Friend and Pride (Grid's POV)

It's me Grid Hawkeye. I'm inside my own room. It's been a few days since we complete our High Exam Mission. Up until now I still can't believe not only we complete our original mission but we even complete the hardest High Exam Mission for get a bone of Hundred years beast.

I just meet Rudeus and miss Elsiya this morning and I never thought that Rudeus will use the rewards this fast.

I'm shocked when I heard that he want to aim to become level 8 Warrior. I don't know why but I have a feeling that he will succeed.

It seems like he can aim to break the record that the Academy have.

Damn it.. I'm quite pissed off for everything that happen. I can't do anything at all.

Just a few months before, Rudeus don't even know the basic information that the Academy had but now he already become one of the strongest first year student or even second year student in Ace Institute Academy.

I'm really happy to see my friend getting recognize, what's more even miss Elsiya, one of the strongest first year student said that she can only make a draw if they fight.

I'm really happy for Rudeus but it left me perplexed. I'm still a failure huh.

My pride as a scout and archer is hurt but I know that I'm not strong enough. In our Exam Mission only miss Elsiya and Rudeus really have a chance to complete it. At first I thought that Rudeus is the same like us but over time in our travel he keep improving faster and faster until he even can stand the same level as miss Elsiya.

I don't know what I must do. I know that I must get stronger with all the rewards that we receive but It's not enough.

If I just improving bit by bit not only Rudeus but everyone will left me behind. That's why I already make my choice. I will go back home and ask my grandfather to teach me everything. My grandfather is a strong Warrior that well known in the Clover Kingdom. I will ask him and beg him to teach me to become stronger.

I can't lose to both of them. I know that both of them will getting stronger and stronger but at least I want to stand at the same stage as them.

Rudeus help me many times in needed. He is my first friend that I have and until now he will even help me without thinking even though he is already stronger than me.

"Hmm.. I will make a preparation and said goodbye to him tomorrow."

"Hmm.. I will use some of my merit point to buy everything that I need. I don't know what he gonna said tomorrow."

I walk out from my room and go around the Academy. I visit a place that I like to go inside the Academy like Tree Garden Area. I talk to a few student that I met.

I enjoy everything in the Academy like it will be the last time I will stay in the Academy. Well it not wrong though, after all I won't coming back to the Academy unless I become beyond level 9 Warrior in the next 6 month. I believe Rudeus will breakthrough beyond level 9 Warrior in the next few month so I must do the same.

Not only the Academy, I even walk around the City. I enjoy everything until night time comes

I wake up in the morning and I walk towards Rudeus room.

I knock his door early in the morning

"Knock.. knock.."

"Who is it ?" I heard Rudeus voice from inside

"It's me Rudeus." (Grid)

"Ah Grid. Wait a second" (Rudeus)

After Rudeus open his door I'm shock that I just stare at him.

"Grid ? Something wrong ?" (Rudeus)

I heard his voice and then I just shake my head "Nothing Rudeus. Congratulation Rudeus. You've become level 8 Warrior"

I'm shock because Rudeus really succeed to become level 8 Warrior.

"Hahaha.. yeah. Quite lucky I guess Grid" (Rudeus)

"Hmm.. I see." (Grid)

"So why you've come here Grid ? If you need something or my help just tell me." (Rudeus)

"Nothing like that Rudeus. I want to say goodbye. I will go back to home town for a few months" (Grid)

"Whoa... really ? Is something happen Grid ? How can I help you ?" (Rudeus)

"No it's nothing like that. I go back because I want to train with my grandfather Rudeus." (Grid)

"I see. Well if you need my help just send me a message ok" (Rudeus)

"Sure. Alright I will leave now. See you again Rudeus." (Grid)

"See you again Grid" (Rudeus)

After I said my goodbye to Rudeus, I leave the Academy and walk toward the City. I already book the carriage that I need to go to my hometown.

I see the Academy from a far and I promise my self that when I get back I become stronger than ever.

My carriage then pass the South Gate and leave the White River City

"See you again. Next time I'm come back I will make my name known to all those strong people"

So the journey of Grid who is well known as 'The Empyreal Archer Hawkeye' in the far future begin.