Separation

"This is farewell…"

As he dryly spat these words, Rain couldn't help but feel regretful despite coming to terms with his decision.

"Although we have spent so much time together, I still can't tell you much about myself just yet, but…"

The bond that he had formed with Leo felt the most real at this exact moment. Rain didn't know if age was getting him and he viewed Leo as a descendant of sorts, but if he could, he wanted to continue this serene yet diligent life.

"What I can tell you is it's not as simple as you guessed at the beginning, which makes me unable to do things as freely as I want. After all, with great ability comes greater responsibility."

In reality, Rain was exactly truthful with his words. With his position within the Empire, even if he wanted to take a vacation for a few years, no one would dare to oppose him. However, the problem lied elsewhere.

As much as he was given all kinds of services and privileges at any spot under the Empire's rule, he was equally under eyes and scrutiny. Most importantly, while it was true that the Empire rose to its current position thanks to him, the relationship he had with them was quite complicated.

If Rain had to guess whether they viewed him as an ally or a threat, he would unhesitatingly point at the latter. In the eyes of those who tasted his ability, he was someone who could re-enact their experience with another country. Although it wouldn't be as easy at the current stage of the era, it would at least pose a viable threat to the Empire's hegemony.

What he did so far wasn't too much, but if he were to get involved with Leo further, Rain knew that the Empire would probably take quick action to turn the brilliant Leo into another 'puppet' of theirs. Although that would ensure a 'fledgling' like Leo a smooth growth, the goal for which sake Rain taught Leo required him to be 'free' unlike Rain himself…

"It's not the end of the road either. Even if we are separated, I will still recognize you as my student and I hope you would do the same. If fate allows it, we may meet once again sooner than you think."

"Naturally, a teacher for once is a teacher for life!"

Leo deeply nodded at Rain's words. As a character that was expressed quite well in the novel, Leo knew that Rain wasn't the type of 'teacher' who would risk his students' life so they would gain experience or resources, at least not until they were ready.

Unfortunately, the only way Rain could provide him with actual resources would require the Empire's channels or would be under their eyes. Even without thinking deeply about it, Rain didn't want him to get caught in the Empire's net.

Ever since the moment when he had reached grade 1, Leo was already more than 50% sure that it was time for separation, the subsequent events only made him more sure of it, while the 'parting gift' was the nail in the coffin.

"In that case, you should be aware that you have a fellow student. The age gap is a bit much… but if you do meet him or his student, they would probably give you a helping hand on your path. As for how to recognize them, you will know how to when you meet them."

Hoping that Leo would be able to rely on others as well, Rain didn't hesitate to mention his first student before he stood up. His words didn't end at that though.

"If you want to stay here, then you are free to do so, but I wouldn't recommend it. I believe that you have been able to become an excellent Swordsman even without my help, but if you do go further ahead, I only ask of you to do what you can when the time comes."

As Rain's streak of mysterious words continued, Leo continuously nodded in his mind. His teacher might be thinking that he was giving him hard hints, but he mostly understood the meaning behind it.

"Haaa…"

Just as Leo let out a helpless sigh at the complicated situation, Rain's footsteps stopped at the kitchen's door, his speech seemingly not done yet…

"Remember, we may not know what awaits far ahead, but it's our actions that decide it. If you don't want to be swept in the currents, then you need to have enough ability to swim against it."

Tap, tap, tap…

'I do know some stuff though…'

Hearing Rain's departing footsteps, Leo self-mockingly summarized his situation. Despite knowing parts of the 'future', he still lacked the ability to affect the currents of this vast world…

`~~~`~~~`~~~`~~~`

After falling into deep thought, the loneliness finally got the better of Leo, beckoning him to head out of the kitchen and check the door to make sure Rain had truly left.

'Well, I guess it's time to leave myself.'

Standing in front of the door while surrounded by the empty silence, Leo went back to his room to pack his things.

Although the separation was a bit more dramatic than he had expected, everything had more or less followed the route that Leo desired. Not only did he obtain the 'Origin Manual' that he couldn't do without, but he also truly stepped into the gate of the supernatural.

Moreover, there were other highlights within these two great goals. Whether it was the advanced sword technique or the Breathing Steel Sword that Rain had given to him, just one of the two was enough to give him a solid push in the path he chose for himself.

After Leo finished packing everything back into his carriage, Leo took one last look at the porch where he spent most of his time for the last half a year before he climbed into the driver's seat.

Having already predicted that there wasn't much left before separation, Leo's most recent day was spent in the library so he could finish reading whatever he hadn't finished. Although he could have done so much earlier, since coming to this world, Leo had made it a habit to read as slowly as possible to enjoy the act rather than satisfy his fading addiction.

In conclusion, with Rain now gone, Leo had nothing left to gain from staying around, at least for the time being.

After buying some rations for the way back, Leo struggled through the crowded road before finally passing Swordkeep's gate embarking on another long journey…

'I will be back.'

Pushing away the hints of sadness that crept towards his heart, Leo already thought of something to be excited about.

Now that he had crossed the 'Accumulation Phase' safely, it was finally time to properly start his advanced sword technique training!