Saying goodbye was simple enough, but doing it took Loa an entire day.
There were actually few people Loa knew well in the entire O'Brien Empire. He went to O'Brien Academy first.
Saying goodbye to Fein was simple.
The old man was drinking tea at his mountaintop residence. When he saw Loa come in, he glanced at him and said, "Leaving?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Tomorrow."
Fein nodded, poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for Loa.
"Be careful on the road," he said, then asked, "How are you planning to get back?"
Loa picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"Through the Magical Beast Mountain Range."
"You know that place better than I do, so I won't say much." Fein waved a hand. "But the same warning stands: don't get careless. There are powerful magical beasts in those mountains that even Saints wouldn't dare take lightly."
"I understand."
"Headmaster, thank you for looking after me all this time."
Fein looked at him and smiled.
"I didn't do anything. You had the ability yourself."
The two fell silent for a while.
Then Fein suddenly said, "Next time you come, remember to have a drink with me."
"I will."
After coming down from the summit, Loa went to find Wharton and old Hiri.
The boy was staring at that painting in the courtyard. Hearing footsteps, he raised his head, saw Loa, and froze for a moment.
"Loa?"
Loa nodded.
"I'm leaving," Loa continued.
Wharton stood stunned for quite a while.
Then, without saying anything, he simply rose and gave a solemn bow.
Looking at him, Loa remembered their first meeting. The boy had been only three then, holding a wooden sword and looking up with a silly grin. Now he was twelve, nearly as tall as Loa, his muscles