Chapter 71: A New Day, New Problems

The morning bell of Tokyo Magical Academy echoed like a song from the past.
Kanata Tendou stood before the classroom door he once knew so well—
and found it completely different.

Transparent walls shimmered with runic screens.
Desks floated slightly above the floor.
Holographic textbooks flipped open with a wave of a hand.

He stepped inside.

Students whispered instantly.

“That’s him—The Brave Dragon!”
“I never thought I’d share a class with him! This has to be fate!”

The words rolled through the room like wildfire.
Not long ago, this very classroom had condemned him.
Now, they welcomed him with awe.

Kanata sat down quietly, Elyana beside him, already drawing curious glances.
He only smiled faintly.

After class ended, Kanata walked down the corridor, nostalgic for every sound—the creak of magic-laminated floors, the faint hum of the crystal lights.

Then he stopped.

A familiar presence.
Before he could even call out her name, she was already there.

Celestine.

Her eyes widened, and before he could react, tears streamed down her cheeks.
She ran straight into his arms.

“Kanata-kun… you’re really back…”

Kanata froze, then smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her.
“Yeah… I’ve come home.”

For a moment, the entire hallway disappeared.
It was just them—the warmth of reunion after five long years.

Celestine guided him to her office—now adorned with shining sigils and soft light.
A golden plate on the door read: Headmistress Celestine Aelvianne.

Kanata blinked.
“You… became headmistress?”

Celestine giggled softly.
“Someone had to keep the school from burning down after you left.”

On her hair, the same rabbit-shaped hairpin gleamed.
The one he’d given her years ago.
He couldn’t help but smile.

They talked for hours.
He told her about his journey with Elyana—the frozen continents, the deserts, the endless skies.
Celestine listened in silence, her eyes glimmering somewhere between pride and jealousy.

“Then maybe next time… take me with you.”

Kanata chuckled.
“I promise.”

Her expression softened—but soon turned serious.
“There’s something else you should know.”

She poured tea, her voice lowering.
“After you left, Caine was imprisoned in Nevantrax for life… though it’s been reduced to fifty years. His former guards now serve under Jeanne.”

Kanata nodded quietly.
“And Asuna?”

Celestine smiled faintly.
“She’s an idol now. The most popular in Japan. She refused to graduate… said she wanted to wait and finish together with someone.”

Kanata’s eyes widened slightly.
He didn’t need to ask who.

Celestine sighed.
“But there’s another issue, Kanata-kun.”

“What now?”

“A new student—Rinko Tachibana Ichigo. The strongest witch of this generation. She’s as talented as Asuna… and she sees her as a rival. She’s been following Asuna’s path ever since.”

Kanata rubbed his temple.
“Sounds like trouble.”

“That’s why I need you to keep an eye on her.”

Pfffft!
Kanata nearly spit out his tea.
“W-wait! You want me to babysit her?”

Celestine crossed her arms.
“Don’t tell me you’re refusing.”

“I’m not a teacher! I’m barely a student!”

Her eyes gleamed dangerously.
“Oh? You’re also a Hero—someone people look up to. Are you really going to reject a request from your headmistress and future wife?”

Kanata froze.
“…Future what?”

Celestine smiled mischievously.
“In that case, it’s decided. You start tomorrow—as a temporary instructor. Teach them what it means to fight for something real.”

Kanata sighed, defeated.
“Fine… I’ll do it.”

“Good.”

Before he could move, click!
A ring appeared on his left ring finger.

“Celestine-san, what—why won’t this come off?!”

She winked.
“That’s an engagement ring. It won’t come off until we’re married.”

“Heeey—wait, you can’t just—”

kiss.

She leaned in, sealing the argument in a single motion.
Kanata could only stare blankly afterward, face burning red.

Still dazed, Kanata left the office—and crash!

He bumped into someone turning the corner.
A girl with silver-gray hair and sharp blue eyes stumbled backward.

“Ow! Can’t you look where you’re walking?!”

Kanata blinked.
“Sorry, I—”

But she was already gone, brushing the dust off her uniform and walking away briskly.

He scratched his head.
“Well, that could’ve gone better…”

Somewhere else, under the glow of studio lights, Asuna Shiraiyuki lowered her phone.
Her informant’s voice still echoed through the line.

“He’s back. Tendou Kanata has returned to the Academy.”

She smiled—a calm, knowing smile.
“Then I guess… it’s time for me to go back too.”