14th volume prologue

After the court dispute between the countries, tension remained. We returned to the Academy and prepared for the new academic year, but Aileen had to leave with Uraz, although she promised to return soon. Many perceived this as a bad sign and began arming themselves en masse. The nobles of Verania started gathering militias and arming them as best they could, knights ordered new armor, and mercenaries actively sought future employers. While this didn't concern the Academy at first, unfortunately, during the war, all power shifts from the rector to three rulers, and we wanted to avoid that.

I peacefully spent the rest of my vacation in my room, occasionally venturing to the guild house for joint training sessions.

"And what am I supposed to do now?" I twirled the sword in my hand, looking at the carved box with blades on the lid. "The offer is tempting, but it's not for me."

I feel that the Inquisition will not ignore this slap. Although the actions of the princesses have shown new hope for cooperation between all countries, the stubbornness of the old authorities could seriously hinder progress. If only there were a way to remove all these narrow-minded politicians and bureaucrats clinging to traditions... But that might be seen as siding with the Empire, and the people wouldn't understand it. They still passionately hate them for the death of the first one. No matter how many centuries pass, he will remain a hero for all people, the one who overthrew the ancient gods' tyranny, and the emperor will remain the monster who killed him.

"Haaah, it seems like an impossible situation. But trying to build a new society without dragons would be a huge mistake."

Not long ago, I wanted to leave to avoid bringing the wrath of the authorities upon my comrades, but I fear it might be too late to worry about that now. Now, I had to come up with something new and find a way to put it into practice.

The crystals I hastily made on the island malfunctioned after traveling through Wanderer's Path, so I had to adjust them a bit. I also didn't want all the burden to fall on Kurone. They malfunctioned due to the immense amount of pure magic in that place, but in principle, it could be used to connect the crystals.