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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 Return to the academy

Halfy glanced at the time — 11 a.m.

He was still wandering aimlessly through the bustling city streets, his mind racing with restless thoughts. The cobblestone roads stretched endlessly ahead, flanked by towering stone buildings whose ancient facades bore the marks of time. The air was thick with a mixture of scents: freshly baked bread from nearby stalls, the sharp tang of metal from the blacksmith's forge, and the ever-present musty odor of damp stone from the city walls.

Merchants called out their wares, their voices weaving into a chaotic symphony of haggling and chatter. Horses clattered past, hooves striking the cobblestones in rhythmic beats, while the distant clang of a bell tower marked the passing hours.

Where should I go? Halfy wondered, staring at the worn soles of his boots. Where can I find the knights I need?

Frustration bubbled inside him. "This plan's a mess," he muttered under his breath. "Everyone needs to pull their weight. If even one person fails, the whole thing falls apart—no matter how hard the others try. I need to make that clear with Anazitis. When do we meet up?"

Then, like a bell ringing in his mind, an idea struck.

The academy, he murmured, a small, knowing grin curling his lips. Full of smart folks... and a bunch of knights wasting their time pretending to protect them. No better place than that.

He tapped his temple lightly. "Oh, my smart brain—what would I do without me? I just know those knights waste their time there. They must be hanging around that academy girl, Theodora or whatever her name is."

After what felt like an eternity of walking, Halfy finally stood before the academy gates. They loomed tall and imposing, carved from dark iron and adorned with intricate sigils of knowledge and strength. The familiar sight stirred a strange, nostalgic ache in his chest.

His lips curled into a smirk as memories flooded back—late nights buried in books, grueling training sessions in dusty courtyards, and the suffocating rules that made him despise the place.

"I still hate this damn place," he muttered, shaking his head. "Boring classes, endless lectures... No wonder I left. I wanted an adventure—not to read about who's living it up. Those folks need to learn to live it up, not just read about it."

He glanced up at the grand spires reaching toward the sky, banners fluttering in the breeze. The scent of parchment and ink drifted from the windows, mingling with the faint smell of sweat and metal from training grounds beyond the walls.

Suddenly, a soft, melodic voice interrupted his thoughts.

"What are you doing here, kid?"

Halfy turned sharply. His sharp eyes met those of a tall woman with a kind smile and quiet authority. Her voice was gentle as the breeze.

"Are you seeing your future self in that beautiful academy?" she said with a warm confidence, her face glowing with kindness. "You should work hard and never give up on your dreams, kid."

Before he could respond, she offered a polite nod. "Forgive me—my name is Theodora."

Before Halfy could say a word, another voice called out behind her.

"Theodora! Wait for us!"

Two figures hurried forward—clad in armor, boots clanking on the stone pavement. One was a dark-haired woman with piercing eyes, scowling.

"Don't say it so loud! People will think we've run from our duties."

Theodora turned and smiled warmly.

"Hello, Eleni. Hello, Sophia."

The trio fell into casual conversation, their voices blending with distant training drills echoing from the academy courtyard. Halfy crossed his arms, scowling at their backs.

Kid? She thinks I'm a kid? Just because I'm short doesn't mean I'm a child.

Eleni finally noticed him, dark eyes narrowing in amusement.

"Oh! Didn't see you there, kid. You're so short! Do you even eat all your meals properly?"

Sophia, the blonde knight beside her, smirked. "Don't worry, all kids grow eventually. Don't lose hope!"

Halfy gritted his teeth.

"Kid? You do see this dagger, right? Do kids walk around with daggers in this nation? And if you look closely at my ears, you'll see I'm a halfling—not some short kid! And for your information, I eat more than both of you combined. You look exhausted—barely standing. Is the knight's life really that stressful?"

Both knights exchanged sheepish looks.

"Sorry!" they said in unison.

Theodora chuckled.

"Let's grab something to eat. That cake shop over there looks nice."

The scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air as they stepped inside the small café. Warm lighting bathed the interior in a golden glow. Soft conversation mingled with the clinking of porcelain cups and the gentle strumming of a bard's lute in the corner. The aroma of sugar and vanilla was almost overwhelming, laced with the comforting scent of roasted coffee beans.

Worn but sturdy wooden tables held delicate lace tablecloths and half-melted candles.

They took their seats. Moments later, an array of colorful cakes appeared—layers of sponge dripping with honey, fruit tarts topped with glistening berries, and chocolate pastries dusted with powdered sugar.

Sophia, Halfy, and Eleni wasted no time, digging in with childlike enthusiasm, stuffing their faces with sugary delights.

"Eat slowly," Theodora said with a sigh, shaking her head. "There's plenty for everyone."

Eleni licked frosting from her fingers.

"Lately, so much has been happening... When it's finally time to eat, I just go all in. I know I'll need the energy later."

Halfy nodded, taking a bite.

"An adventurer's life is the same. You eat well when you can, because who knows when the next meal will come?"

Theodora raised an eyebrow.

"That's straight out of the academy's first sage's book. You were a student here, weren't you? Why did you leave?"

Halfy leaned back, grinning.

"I prefer to explore things, not just read about them."

As they ate, a group of young girls entered the café, whispering excitedly. Spotting Halfy, they rushed over, holding wooden daggers covered in sketches of his victories.

"We got these from the store! They sell them with your face on them!" one squealed. "We want to win the coliseum championship this year!"

Halfy smiled, thinking to himself he'd need to collect some gold from those stores soon—maybe double what was already there.

Eleni stared in disbelief.

"This guy's a champion? He's smaller than me!"

Sophia smirked.

"Size doesn't matter. Don't forget what Igetis told us: look closer on the second look. That's a knight's look—it's different. You judge whether someone's overpowered or hiding their power. Don't judge by the first glance—everyone hides their power."

Eleni nodded.

"True."

Sophia added, "If I weren't a knight, I'd enter the coliseum and win the big prize—the Monkey Soul."

Halfy chuckled, pretending not to hear that last part.

"That's the spirit! I heard a knight once tried sneaking in but got kicked out. Ever thought about disguising yourself?"

Sophia grinned mischievously. "Maybe..."

Theodora shook her head with a smile.

"We'll be cheering for you, Halfy. Go win that Monkey Soul!"

Halfy leaned forward, lowering his voice.

"Everyone wants that soul. It's different from the others. I heard this year's competition will be tougher than ever—more than last year, I thought."

"What was last year's bonus?" he asked.

"The Tiger Souls," Theodora replied.

Halfy nodded.

"The Tiger Souls are unique power. Even if you win it, if your ability and ambition aren't strong enough, you'll never truly gain that power. It's like having a sword you can't use—a sword you can't replace. That's why."

Theodora frowned.

"I've never heard that in any books."

Halfy smirked.

"Obviously. Experience, not expensive books, gives you that."

As their conversation drifted on, far away in the forest, a group of knights made their way toward the blackened fireplace. They had come to investigate who was responsible for the crime—the one who had set the forest ablaze, ruining its beauty and driving the animals into fearful hiding.

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