Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Noa Darshen
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(3)
5.
"Don't I get anything?"
"...Huh?"
"You gave Hero Ullan an axe and a book made from monster bloodstone. So I figured you'd give me something too."
Only then did Ajuh realize it.
Noa wanted something.
"Is there something specific you want...?"
"Yes, I need traveling money. It'll take at least two months to reach the academy, and I can't sleep on the ground the whole time, right?"
Noa demanded money as if she'd been waiting for this moment.
Well, money was essential for living outside the plains. Ajuh handed Noa a pouch containing twenty silver coins.
"Will this do?"
"That's good for a short trip out."
A beaming smile.
It wasn't enough—she was saying to hand over more. After a long haggling session, Ajuh ended up giving Noa most of her fortune.
A pouch filled with over a hundred silver coins.
Only then was Noa satisfied with the hefty amount.
"Thank you, Master. I'll study diligently at the academy and make sure I don't tarnish your reputation!"
"You damn disciple. I have no more silver to give, so just get going already!"
Ajuh scowled fiercely.
Noa fled the hut like she was escaping. Soon, Noa's presence completely vanished. Left alone, Ajuh's shoulders began to tremble.
"Finally..."
Finally, both of them were gone!
Her body shook violently.
Eyes brimming with emotion. As Ajuh cheered inwardly, she reminisced about the events of the past.
About ten years ago.
After ending her long wanderings, Ajuh had returned to her homeland to spend her remaining days in peace. Occasionally offering advice to her tribe.
'That's when I picked up Noa.'
The reason was simple.
Noa's hair was the same jet black as Ajuh's. And she happened to need a decent servant—or rather, disciple.
So she took Noa in under the pretext of being a disciple and worked her to the bone for about five years with nothing but cleaning, cooking, and laundry.
Then one day.
Ajuh came home drunk and taught Noa basic shamanic spells.
There was no particular reason.
It was just a whim brought on by the alcohol.
Above all, she hadn't thought much of it at the time. She figured Noa wouldn't learn them anyway.
But what do you know?
Noa mastered all the basic spells in just one night. That was when Ajuh realized Noa had talent as a shaman.
'...I should have stopped there.'
If she'd just taught the basics and left it at that, it would have been fine. But Ajuh didn't.
Curious to test the limits of her talent, she taught Noa various knowledge and arts, including shamanism.
And the result?
In three years, she was cleaned out.
'So I gave her that insanely difficult "graduation exam" as a test.'
The test, dubbed the "Shaman's Trial," required completing a shaman's long-cherished, desperate wish and slaying every monster roaming the plains—a very, very tough challenge
But even that, Noa finished in just half a year and returned. Now Ajuh's dilemmas doubled.
Ullan, who had proven himself the tribe's strongest warrior by passing the Hero's Trial, but was as thick-headed as they come.
Noa, a shaman with genius-level talent who had drained her dry.
The thought of having to teach these two behemoths made it hard to breathe. Desperate to escape this beggar-like predicament, she racked her brains.
Ways to deal with the two headaches.
Then a brilliant idea struck her: Arsen Academy.
'If I send them both to the academy...'
At least until graduation, she'd be free.
Besides, those two wouldn't stay eager to learn forever. Once they graduated, they'd surely wander the world and live their own lives.
Just like she had long ago.
The moment her thoughts reached that point.
Ajuh set her plan in motion to send them to the academy. The result was a resounding success.
"Heh heh, now no one can bother me!"
She wouldn't take any more disciples from now on.
Just live quietly in seclusion and rest easy.
The mere thought filled her with happiness. Ajuh laughed brightly, her face much lighter.
It was the laughter of one who had reclaimed her freedom.
6.
The next day at dawn.
The fierce blizzard finally subsided.
Ullan quietly left the village. Dawn hadn't broken yet, so it was dark, but he wasn't worried. His night vision was quite good.
Crunch, crunch!
As he trudged through the fresh white snow.
He reached the outskirts. And there, he encountered a familiar face.
"Brother?"
Ullan's brother, Alk Bator.
He looked at Ullan with a complicated expression, as if he'd anticipated Ullan sneaking out of the village.
"Ullan."
Alk approached.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yes, the blizzard has stopped."
Ullan nodded.
"...Honestly, I still can't believe it."
He let out a quiet sigh.
Alk murmured with a conflicted face.
"I was shocked when you said you'd yield the chieftain position to me, but I never imagined you'd say you were going to the academy."
Surprise, confusion, regret, and more.
His flickering eyes, like candlelight, held various emotions. In contrast, Ullan's gaze didn't waver in the slightest.
"I realized many things through the Hero's Trial. There are a lot of things in this world that can't be solved with strength alone."
That wasn't the only reason, of course.
But everyone would nod at that. Ullan's change in attitude had started after passing the Hero's Trial.
Alk was no exception.
"I see. If that's your decision, I'll respect it. After all, wisdom is necessary to become a great warrior."
Once he accepted his intent.
Alk's eyes no longer trembled.
"Then, hear Ajuh's message."
From the way he phrased it, Ajuh had no intention of coming out here. But Ullan didn't mind.
'I already said my goodbyes yesterday.'
No need to feel regretful.
Ullan bowed calmly and listened intently to Ajuh's message.
"The world beyond the plains is very different from here. Always act with caution, and remember that rash killing brings disaster."
He could guess her intent.
It was to prevent Ullan from carelessly injuring or killing people. But it was somewhat useless advice for the current Ullan.
'I know what she means.'
In his past life, Ullan had spent over a decade outside the plains.
So he knew better than anyone that hurting people or committing murder led to troublesome affairs.
"Second, she wants you to travel to the academy with Noa. As fellow disciples, she hopes you'll get along well."
"Noa?"
Who was that?
Ullan tilted his head.
At that moment, the bushes rustled. Soon, he sensed a presence. Moments later, a petite girl appeared.
"S-Sorry I'm late!"
Black hair and blue eyes.
And skin as white as snow, like her eyes. The girl, who exuded an inexplicable air of mystery, bowed her head repeatedly.
"When it came time to leave, there were more things to prepare than I thought. Really sorry."
Alk waved off her repeated apologies.
As if to say it was fine, don't worry. Then he turned back to Ullan.
"This is Noa. Noa Darshen. Ajuh's disciple from about eight years ago. I hear she has exceptional talent in shamanism."
"..."
Ullan narrowed his eyes.
Noa. Noa. Noa.
No matter how he racked his brain, the name didn't ring a bell. He couldn't even clearly remember if Ajuh had another disciple.
So he decided to let it slide.
If he couldn't remember, it probably wasn't an important person.
"Finally, Noa is well-versed in many fields, so you'll learn a lot on the journey. Ask her anything you're curious about."
This was good news.
Even with his past life's experience wandering beyond the plains, Ullan still lacked knowledge.
"That's the end of Ajuh's message. Next is personal advice from me."
"I'll listen carefully."
Ullan replied politely.
Alk approached him and patted his right shoulder.
"First, no matter where you are, you are a warrior of the plains. Never hesitate to follow your chosen path and beliefs."
Identity and pride as a warrior.
Don't lose them anywhere.
"Second, you're never alone. I am here, Ajuh is here, and the other warriors and tribe are here. If you run into trouble, ask for help anytime. The plains warriors will rush to you, wherever you are."
Words that you're not alone were comforting.
Especially when leaving the village alone. A faint smile tugged at Ullan's lips.
"Lastly, don't forget this is your home. You have a place to return to. Come back anytime, comfortably."
Words that brought peace just by hearing them.
Every one was helpful to Ullan.
Ullan bowed silently in acknowledgment. Only then did Alk grin and clasp Ullan's hand.
"Go now. When we meet again someday, I'll show you a changed me too."
"Yes. Please stay healthy."
After exchanging farewell glances.
Ullan turned away.
Noa, who had been waiting, quickly caught up. The crunch of snow underfoot echoed.
The two walked across the snow-covered plain where the blizzard had cleared.
Thus, Ullan and Noa set off on their journey. A long, long journey to Arsen Academy.
Part 3. Noa Darshen