CHAPTER 820: CHAPTER 127 - GRADUATION DISASTER (2)

Rose and I decided to meet up again and have a drink together.

Back then, it was something we used to do without even thinking, almost every weekend like it was just part of who we were. But now... Well, now it felt like something we had to force ourselves to remember to do, as if the weight of everything kept pushing us apart.

"So, how’s it going on your end?" I asked her, my voice coming out softer than I meant, as I traced circles on the table with my fingertip. The glass felt cold in my other hand, the condensation dripping onto my skin.

"Well, I’m honestly pretty bummed out," she said, her tone so casual it felt almost unreal. "I don’t think I can climb back up the ranks anymore... since I keep slipping, even in Silver Class."

She spoke like it was nothing. Like she’d long accepted it—or maybe had decided not to let it hurt anymore.

"You sound weirdly calm about it. Why’s that?" I asked, tilting my head slightly, trying to read the expression on her face.

"Well, I think being a magic knight isn’t really for me," she said, letting out a small breath that fogged up her glass for a moment. "Not because I’m not good enough—but because it doesn’t feel like I’d even fit into that world. And... honestly? Once I fail to become one, my family will probably cut me off. But... I think I can live with that."

Her voice didn’t crack, and her eyes didn’t falter—but there was something heavy behind her words.

I knew Rose had always been living under the weight of her family’s expectations, but I never thought she’d speak about it like it was something she’d already made peace with. Whatever relationship she had with her parents... it must’ve been strained enough that being disowned felt like something she could carry.

"Still... I don’t get why we can’t move forward anymore," she continued, her gaze drifting off into the dim light of the tavern. "I mean, I made it to Gold Class back in first year. So why can’t we do it again now? Why do I keep slipping further instead?"

Her words felt heavy in the air, even if her tone stayed light. It was like she was trying to convince herself it didn’t matter—but it did.

She really was thinking it through. Maybe it was better she didn’t see the truth of it... that Gabrielle’s equal opportunity system had helped so many break through their ceilings, while we, the ones who’d hit our peak too soon, were left slowly rotting away on the side.

Now that we were in fourth year, it was clearer than ever. So many had discovered new potential, breaking through limits we couldn’t even see anymore. And the people who had always been at the top? We were starting to slip... and it was happening right in front of our eyes.

"I’m betting it’s just a matter of perseverance," I told her, the words tasting hollow even as I said them.

"Yeah, probably," Rose replied, her lips curling into a small, resigned smile. "I mean, I was lazy as hell in the early years. Maybe that’s why it’s coming back to bite us in the ass now."

She grabbed her glass and downed it in one smooth motion, the liquid catching the faint lamplight before disappearing down her throat.

"Puhaahhh~! Alcohol really is the best," she sighed, her shoulders relaxing for just a moment.

"It really is..." I echoed, my voice almost a whisper. "But... I wish Gabrielle was here with us tonight."

Our eyes both drifted to the empty seat across the table. That spot used to feel alive that was filled with laughter, teasing, and arguments. Now it was just an empty chair, and it felt heavier than anything.

"Well, Gabrielle’s probably just busy, you know?" Rose said, her fingers idly spinning her empty glass. "Or maybe... she doesn’t wanna hang out with a loser anymore."

"Loser?" I repeated, blinking at her.

"I mean, me," she clarified, her voice staying calm but with something flickering underneath. "I got demoted to Silver Class and haven’t been able to climb back. Maybe she thinks I’m a loser now. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t drink with us anymore. Don’t you think?"

Hearing Rose say that about herself made my chest tighten.

"I don’t... really think Gabrielle would see you that way," I said, my voice steady but gentle.

We sat there in silence, the faint hum of voices around us feeling distant. Just us, the clink of glasses, and the flickering lantern light dancing on the table.

Then Rose looked at me.

"What about you? Are you gonna be okay? Last I heard, you’re only about ten ranks away from slipping."

I let out a small breath, my fingers tapping against the rim of my glass.

"Well... I’m doing everything I can," I admitted. "But it feels like everyone else keeps climbing, and I’m stuck fighting to keep from falling. It’s... overwhelming, honestly. Still, I’m giving it everything. And now, all I can do is wait for graduation and hope... pray, even, that I’m still in Gold Class by then."

Then I looked up at her, a small smile tugging at my lips.

"And... of course, I want you to be there too. Both of us, standing together as magic knights. Gabrielle would be so happy to see us. Then we’d go out, celebrate, get some beer, and drink ourselves stupid. Doesn’t that sound kinda fun?"

"It really does," Rose said softly, her gaze softening. "You know... back when Gabrielle said she wanted the three of us to graduate together, I was so happy. But I was too embarrassed to say it, so I just teased her instead."

"Gabrielle still feels the same, I’m sure of it," I told her, trying to let that hope sink into both of us.

Rose refilled her glass, lifted it up, and swallowed it down in one big gulp, the alcohol burning away whatever doubt she had.

"Alright! I’m gonna try even harder to get back into Gold Class! I’ll do everything I can!" she declared, her voice echoing with determination.

I couldn’t help but smile at her energy.

Somehow, even now, her spirit hadn’t died out. If I could go back and tell my past self that I’d end up drinking and laughing with someone like Rose, I know my old self would’ve thought I’d gone completely insane.

But what my past self didn’t understand... was how it felt to have real friends. Friends like Rose and Gabrielle—people who burned bright in their own ways, even when things were falling apart.

I wanted to graduate with them, side by side, as magic knights.

So after that night, I kept trying. Gave everything I had to keep up—to hold onto my rank.

It took nearly all my strength, sleepless nights, doubts that clawed at my mind, and so many moments I wanted to give up... but finally, graduation day came.

Before that day, I managed to keep my rank. And so, I felt a bit of hope that maybe, just maybe, I’d still be in Gold Class.

Then the final results were posted.

We all gathered, hearts pounding, breath caught in our throats, to see what fate had decided.

All of us, cadets who’d fought, hoped, and bled for this moment...

All of us stood there, staring at those final words that would decide everything.