The place where the two took me was a location I was very familiar with.

"Here…." "Yes, the training hall." "They tore down the inner walls. They were destroyed during the fight, so they’re taking the opportunity to rebuild everything."

Listening to their explanation, I stepped inside.

Inside, the twelve other remaining trainees were gathered, each in their own spot.

"Roman, you're here. We’ve been waiting." "It’s good to see you're looking healthy." "You’re late."

Arthur, Fiona, and Alejandra’s voices came in turn. It was remarkable how their words reflected their distinct personalities.

I walked toward the center of the group.

All eyes were on me. By now, I was used to the attention, but this time it was different from what I had experienced before.

There were no traces of disdain, mockery, scorn, or sneers. The looks I received were full of gratitude, respect, honor… and trust.

Their reactions had changed overnight, letting me know that my efforts hadn’t been in vain. Sure, I knew some of it could be an act.

But even if it was, at least some of the emotions behind those gazes had to be real.

I felt a sense of joy. Satisfaction filled my heart to the brim.

But I pushed those emotions down, keeping my expression light and joking.

"I thought this was supposed to be an investigation. How are they letting all the witnesses gather in one place?"

In response to my joke, it wasn’t just the three who answered this time—several others chimed in.

"It depends on the status of the witnesses." "There are some big names here, after all. With a perpetrator like the instructor, the city officials can’t just do as they please." "With the Grand Duchess here, what can the City Army do to stop us?"

The last comment was said with a playful grin. It was Alejandra, still sporting her usual relaxed smile.

Fiona frowned slightly before quickly responding.

"I never said I wouldn’t cooperate. I simply said I’d testify once I could fully trust that the enemy had been identified." "And when exactly will that be, Grand Duchess?"

These two were the same as always.

It was a wonder they’d stayed in one room, waiting together, without tearing each other apart.

"If you two are going to fight, I’ll leave."

At my remark, the two of them sat back down, closing their lips.

"So, what’s the reason you called me here?"

"We want your input, and we also have a proposal for you."

Of course, Arthur got straight to the point.

When I nodded, Arthur started explaining the first part.

"We’ve already been questioned as witnesses. And no one mentioned you." "To protect me?" "That’s right."

Just like with the commander.

If my name and abilities were revealed, the Abyss-worshipping cultists who orchestrated this incident, as well as other mages with ulterior motives, would target me. It was better to bury my name and cut off the issue at the root.

In that case, I’d have to give up any public recognition or official accolades for my actions. But, like the commander who gave me the Blank Grimoire, my peers would remember the favor I did for them.

"Thank you. For looking out for me. And for the future, too." "…No, it was wrong of us to make the decision ourselves. Your teammates told us that your opinion was the most important. We were a bit hasty."

So it was Ray and Leif who said that.

When I turned to look at them, my teammates coughed awkwardly and avoided my gaze, as if embarrassed.

"I get it. Now, what about the second thing?"

A proposal.

This was probably the real reason they called me here.

Before getting to the point, Arthur glanced around the room. His action seemed to tell me to do the same, so I also took a look at everyone.

Different faces.

Even though the emotions they showed toward me were similar, their expressions varied.

Some were emotionless. Some were grieving. Some were angry. Some were expectant.

However, there was one feeling that everyone here shared.

It was a desire for revenge.

Arthur continued speaking.

"Among the people gathered here, there are some who’ve never spoken to each other, and some who were openly hostile before."

As he said this, Fiona and Alejandra glanced at each other.

A few others were also glancing around, subtly checking on their neighbors.

"But there are two things we all have in common that bind us together."

One was that we all now had a sworn enemy in the Abyss-worshipping cultists, with whom we could no longer share the same sky.

And the other was…

"We all owe our lives to you, Roman."

There was no guarantee that they would have died if I hadn’t helped. But it had been a serious crisis—that much was undeniable.

However, a crisis doesn’t always lead to destruction. You never know what could have happened. Maybe someone else would have found a way to break through and save the day.

But that’s just speculation. The fact remains that I stepped in, and because of that, they survived.

"These two things unite us. So, let’s tie the knot properly."

The Abyss-worshipping cultists would be our sworn enemies, and they would remember the favor I did for them. If I ever asked for help, they would respond.

The proposal Arthur mentioned was, for me, an advantageous deal with no reason to refuse.

"To be honest, I don’t fully understand."

Is something like this even necessary?

All I wanted was to be more than an acquaintance, a friend perhaps, but still to hold a unique position as their benefactor.

That was all.

But what Arthur was suggesting was that we should all become a tight-knit team, bound by strong ties.

"Roman, your team and the three from the Alexandria School are the only ones who didn’t lose any members."

It wasn’t Arthur who spoke this time. It was number 4, Holson Blackwood.

Just as he said. Aside from those two teams, everyone else had lost at least one teammate. Even Arthur and Fiona.

"We didn’t even participate in the final battle."

He was talking about the necromancer raid, though he phrased it dramatically.

"Having experienced loss, I’ve come to realize how valuable it is to have someone beside me, fighting for us. At least for me. I don’t want the connections I’ve made here to end."

Holson had been the one who, when we emerged from the underground, had called out his name and number seriously, even though it had started as a joke. His words carried weight.

"Everyone here feels the same. And you should be the center of it, Roman."

Amaia chimed in, agreeing with Holson, saying for once he was speaking sense, while adding her own playful agreement with an "All right, all right!"

"Stop overthinking it. Let’s just be honest with each other, okay? We went through this together, so let’s stay together. Keep in touch, help each other out when we explore. Simple as that. What’s with all the complicated talk?"

The blunt tone came from number 8, Dustin.

As more people started talking, others who had been keeping quiet added their voices. What was supposed to be a gathering to repay a favor was turning into something more like a reunion.

"…I wasn’t looking for something this grand." "What can you do? You’re the one who caused this, so now you have to deal with it." "Exactly. Roman, you're the center of it all."

Even Ray and Leif were on board.

"So, it’s decided. Say a few words, won’t you? You’re the leader of this group, after all."

Even the serious Arthur had gotten caught up in the atmosphere.

I couldn’t stay silent any longer.

The awkwardness didn’t disappear.

To be standing here, in front of people like the daughter of a Grand Duke, the heirs to powerful schools, and rising stars in large guilds, and giving a speech as their representative—it was still hard to get used to.

After clearing my throat, I spoke, letting my words come out as they came to mind, looking at the people gathered before me.

"We don’t have any wine to share for a pledge, nor bread and salt to share for a treaty. There are no magical oaths binding us today."

Which makes this promise pure.

"Maybe we’re still just green, inexperienced kids who don’t know much about the world. Maybe the very fact that we can make such a promise shows that we don’t fully grasp the weight of an oath."

Which means we can form bonds that others can’t.

"So let’s make a promise we can’t break. Let’s remember today. And reflect on yesterday as we move forward."

That’s the best we survivors can do.

"I’ll see you all again in the Abyss."

And so, the last day at the training center came to an end.

By the time I woke up, my fellow trainees had already finished their witness interviews and started leaving the training center to return to their original affiliations.

It was around this time that Dustin, who I thought had already left, snuck into the healing chamber, which I was using in place of the collapsed dormitory, and handed me something.

It was a bottle. A rather well-sealed one at that.

"What’s this?" "What do you think it is? It’s alcohol."

Dustin grinned widely as he said that. It was a grin that mixed satisfaction with mischief.

"I stashed this away secretly, but I’m leaving now, so I’m giving it to you. It’s rare, you know? This is the last of it." "…Why are you giving it to me?" "Come on, we’re close now, aren’t we? Anyway, enjoy it. Today’s the perfect day for it."

I knew what Dustin was implying. Even though no one had properly taught me, modern education did include basic sex ed.

But if the targets were Ray or Leif?

‘No way.’

"You do know how old they are, right?" "I don’t. Oh, wait, isn’t the beastfolk girl 16? So what? She’s an adult, isn’t she?"

Oh… right. This guy was raised in this world. Here, they consider people adults at 15.

But that’s not how it works for me. To me, adulthood starts at 18, at the very least, or preferably at 20.

"They’re too young." "Huh? At 16, a beastfolk isn’t a kid anymore. They don’t live as long as humans… Ah, sorry. That’s just your type, huh? I see, you know your stuff."

"…Are you really from the Celsus School?"

The Celsus School’s symbol is a three-branched staff.

Each branch stands for intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom. And the trunk that supports those branches symbolizes virtue.

In this crazy magical world, the Celsus School is one of the last bastions of morality and principle. In fact, many people who couldn’t handle the school’s emphasis on ethics left and started their own schools.

So why does a guy like Dustin…

"Heh, that’s why they sent me to the training center, isn’t it? Anyway, I’m off. You don’t have to pay me back for the drink, just tell me how it goes."

"Get lost."

I reflexively cursed, but Dustin just laughed, finding it even funnier, and quickly left.

Leaving me with a bottle of alcohol in my hand.

‘Maybe I should give it to the instructor as a farewell gift.’

Or maybe the commander.

That’s when the door opened, and my teammates walked in.

I barely had time to hide the bottle behind me as I greeted them.

"Oh, hey." "What’s with that face? You look guilty. Did you decide something without us?" "Watch your tone…."

Forget it.

It’s just one of those days.

I gave up on pointing out Ray’s tone and answered.

"The City Army offered me a spot." Ray pulled up a chair and asked.

"And?" "I declined. Too many restrictions. If I did my training there, I’d just be sitting back watching, catching a few leftover monsters." "You could go with Fiona." "That wouldn’t be good for me or Fiona."

No one likes a nepotism hire, no matter the organization.

"It wouldn’t make a good first impression."

Someday, I might end up working with the City Army, after all.

"So, what are you going to do?" "I’m thinking about it. I’ve got options."

I don’t necessarily have to join an organization for training. I just need to find a qualified guide. It can be done on a person-to-person basis.

And if I can’t find one, I can always ask the Explorer’s Guild for help.

"The commander recommended a school, so I’m thinking about that." "A school? They take demon warlocks?" "It’s a school of demon warlocks."

Though the fact that they’re up for re-licensing is a bit concerning.

Still, it’s probably better than other places when it comes to honing my skills as a demon warlock.

"What about you two, Ray, Leif? Have you decided where to go?"

"Um…."

They both hesitated, as if unsure of what to say.

Ray spoke up first.

"Sorry. I’ve decided already." "No need to apologize. Where are you going?" "Arthur invited me to join his side. He’s going to introduce me to his mentor." "His mentor?" "The Frontier Guild’s guild master."

Ah, well then, she has to go.

If she has a chance to learn from someone like that, she absolutely has to go. Even if she doesn’t get a direct apprenticeship, just making a good impression is worth it.

"It’s the fastest way to get stronger. If I don’t get stronger…."

Ray’s voice trailed off, and I couldn’t hear the rest. I thought about asking her to repeat it but decided against it. She didn’t seem like she wanted to say more.

"What about you, Leif?"

Gulp, gulp.

What…? Am I hallucinating?

Leif was chugging from the bottle. Incredibly boldly, too.

‘When did she even get that?’

"Leif! That’s not water!" "Phuuu…!"

I managed to snatch the bottle from Leif halfway through, but it seemed like she was already past the point of no return.

"She drank half of it."

"Roman!"

Leif threw off her hood, revealing her long-hidden face and the pointed ears of a half-elf. Yep, she’s drunk.

"You’re not going to leave us, right?" "Leave you? What are you talking about?" "You’re going to stay with us, right? We’re going to keep teaming up, right?"

So that’s what had been weighing on her mind. No wonder her words had been so scarce lately.

"Just… just stay with us. Okay? Ray and I are strong! I’m really good at magic, too! Like this! Like this!"

"At least summon Undine first…."

Leif, seemingly deaf to Ray’s jab, grabbed my shirt and leaned her face in close.

"Promise me! Promise you’ll stay with us!"

Teaming up with Leif and Ray? Honestly, I’d be the one asking for that.

Leif and Ray both had their issues, but still, they were the first people I could truly call my comrades since I’d come to this world.

The reason I hadn’t asked them to team up after we left the training center was that I thought they might have other paths to follow. But maybe that was just an excuse to avoid facing the decision myself.

"I promise."

Grabbing Ray’s hand as well, I made the pledge.

"Let’s go together."

To the Abyss.

To where we’d find the answers we’re searching for.

"Meaaaaaaah!!"

Here we go again.

Mea let out a sigh as she gazed at the pathetic and pitiful head of her school, who was screaming their name for the world to hear.

It would be the same story as always. The headmaster saying the same things over and over, not caring about how tiresome it was for Mea to listen.

‘The re-licensing isn’t even that big of a deal.’

All they had to do was add some fake students to the roster and grease a few palms. They’d done it plenty of times before, so why did the headmaster always get like this around re-licensing season?

But this time, something was different.

Apparently, the list of fake students they’d always used had been leaked? That wasn’t a big deal; they could just buy a new list from somewhere else.

The real problem was something else entirely.

"We don’t have any money…!" "Huh?" "We’ve run out of funds!"

This was a real crisis.

"Should we… should we get part-time jobs? I’m too scared to explore… ugh, how are we going to make money…!"

Watching the headmaster clutch their head in frustration over money, Mea realized she hadn’t felt this kind of anxiety in a long time.

But they say every crisis is also an opportunity.

And as it turned out, the opportunity came from right above their heads.

"Excuse me, is this the Thelema School?"

Since ancient times, black has been considered a lucky color for demon warlocks.

And the black-haired young man who stepped through the door might just be their savior.