In the large fireplace behind the dean's office, the firewood exploded.

It has been a long time since they came to the dean's office.

Mars' wand.

Yologue said.

It's the key to opening the gate.

"Key"

Almark murmured.

"That's what he said."

"The gate will never open completely without its key. A key is essential to gain the true power of encapsulated magic."

In Yologue's words, Almark recalls when Rhinell manipulated Mars' wand.

Suddenly, the magic suddenly burst into Wendy's body.

"But there are many mysteries about Mars' wand."

Yologue said.

"Once upon a time, the good magicians opened a path with the other world to contain your magic in the dark abyss. It is said that this wand was used at that time. I've been missing for a long time, but I showed up at this academy a few decades ago. And in a strange cruise, you were recognized as the owner of this wand. It's strange that the Academy has all the gates and keys and the owners of the keys."

"What should I do with this wand?"

Almark said.

Mars' wand in his hand now looks just like a stick of wood picked up in the woods.

But this wand undoubtedly has the power to put Wendy's life at risk in an instant.

Almark clearly remembers the bright light he emitted the other day.

What face should I have next to Wendy with such a wand? [M]

"I was chosen to be the owner."

Almark said.

"Someday I'll meet Wendy. Wendy's gate."

Almark said so much that he got stuck in his words.

Yologue stared at Almark silently.

Almark never opened his mouth.

"Am I destined to open Wendy's gates someday? With this Malus wand."

Wendy shook her head small in response to Almark's words.

It seemed like it wasn't supposed to happen.

But isn't that what it means to be the owner of the key that opens the gate?

That is, he who is responsible for opening the gates.

If so.

That way, I can't be in this college.

With this Malus wand, we will have to leave somewhere far away from Wendy.

"Don't get me wrong."

Yologue said quietly.

"There are two sides to everything. The essence does not change, but if you change the angle of view, it also looks quite the opposite. Front and back, right and evil, light and darkness."

Almark couldn't grasp the meaning of the word and looked at the yologue.

Yologue stared at Mars' wand and said.

"The key also has two roles. You'll see. The key is not just to open a closed door. Closing an open door is also a key function."

Almark's eyes fell on Mars' wand in Yologo's words.

"If anyone tries to open Wendy's gate, you can close it. As the key owner, lock the key firmly so that Wendy's gate never opens."

"Lock the key."

"Yes, it is."

Yologue nodded.

"You protect the gate."

It's not a key to open the gate, it's a key to protect it.

Isn't that just a word play?

"Can you do that?"

I can do it.

Yologue nodded.

"But to do that, it doesn't seem like Rhinel, who doesn't own it, is manipulating the power of the cane. I need you to have all the power of that wand."

Cultivate the power of the wand.

Almark slowly lifted Mars' wand.

It feels familiar to your hands.

That was the case from the beginning.

So maybe I was a little relieved.

This mysterious wand is mine now.

"Your journey partner, the sword."

Yologue said.

I wonder if you could use it as freely as you did from the beginning.

No, it's not.

Almark remembers.

The Dagger has always crossed the dead line with you.

But when I first held it, I finally lifted it with both hands.

I shaken it every day, every day.

When I think that my hands are tight and it crumbles immediately, it crushes all over again.

Weren't you waving your sword every day, fighting the bloody pain, until your palm became literally as hard as a stone?

For the first time, the dagger belonged to Almark.

Almark's partner, the Dagger, never betrayed Almark on the battlefield or in battle with monsters.

The teacher is right.

Almark said.

"There was still not enough trust between me and this wand."

That's why the cane didn't listen to me.

I had no choice but to silence myself in the exercise of my powers.

Speaking of which, he said the same thing.

Almark recalls Rhinel's farewell words.

"Practice your wand a little more."

Hmm.

Yologue nodded.

"Regardless of good or evil, Rhinel is right."

Almark saw Mars' wand again.

Wendy's fate is too heavy.

I couldn't help thinking of myself anymore.

I have to do something, but I don't know what it is.

But now I see what I'm going to do.

All you have to do is keep it simple.

I can run straight towards it. [M]

"I'll train."

Almark said.

"Just like the sword, so is this wand. Never betray me."

There was still a consciousness in Almark's mind that the last thing to rely on was the sword.

I learned magic and learned how to use my wand. But if I had to, I would have sworn. [M]

I was so sure.

Untrained mercenaries.

Sweet to the sword.

That hurt Wendy this time.

Wendy, I'm closing your gate.

Almark said.

"That's why I'm here."

"I know."

Wendy nodded.

"But I don't need a reason. Because that's what I promised you."

When I left the dean's office, it was completely dark outside.

Almark and Wendy left the school building side by side.

Exhaling white and looking up at the moon, Almark remembers that he didn't mention his name.

But I was full of heads today.

Aren't you cold, Wendy?

That's what Almark said and looked next door.

And then, surprisingly, Wendy nodded on Almark's shoulder.

"Wendy?"

He startled to raise his voice, but soon realized that his shoulders were trembling.

"I'm sorry."

Wendy nodded and said in a moaning voice.

"Just once. I won't tell you again, just once."

You can see your shoulders getting wet with tears.

Almark grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Why?"

Wendy murmured.

"Why me?"

My shoulders were shaking like I was squeaking.

"Why should I be chosen for that?"

Almark's chest hurts as he crushes again.

I found something to do.

But I couldn't find the words to call.

Wendy's swallowing leaked.

Almark chewed his lips and stood up.

Eventually, Wendy raised her face with bright red eyes and smiled slightly shy at Almark.

"I'm sorry. Show me something embarrassing."

According to Wendy, Almark shook his head.

"No, I'm not ashamed."

"My weak voice is now the last."

Wendy said.

"So forget what I just said."

"Okay."

Almark nodded.

Wendy starts walking first.

"It's cold."

Wendy looked back at Almark.

"Let's get out of here."

That's what he said and smiled gently.

"I kind of want to see everybody's face."

"There must be Morgan and the buyer in the conversation room."

Almark lined up next to him, saying so.

"I almost ate dinner, so I'll have some sweets for you."

That's right.

Wendy nods.

"Let's get Morgan's recommended treats."

"I agree. I'm sure they'll line it up."

Almark laughs too.

As if nothing had happened.

That's fine.

Almark thought.

The size of what we carry makes our feet slow down.

Still, we are.

Almark tells himself strongly.

This is how we walk side-by-side.