Chapter 19

My old friend Furin stood there, staring at me, frozen in place.

I stood there, staring at my old friend Furin, frozen in place.

It was no wonder that the sudden reunion after ten years took our time away.

“…Um, do you two know each other?”

Lola, who had been left out, timidly asked.

“Eh, ah, yeah.”

Furin was the one who answered.

“Albert and I were classmates back in school—”

“Hold on a second.”

I interrupted Furin.

“Sorry, Lola. Could you step out for a moment? I’ll tell you about it someday.”

“Sure! It’s fine! I’ll go then!”

With that, Lola walked out of the cafeteria.

I felt bad about leaving Lola out…

But I couldn’t make up my mind yet.

Talking about my relationship with Furin meant talking about my time as a student at the academy.

My first attempt at the academy had ended in failure—

It was something I still couldn’t come to terms with.

I should talk about it someday.

Lola had shared her background with me.

I had that responsibility.

But I didn’t want to talk about it today. It wasn’t something to be casually mentioned after a sudden appearance.

Furin sat down in the seat where Lola had been.

“It’s been a while, Albert.”

“Yeah… I never thought… we’d meet here…”

“It’s not that surprising, actually. Graduates often end up working for the academy.”

There was a moment of silence.

Furin changed the subject.

“You’re back at the academy, huh?”

“…Yeah. Various circumstances brought me back…”

“Have you told Lola about it? About your return?”

“No, I haven’t. …It’s not a past I can be proud of.”

“…I see.”

Furin nodded in understanding.

“I get it. I won’t say anything. Not even to the school. Some of the teachers have been here since ten years ago, but no one has noticed yet.”

“Thanks.”

“But, I know about your hard work in the past. I don’t think there’s anything to be ashamed of.”

“…I did run away.”

I shook my head.

“I’m sorry. Ten years ago, I couldn’t live up to your expectations.”

“It’s okay… I’m just glad we met again. I’m glad you didn’t give up on magic.”

Furin smiled warmly.

Then, she handed me an envelope that had been on the table.

“Oh, I almost forgot. This. Albert, you’re also going on the water quality survey.”

“…You’re not even going to ask if I’m available?”

“Yeah, it’s mandatory.”

After saying this with a smile, Furin’s expression turned serious as she whispered.

“This is no joke, you know.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Since it’s you, Albert, I’ll tell you. This is a secret, okay?”

Furin pointed upwards.

“Lola just missed the list, but Albert, your participation was decided suddenly. It was an order from above. They said you absolutely have to go.”

“From above?”

“This is the Royal Academy of Magic—meaning it’s an order from the government.”

Furin shook her head.

“I don’t know more than that. Did you do something to catch the government’s attention, Albert?”

“I don’t think so… I’ve tried to live a clean and honest life.”

It’s a strange situation.

To add an ordinary student like me to a team of elites by government order.

…It’s very confusing. I can’t think of any reason.

“Hehe, that’s suspicious.”

Furin chuckled.

“But, it’s a good opportunity! Make the most of it and soar high!”

“I’ll try.”

I put the documents aside.

“By the way, how’s Lugard?”

I mentioned the name of another friend.

My connection with Lugard had been severed, but I hoped Furin was still in touch with him—

Furin shook her head with a sad expression.

“He’s gone.”

“Gone?”

“Lugard died five years ago.”

“…What?”

Lugard, dead?

“How?”

“He became a magic knight as he had hoped. He was talented and accomplished. He was the pride of his cohort. But, he went on a mission and never came back.”

I couldn’t imagine it. Lugard, with his large and sturdy build. In my mind, Lugard was on the opposite end of death.

And yet, Lugard.

At just twenty-one.

“So that’s it…”

“Yes. Life is unpredictable. I never thought such a misfortune would befall Lugard…”

Furin sighed.

“Be careful, Albert. Something about this mission feels off.”

“Yeah, I’ll be careful.”

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

It was a dimly lit temple.

A large, pitch-black flame burned on the altar.

A man stood before the flame.

He stood before the flame, chanting a spell with intense focus. With each word, the pitch-black flame grew stronger.

It was as if the flame was devouring the spell—

“…Phew.”

After finishing the spell, the man took a step back.

He was dressed in a black robe adorned with gold and silver threads. His face was obscured by a mask covering the upper half.

A sound of footsteps echoed, and a presence appeared behind him.

“You’re working hard every day.”

It was a small, old man, his head completely hidden under a hood.

“The time is almost upon us—the time for our ‘Darkness’ to rise. There’s no time to be idle.”

“Thank you for your words.”

The old man bowed slightly.

“Lord Lugard—have you made the resolve to turn your kingdom dark?”

“Don’t call me that. It’s a name I’ve discarded—my resolve has been made since five years ago.”

“Indeed. I apologize for questioning your strong heart, my lord of darkness.”

Then, the old man continued.

“Once again, the age of darkness.”

“Once again, the age of darkness.”

Lugard responded and turned to walk deeper into the building.

For some reason, the images of his two friends from his student days appeared in Lugard’s mind, being consumed by the burning dark flame.

It was a sad scene, but—

Lugard felt nothing.