Chapter 90 The End and The Beginning (7)
The End and The Beginning Part 7
It was a sunny day with no clouds visible. A victory celebration was held at the towering palace in the center of the Shian capital.
Or course, the people were excited about their war victory. But this celebration was to honor the virtue of the soldiers who had fought for the country, so it was a solemn ceremony. Emperor Gaius personally bestowed the rewards to them. The soldiers were gathered in a hall inside the palace and the host was calling their name one by one. This ceremony was broadcasted to the public on a screen made by the famous engineer, Toymaker.
A lot of people had gathered at the plaza where the screen was placed and were watching the ceremony. There had been rumors that a certain person will be introduced to the public for the first time, so it had drawn considerable attention among the citizens.
Folia: “Not yet?”
A group of students from Centrior were mixed among the crowds. They were allowed to return home because it was a national holiday.
“I think it should be soon,” Adis replied while staring fixedly at the screen.
Ruben and Carna were not with them because they were attending the ceremony at the palace. Although Claude didn’t appear on the screen, he should be at the palace too.
“I’m sure the seniors will be surprised.” Folia chuckled when she thought about that matter.
“Even if they don’t personally know her, I’m sure they will be surprised too. I hope it won’t cause any trouble…” Luca said while looking at the crowd with a worried face.
“It’s going to be fine. We are here,” Ian cheerfully replied to him.
“Ah!” Folia exclaimed when she saw the scene on the screen had changed. At the same time, they could hear people talking everywhere.
“It seems next person is the last one.”
“Does it mean the next person is Wolf Fang?”
“It’s my first time to see Wolf Fang. I wonder how that person looks like.”
“There are many rumors about that person…”
Folia and the other members watched the people were getting restless as the crowd was buzzing with excitement.
“Next, Monster Hunting Department of Shian Imperial Army, Wolf Fang, Razé Orphan.”
On the screen, they saw a petite figure dressed in formal wear with several insignias lined up on her chest. The crowd was in an uproar when they saw the innocent looking girl with a dignified expression.
Gaius: “You have fought bravely for Shian Empire in this war and many other battles before. Despite of your young age, you have contributed numerous achievements with your excellent talent while supporting the empire in the shadow without revealing your identity. You have my utmost respect and I appreciate your service.”
The words Gaius chose in this speech consist of the highest admiration for her. Razé was rewarded with a sum of money, a villa and was also promoted to a Colonel rank. And lastly, Gaius handed her a silver pocket watch. The watch with elaborated design was a one and only masterpiece in the world that the craftsmen made with great care for Razé.
Gaius: “I hope you will become the cornerstone of the future of Shian.”
She took the watch and straightened her back before giving a salute to Gaius.
Razé: “May god bless Shian.”
When her dignified voice echoed in the hall, the soldiers who were attending the ceremony stood upright and gave a salute to her. These men who had fought alongside Wolf Fang knew that she deserved the respect. Her existence was very special.
The screen that was made for her was displaying her picture to the people of Shian. The crowd was unable to take their eyes off her conspicuous figure.
“Wooooo!!!!” The loud cheers from the crowd broke the silence.
On the screen, they saw Razé turned her heels and walked on the red carpet that was laid straight through the hall. The men hold their salute to the hero who was passing through in front of them. Looking at the scene, no one would dare to question her identity. The people couldn’t hide their excitement at the birth of a young hero.
It didn’t take long for the information about Wolf Fang to spread not only within the Shian Empire but also throughout the continent. The more they investigated, the clearer it became. Razé Orphan’s achievements were plentiful.
The female soldier, who had left a mark on many battlefields and had mastered the movement magic, was later called the God Speed Wolf Fang.
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٩(*´ο`*)۶“Fwaaa～”
With a big yawn, Razé put on her jacket and slipped out of bed sluggishly. Her medium long dark brown hairs were bouncing here and there, something that couldn’t be solved with a simple finger combing.
She rubbed her heavy eyelids, pushed aside her long bangs, tied down her hair and then stretched her body. When she opened the curtain, the dazzling sunlight shined into the room and was reflected by the photo frame placed on the cabinet.
“Just nice. The weather looks great today.” She smiled when she saw the deep blue sky.
She had a simple breakfast with bread, fried eggs and soup, and then she washed her face and brushed her teeth. Her reflection in the mirror showed an ordinary girl with no distinctive features. Her hair and eyes were brown, which was a common color. She couldn’t be called pretty, not by any standard, but she has a nice face that was easy to put on with makeup. Her height was a bit shorter than her peers – not that she cared though.
She opened the closet. It was full of clothes from the brand that the Empress had launched. These clothes were sent to her on a regular basis. All of them had new elaborated designs, but Razé chose to wear a pair of stylish pants and a matching shirt from her old collections.
The black wound on her side was no longer there after it was healed by her best friend who worked at the imperial hospital. Razé pushed back her hair behind her left ear – the one with the black stone earring. And finally, she put on her lipstick. After carefully checking her appearance in the mirror, it was time to leave.
“Alright. Let’s go.” With those words, a magic circle appeared underneath her feet.
This was a world where magic exists. People were able to use a special power – which was magic by using a special stone called magic stone. Everyone possessed magic stones and standard of living was improved with its abilities. It could produce fire, wind, water, lightning, earth among others and could also manipulate physical abilities. The power of magic that can be used varies based on the individual strength and weakness.
Magic stones were harvested from monsters that live in a continent called Baruda, which was different from Ordiana continent where people lived. It had been several decades since various countries had been cultivating Baruda, but that place was still full of monsters. Currently, it was said that Wolf Fang from Shian was the only one who had reached the deepest part.
“I heard she was the youngest person to become the ace in the military. She’s so amazing.”
“I heard she was smart and was a scholarship student when she was at the academy.”
“My sister is an alumna from this academy. She said we could see the video of Wolf Fang’s tournament match.”
The fresh new students dressed in new uniforms had gathered at Wolf Fang’s alma mater. In the hall, the new students were waiting for the entrance ceremony with great hope and a little anxiety. After a while, they heard the loud sound of giant bell which signaled the start of the ceremony. The venue immediately went quiet.
The host announced, “We will begin the Centrior Imperial Magic Academy 138th entrance ceremony.” The entrance ceremony then proceeded with welcome speech from the senior student and speech from a representative of 1st Year students.
“We have received congratulatory gifts from our alumni this year as well. I would like to welcome the representative, Adis Lag Zars-sama to give a congratulatory speech. ”
A handsome civil official climbed up the stage. The man, who was known as the Blue-haired Young Lord, was only 28 years old this year. It was said that his talent had surpassed his father, Prime Minister Welrian. The hall went silent to listen to his speech.
“Congratulations on your school admission. I only have one thing to say. I hope you can experience many new things and different opinions at this academy. When I first entered this academy, I wanted to join the Knights. However, I was able to meet a friend who lived a completely different life from me and it made me realized of what I really wanted to do. I hope you won’t limit yourself to a typical school life, but instead to be able to make your own decision that leads to a fulfilling future.”
Adis ended his short speech. However, most of the new students knew about their alumni that were born on the Year of Seira like him. They could guess who he was referring to when he said “a friend who lived a completely different life”.
After he went down the stage, the host announced the next program. “Next, I would like to invite Principal Razé Orphan for a speech.”
Five years ago, this hero of Shian was appointed as the principal of this academy. Razé stood in front of the podium. Her big eyes were shining bright as she took a deep breath with her petite body. Everyone was paying attention to her.
“Congratulations on your school admission, golden eggs.”
She could never forget Harlens’ speech 13 years ago. It was the beginning of the changes in her life.
“From this day, you will learn and experience a lot of new things with your peers. The three years’ time seems to be long but is also short. I want each of you to enjoy a meaningful school life-”
She wondered what would these students turned out into. She couldn’t help smiling when she thought about their future. She ended her speech before it got too long and received enthusiastic applause from the students. Their innocent attitude made her chuckle as she left the stage among the unending cheers.
“How are the new students this year?” Adis, who had finished his speech earlier, was waiting for her down the stage.
He grew taller, looked mature and was even oozing seductive charm. He had become an influential person and was rumored to be the next Prime Minister. However, his friendly attitude never changed. It felt the same as when he used to sit across the aisle in their classroom before.
“They have bright look in their eyes. I’m so excited for their future!” Razé couldn’t contain her excitement, so she responded to Adis, who was always by her side, with the same confident face like she did last time.
“If you said so, then it must be true.” Adis was infected by her smile. He gave a laugh and offered his arm with the elbow bent.
Unlike the aristocratic lady, Razé was a former soldier and could get off the stairs by herself. It might seem like an affected manners but Razé knew it was not pretentious but an act of kindness.
“Thank you.” She smiled at him and put her hand on his callous hand.
Today, Razé continued to watch the spring buds in Centrior Imperial Magic Academy under the white moon floating in the blue indigo sky.
