with the powerful sound of its steam engines, the boat left the harbor. Salchi waited until the ships on the horizon seemed like toys, content to see all the ships leave. After all, he had time to waste before the ceremony.

About half an hour later, Furita was getting ready herself. Hornado and Kui had already left to fetch their uniforms. The three girls had slept little, spending most of the night whispering excitedly.

As she packed some gifts for her classmates and teachers into her bag, something unusual caught her eye—a large package she didn't recognize. Curiosity piqued, she opened it and found a worn, battered book inside. The cover was so damaged that the title was illegible. She flipped it open and read the first page: Basics of Martial Arts.

Furita's breath caught in her throat. This was Papitas' treasured book, the one she'd always guarded so fiercely. The first page bore a dedication, but what really grabbed Furita's attention was a hastily scribbled folded note in Papitas' terrible handwriting

[Please take good care of it]

Her hands trembled as she held the book, her mind reeling. How long she stood there, she couldn't say, until her mother's hand on her shoulder snapped her back to reality.

"What are you doing? You need to get going!" her mother scolded before noticing Furita's tear-streaked face. "What's wrong, honey? Why are you crying?"

"Papitas!" Salchi banged furiously on his sister's door with a mix of irritation and concern. "Hey, we're running late, come on!"

After a frustrated sigh, he decided to force the door open, fully expecting to find her still asleep. Maybe she hadn't slept well the night before, too nervous about the graduation, but the sight that greeted him left him speechless.

Papitas' uniform lay neatly folded on her bed, but the bed itself was empty. "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath, noticing a few envelopes on her desk. The one on top had his name scrawled across it.

The room was eerily tidy, a stark contrast to Papitas' usual messiness. The shelves were neatly arranged, except for one glaring absence.

By 9 a.m., the Crimson Magic Academy was packed with the families of soon-to-be Archwizards. The air buzzed with excitement as the ceremony was about to begin.

The graduates, dressed in their caps and gowns, fidgeted nervously as Miss Morocho gave them last-minute instructions. "—remember, after unlocking Advanced Magic, do your signature introduction, and don't forget to refer to yourselves as Archwizards," she said, fussing over their attires to ensure everything was perfect.

Furita stood among her classmates, clutching her bag tightly. Hornado and Kui whispered among themselves nearby.

"Furita! Furita!" Kui called out, finally grabbing her attention.

"Huh? What?" Furita replied, her voice distant.

"Tonight's the big night, right? We're leaving for Patakon?" Kui asked. "How are we getting there? I thought trains didn't run that late."

"We'll use Teleport," Furita answered absentmindedly. "My mom has the location saved."

Hornado and Kui exchanged concerned looks. Furita had been acting strangely all morning, and they suspected it had something to do with the absent Papitas. Hornado motioned for Kui to let it go, thinking they might have had a fight. Before she could press further, Miss Morocho signaled for everyone to line up.

The headmaster's speech was wrapping up as the graduates were called one by one. Each new Archwizard proudly proclaimed their new class as the auditorium erupted in cheers.

"I am Marakuya!" she declared, striking a dramatic pose. "The most beautiful girl in Minmin and its newest Archwizard! There are some who will regret crossing me!" She pointed at the ceiling, ready to unleash a spell. "Cursed light—!"

"Absolutely no magic here, Marakuya!" Miss Morocho's voice cut through the air, her hand clamping down on Marakuya's shoulder. The new Archwizard turned pale and quickly apologized.

After the ceremony, the sky above the academy was alive with magic as the new Archwizards tested their powers. Lightning bolts, ice shards, fireballs, and water streams shot into the air, exploding in a dazzling display of color and sound.

"Light of Saber!" Hornado shouted, sending a beam of light skyward, where it burst in a spectacular flash. "Hahaha! This is awesome!"

"Cursed lightning!" A black lightning bolt followed, cracking loudly as it exploded. "Where is she?" Marakuya demanded, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Where is that muscle-bound fool? Was she too scared to show up for her own graduation? Oh, right—this is for Archwizards only."

Furita, still clutching her bag, remained silent.

"Come on, spill it! Where's that dumb brute?" Marakuya snarled, pointing her wand at Furita.

"How about you shut up, Marakuya?" Kui snapped, stepping forward with a glare.

"How dare you speak to me like that? Have some respect; I'm an Archwizard!" Marakuya snapped.

"We're all Archwizards, dumbass! And if you want a fight, I'll be happy to give you one!" Hornado added, gripping her staff.

While they were distracted, Furita quietly slipped away toward the academy's entrance. There, she saw Salchi leaning against the metallic door, smoking a cigarette and staring at the sky.

"Did she...?" she murmured, her eyes downcast as she grabbed Salchi's sleeve.

"Seems so," he replied dryly, not turning to face her. A heavy silence hung between them before he handed her a stack of letters, the top one addressed to Furita. "Please hand these out," he said before wordlessly walking away.

Far out at sea, in the lower decks of a ship, a girl clung desperately to the railing, trying to keep her breakfast from making a reappearance. The relentless motion of the waves was doing a number on her.

The Crimson Magic Islands were no longer visible on the horizon.