Published: January 24, 2026
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On the morning of the day we were heading to KyokutĹŤ, I woke up and stretched, bathing in the rising sunlight coming through the window.
Then, I heard footsteps rapidly approaching.
“Master! Look, look~!”
The door suddenly burst open, and Carole dashed into the room.
“Good morning, Carole. You’re energetic this morning.”
“Energy is my best trait!”
Carole replied proudly, puffing out her chest, then took a step back and spread her arms wide.
“More importantly! Look! How is it? Does it suit me~?”
I shifted my gaze to her, and there stood Carole dressed in the academy uniform.
Unlike the black and blue group uniforms of the silver rabbits of the night sky, the academy uniform was based on a bright blue color.
I recalled there was also a white jacket as part of the uniform, but she wasn’t wearing it—just the vest. Plus, she had a sweater wrapped around her waist, which suited her lively personality perfectly.
“That’s the academy uniform, huh. It looks good on you.”
I honestly gave my impression, and Carole beamed, spinning around to show off.
“Right? Right? Hehe~ Thanks!”
Today was the day I would head to KyokutĹŤ with Fuuka and Shion, but for the disciples, it was their entrance day at the academy.
I heard they were scheduled to take the skill test held upon enrollment.
“Carole, you’re so fast…”
From behind her, a more reserved shadow peeked out from the doorway.
With a quiet voice, Sophie slowly entered the room.
She too was wearing the same academy uniform as Carole.
Sophie wore the academy uniform neatly, without any sloppiness. It suited her serious nature.
“Good morning, Sophie. The uniform suits you.”
Upon mentioning Sophie’s uniform, she shyly adjusted the hem of her skirt.
“Master, sorry for barging in so early.”
Finally, Log entered with an apology.
He was also wearing the academy uniform but was neither as casual as Carole nor as precise as Sophie.
Adjusting the collar of his jacket, he gave off a somewhat mature vibe.
“It’s no problem. Log, you look cool too.”
“Really!? Yay!”
“I saw Sophie in uniform when we took the assessment together, so I knew she looked cute. Hmm... I guess Log does look cool too?”
“Yeah. You look more mature than usual.”
Log was happy about my compliment, but he seemed uncomfortable and avoided eye contact when Carole and Sophie gave their impressions.
“Uh, yeah... You two are also, well... cute, right?”
“Eh~ What kind of compliment is that? If you’re going to praise us, be honest! …Ah! Are you blushing~?”
“Sh-shut up!”
Watching the familiar banter of the three, I glanced out the window and saw the morning sun had fully risen, and the town was slowly starting to come alive.
“From today, the three of you begin your academy life. Your lives are yours to live. So, I won’t impose on you. But if you still aim to conquer the Great Southern Labyrinth, then — in six months, or at worst a year — you should return to Tsutolairu and resume the conquest. If you dawdle, the first squad will finish it before you.”
“One year…”
“No problem! We’ve gotten this strong in one year! So next year, we’ll be even stronger!”
“That’s right. We’ll definitely surpass the seniors in the first squad!”
They sounded really motivated.
No need to worry about Log and Carole.
The problem, as always, was Sophie.
“Well then, shall we get going? Master, you must be getting ready to head to Kyokutō too.”
“Yeah. Now that you’ve shown me your uniforms, let’s go!”
“Well then, Mr. Orun, sorry for disturbing you so early. We’ll keep working hard to become stronger, so you do your best too!”
With that, the three were about to leave the room.
“Decisions made after hesitation always lead to regret. So, — you must make choices your future self, even if regretful, can somewhat accept.” That’s right, Grandpa.
“—Wait.”
Just as Log reached for the door, I called out to stop them.
“...? Master, what is it?”
“Before I send you off, there’s something I want to talk to Sophie about. — Preferably just the two of us.”