Kevin couldn't remember anything the teachers had just told him, but he knew this: He would not be attending Idiofyia next semester. Or even next week, if his Alchemy teacher had anything to say about it. And it was totally his fault. He couldn't remember which ingredients to mix, which to distil, or the amount of either. So, what resulted from what should've been a simple glue potion, came an explosion. He had to pay for the resulting damage, as well, but he didn't have money.

Then there was Artificer class, where he also exploded the workshop. Never mind his poor combat abilities. Or magical ones. Honestly, he wasn't even sure why he was ever accepted. He just... couldn't anymore.

As he was dismissed, he finally made his own decision. No one would miss him. So he'd leave. Try and earn a living somewhere. Hopefully, he'd never have to go back home. 

Kevin woke up in his bed, rubbing his tired eyes. Lethargically, he rolled out of bed, his feet slipping on the too-clean tiles. He didn't bother trying to catch himself, instead allowing himself to fall onto the floor. He only sighed before picking himself up, his arms wobbling just from the weight of his own body. Eventually, he stood slumped, his shoulders bent forwards and his head held low.

Quietly, he changed into a uniform that would've looked great, with gold-embroidered lining, silk design, and an embroidered image of a white marble temple, held aloft with twelve pillars. Unfortunately, it was filled with stains, rips, and tears. Slowly, he changed, barely a sound being heard. 

He glanced at his roommate, Jack Silver, who still slept like a log. His silver hair that shone without any light was the clearest tell of his heritage, being the son of the King. The Silver's always had silver hair. And unnaturally good looks. That made Kevin scowl, as he pushed his cowl up.

He knelt, pulling a rolling suitcase from under his bed, heaving it upright. It was more of a workout than he'd have liked. He packed everything yesterday.

The door opened with a quick twist of the knob, showing the dark room ahead. He tugged his suitcase, cringing as it made a loud sound passing the threshold. 

Immediately, the rustling of blankets sounded, along with Jack's voice, asking, "Who's there?" He had a soft voice that everyone likened to an angel. Kevin couldn't help but agree, although he hated it. Kevin didn't reply, lugging his suitcase towards the door, hoping to be faster. "Stop right there, or else!" As if to prove his statement, a bright, warm light started growing. Kevin turned his head, spotting the floating ball of fire that danced on Jack's finger, aimed towards him. "Kevin?" He could see the confusion on Jack's face. Quickly, Kevin turned back around, moving again. "Where are you going, man? We have classes in the morning. You should be asleep. Ah, I get it, you must've just come back from something, lugging that suitcase. It got stuck on something, right? Here, let me help." 

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Shut up." Kevin's voice was raspy but, strangely, it didn't waver, not even towards the prince. 

"What was that?" he innocently asked, walking forwards. "Please, let me help. You must be tired from-"

Kevin turned around, faster than he had wanted to, stomping his way towards him while saying, "Shut up, shut up, shut up! I'm quitting! I'm leaving! I didn't come back from somewhere, I'm going! Don't you say a damn word! When I came to Idiofyia, I wasn't expecting it to be so... so... STUPID! Everything we do, we need money! Or talent! Or both! I can't meet these expectations! I've heard the teachers arguing over my right to stay! Everyone tells me I should quit!" Jack opened his mouth, about to say something, but Kevin pushed him with his finger. "Not a word from you. You, are the Genius Prince that's said to be the greatest talent in this decade. Plus, you have the wealth of the Royal Family backing you. You can't understand. Go back to sleep." With that, Kevin firmly pushed Jack again, tripping him over the bedside. For a grim moment, he felt satisfied at doing that to the Prince, but shoved that far away.

He would never see him again. Or anyone else that went here, if he had any luck at all.

The corridors were dark at this time of night, where the only thing that gave off light was the blue moon outside, called The Eye. He cringed as he remembered what he said to Jack. Hopefully he wouldn't be executed, not that he was the type to execute anyone. His fanclub, on the other hand, was a different story. He remembered yesterday's combat practice. Everyone else had been practising containing their mana in the blade; he had still been training to swing it properly. Liz, the second best student, hadn't yet given up on him, but she was definitely spending more time practising on her own.

He reached the Admin office, placing all of his paperwork on the counter in front of the shutter with a note. He certainly wasn't the first to quit at night. 

It wasn't like he wasn't trying, either. He spent several hours practising the same moves, but they never became better. And then there was his magical talent, which was even worse than his combat talent, being at nothing. After several months of trying to feel his mana, he still felt nothing. Everyone else was casting spells already, some better than Tier 1, and he still sat in the classroom, meditating. Almost all of the staff avoided him, leering when he came too close.

And, he had to juggle everything on top of three jobs just to pay tuition or whatever else he needed to buy. Truly, now that he decided to quit, he felt peace envelop him.

He pushed open the front door, smiling as he breathed in fresh air. He took a moment, relaxing, his eyes closed, as he stood on the top of the stairs. Then, he opened his eyes and saw a Monster less than a handspan away from his face. It was tiny, just the size of his head, but its teeth seemed to be sharp. Plus, it had six long, pointed limbs that glistened from The Eye's light.

"No, no, no!" the Monster pleaded, holding out its limbs. "Please, don't scream!"

"Are you going to hurt me?" he asked, leaning farther away. The Monster followed his movement, staying the same distance away.

"No, absolutely not," the Monster answered. "At least, not without your consent." It laughed, as if telling a joke.