"I see."

"I understand. I'll take you out of here, then."

Chishiya didn't argue. He just nodded calmly.

"Mm."

Frieren turned to Fern. "Let's go."

She stood up, prepared to leave, but Fern tugged at the edge of her robe.

"Frieren-sama, there's something I have to say."

As Fern spoke, she pulled a small coin pouch from her pocket.

She upended it in her hand—six lonely copper coins dropped into her palm.

Frieren leaned closer.

"Fern… what is this?"

"Frieren-sama… this is all the travel money we have left."

"…"

Frieren slowly turned her head to Chishiya.

"Chishiya-san, how much did you say you were offering?"

Chishiya blinked, caught off guard.

So in the end… we're all still bound by poverty, huh?

Even the legendary elf mage was broke?

"Ahem…"

He cleared his throat. "Ten gold coins."

Fern's voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in close to Frieren's ear.

"That's enough to eat dessert with every meal for three years."

Without hesitation—

Frieren turned back.

"Chishiya-san, could you tell me more about this commission?"

Chishiya: "...?"

—

Inside the room...

Stark was admiring the silver wrist guard on his arm.

The more he looked at it, the more he liked it.

"Thank you, Chishiya-san."

"It must've taken you ages to craft something this refined."

He scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed.

His job wasn't even that complicated. He was just sparring with monsters during training.

Honestly, he didn't feel worthy of such a reward.

Chishiya waved him off casually.

"No big deal."

Truthfully, these wrist guards were just mass-produced copies from Kaijin's workshop.

Chishiya had originally stocked them up with Great Sage's help to sell later—but hey, might as well use them now.

Guess Stark really likes it. Good thing Great Sage doesn't produce junk.

Right then, a familiar voice called out.

"Chishiya-sama!"

Gobta poked his head in through the door.

"Huh? Guests?"

His gaze landed on Frieren and the others.

Chishiya gestured to Stark.

"Stark, you'll be training with him from now on."

Gobta's eyes lit up like fireworks.

Perfect!

With both Youm and Stark on the team, there were now two more people to take hits with him.

Now Sensei won't always target me first, right?! Hahaha!

He clapped Stark on the back.

"C'mon, Stark! I'll take you to meet everyone. You'll be joining us for tonight's training."

"Eh? Thanks a lot!"

Stark looked at the round-headed goblin in front of him.

Even if he was technically a monster, he seemed pretty nice.

Meanwhile…

Across the room, Fern and Frieren were now seated in front of a massive pile of magic books.

Fern flipped through them one by one, placing them aside carefully.

"Frieren-sama… these are all legendary spellbooks!"

Her voice trembled with excitement.

An entire wall of bookshelves was lined with these.

Where did Chishiya even get this many…?

Over by the side…

Frieren pursed her lips, visibly conflicted.

(´-﹏-` )( ˘-﹏-˘ )(´-﹏-｀)…

So many rare spellbooks.

All ancient, practical, and obscure.

Even ten years wouldn't be enough to study them all.

Was I too hasty with what I said earlier…?

It's not like I can't help out a little…

Not far off, Chishiya peeked in.

Their eyes were practically sparkling.

Not bad… not bad.

As long as they do the work, I'll definitely treat them right.

He smiled faintly.

All those "useless" books the system gave him turned out to be legendary relics in Frieren's world.

They weren't offensive spells, sure—but they were highly useful.

And exactly the kind of quirky magic Frieren liked to collect.

"Ahem… let me take you to the school."

Chishiya finally spoke.

Frieren reluctantly put the book down.

Dragged along by Fern, she followed him out.

—

Thirty minutes later.

They arrived at the academy's training field.

From a distance, Frieren and Fern could see wooden targets lined up on one side.

On the other, dozens of demi-humans were channeling energy toward the targets with intense focus.

"What are they doing?" Frieren asked.

"That's magic class," Chishiya replied.

The curriculum was split into three categories: magic, academics, and physical training.

Only the physical lessons were taught personally by Hakurou.

The others used standardized teaching materials.

The magic textbook was a "blank" spellbook pre-written with certain skills.

Chishiya turned to look at the students.

Even with pre-written content, learning magic still took time.

It couldn't be mastered just by reading.

It depended on talent, magical reserves, and even personal disposition.

For instance, people gifted with physical strength might never grasp a spell, no matter how hard they tried.

They moved past the playground and approached a five-story building.

Above the entrance, bold letters read:

[Education for All]

Frieren and Fern stopped in their tracks.

"…What does that mean?" Fern asked.

"It's the school motto," Chishiya explained.

"This academy is open to everyone. Human or monster, rich or poor—everyone is treated equally and can receive the same education."

"I founded this school to give people a shot at changing their fate."

He turned to look at them as he spoke.

There was no sarcasm in his voice this time.

It was genuine.

After spending years cramming for exams back in Japan, he knew how hard it was for regular people to change their lives.

To claw your way up, you needed to work ten, even a hundred times harder than others.

But without the right opportunity, all of it could be wasted.

...Of course, he didn't mention the second half of that thought.

He's not running a charity, after all.

He'll help people—if they're allies. Otherwise, don't get greedy.

Fern stood still, stunned.

Teaching everyone… changing destinies…

It reminded her of her own past.

Her parents had been killed by demons. She'd been completely alone.

If Himmel hadn't found her, she probably would've died.

And Frieren.

It was Frieren who taught her magic. Gave her a future. A purpose.

Because of them, her fate had changed.

And now… isn't Chishiya doing the same?

In this world, kids like her wouldn't have to fear hunger or despair.

They could learn. Grow. Become strong.

Fern clenched her fists.

Maybe this commission meant more than she thought.

She wasn't doing this for others anymore.

She was doing it… for the child she once was.

Right then, Chishiya turned around, extended a hand, and said—

"Well, I'll be counting on you."

"Welcome to Underground Labyrinth Co., Ltd."

(To be continued.)

***

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