Third-Year Graduation Ceremony (1)
Graduation ceremony. The event marking the end for third-years who have completed Tianis Academy's curriculum. And today, as the ceremony unfolded, a huge crowd of students returned to Tianis.
The reason? Graduation was the academy's first big event of the year, and after today, there'd be no more third-years left on campus.
It was still January, smack in the middle of vacation. They'd just survived the massive disaster of Monster Season and desperately needed rest, yet here they were, making time to visit.
"As expected for graduation—tons of people coming back, Kyle."
"Yeah."
From morning, students lined up at the Tianis entrance. The ceremony wouldn't start till lunchtime, so they'd timed their arrival perfectly.
But it wasn't that crowded. Not even half of half the usual numbers. During term time, sure, but on vacation? Not many bothered.
Those who did come were mostly here to see their close third-year friends one last time. In my case, well, I never really left the academy anyway.
Of course, the empty spots were filled by outsiders. Plenty had come just to watch the ceremony.
A few looked like family members. Tianis was the continent's top academy. Getting in was tough; graduating, even tougher. So it made sense for proud parents to show up.
With students from all walks of life—commoners, nobles, you name it—they were all represented.
Anyway, the ceremony was about to start. We headed to the same circular building where last year's entrance ceremony had been held.
It was already packed. We grabbed decent seats.
In the arena's center stood the graduates, their graduation confirmed.
Rana turned to me. "Kyle, you know what? Grandpa said this graduating class is one of the largest in Tianis history."
"Makes sense. They're all so talented."
Third-years didn't show up much, but their skills didn't pale compared to first- or second-years. Not quite the fabled golden generation, but the overall level was high. Hence, lots of graduates.
About 400 per department. Considering only half or fewer of the 600 freshmen typically make it to graduation, that was a ton.
Tianis students could scrape by through first and second year, but third year demanded even more effort than before. Many couldn't hack it, leading to surging failure rates late in the term—and no graduation for them.
"By the way, Kyle. What’s Ruina-senpai up to now? I haven’t heard anything about post-grad plans."
"Dunno… Probably heading back to the family estate?"
"Aww, that sucks. Elraim-unnie too, and now Ruina-senpai’s leaving…."
Rana pouted sadly. Losing close friends stung. But that was graduation for you.
The academy existed to train talent for society. A genius alchemist like her would step out and put her skills to work.
I hadn’t heard specifics either, so no clue what Ruina-senpai had lined up. Though I could guess.
She had unfinished business.
"Ah! It’s starting."
The arena center buzzed with activity. The graduation ceremony had begun.
Names called.
Graduates step onto the stage.
The chancellor hands over a specially crafted diploma.
The graduate beams, accepting it. Cheers and applause erupt around them.
This repeated several times.
The ceremony wasn’t complicated or flashy. Chancellor’s brief congratulations, hand over the diploma, top students from each department share a few words. That’s it.
No drawn-out hassles to the end. Simple and straightforward.
But the atmosphere? Electric. Receiving a Tianis diploma warranted no less.
Thus, diplomas were awarded: Knight Department, Magic Department, General Department.
Last up: Craft Department.
They followed the same process. As the line neared its end, someone took the stage—a third-year graduating as runner-up.
He shared his reflections on Tianis life before the crowd.
Ruina-senpai still hadn’t appeared. That meant one thing.
The runner-up finished. Next, the Craft Department’s top graduate slowly ascended the stage.
Petite stature, ash-gray hair, expressionless face.
My senior—and employer—Ruina Lindel.
"Kyle, it’s Ruina-senpai!"
"I see her."
I replied to Rana while watching the stage. As valedictorian, she’d give a proper speech. Curious what she’d say.
She picked up the amplification magic tool and spoke.
She nodded, content, and turned to leave.
The chancellor looked flustered.
Laughter rippled through. Classic Ruina-senpai.
Not just me—the Craft Department burst out too. They knew her well. Other departments looked baffled.
Thankfully, she returned to center stage and added more.
Not your standard speech. But no boos from Craft grads.
Er… cheers? Boos? Hard to tell from the shouts.
Anyway, speeches done. All diplomas awarded. Ceremony over.
As things wrapped up, spectators headed out to meet graduates.
I turned to Rana. "Let’s go."
"Yeah! Let’s find Ruina-senpai!"
Outside, there she was—already swarmed.
"Perhaps to our workshop…."
"We’ll offer the industry’s best terms…."
Mostly recruiters trying to snag her. A Tianis graduate—valedictorian, no less—was a powerhouse credential. Proven talent.
The others probably had jobs lined up already.
I pushed through, grabbed her hand, and pulled her out.
"I’ll be taking my senior now."
Instant backlash.
"Who the hell are— Gah! S-Saint…?!"
They split. Faces paled at mine.
I smiled. "I’m taking her."
"Y-Yes, of course…."
They parted like the sea, smacking their lips in regret but cowed by my presence.
Post-Monster Season, my rep was sky-high. Fame like that? Priceless. No explanations needed; they toed the line.
I led her to a quiet spot. She sighed deeply, then patted my head.
"Good job."
"Senior, what about me?"
"Mm… You too."
She patted Rana’s head as well.
"Hehe, thanks, senpai."
"Let… go…."
Rana hugged her tight—senpai scowled but pried her off.
"Must’ve been annoying."
"Yeah. Annoying."
She nodded, continuing. "No interest, but they kept clinging."
"That’s why I came."
"Yeah. Good job." Another head pat.
Rana piped up. "Ruina-senpai, had lunch?"
"No. Ceremony."
"Then eat with us!"
Senpai pondered, then: "Sure. Got time now."
"So cute, senpai."
"…I’m an adult now. Don’t say that."
She’d turned twenty, full adult. But her size and looks? Timelessly youthful.
We headed to the capital.
Rana asked cautiously. "Ruina-senpai, now that you’ve graduated, what’s next?"
"Dunno."
"Leaving Tianis…?"
"Probably."
"Aww…."
"Nothing set. Got commissions left."
No firm plans yet, per senpai. Rana gazed at her with dripping disappointment but said no more.
Blocking someone’s path wasn’t polite, no matter how much you hated goodbyes.
"Ruina-senpai, can I visit your place later?"
"…Why?"
"I’ll miss you!"
"…No hugging."
She grumbled but tolerated Rana’s antics. By now, it was routine.
"And don’t come to my place. I’ll visit if you call."
"Hehe, really?"
"Yeah."
Rana beamed at the permission. My gut twisted a bit.
Normally, she’d dodge hassle like that. I knew why she’d said it.
We passed the Student Council Hall.
"Hey, wait—"
Rana’s face froze. She sniffed, hunting the source.
Soon, she dry-heaved in place.
"K-Kyle, hold on…."
Ruina-senpai flinched too, like spooked by something.
I followed their gazes.
A man. Gray hair like senpai’s, but a kind face—unlike hers.
I knew him all too well.
His voice matched his gentle face.
But senpai trembled, replying.
Jeras Lindel. Head of the Lindel family—and Ruina Lindel’s father.