High Guardian Spice Twice

Ch. 9 - Friends Until the End.

A week later, things were progressing cautiously for some, but for our protagonists, the winds were changing. They weren't just focusing on physical improvement but also on social growth.

For the professors, it was the same; they were improving their teaching methods. The classes were actually enjoyable for the students now. Even the third-years had mixed emotions—many had had to learn things on their own outside the academy if they wanted to become Guardians, but now the path felt paved for them.

Salthyer was walking through the halls with a recently recovered Caraway. They had faced issues with healing potions due to what had happened in Vinca's cave, but aside from that, everything had gone well. The professor was back at the academy. Though everything seemed calm on the surface, Salt had already asked one of his former Crown comrades to investigate the area where the girls had seen the Rotting Beast. After ensuring the newly returned professor was settled in his office to continue resting, Salthyer met his comrade in the training field to talk while walking.

«My good friend Salthyer, how's life treating you? Still as bold as ever?» said the golden-haired Guardian, clad in full ivory armor with ochre embellishments, and a pair of axes strapped to his back.

Despite sharing several missions and conversations, Salthyer still didn't quite consider him a friend—more like a comrade. It was better not to get too close in case tragedy struck on a mission. The elf had no problem with that, but the axe-wielder was just too energetic and attached to those he knew.

«I see you haven't lost your usual spirit, Cornnic. How many casualties has that cost you?» asked the elf with his typical tone, one that made it hard to tell if he was being sarcastic or not. His comrade just looked at him with a big grin.

«Twenty-seven casualties—but only from the Crown's service. I helped them appreciate life more, and they decided not to take as many risks.»

Salthyer gave him a tired look. «You're going to leave the Crown with too few Guardians.» Cornnic responded with a hearty laugh. As they continued walking, three young students were "training" at one end of the field. It looked more like a class than actual training, but the conversation with Cornnic continued.

«So, what did you want to talk about? Got any new info?» Salthyer asked expectantly. Cornnic replied, «There are two things to consider. First, the investigation into the source of the Rotting Beast has borne fruit, but it's not a place for anyone to go alone. The second is a more... 'private' matter.»

Salthyer, puzzled by the second point, asked if it was something related to the Crown. Cornnic confirmed this with a nod. Before Salthyer could ask more, he looked closely at the students. It was Licorice with Rosemary and a tired Snapdragon on the ground, watching.

Apparently, the pink-haired girl had asked Licorice to help her practice swordsmanship. Professor Hakone's classes were good, but she needed to put what she was learning into practice. And since she wasn't allowed to face monsters due to Salthyer's restriction, the third-years were the next best option. However, when Rose arrived at the field, she realized that Snap had already asked Licorice for help.

The professor and his comrade watched the students for a few seconds. Their movements with their weapons had definitely improved. After they finished and took a break, Salthyer approached the group, while his comrade stayed back with a curious gaze.

«Well, well, it seems you're really improving. Miss Rosemary has gone from being a tree with a sword to bamboo swaying in the air with a sword...» he said with a sarcastic smile, clearly trying to rile up Rosemary, and it worked.

«If you're not here to say something useful, better not approach. You're surrounded by disasters.»

«I see. But you know bamboo is also known as 'the plant of a thousand uses'... Now your potential is even more apparent. I don't say things without reason, Miss Rosemary; everything has a purpose,» Salthyer said proudly of his planned response, but Rosemary wasn't backing down anymore.