Chapter 4: Congratulations, New Knights!

The message reached the church’s alchemists, and Priest Norbit went to discuss it with the alchemist Jako.

Priest Norbit: “Excuse me, Jako. A message has arrived from the scouts who were at the northern wall. It seems it’s addressed to you.”

Jako: “Thank you.”

They read it and were shocked by its contents. Norbit punched the wall the moment he understood the message. It said: We were ambushed. We received no support. Powerful alchemists sabotaged us. Many dead. We need transport support. Signed, Henrik Doz, codename Butcher.

The High Alchemist Jako was sweating, holding his head as he asked:

Jako: “Can someone confirm whether the support message was delivered to our alchemists?”

Subordinate Alchemist: “Yes, sir. We sent it to Priest Gray. If I’m not mistaken, he formed a group with several alchemists, and the aspiring knight Irineia was with them. They’ve already returned.”

Furious, Norbit went to confront Priest Gray.

Norbit: “Gray, where the hell were you?”

Gray: “We went to deliver the reinforcements the scouts requested.”

Norbit: “Impossible. A letter has just arrived saying no one ever went there. What were you doing?”

Gray: “We were ambushed in the Red Forest on our way. Irineia protected the group with her incandescent fog, but we weren’t able to advance after that.”

Norbit: “Why didn’t you send an instant message?”

Gray: “I didn’t bring any messenger alchemist… or anything to communicate with.”

Norbit: “How do you go on a mission without messengers, you—”

They were interrupted by Jako.

Jako: “Enough. I received a message saying the scouts won and managed to secure transport as well. After years, the northern wall will finally be ours again.”

Jako: “Gray, you will soon be the High Priest of the entire church. This mistake you made is amateur work. Many lives were lost. And Norbit, mistakes happen. You weren’t there, you don’t know what really happened.”

Listening from behind the door, Irineia quietly walked away.

Alphonse and Kana Boom's group also returned from their mission.

Kana: “I’m starving. I hope Priest Norbit made those breads he always makes.”

Alphonse gave a small smile and nodded.

Norbit approached Irineia and spoke to the girl.

Norbit: “Irineia, can you tell me what happened on the way?”

Irineia stared back at him with her piercing blue eyes.

Irineia: “We were ambushed. I overheard part of the conversation with Priest Gray, and if you want the truth, we really were on our way to deliver the escort. Unexpected events happen. I did my best, but things didn’t go as planned. Excuse me, sir.”

Norbit: “It’s alright, child. I’m sorry about your mission.”

Irineia just nodded and headed to the dining hall.

In the dining hall, she sat beside the others.

Kana: “Hey, Irineia, how was the mission?”

Irineia: “We never made it. Everything went wrong. But they won that battle, so our presence wouldn’t have changed much.”

Alphonse looked at Irineia’s face and noticed she was pale and nervous, but he didn’t bring it up.

The next day, the alchemist knights received news that the following week, the aspiring scout knights and shield bearers would also be promoted—along with Priest Gray.

Alphonse showed overwhelming joy, knowing he would finally see his friends again at the celebration.

Among the scouts, everyone was already congratulating the boys.

Butcher: “Well, would you look at that, you actually graduated! Hahahaha!”

Isz: “Looks like those training sessions were worth it, master! Hahaha.”

Both were thrilled with their accomplishments, especially because the government had just declared temporary peace throughout the kingdom. Isz was already thinking about what kind of relic he would receive.

Hyogo: “Not to kill your excitement, but you’re definitely going to pick the S-Rank Retractable Spear.”

Isz made a funny, annoyed face and asked:

Isz: “Dude, we’ve been friends for four years and you still haven’t told me how you predict things so easily.”

Hyogo: “Fair enough. I’ll tell you and satisfy your curiosity. You know that mark you have on your chest? I have one too, but mine is a star. This mark gives me access to small premonitions.”

Isz was surprised.

Isz: “Mine’s just a birthmark. There’s nothing special about it.”

Hyogo: “It has a weird shape, man. Maybe you just don’t know how to activate it.”

Isz: “Yeah… maybe.”

Harpya called the boys and told them to enter the king’s carriage on the day of the celebration, advising them to wear the academy’s formal uniforms.

The long-awaited day arrived, and the carriage passed through the central city. Many people cheered and celebrated. Isz gave a shy little wave while the crowd shouted:

“Congratulations, new knights!”

Upon arriving at the celebration, Isz and Hyogo looked out at a grand hall filled with nobles and high-ranking military officials.

King Londor greeted them.

King Londor: “Congratulations, young knights. I am very proud of the service you have done for this kingdom and its people.”

Isz and Hyogo bowed and thanked him.

Princess Zhofia also welcomed them, explaining that she chose this date for the promotions because it was her 19th birthday, and that the greatest gift she could receive was peace for her people.

Isz found his old friends and greeted them with a small smile.

Isz: “We finally meet again, everyone. This place is full of strangers… I’m relieved to see you.”

Isz joked.

Helena and Alphonse laughed at the comment.

Alphonse: “I thought we’d never see each other again, future scout knight.”

Isz: “Same to you, alchemist. Hahaha. I heard you’re already a knight and an instructor. Congratulations, Alphonse.”

The king stepped onto a large stage and proposed a grand toast to everyone being promoted that day.