Lara's Point of View:

  "I can't join you today, Thailon. As you can see, I'm busy preparing for the opening," I said gently, casting a quick glance his way. He had been hovering around, clearly eager for me to see something he had worked on.

  "But if you'd like, I can make time tomorrow to visit. Perhaps I'll even get to meet your wife and children," I teased with a soft smile, my hands continuing to arrange the tables.

  His expression shifted, clearly confused. "What do you mean, wife and children?" he asked, completely perplexed.

  I couldn't help but chuckle at his response. "Oh, come on. It's been 300 years. I assumed you'd settled down by now, with a lovely family. I'd love to meet them, those little ones must take after you, that's what we talked after all if we finished the mission you will marry the woman you love" I teased, my voice warm, almost motherly. But then, he grabbed the cloth from my hand, his grip firm yet controlled, and I noticed the seriousness in his gaze.

  "I don't have anything like that," he said quietly but with weight behind his words, his tone serious and unwavering.

  I tilted my head, surprised by his conviction.

  "After all these years, child?" I asked, looking at him closely. He continued cleaning, but there was something in the way he held himself. It didn't sit well with me.

  For an elf like him—blessed with beauty, grace, and an agelessness that many could only envy—it seemed strange that he hadn't settled down.

  "Are you perhaps being too picky?" I asked, my voice carrying a note of gentle concern, almost as if I were speaking to a child who had missed out on something important. I watched him pause, considering his reaction.

  Ah. That pause. "You are picky," I concluded, amused.

  "You know, Thailon," I continued, my tone taking on a deeper sense of care,

  "200 years is plenty of time to find someone. You shouldn't set your standards too high, or you'll end up alone. Life is too short, even for us." I smiled softly, but he remained silent. The longer the silence stretched, the more something clicked in my mind.

  Then it hit me, and I couldn't resist a little laugh. Oh, that's it.

  I turned to him, catching his expression. "Wait—could it be... do you prefer boys?" I asked, my voice light but my eyes carefully watching his reaction. The way his cheeks immediately flushed told me everything. Oh, the poor thing,

  "In this day and age, there's no need to hide it. If you like boys, that's perfectly fine. There's no shame in it. You know, I've known plenty of—" Before I could finish, he abruptly dropped the cloth and turned to face me, his expression both embarrassed and exasperated.

  "I don't like boys," he said firmly, locking eyes with me as if trying to make sure I understood.

  I couldn't help but smile, gently shaking my head. "Oh, sweetheart, there's no need to get so worked up. It's alright," I said, watching him fume slightly.

  "Let's just meet tomorrow, then. Don't forget, and don't keep me waiting."

  He grabbed the box I'd given him and muttered, "How could you even think that?" before turning to leave, clearly flustered.

  I chuckled softly to myself, watching him as he walked off in a huff.

  "Take care, child. I'll be here when you're ready," I called after him, my voice affectionate, almost like a mother watching her son storm off in frustration.

  Ah, that boy... I thought, smiling to myself.

  Thailon's Point of View:

  How could she even think that? I thought, fuming as I walked away.

  Someone Point of View

  My name is Julen Red, and I am the Vice Chairman of the academy. As an elf, I serve as the assistant to the High Elf Thailon, a figure revered as the great hero.

  The night was draped in a veil of darkness, the moon casting a silvery glow over the academy's stone walls, illuminating the pathways lined with ancient trees. The stillness of the night was broken only by the rustling leaves, whispering secrets of old battles and long-lost heroes. But inside, a different storm brewed.

  Thailon, a man whose very presence commanded reverence, was the kind of person who could easily test your patience.

  What I once regarded as dedication had morphed into something more unsettling—an obsession. He still mourned the great hero Lareon, consumed by a relentless desire to resurrect him. He had built this academy not merely as a place of learning but as a temple dedicated to that singular purpose, driven by the last wishes of a man who was once revered.

  The wand that Lareon wielded, a symbol of his legendary status, lay shattered, much like Thailon's sanity. Four months had passed since Lareon's tragic fall he believed he is back, and it felt as if each day had taken a toll on Thailon's mind, pushing him further into the abyss of despair. Though he wore the guise of a carefree hero, I could see the deepening shadows around his eyes, a reflection of the torment within.

  Now, at 10 PM, he summoned me. Couldn't I have just one peaceful night? This relentless cycle of duty and worry was starting to wear on my nerves.

  I took a deep breath, steeling myself before entering his chamber. "You called?" I asked, the echo of my voice swallowed by the vastness of the room.

  To my astonishment, I found him in a frenzy, hurling the armor he had cherished for century. The moonlight caught the glint of metal and magic, reflecting the chaotic energy that filled the air.

  Has he finally lost it? I wondered, my heart heavy with concern. But just then, he pulled something from a box: a new armor, marked Level Z. He placed it carefully where the old armor had stood, almost reverently.

  And then, in a fleeting moment, a smile broke through his usual stoic demeanor. Thailon, the great hero, known for his strength and resolve, was smiling?

  "Oh, you're here," he said, his expression shifting back to the familiar gloom I had grown accustomed to.

  "I want everything to be fine at the academy tomorrow," he stated, his voice resonating with an authority that sent a shiver down my spine.

  "May I know the reason for such a requirement?" I asked, curiosity mingling with apprehension.

  "I have a special guest coming tomorrow," he replied, his eyes gleaming with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

  A special guest? The thought sent my mind racing. Was it one of the great heroes? He had never deemed anyone worthy of such a title before.

  "Should I prepare something grand?" I inquired, my heart racing at the prospect of meeting another legend.

  "No, keep it simple," he commanded, a trace of urgency slipping into his tone.

  "Understood," I said, my heart heavy with the weight of unasked questions.

  Why didn't I dare to probe deeper? A thousand thoughts swirled in my mind, yet his presence stifled my curiosity. He was the great man himself, after all, and I felt dwarfed by his legacy.

  As I turned to leave, the moonlight seemed to dim, casting elongated shadows that danced ominously along the walls. The night was thick with anticipation, as if the very fabric of the academy held its breath for what tomorrow would bring

  Lara Point of View

  "No." I pulled my wrist free from Thailon's insistent grip. We stood in the kitchen, the early morning light just starting to peek through the small window above the sink. The faint smell of freshly baked bread lingered in the air, mixing with the warmth of the stove. Fernin worked quietly in the background, organizing the dishes. It was 6 a.m., far too early for whatever madness Thailon had in mind.

  "I want to show you something—just come," Thailon urged again, his grip tightening on the edge of my apron. His wide-eyed expression was almost childlike, making his plea hard to ignore. Outside, I could hear the soft hum of a car waiting. Was he serious?

  "I already said I'm busy," I replied, pulling my wrist free again. My patience was wearing thin. "Do I really need to see whatever this is child? Yes I do promise to come with you but it is to early"

  He looked at me with that same eager expression, like a boy desperate to show off some grand prize. I didn't even need to guess; it was probably a room full of pointless trinkets. He was that kind of guy—always collecting things no one needed.

  "Why don't you just go with him? I can manage the restaurant while you're gone," Fernin chimed in, looking up from his task. His tone was casual, as if this was no big deal. Typical. He could never read the room when I needed him to.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  I sighed, not hiding my frustration.

  The last thing I wanted was a trip to the elf kingdom. Elves were exhausting—full of themselves, drowning in formality. The only thing bearable about that place was the children.

  "We're not going to the elf kingdom," Thailon said, pulling my attention back to him. That was unexpected. I raised an eyebrow, surprised.

  "Really? Then where are you dragging me off to this time?" I asked, my tone sharp but filled with curiosity.

  He hesitated for a moment, his usual carefree expression faltering. "I can't go back there even if I wanted to," he murmured, almost to himself. Then, louder, he added, "Just trust me. It'll be worth it."

  Fernin, oblivious to my reluctance, chimed in again. "Go with him. I'll handle things here. You need the break."

  I sighed again, giving in. This felt like dealing with two children, both eager in their own ways. I untied my apron and handed it to Fernin.

  "Fine. But this better not be a waste of time, and it better not be a room full of junk."

  Thailon grinned, his face lighting up as if he'd won some sort of battle. "It's not. I promise."

  As I turned to follow Thailon, I glanced back at Fernin.

  "Are you sure you can handle the big crowds? Even I mess up sometimes, and I've been at this for years."

  Fernin gave me a reassuring smile. "Trust me. I've got it covered."

  Despite my reluctance, there was something about Thailon's urgency that piqued my curiosity. Without another word, I followed him toward the door, the early morning stillness broken only by the distant hum of the car.

  A Few Moments Later

  "What are we doing here at the academy? Are you teaching here?" I asked Thailon, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

  "Yeah, I do teach sometimes," he replied with a casual shrug, a soft smile forming on his lips as if this was an everyday thing for him. I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a sense of pride seeing how much he had grown.

  "Wow, you've really come a long way," I said warmly. "You did well. But are you sure I'm welcome here?" I asked, a bit hesitant. I knew the owner of this place was a high elf, and it was likely that Thailon could get in trouble for bringing an outsider like me.

  Thailon chuckled lightly, shaking his head.

  "No, there's nothing to worry about. You're perfectly fine here," he assured me with a confident grin, his eyes twinkling with reassurance.

  Just as he said that, the gates opened, revealing the breathtaking landscape inside. My eyes widened in awe as the cool, fresh air brushed against my face. The academy grounds looked like something out of a dream, with fantastical structures and a grand fountain in the middle, featuring a statue of a veiled woman.

  "The woman in that statue... That must be Lareon, right? The one who defeated the demon king?" I mused out loud, admiring the beauty of the figure. "She must have been a remarkable person."

  Thailon's face lit up as he watched me take in the surroundings.

  "Isn't this place amazing?" he asked with a proud smile, his excitement contagious.

  "Well, indeed it is," I admitted, nodding as I continued to admire the scenery. His happiness was evident in the way he beamed, clearly proud of finding himself a place to teach and work.

  "Where are the students, by the way?" I asked as we strolled through the peaceful grounds.

  "They're probably on their way here. It's still a bit early," Thailon replied with a relaxed tone.

  We eventually walked into a classroom. The room was set up just like the classrooms I used to tell him about—a blackboard, chairs, and a familiar, warm atmosphere.

  "Remember those things I used to tell you about?" I asked him, smiling at the nostalgic feeling.

  "What things? You told us a lot," he chuckled, scratching the back of his head. He wasn't wrong; I had shared plenty of ideas with him.

  "In places like this, people find happiness. Here, they find friends or even their destiny. Most importantly, they discover their dreams," I said softly, recalling the lessons I had once imparted.

  "Yeah, I know," he said, his voice filled with understanding. He had grown into the role I once hoped he would. He was a teacher now.

  "You've done a great job, Thailon," I said, smiling proudly at him.

  He smiled back, clearly touched by the compliment. "Let me show you more of the academy," he said, gesturing for me to follow him.

  As we continued walking, we came across a training area where students practiced magic. There, I saw another elf—a tall man with yellow hair and striking green eyes—standing beside a young woman who appeared to be a student. They both noticed us and immediately bowed in greeting. I quickly followed suit, returning the gesture out of respect.

  In this place, bowing was a sign of gratitude, greeting, or respect.

  Noticing that Thailon didn't bow, I playfully reached out and gently pushed his head down to make him bow. His eyes widened in surprise as he straightened back up.

  "What was that for?" he asked, clearly confused.

  I chuckled softly. "Remember, I taught you how to greet back, right?" I reminded him, raising an eyebrow.

  "Yeah, you did, but why did you force me to bow?" he asked, still looking puzzled.

  "Someone just greeted us," I said, pointing to the two people who had bowed earlier.

  "Oh, you're here, Julen," Thailon said, recognizing the male elf and waving to him.

  "Yes, I am," Julen responded with a formal nod as he approached us, the student following close behind.

  "Are you testing this area?" Thailon asked, glancing around curiously.

  "Yes, but we need more aptitude to test the defense of this zone," Julen explained, his voice calm yet focused.

  "Why do you need to test it?" I asked, realizing I had intruded into their conversation. "Oh, I'm sorry for interrupting."

  "It's alright," Thailon said with a smile. "There's going to be an entrance exam for the academy today. It's just a precaution in case any prodigies show up."

  Prodigies, huh? Two hundred years had passed since my prime—I was sure there were stronger adventurers now compared to my generation.

  "Why don't you try it?" Thailon suddenly suggested, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

  "Me? Are you sure about that?" I raised an eyebrow. My power might be rusty compared to these younger prodigies.

  "There's no problem if she tries it, right?" Thailon asked, turning to Julen.

  Julen nodded in agreement. "It should be fine."

  "See? You can try it!" Thailon said, his grin growing wider.

  "You're forcing them to agree," I teased, shaking my head.

  "No, I'm not! It's been so long since I've seen you use magic. Why not give it a shot?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm.

  "Erika can show you how it's done first," Julen said, gesturing to the student behind him.

  The girl—Erika—looked strong and confident. She gave me a respectful nod, smiling warmly.

  "Alright, I guess that would help," I said with a small smile in return. This child was polite and kind, a refreshing contrast to some of the other young adventurers I had encountered over the years.

  There was a target area in the distance, at least two kilometers away. The place was surrounded by a glass-like barrier, majestic and shimmering in the light.

  "Are you sure you're okay showing your powers to me?" I asked Erika, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. After all, I was just an unofficial guest.

  Erika smiled again, her confidence unwavering. "It's no problem at all. I can show you my magic, but right now, I don't have a wand."

  What a nice girl. She even smiled while explaining her situation.

  "Well, there's no problem then. 'Open shop,'" I said, activating the system and selecting a wand for her. After some browsing, I picked out a Wand of the Moon.

  "What type of magic user are you?" I asked Erika.

  "I'm a mage," she replied, her eyes bright with excitement.

  I handed her the wand with a smile. "This should suffice. Unless, of course, you want to join my party, I can't get anything stronger."

  Julen chuckled softly. "I think that wand will suffice. Go ahead, Erika."

  Erika gratefully accepted the wand. "Thank you," she said, her smile lighting up the room.

  "You're welcome," I replied, watching as she prepared herself for the demonstration. This girl had such potential—strong, polite, and skilled. If only the other were like her.

  She took her position, and we stepped back to give her space. I watched her closely as she chanted, "From the wailing of water and breeze," and summoned the magic within her. The air around her shifted, swirling as she raised the wand toward the target. "Sylphe, I summon you," she called out, and in an instant, a powerful wave of energy shot toward the target like a cannon.

  It hit the mark perfectly. I couldn't help but smile, genuinely impressed by her skill.

  "That was amazing," I said with admiration.

  "Why don't you try it now?" Erika asked, looking at me with wide, expectant eyes.

  "The same technique?" I questioned, glancing briefly at Thailon, who stood observing with a slight smirk.

  "Yes. You are certainly capable, are you not?" Thailon replied, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

  I nodded thoughtfully. "It's a newly crafted spell, but I suppose I can modify the formula to recreate it." I paused before asking, "Did you teach her, Thailon?"

  Thailon chuckled softly. "No, I am the one who created the spell," he responded, pride evident in his voice.

  "Impressive," I acknowledged, "but why not utilize synthesis or even stigma? The spell could have been made significantly stronger."

  I offered the suggestion not as a critique but as an observation of how it could be further refined.

  Thailon shrugged lightly. "It could be, but I wanted Erika to focus on control and precision without relying on augmentation techniques."

  I smiled faintly. "Would you allow me to demonstrate the difference with the enhancements?"

  Thailon gave a nod of approval. "Feel free, but keep it at half your usual strength. We wouldn't want to overdo it, after all."

  "Very well." I turned back to Erika, offering her a small smile. "You have great potential. Not many at your age are able to summon such magic with ease."

  I summoned my wand, allowing the energy to surge around me. The synthesis and stigma gathered swiftly as I focused my mind on the spell—air magic, level 40 altitude and velocity, controlling a two-kilometer radius. I pulled in around 60% of the surrounding air, blending it with 20% of my power.

  I aligned the wand directly with the target. The spell shot forth, generating a resounding bang as it traveled toward the target, shattering it upon impact. Though not as powerful as what I was capable of, the precision was clear.

  "You still have that sharp touch," Thailon said, a satisfied grin on his face.

  I returned his smile. "That was only 20% of what I could manage, can't risk of impact if more the wand would be destroyed so try to add that" I replied, not intending to boast, but stating it as fact.

  "As expected," Thailon said, nodding in approval.

  Handing him the wand, I turned to him. "Why don't you try it yourself?" I offered.

  Before he could respond, Julen, who had been watching quietly, interjected nervously. "I don't believe it's necessary for him to demonstrate," he said, his voice slightly rushed.

  I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Julen's sudden apprehension. "Has the time already come for the students to arrive?" I asked.

  "Yes, they are on their way now," Julen confirmed, his tone tense.

  I sighed lightly. "What a pity. I was hoping to see more of Erika's abilities before they arrived."

  Turning back to Thailon, I shifted the conversation. "Are you still struggling with the technique I taught you? The barrier and offensive combination?"

  Thailon thought for a moment before responding. "You mean using light magic to simultaneously form both a shield and a sword?" he asked.

  "Exactly," I replied. "I suggest teaching it to Erika as well. She seems to have the affinity for light magic, and it would expand her skill set."

  Thailon looked at Erika, considering my words. "She may indeed be ready for that. Her control is developing at a remarkable pace."

  Erika stood silently, her expression respectful but focused. It was clear she had a deep potential for growth.

  Just then, the bell rang, signaling the students' arrival.

  I glanced at the time, feeling the weight of fatigue creeping in. "It seems my time here is up," I remarked, my tone soft yet tired.

  Thailon gave a small smile. "Not quite yet. Come to my office—I have something I want to show you."

  Curiosity flickered in my eyes. "I thought our business here was concluded," I replied, though not entirely surprised by his persistence.

  Thailon chuckled, shaking his head. "Trust me, you'll find this worth the extra time."

  Though I often treated Thailon with a certain fondness that came from years of mentoring him, I could not deny his progress had been remarkable. I nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. Despite the exhaustion, there was still much to see.

  At another area

  'I really think it's a wrong idea for her to go!!" Fernin shouted in pain as the costumer surge in the restaurant

  UGHHHHHH" he shouted again.