Letting out excited sounds, Candy, who was now as big as a teen's arm, pecked Grim's leg and pointed towards the front. Grim stopped browsing the memories and lifted his head, looking to the outside of the window. ''Oh, we arrived?'' From the box, Wagoner's surprised sound rang out. ''Young master, were you asleep?'' Most of the time both Grim and Candy watched scenery while talking or spent their free times for random trivial things. Wagoner at least a bit knew Grim was someone with an important background, as he witnessed his strength first hand.

The fearsome bandits he had to always give money was easily defeated under Grim's sword, so Wagoner had a great admiration for him. Still, he was a bit confused. Not only traveling by Wagons were a bit uncomfortable, it was sometimes a huge pain when roads were filled with curves or thieves. A talented man like Grim should have better options Wagoner thought and actually told Grim about his thoughts. Still, Grim only gave some trivial replies which didn't satisfy his curiosity. Even so, he was still content with traveling with a talented youth whom he could talk freely. It was quite an enjoyable travel for him.

''Young master, if you don't mind I can drop you to where you want to go rather than city gates.'' Wagoner said with sincerity.''I don't want to spend your time mister.'' Wagoner only laughed, saying ''I don't have many customers nowadays because of war. I have plenty of time.'' Hearing his statement, Grim accepted Wagoner's offer. ''So, where shall we go Young Master?''

''Dolores's hut.'' Grim said, joy evident in his voice.''Is young master a student there?'' Grim thought a bit about it. ''Well, I can be considered one, Though I only stayed for a week in Academy.'' Wagoner was curious about the reason but didn't ask about it. It may have been a trivial thing or a special circumstance and he didn't want to be a rude fellow. ''Alright then, let's get going,'' Wagoner said and started to ride towards Academy.

...

In Realm Gate everything was still going, though not as good as past, still fine. In the wide streets of City, people who passed through would steal a glance or two to a pair of friends. One of them was a boy with messy black hair, sunken eyes, and a tattered black magician robe. He was looking like a villain or necromancer, created perfectly to such a role. Yet, his expression betrayed his outer looks. He had a calm, serene smile on his lips.

At his side was a girl with long blonde hair and black eyes. She wore a simple shirt and long skirt coming a bit above her wrist. Yet, the most interesting thing was, she had 2 fox ears and a tail at her back. It would sway around from time to time as she talked with her friend. Some people knew she was from Western Deserts but most people were ordinary citizens who only lived and died in central continent. So it was a strange experience to witness a person like her.

It's not like they have never seen Demi-humans. Demi-Humans were not rare nor ordinary but most of them would, also, live in deserts or villages. There was a misconception about Demi-Humans among normal people, who thought they had the appearance of humans and nature of a beast. So there was a bit of discrimination to them among normal people. Luckily, Adalwolfa never suffered such a thing because of her cute looks.

Currently, all academies were in a break, as graduation was a week ago. Kanene was spending time with her refugee family, which came from Pale City a day ago. Since she had nothing to do and Adrien was always closing himself up to study magic she directly disturbed him. Adrien didn't mind much though, he also enjoyed talking with his friends. Right now, they were on their way to fetch Echo.

If students wanted they could stay in school grounds or attend the lessons for failed people. Echo also didn't have a family, as they passed away, and she liked to be alone so generally sat by herself in the library. She was not a bookworm, just the library's atmosphere had a calming effect on her.

When Adalwolfa and Adrien reached to gates, they saw a Wagon standing in front of School gates. It was not luxurious nor flashy, a simple one. They didn't bother much as not many people liked to show off with their money, other than some idiots who came from noble families. As they were going to pass through the gates, a boy left the Wagon. He had a long hair and a plain face brimming with vitality. At his arm was a Phoenix, flames covering her looking beautiful.

When Adalwolfa looked at Phoenix, Candy also looked back at her. Adalwolfa's fox ears perked up and they gazed to each other for a moment.''If you want, you can travel a bit with her, if she is also willing.'' Sensing Candy's feelings, Grim was a bit confused. There was a strange bond between her bloodline and Adalwolfa, or this was just how he perceived Candy's emotion. Adalwolfa didn't say anything at first, Adrien waiting patiently at back.

''Is it okay?'' Adalwolfa asked warily. ''No problem, she can always find me easily,'' Grim said, not mentioning the how. Even though it was a bit reckless, he saw these 2 people in the academy when he first came. They were also students, so he thought there wouldn't be much problem. Also, he had confidence in the powers of Candy. If not for her suppressing her size, he was sure Candy would be bigger than 4 Wagons. Candy flew from his arm and directly sat on Adalwolfa's head, looking a bit funny. Adalwolfa didn't bat an eye as she thanked Grim, even Grim didn't know the reason, and left towards the library with Adrien.

''Alright Young Master, I'm off,'' Wagoner said, from his back. Grim forgot about him for a moment so felt embarrassed. ''Ah, sorry mister. Can you tell me where I can find you later?'' Wagoner smiled, pointing towards the route they came from. ''I'm constantly traveling between here and western regions, it won't be hard for you to find me. Still, I generally stay at Landorn.''

Landron was a city governed by Dragons, where multiple races lived. It was quite a nice place, only a bit hard to live as there was animosity between races. ''Alright,'' Grim said and took a mental note. ''Then see you again young master.'' After bidding farewell, Wagoner sped off and disappeared from Grim's sight. Sighing lightly, without any reason, Grim entered to Academy. Some guards wanted to inquire his origins but an old-timer knew Grim was from Dryflame clan as well as a student in here, so he let Grim pass without much trouble.

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Slowly walking towards the Dorms Grim inspected the surroundings. The flowers were the same, though they didn't look much healthy. Grim felt a strange aura from the moment he entered Realm Gate, an aura he was familiar. Still, it was hard to name it. When he asked Arihan about it, Arihan said it was negative energy. It was a bit strange for so many to be gathered but Arihan only mentioned the Refugees that came from Pale City.

Grim didn't know anything about refugees or anything so he was a bit surprised. Though Arihan told him not to worry about it, as he didn't have enough capability to resolve any issue. Understanding Arihan's point he continued walking while his mood dampened a bit. As he was passing by, he saw a pillar of fire rising from a direction. ''It's battle arena?'' Grim was not much surprised but it piqued his interest so he sped off towards there.

When he arrived, he saw 2 people on the stage. One of them was a man, who had a long fire red hair coming to his shoulder and a circular beard. His crimson red eyes made his dashing look much more incredible. As he was standing with his back straight, his opponent was not same. His opponent was also a boy, who had blue hair and a good physique. Still, something felt lacking when he was compared to the Red haired boy.

''Da-Damn you D-De, Bugh!'' Barak tried to talk, holding his little buddy in pain. Deroc didn't bat an eye to Barak's words and left the stage. As he was walking down, he saw Grim who was watching them with a curious expression. Deroc was dumbfounded, then felt weird. Grim was looking at him and he was looking back but there was something wrong about the situation.

''Oh, what's up Deroc,''Grim said while smiling. Deroc felt what was wrong. Grim was too calm! He was gone for more than a year and still only greeted him with a What's up.'I mean, I don't expect a sentimental meeting or special thing, but he is way too calm!' Deroc thought but didn't voice them. He also smiled a bit and greeted Grim with a fist bump.

'What is wrong with Deroc?'Thought Grim, who was looking very normal outside.'He is way too calm for a meeting! I mean, I don't expect a hug or some tears but you should be a bit more emotional' Sighing in his heart, Grim complained to himself about how unhealthy constantly sighing was then looked towards Barak.

''Hey Deroc,'' Grim called him. ''What's it?'' Grim looked at him a bit strange then asked.''Do you have any tendency for lower regions?'' Deroc looked at him a bit dumbly, then felt a strong urge to punch Grim's face. What kind of a question is that? Still, he forgave Grim as he suffered a bit outside and asked while his eyes twitched. ''What makes you think so?''

''Well.''Scratching his head, Grim replied.'' When we first came, you hit his crotch. I come back after a year, you are still hitting his crotch.'' Deroc thought Grim may have sensed his mood or would be reserved but Grim directly said what he was thinking. Pitiful Barak, who was slowly walking towards them unsteadily, also spoke. ''This man is vicious! Dude, whenever I irritate him a little he just beats me up!''

''You deserve it,'' Deroc said flatly, Making Barak much more frustrated. He was a bit used to getting beaten but he couldn't hold himself. It was in his nature to talk! He can't change his nature after all. He felt very wronged, feeling upset. ''I always think, I won't fall to the same thing for twice but he still finds another way to send that fireball. His accuracy is just like a monster!'' Finding a source of relief, Barak started to tell the built up things to Grim.

Grim felt a bit weird, as he was not so close towards other classmates of his. After all, he only stayed a bit more than a week. Still, he was feeling happy because of Barak's intimacy so followed along. They started to walk towards Dorms while talking about trivial things. After some time, Grim started to talk about his journey. Though, Dragon Sovereign urged him not to say anything about the final trial. So he was feeling a bit regretful.

Still, Deroc and Barak were shocked. Grim was talking without exaggerating but the 2 felt like he was really bragging. Especially when Grim talked about Devil's attack and him nearly losing his life. They also heard about FriedCow's destruction, though not many knew the reason. At least, they knew the reason and what Grim said matched greatly with the real situation.

When talking about it, Grim also felt his heart becoming a bit uneasy. He vividly remembered the fear and despair he felt. His only hope was shattered without him making any move. He didn't want to feel such a helplessness again. As they were talking they heard some hurried footsteps. Grim could evade the incoming leap easily but didn't do so. Because he knew the newcomer.

But, things didn't go like what Grim expected. Conall's paws slipped while rushing and she headbutted to Grim's stomach, knocking him. Even though Grim's Physique was much stronger, very near to Upper tier of Giant level, he still felt the pain. Grunting, he stood up while Conall looked at him with a surprise. Grim was also surprised as Conall didn't take any damage from the headbutt.

Conall turned around Grim while swaying her tail. Not minding the headbutt, Grim softly patted Conall's head while saying ''I'm back.''

...

Aeneas was sitting with other teachers, talking about trivial things while eating snacks in his room. When he thought everything was passing normally, a bright light appeared inside the room and a circle appeared. ''Teleportation?'' Aeneas set this Teleportation circle for emergencies, not for him but for people at the Pale City. 'Did something bad happen?'

After light disappeared a bloody body appeared in front of him. ''Uncle Truman!'' Aeneas directly rushed to his side while Teachers were shocked. ''Miss Helen, please help him!'' Aeneas said with worry as he sent a wisp of mana to inspect Truman's internal wounds. When he saw there was no fatal wound, he calmed down a bit but there were too many light wounds.

One of the teachers, Helen, directly stood up and started to apply restoration magic to Truman. ''Even though there are no fatal wounds, there are many rubbles and particles inside his wounds. Even if we close, he won't heal completely.'' She said. One of the teachers added. ''It's true Aeneas. Let's take him to Vice-President for surgery.''

Aeneas nodded and took Chicken Truman into his arms. With his fellow teachers, he directly rushed towards the school when he felt something breaking. Suddenly, he lost track of his father. He couldn't feel the bloodline connection from his father. He stopped for an instant but continued to rush faster. Tears welled up in his eyes, tears he didn't spill for a decade.

When other teachers saw Aeneas's situation, everyone had their own thoughts. Still, everyone clear about one thing. Something very bad happened, possibly a calamity. As they were rushing towards the Vice President, Grim with the trio reached to dorms.

The moment They reached to the gates, Both Grim and Deroc's eyes started to fill up with tears. 'No, This shouldn't be possible!' Grim screamed at his heart. He just arrived in here, he has grown stronger, he thought he was much more mature now. He wanted to talk with his brother and father again, tell about his journey and apologize for his rash decision. He was just feeling happy about being able to meet them again, he was feeling excited to be able to brag about them.

Why did this happen?