Chapter 3: A Spontaneous Journey
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 3: A Spontaneous Journey
Even though I was staying with Sister Bai for the time being, I couldn't just act like a freeloader and mooch off her forever. I found a part-time job nearby; the pay wasn't much, but at least it was something.
As for the tuition... if it really came down to it, I’d have to borrow from Sister Bai. Time was running out, and I had to admit I hadn't thought this through as well as I should have.
But if I borrowed money, I would definitely pay it back. I know that these days, the one who owes money usually acts like the one in charge, but I’m the type who gets more anxious about the debt than the person who lent it. I suppose I just don't like being beholden to anyone.
The admission letter arrived quickly—faster than I expected, actually. Summer break had barely started when it showed up.
The Witch Academy seemed very welcoming toward students arriving early to acclimate to campus life. I even noticed a mention of a subsidy for male students!
Now, that is a conscientious academy. As long as they don't force me to do anything against my will later on, anyone who dares speak ill of the Witch Academy is my sworn enemy!
The first thing I did after getting the letter was share the joy with Sister Bai. As for my parents...
Forget it, let's not mention them. If they saw this, they’d probably just feel ashamed.
Since they’ve decided to focus on "leveling up their alt account," they can just pretend I never existed. It’s not like it was any different when I lived at home; I was just a punching bag for their frustrations every day. Even my younger brother was the same—seeing my low status at home, he just followed their lead. Of all the things to learn, he chose to learn that? He’s not a kid anymore; doesn't he have a mind of his own?
"Sister Bai, the admission letter is here."
I brought the opened letter to Bai Yu. "Since it’s already come to this, aren't you going to tell me a bit about your alma mater?"
"I know internal academy business can't be leaked to the public, but I’m about to be an official student. You still won't say anything?"
Bai Yu held my admission letter, her expression unreadable. "There’s really not much to say. It’s a Witch Academy—a place where they train Witches. You’ll understand once you get there."
"There you go again." I watched Sister Bai stand up and head toward the bedroom. I stood up as well and leaned over to ask, "What’s wrong? What are you doing, Sister Bai?"
"Packing. We’re leaving."
"Huh? So soon?" I was shocked by her speed. I had just gotten the letter, and we were already heading out?
"What else did you expect? You’re a boy; it’s better if you get to the academy early," Bai Yu said as she disappeared into the bedroom.
I didn't quite understand why being a boy meant I should get there early. Was there some kind of special treatment?
After a bout of rummaging, she dragged out two large suitcases.
Since it was luggage, I assumed it was Sister Bai’s clothes and such, so I tactfully stepped aside to give her some privacy.
I didn't have much of my own—just my phone charger and the clothes on my back. I’d used the money from my part-time job over the last few days to buy a few cheap outfits for a change of clothes.
Before long, Bai Yu emerged, pushing the two massive suitcases.
"Wait, Sister Bai... are you moving out?" It looked like those suitcases were about to empty her entire apartment.
"Almost." Bai Yu pushed one of the suitcases toward me.
"Got it, I’ll help you carry it." I naturally reached for the handle, ready to act as her porter. After all, I felt bad about staying at her place for free these past few days.
"No, this suitcase is yours. You carry it yourself," Bai Yu said bluntly. "This one is mine. You don't need to take it—besides, you might not even be able to lift it."
"Huh? My suitcase? But..."
I was completely bewildered. I’d only lived here for a few days and didn't have much stuff; I was already carrying everything I owned in my hands. Where did this suitcase come from?
"If I say it’s yours, just take it. Don't open it on the way. If the contents spill out, I’m not helping you put them back."
"Okay... fine..."
In the end, I was forced to drag the suitcase along. I had no idea what was inside, but it didn't feel particularly heavy.
I followed Sister Bai out the door.
I took one last look toward my original home. It wasn't far away, yet they hadn't come over once to say anything—they hadn't even come over to yell at me.
If they had come to scold me, it would at least prove I still had some value in their eyes. Now, it seemed they were content to just let me fend for myself.
That was fine too. It saved me the trouble of changing my SIM card.
I followed Sister Bai to the bus stop. We could take a bus directly to the station and then catch a high-speed train straight to Magic City.
To be honest, Magic City was a famous place—a top-tier metropolis in this world. Magic City and the Witch Academy seemed like a perfect match, though I wondered where exactly the academy was located. Land there must be worth its weight in gold.
With a trace of trepidation, I boarded the transport to the Witch Academy with Sister Bai.
This was the first time I had ever been so far from home. No, that’s not right—that place wasn't my home anymore.
I should say this was the first time I had ever embarked on such a long journey, and the destination was the goal of my entire life.
Even in my past life, I had always stayed huddled in my own little corner, unwilling to travel far. This time, I suppose I should thank my parents; their actions had forced me to take this step.
Looking out the window now, the scenery was something I had never seen before.
"Xiao Han, what are you thinking about?"
"Nothing... it's nothing."
I pulled my gaze away from the window and met Sister Bai’s eyes.
"Do you regret it?"
"Regret? Not at all... I’ve never felt more certain that I’m doing the right thing."
I spoke with conviction. Sometimes you really have to push yourself. When you're already on the road, you don't have the energy to worry about future hardships because your eyes are too busy taking in the scenery along the way.
It’s only when you stop that you begin to hesitate. So... I just need to keep moving forward. What could possibly be more distressing than having nothing at all, like I do now?
"Then, good luck."
Seeing my determined expression, the corners of Bai Yu’s mouth curled into a smile of anticipation. She didn't offer any further explanation.
She simply pulled out a phone that looked quite different from any mainstream model. She seemed to be chatting with someone, and on the back of the phone, I could see the words "Witch Academy."
After my eyes grew tired of the colorful scenery outside, I turned my attention back to my own phone.
Anxiety began to creep in again. I opened my browser and searched repeatedly for information regarding the Witch Academy, but unfortunately, there was nothing. It seemed the "internet cleanup" had been very thorough; I couldn't find a single useful scrap of information about any Transcendent Academy.