"Here are the things you need to keep in mind while you are working with the Steelhound: You won't need to report to the Academy regularly, but once a week, send a report. Your life would be in constant danger, and there wouldn't be any supervisor looking out for you since you are now training to become a warrior. So take care of yourself and don't depend on anyone else."
Taking out a pouch, Jullie handed it to Alex, "This is fifty silver coins, for the travel and other expenses. While you would be living there for the month, you would be provided with weekly pay and a place to stay. If you have any problems regarding finance, send me a letter." Jullie added the last point by herself. It wasn't allowed to support a student through personal funding but Jullie made an exception.
"Third, you need to remember that your purpose to go there is to become stronger not to become their servant. If you feel they are imposing their work on you, you are free to forfeit."
'You don't need to tell me that...' Alex thought.
Jullie gave a firm nod once she was done, before she asked, "Anything you want to ask?"
Alex shook his head, "No, Professor."
Jullie nodded before she allowed him to meet his friends and get going.
Alex heaved a sigh and looked at the four people waiting for him, near the entrance.
Edric, along with Amanda, came forward while Valarie remained standing aside, but her presence here alone was evidence that she came here to bid him farewell.
"Don't mindlessly put yourself in danger, since if you die Edric would be sad." Hearing her words, Alex dryly chuckled,
"You are not concerned whether I live or die, you are worried about how your lover would react, eh?"
Amanda clicked her tongue, "Don't pick on the fine details, and here..." She handed him a pouch, "...there are several potions in there, most of them recovery ones. Use them wisely."
Alex gave a thankful nod before turning toward Edric, as the guy handed Alex a device which was familiar, "This..."
"The Beaker we told you about."
Alex frowned, "But it's incomplete...where is the second half?" Alex assumed that Edric might have bought a second hand—which wasn't possible considering it is a one-time usage item—that's why he got half of it.
However, "She snatched the other half." While pointing at the blond Princess, who was looking away, Edric muttered.
Alex doesn't feel surprised by these actions of hers.
He raised his hand for a shake and said, "Thanks, man..."
Edric looked at the hand, before raising his arms and wrapping them around Alex's back, "Be safe out there, buddy."
Alex was momentarily stunned by the sudden hug. It has been a while since a friend hugged him. The only friend he had in his previous life betrayed him, so he didn't think he would ever make someone his friend again so quickly.
However, right now, he could say that these two people in front of him were his friends.
"Yeah, I will."
They both soon parted, and a smiling Amanda said, "Now go. She is waiting for you."
Alex nodded before he moved toward the Princess who hadn't looked at him even once since he arrived here.
"Don't wanna look at me-" Alex paused, his words coming to a halt when he gazed at her face and found large droplets of tears rolling down.
Celestria hurriedly wiped them away, but the more she wiped the more tears came out, prompting Alex to say,
"You promised you won't cry that's why I told you when I am leaving." He doesn't like to see people cry for him and, specifically, when he is about to leave.
Celestria kept rubbing her eyes as she uttered, "I tried, I swear. But these stupid tears ...they just won't stop *sob*."
Alex put down his bags and neared the girl, "Celestria, look at me." She did as he said before the silver head added, "Someone gave the prophecy that if I see someone crying when I leave, my journey won't be good."
Celestria's eyes widened as she completely shut off her eyes and covered her face, "You should have told me earlier!"
Alex couldn't stop himself from laughing this time as he held her hand and after slowly removing them from her reddened face he said, "I am just joking."
Celestria flinched hearing that before her small hands balled into fists and she began hitting him lightly in the chest, "Why you...always...joke about things like this?"
Alex continued to laugh, enjoying her reaction.
Celestria slowly paused and looked up at him. The girl seemed smaller than usual, with her eyes turning round. She looked nothing but adorable and pettable at the moment.
"Alex...please be safe. I know I am not in the position to make you promise me, but for the sake of the friendship we once shared, please don't push yourself too much, okay?"
Alex nodded as he wrapped his hands around her frail back and pressed her against him, "I will. And you too, take care. After I return, I have to fulfil 'that' promise too, after all."
Hearing about that 'promise,' her cheeks turned rosy pink as she closed her eyes and snuggled closer. These last few moments before he departs were too precious, too charming. She didn't know when was the last time they had hugged each other like this. However, she doesn't want to think about the past anymore and wants to enjoy her present and hope for a better future.
Amanda and Edric, who were standing nearby, looked at the duo like they were watching over some children they had raised.
Valarie has a complicated reaction, not able to think where she stands now. The person she loves is already taken. And the person she recently came to admire, already seemed to have a fondness towards another girl.
'It seems dating is not my thing after all...'
Soon the duo parted, and Celestria was more composed than before.
Smilingly she said, "Take care, Alex. I will be waiting for you."
Alex gave a brief nod before he waved at Valarie and the duo.
Turning away, he picked up his bag and heaved a sigh.
A new journey begins.
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A/N:- I hope you all are enjoying the development. Thanks for reading.