CHAPTER 255: CLUB PERMIT

Riven got out of bed and walked into his bathroom. He washed his face with water and walked out. He sat on the bed and looked at his finger; there was a ring there, the same ring from the dream.

’So she did give me a ring, everything else was a dream,’ he thought.

He got up and left the room, walking through the hallway in the middle of the night.

"What is he up to?" Twilight asked.

"We have a blacksmithing lab in the building, I wanna make use of it," he said, getting to the bottom floor.

He found the smithy, pushed the door, and walked in. This was the first time he was using this part of the building. It was a standard smithy, with ores and everything they needed set there. That was a privilege that came from being an A-class student.

There were also runes along the wall to muffle the sounds.

He picked up a hammer, walked to the furnace, and began working with an ore.

And so an hour passed, he purified and hammered. With every hit, a memory from the dream clashed in his mind, so he hammered harder.

He couldn’t get over it. He kept refining a sword, over and over again until he was done with one. He tossed it aside and walked to the next, starting work again.

After three hours, he had made three swords, three per hour. It wasn’t just impressive, it was downright crazy.

"What’s wrong, Riven? You’ve been hammering for hours without stop, and I can tell that there is something up with you," Twilight asked.

"It’s just... it’s just that it feels too much," Riven said. He bowed his head and stopped hitting.

"It just feels like there is a lot to handle, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to take control over it," he said, then continued hitting.

She allowed him to work for a few more minutes, then she spoke. "Through the years that I have lived, I learned something. Two men were asked to pull out the tail of a horse.

One man grabbed onto the tail, yanked at it, and pulled with all his might, but no matter what he did, it didn’t come out. Rather, he hurt the horse instead.

But the second man pulled out hair after hair. He moved patiently, and by the time he was done, all the hairs were gone and the horse wasn’t hurt."

"What I’m trying to say is that when you focus on everything, you end up doing nothing. Taking it one at a time makes sure that you make progress and also ensures that no one is going to get hurt.

Whatever it is that you fear, it will come faster if you truly try to stop it all together. But imagine breaking it down little by little. That way, you’ll be able to weaken it, and when the time comes, you can complete it," she said.

Riven stopped hammering. He let out a breath. "I guess that’s true. I should really stop worrying too much and start working toward actualizing what I want."

He worked on finishing the sword and then headed out of the smithy. It was already bright out.

"I think it’s time we actually went to a dungeon. Let’s get that club."

[.....]

A few days went by, but after the dream, Riven finally made it to the Headmistress’s office. He knocked on the door twice and walked in.

He saw her seated on her chair, head buried into some documents.

"Exams are fast coming. I’m having a hard time handling all of the preparations, along with a ton of other things that have to be done," she said, then looked up at Riven.

"I hope you are preparing for the exams. It’s time to get done with the first semester already," she said.

"I am trying my best," he said and walked in. He sat down on one of the chairs.

"So what’s the issue that you wanted to see me about? Quin told me you wanted to see me," she said.

"I’d like to start a club," Riven stated.

"A club?" She raised her brow.

"Yes, a club. Specifically, an exploration club. A club that goes around and learns new things, discovers untold stories, and more.

I have been constricted into this academy, or my home. I haven’t seen the things that this kingdom has to offer, mystical beasts, other races scattered around due to war and other issues.

There is a lot that could be learned away from the walls that we are stuck in," he said, trying to convince her.

"Hmm, I see. Honestly, I can tell what you want. You grow on the field, not through teachings. That’s why you became an adventurer, right?

Don’t worry, I read a little about your past. And I am also willing to allow you to have this club, if you are willing to do a little bit of stuff for me from time to time around the kingdom," she said.

"What sort of stuff?" he asked.

"Some things that you will find pretty interesting," she said. She smiled, but with her cold detached eyes, Riven could see a plot behind.

But he recalled what Twilight said. He took a deep breath. "I agree to it, but I also need full funding, maybe a little bit more than any other club gets. After all, we will be working for the academy," he said.

"Good, that works for me. Also, you’ll be meeting with some specific seniors. They also help the academy and the kingdom handle some stuff. They’ll be, in ways, your informants and extended partners," she said, then pulled out a form from her desk and handed it to him.

"This is the permit for a club. You can ask any teacher to be your instructor. I’m guessing you’ll use Quin, he is the best for you," she said.

Riven took it and got up. He gave her a slight bow and walked out of the office.