English Translation – Part 22: End of Training
Part 22 – End of Training
…Three years later…
"Huff… ahh…"
I peeked from behind the tree to see if Ziar was around.
No sign of him. Perfect chance to attempt this cursed test.
This was my new training—one I had never succeeded in. I had managed all the other lessons, but not this one.
The task was simple in theory: Ziar placed a flag somewhere, and I had to retrieve it.
At first, I thought it would be easy. It wasn't. It was harder than even the basic lessons.
The real purpose of this training was to sharpen three things: stealth, speed, and senses.
- Senses: I had to avoid being detected by Ziar while grabbing the flag.
- Speed: I had to snatch it faster than him.
But I never succeeded.
Rustle…
Leaves shifted.
I heard footsteps. I quickly summoned the Death Spiral spell in my hand, ready to strike and escape.
The sound grew closer until—
Ziar lunged at me from behind the bushes.
I raised the Death Spiral defensively. His strike was deflected, pushing him back slightly and stunning him. But he recovered quickly, ready to attack again.
Ziar: "Better than last time. But you still fell into the trap. Now what? Get ready."
He smirked.
I froze. I couldn't think of a plan in seconds against the strongest man of the Walls.
"I surrender!" I raised my hands in defeat.
Ziar placed his hand on my head.
Ziar: "You give up too quickly. Six months ago, you wouldn't surrender this fast. Now you do—and that's dangerous. On the battlefield, surrender means death. The enemy will cut your throat the moment you yield."
"But… if I surrender, won't they spare me?"
Ziar: "Listen. People judge by appearances. The enemy pretends to spare you only to disarm you. Once you're helpless, they'll kill you without hesitation. Just like your ancestors who surrendered. Forget it."
He was right.
Ziar: "Anyway, come see me at dusk. I have something for you."
"What is it, Master?"
Ziar: "You'll find out later. Lesson's over."
I wanted to ask more, but his murderous glare told me to shut up and stay far away until evening. So I left quickly and headed to Master Hiroshi's place.
---
Me: "Grand Master Maito, I'm here."
The room transformed again into a Japanese-style house with mats and candles.
Hiroshi: "Good. Sit down. I have something important to tell you."
"…?"
Hiroshi: "As you know, I've been teaching you for three years."
"Yes, Grand Master."
Hiroshi: "It's time to end your training. But there's one condition."
"…?"
Hiroshi: "You must pass my final test. If you succeed, you'll graduate. If not, our connection ends."
"…!"
Hiroshi: "Don't worry. It's simple. You can do it. Tomorrow evening, the exam begins. Go practice."
Before I could reply, he vanished.
---
Evening, at the church…
My mind was restless. What kind of test would Hiroshi give me? Over the years, he had taught me poison recognition, wound treatment, archery, spear fighting, and karate.
I knocked.
Sister Mary: "Good you came. Hurry, Master Ziar is waiting."
I entered his study.
Ziar: "The Elite Academy entrance exam is only four days away. But before that, you must take my test."
"A test?"
Ziar: "Yes. I need to know if you're capable of joining the elite class. The church supports you not just to pass, but to reach the Six-Star rank—S-class. Tomorrow, I'll test you myself."
"Yes, Master."
---
Later, in my room…
"Damn it… two exams tomorrow. My fate will be decided. If I fail, I'll die at the hands of Henry, the hero, because of one of his lovers…"
"No. I'll succeed. Just like four years ago when I mastered a year's worth of training in three months. I can do this."
---
Next day, noon…
The rooster crowed again—confusing morning with noon.
"Oh no, I'm late!"
Using wind magic, I rushed to the training grounds. Ziar and Sister Patolina were waiting.
Ziar: "Finally. Ten more minutes and the exam would've been canceled."
"Sorry, Master Ziar."
Ziar: "Forget it. No punishment today. But remember—the Academy exam is in three days. Your soul and mind must be ready. This test is the Illusion of Death. You've failed it before. Now you must break it in under three minutes to pass."
"Yes, Master. I understand."
I sat down, preparing to enter the illusion.
Sister Patolina: "I hope you succeed, Tam."
"I will. I'm sure of it."
Then the world shifted.
---
The Illusion of Death
Why that name? Because it traps you in a dream of unfulfilled desires, a bliss so strong it kills. Black mages and even the church use it for interrogation.
The only way to break it is to find the source—the object or person anchoring the illusion. Destroy it, and the mind awakens.
I found myself in the churchyard. Suddenly—
Patolina: "Tam, my love!" She ran to me, hugged me, and kissed me.
I froze. Was this my hidden desire?
But then I saw Ziar. Something felt wrong.
I shoved Patolina away.
Patolina: "Why, my love?"
I smirked. "You'll see."
I unleashed the Death Spiral on her.
The illusion shattered. Patolina had been the source, not Ziar.
I opened my eyes.
Patolina: "Tam, you did it! You broke free in under five minutes." She hugged me.
Ziar smiled with satisfaction.
But the real test was still ahead.
---
Evening, at Hiroshi's place…
"I'm here, Master Maito."
He appeared.
Hiroshi: "Your exam is simple: shoot an arrow blindfolded."
"What!? Blindfolded?"
Hiroshi: "Don't worry. Remember what I told you—when things get tough, think of something funny."
He tied a cloth over my eyes. I felt the bow and arrows beside me.
I focused on a funny memory from my past life.
I loosed the arrow.
When the blindfold came off, Hiroshi was smiling.
Hiroshi: "Well done. You passed. That means you're my successor. You can claim the title of Master. And here's your reward."
He handed me his legendary bow—a small stick that transformed into a divine weapon, crafted from red tamarisk wood and silk string.
Hiroshi: "It's yours now."
I held it, stunned.
Hiroshi: "One last thing. I'm returning to the spirit world. I'll leave my memories and part of my power with you, Tam, my child."
He placed his hand on my head. Darkness fell. Hiroshi vanished.
I called his name, but he was gone.
A strange emptiness filled me. He had been more than a teacher—he was a friend, someone who made me laugh when I was down.
But now, the greatest test of my life awaited: the entrance exam to the Imperial Elite Academy.
End of Part 22
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