Everest's perspective:

  A week passes since I destroyed that tree.

  After the event, my body starts feeling more disoriented than usual. I don't even remember what happened after the dragon manifested. All I know is Ernest carried me home, and I've been in bed all this time.

  More importantly, what was once a common occurrence now becomes absent. I haven't had that dream since.

  This is the most normal week I've had in a long time.

  But today I can move normally again. My body feels like it's been reborn, stronger and lighter.

  I wake from the bed and go through my routine.

  After some thought, I think I deserve a reward for my accomplishment.

  After all, I did that in two days of focused training.

  I pour a cup of water and drink it with satisfaction.

  "Today is going to be a great day." I sigh contentedly.

  Clap!

  That night, Ernest drops a paper on the table before me. The notice talks about recruitment for knights in the city of Bazef.

  "Huh?" I look at him in confusion.

  "Huh?" he replies, equally confused.

  I rub my eyes. "Hey, don't act so confused. What is this?" I stare back at the paper.

  Leaning against the wall with crossed arms, he replies, "What does it look like to you?"

  "This looks like important information that I needed to know a while ago."

  "Then what's the difference? You know it now."

  I jump up, grabbing his collar. "If I'd known, I wouldn't have been so reckless."

  He slaps my hand away. "This isn't my fault. You tried to rush through it on your own, and as a result, you slept for a week. Surely you're not delusional enough to think you could accomplish such a feat in five days."

  "Huh?"

  "More importantly, the requirement for this recruitment is the ability to use your spirit. But instead of thinking about what I might be hiding, you took a different way out. Maybe you were too desperate to actually try the normal method."

  "Hey, quit it with your remarks. I had no idea it was that important so early."

  I'm never going to be ready at this point.

  "We can postpone it to next year. You've already fulfilled what was necessary to convince me." He places a hand on my shoulder.

  I remove his hand. "No. I want to do it this time."

  "But do you think you'll make it?"

  "I don't know, but I'll try."

  "So then that means you're leaving in a week."

  Huh?

  "I don't see why. I mean, I have around two weeks left before the recruitment."

  Ernest scratches his head. "It won't do. Going to Bazef takes at least two days. With the settlement and registration period, leaving a week in advance won't hurt. Instead, it'll guarantee you'll be accepted."

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "I understand, but what about my preparation?"

  He taps me on the back. "Don't worry. I'll prepare a notebook for that. Stay assured. How about you announce the news to Elydia and Marah?"

  "Sure, I'll think about it." I reply nervously.

  The next day, I take the day off as well. I want to spend the whole day at the orphanage, more specifically with her.

  I see Elydia outside, helping a child who's sobbing.

  I hurry before they get the door shut.

  "Everest?" She looks surprised.

  "Good morning, Ely. How are you?" I hold the door open in what I imagine is a romantic way.

  At least, that's how it looks in my head.

  "Big sis, do you know this fool?" The kid points at me, tears still around his eyes.

  "The heck? I'm not a fool."

  "Are you sure?" She places her hand on her chin thoughtfully. "Even for me?"

  I'm cornered. If I say yes, then I prove that kid is right. But if I say no, then she'll be upset.

  I strike a dramatic pose. "How about you, Ely?" I look at her hopefully.

  She plays nervously with her fingers.

  "Well, it used to be the case, but now I'm used to it." She smiles, sunshine seeming to radiate from her.

  "So big sis is a fool too?"

  "Maybe a little." She answers nervously. "But big brother here hasn't replied yet."

  Her intense stare makes me rethink dodging again, but it's just a kid watching.

  "Well, I'm indeed a fool for her." I look at the kid.

  "I don't like him, big sis."

  What's this kid up to?

  "What are you doing outside to begin with?"

  "Nicola had an accident, so I had to take care of him away from the others." She looks at him. "You see, he's a little shy."

  "That's not the impression he gives me."

  "Oh, he's just protective."

  Now that she mentions it, it's pretty cute of him actually.

  We're not on good terms, so I'll abstain from saying anything more.

  After finishing with Nicola, I sit with Marah and Elydia to discuss my plans.

  "So you're about to leave us too," Marah says.

  "Don't say it like that. I'm not sure about my success in this enterprise."

  "I don't worry about you. I know you can do it."

  "What makes you think so, Marah?" Elydia looks at her, intrigued.

  "Maternal instinct."

  Her answer is disappointing.

  "I would've preferred if that was some new premonition ability you possessed, but I'm speechless about that answer."

  Elydia jumps in. "Do you think it would be great if she had that ability and told you?"

  "Indeed, it would be great."

  "What if she said you'd fail? You'd turn back to what you were. The same goes for success. You wouldn't try as hard as you did before."

  "Can't you even take a joke?"

  She looks confused.

  Marah helps. "You're too serious, Elydia."

  "Oh, sorry." She blushes slightly. "Nonetheless, I'm proud you're not stagnating anymore."

  I nod. "Yeah."

  "Now that I think about it, the three prodigies of the orphanage have all left."

  "Huh?" Elydia and I react in equal shock.

  "You didn't know? You two, along with Filip, were the prodigies. You're all so competent for your age, and look at your future prospects. A future imperial maid and a future hero. I can't wait to see that."

  Crack!

  Slam!

  Marah and Elydia tumble to the ground. The seat breaks beneath them.

  "Oh, not again." Marah comments, dusting herself off.

  I help both of them up, then look around.

  The state of the orphanage looks fine otherwise. Maybe it was just that the bench was too old.

  "We'll have to replace it."

  I nod in agreement.

  After that small accident, I ask about the situation of the orphanage. Marah tells me it's regularly maintained and they're not in a difficult situation. Ernest's money helps support the kids, and Elydia's cooking brings in funds for management.

  A real balance of support. Maybe I could've helped if they needed me, but how?

  "Well, see you when I'm leaving." I announce to Marah and Elydia before going back home.

  That day, I go straight to sleep.

  Time flies quickly. I find myself on the day of departure.

  Ernest helps me pack the necessary items and gives me the notebook containing all his techniques.

  It seems like my departure is something of significance since most of the village appears aware. Even the fishermen are there to wish me luck.

  "Don't disappoint us there, okay?" One of the fishermen shouts.

  "Also, don't disappoint me." Kaile adds proudly.

  "Like I could do any worse than you."

  We all burst into laughter.

  Kaile doesn't know where to look, face reddening.

  "Perhaps this is farewell. We'll eventually meet again." Elydia approaches.

  "Yeah, visit us often, please."

  "Of course. I'll come back as soon as I make it as a hero." I give a smile, then move close to Elydia. "And for you..." I pause.

  Taking my courage in hand, I finally kiss her on the cheek.

  "Sorry I can't do better than this." I whisper.

  "It's fine. We'll have all the time to catch up." She smiles warmly.

  Everyone cheers.

  The carriage finally arrives.

  I carry my luggage to load it.

  "Here's some money for your trip. After getting a salary, forget about my support for a while."

  "You can't do that, Ernest."

  "Of course I can." He smiles.

  So do I. "Then see you another time."

  After jumping into the carriage, I wave back with both hands. "See you soon!"

  Everyone waves back.

  The support they give me will surely help me surpass myself during the recruitment.

  I sit back in the carriage.

  "That's some intense farewell, don't you think?"

  "Huh? That voice."

  He removes his hood.

  "Yup, it's me, Martin, and I'll be the one giving you a ride to the city of Bazef. Be honored. I'm a good driver."

  "Of course you are. You grew under my watch, after all."

  Martin snorts. "Pretty sure I did most of the growing while you napped till noon."

  "Looks like you've been keeping an eye on me."

  "Let's go."