End of Class
Once the magic lesson was over, classes for the day were finished.
The three sheep sisters weren’t releasing mana, but just moving mana within your body can be pretty exhausting until you get used to it, so they looked quite worn out.
Even so, it didn’t seem like anyone had used so much mana that they were completely drained. Aside from Tony, who almost had a mana outburst at the beginning, no one else seemed to need a recovery potion.
Even Tony was saying, “Next time I’ll cast it properly!” so it looked like the medicine and a bit of rest had helped him recover completely.
“Magic and martial arts classes held in this training ground are a little longer than the lectures.
When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to push yourself too hard because you don’t know your own stamina or mana limits, so make sure to take breaks as needed.
The teachers walk around the area, but they might not notice everything, so don’t worry—if you rest on your own, no one will get mad.
Since Mare and the others aren’t aiming to become adventurers, they don’t participate in the offensive magic practice. So if something ever happens and you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to ask Mare and her group.”
“Oh my, that’s true. We mostly just observe the physical training too. I’ll keep an eye out.”
“My, indeed. A five-year-old human and a beastkin surely have different levels of stamina, so I’ll make sure not to let you overdo it.”
“My, oh my, understood. Vio, feel free to rely on us anytime, alright?”
After class, Kathe explained the rules and precautions for the training ground.
In a training ground this big, it really must be tough for one teacher to keep an eye on everything.
Naturally, more attention would have to go to the older and more dangerous six- to seven-year-old groups. I should be careful not to push myself.
“Vio, what are you doing after this? If you’re going for a run, I could come with you?”
While I was getting ready to leave, Len came wandering around and asked.
He seems to have gotten really attached to me—but wait, aren’t cats supposed to be more cautious?
“My dad should be coming to pick me up, and then I’m going to the reference room to study medicinal herbs. Then in the afternoon, I plan to gather what I can around the village.”
“Vio, you’re taking a herb-gathering request~?”
“Yeah, my dad said herb requests are always available, so I thought I’d take one for study.”
When I answered, Len looked a little sad—or maybe sulking? No, maybe frustrated?
“What’s wrong, Len?”
“I haven’t registered as an adventurer yet…”
Really?
I just assumed everyone had already done that, but maybe not?
“Oh, kids from the village usually study at the school first and then register as adventurers after the baptism ceremony at age seven.
Since you’re from outside the village, right? For people from outside without a guild card, they sometimes register before they turn seven since it also serves as an ID.”
Tony, who was nearby and listening, explained it to me.
Ah, so that’s how it works.
What’s this baptism ceremony, though? I’ll ask Dad about it later.
From the name, it probably involves a temple, but who knows if the temples in this world are trustworthy. If they can tell whether someone has the holy attribute, it might be best to avoid them.
“And I’ve got a little brother, so I’m looking after him. While I do that, my big brother goes out and takes requests.”
Ah, so that’s why they were playing tag the other day.
If Lon is home alone in the morning, he’d probably get bored, and their mom Mrs. Lilium runs a shop, so she wouldn’t be able to keep him company either.
“I see, that’s really admirable, Len. You take care of your little brother, and that lets your big brother take requests without worrying about home.
And you’re already practicing writing, so you’ll be able to fill out the registration form yourself soon. I had my dad write mine for me.”
“So you couldn’t write it yourself, Vio~? I can write my own name now, so I’ll brag to my dad~”
After learning how to draw lines properly, he finally managed to write just his own name.
We didn’t have time to practice our names or the village name, but now we have something fun to do next time.
"Am I... admirable? Really? Ehehe~"
Len’s cheeks flushed pink with delight at the praise. Maybeshe'd been secretly envious of his brother registering as an adventurer first?
But now, basking in approval, he practically glowed—already imagining how Mrs. Lillium would compliment him if he finished washing dishes well today.
"You're very admirable. And you know what? Even without guild points, you could practice herb gathering with Lon. By the time you're an adventurer, you might be the herb gathering expert!"
The offhand suggestion ignited unexpected excitement in both children.
"I see, I thought it was pointless without points.”
"Expert! So cool!"
“Len, let’s go home. Huh, what’s going on?”
“Hachi, let’s go home, too. Eh, what’s up with you?”
When their older brothers came to collect them, they found the duo utterly enchanted by this new dream.
After hearing the explanation, the older boys exchanged thoughtful looks before huddling in discussion.
I think’s it’s time to head home for me as well—with the sheep sisters, Kathe, and Tony gone, Dad was probably worried.
"Lun, Natchi, Len, Hachi, I should go. Dad's waiting for me."
"Ah~ that’s right. See you tomorrow, Vio.”
"Yeah. Gotta consult with Dad about this too. Tomorrow then!"
As the four waved us off, I faced my nemesis—the guildhall staircase.
Ugh!! That’s right.
Descending was scarier, but climbing still posed challenges.
Slinging my bag diagonally across my back (no way I could run up normally), I began my ascent.
Each step came up to my knees—a full-body endeavor requiring hands and knees.
*Huff-puff* I hauled myself up step by step along the edge, wishing for intermediate half-steps that didn't exist.
While thinking about something so meaningless, behind me, the brothers caught up effortlessly.
"Vio, you playing~?"
"What're you doing here, Vio? Still here?"
Their bafflement stung—we were nearly the same size!
How could they bounce up so easily?
"Oh! Right, regular human kids struggle with these steps.”
"I'll get Dad!"
Natchi declared, dashing off to get Mr. Taki before I could protest.
Dad is probably nearby, so he should get my Dad instead…
Since it seems like an adult is coming, let’s take a breather. Hah, so tiring.
“Vio!”
As I caught my breath mid-climb, Dad's voice boomed from above. Next thing I knew, strong arms scooped me airborne—whoa! Sudden altitude change!
"Thanks for fetching me, Natchi. Good noticing, Lun."
Dad's massive hands ruffled both older boys' hair, their pleased expressions mirroring how good it must feel when he scratched between their ears.
Carried safely downstairs, I bid farewell to the brothers and left.
What do you think about this chapter?
