Epilogue | The Assassin Leaves the Academy
While carrying Epona on my back, I looked around at the devastation of the surrounding area. My god spears had altered the terrain significantly. This marked the first appearance of a demon in this era, and it had taken an incredible toll on the academy.
As the school came into view, I saw people running up to meet me.
Okay, how should I explain this?
After being questioned about what’d happened for an hour, I was released. I’d made Epona out to be the one who’d done everything.
No sooner had I left the visitation room than Dia and Tarte rushed over. They’d clearly been waiting. It was a relief to see them both safe.
“Welcome back, my lord.”
“You really put on a show this time.”
It sounded like they both realized it was all my doing.
“It was the first time I’ve been able to let loose like that in a while, so it felt good,” I said.
“Is it really okay? You showed your true power in front of the hero,” Tarte replied.
“Of course it’s not okay,” I answered.
“I knew it…”
If Epona had any measure of analytical skill, then she knew just about every major attack in my arsenal. The fight with General Orc had forced me to use them all. It was a huge loss.
“But I’m sure you don’t regret it,” Dia reasoned.
“Yeah, I wanted to protect this academy and the both of you. That is my number one priority. And besides, if you help me, Dia, I’m sure we can produce even more amazing magic,” I stated.
I patted the girls on the heads, and they both leaned on me.
“What will happen to the academy?” Dia asked.
“It’ll probably be closed temporarily,” I explained.
The outer wall had crumbled, making the place unsuitable as a stronghold. There were many wounded; some had even died. I wouldn’t have been surprised if the school shut down for good.
“That sucks. I really loved living here,” Dia said with remorse.
“…Me too,” I admitted.
There was nothing to be done about that now, though. Whatever happened next was up to the adults.
“For the time being, we should stop standing around. Let’s go back. I’m hungry. With luck, they’re distributing food somewhere,” I said.
“Just in case they’re not, I have some food for us. I’ve made a habit of preserving our leftovers and hiding them,” Tarte revealed.
“Since when? I had no idea you were doing that sort of thing,” Dia replied.
“Hee-hee-hee, it’s because I grew up in a poor village. I know the pain of starvation well.”
Tarte was probably the only noble servant who’d thought to do that. It brought a smile to my face.
We arrived at the dorm, which had luckily survived the battle. After I ate, I chose to take it easy for the rest of the day.
The following morning, all the students were gathered together for an assembly, where an academy shutdown was announced. Repairs would reportedly take two months, and we were to wait at our respective homes until they were complete. Summer vacation was two months long, so this absence was counted as that break instead.
I was glad they didn’t have to close the academy.
To my surprise, noble families weren’t upset about the danger their children had been in. Instead, the academy received adulation for wiping out a demon and its army so quickly after their appearance. Fighting monsters was the duty of mages, so that did make sense.
“We have a two-month break? That’s quite a lot of free time,” said Tarte.
“There are several things I’ve wanted to do recently. This is good timing,” I responded.
Most urgently, I wanted to test a demon-slaying method I’d devised. I was also going to need an arsenal of killing moves. I hoped to accomplish both before returning to the academy.
Epona walked up to us with a timid look on her face. It was clear she wanted to apologize for something, but she did seem a bit more chipper.
“Sorry for waiting so long to express my gratitude… Thank you for stopping me.”
“I did make a promise.”
“Please stop me again the next time I get like that.”
“I will. Even if it means killing you.”
The promise I’d made to Epona and the reason I’d been sent to this world were one and the same. If there were no other way to stop the hero but killing her, I’d do it without a second thought. Until such a time, I would try my best to stop her from destroying everything without ending her life.
“All right, I’m gonna go,” Epona declared.
“Are you returning to your hometown?” I asked.
“No, I’m going to be staying at a Royal Order base.”
That was likely so she could be dispatched in the event of another demon attack.
“I suppose that means we’re not going to see each other for a while,” I observed.
“I’ll miss you, Lugh. Good-bye.”
“Yeah, until next time.”
I watched Epona turn and leave.
“Tarte, Dia. Let’s go home.”
Knights arrived to transport students to the nearest town.
“Yes, my lord. After we get back, I’ll make a feast using Tuatha Dé ingredients.”
“I want to look back over the research documents I couldn’t take to the academy.”
I was going to work on getting stronger. I also needed to complete a method for killing demons.
It was more than just a desire to save Epona. The demons had to be stopped, or I’d lose everything dear to me. If that was inevitable, I at least wanted the comfort of knowing I’d done all I could. My pride refused to allow me to leave everything to the hero.
After our horse-drawn carriage arrived, we climbed in and began the journey home.
I opened my window and looked back at the academy.
“I will be back.”
The school was growing very small in the distance. I’d only been there for a short while, but I’d had a lot of fun.
I’ll return even more powerful.
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