2 years later…
Ronibo sat in a chamber before the Magic Council.
"I assume you know why you are here, Ronibo?"
The man decided to play dumb.
"You know, I think I forgot. Could you remind me?"
"Insolent."
One of the holy mages turned on a television showing Derivan killing people and destroying a village. However, it caused no reaction from Ronibo.
"It seems your student is destroying villages and murdering innocent people. Do you have anything in his defense?"
"And how are you certain that it's him?"
"You can clearly see his face in the recording."
"That proves nothing. It could just as well be a double impersonating him."
"And how can you be sure that it isn't Derivan?"
Ronibo smiled at the question.
"Because unlike you, I know Derivan very well and I know he would never do such things."
"What a pathetic spectacle" said a new voice.
All the holy mages were surprised to see the newcomer.
"You…"
Two weeks earlier…
Nohara arrived in the kingdom of Ozoro with a blonde girl a few years younger than her.
"Don't worry, I think you'll be safe here" Nohara tried to reassure the girl.
They both went to the king's palace and, after receiving permission, met with him.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Nohara Hokane, and I am Maroke's daughter."
"Wow, it's been quite some time since I last saw him. How can I help you?"
"Your Majesty, during my journey I met this girl her name is Ania. Her village was destroyed and its inhabitants killed by some hooded figure. Could Your Majesty take her in and arrange accommodation?"
"With great pleasure. I'll find something for her immediately."
Koren summoned one of his subordinates and ordered him to find Ania a place to live — it didn't take long.
"Do you like it?" Nohara asked.
Ania nodded.
"Please don't go" Ania said when she saw Nohara leaving.
"Don't worry. I'm going shopping" I'll stay here with you for a while.
Meanwhile, somewhere in a park, Derivan was training. During that time, the boy had changed a bit. He had grown taller, wore dark pants, a blue shirt, and a black sleeveless vest, and his hair was slightly shorter.
"Alright, that should be enough for today."
As Yashimiro was heading home, Nohara came out of a shop and immediately saw him. At first she couldn't believe it was him.
"D… Derivan."
The teenager turned when he heard his old name and saw a girl with short red hair and glasses, wearing short purple shorts and a brown blouse.
"Do we know each other?"
A vein popped on Nohara's forehead.
"You don't remember me?" she tried to strike him, but he was faster, grabbed her arm, and threw her to the ground.
Nohara was surprised by Yashimiro's reaction, but now she could look at him more closely. She had to admit he was quite handsome the blush on her cheeks gave it away.
"What's your deal? Who are you, and why are you attacking me?"
Nohara quickly regained composure.
"Don't tell me you don't remember me!"
"Should I?"
The daughter of King Kasegi grew increasingly irritated and pushed Derivan away.
"Maybe this will refresh your memory" she said, removing her glasses.
Derivan looked closely at her.
"Hmm… you look familiar, but I can't remember."
Nohara clenched her jaw in irritation and covered her hand in an icy shell that clearly jogged his memory.
"Ice magic… I know only one person who used that magic. Are you Nohara?"
"Wow, you finally remembered" only after I had to use my magic. I can't believe I actually started liking you.
"You've changed a lot…" and what did you mean by saying you like me?
Realizing what she had said, Nohara's face turned completely red and she had to turn away.
"It's nothing" forget it.
Derivan tilted his head, confused.
"Alright, if you say so."
"So… what are you doing in Ozoro anyway?"
Before he could answer, his mother interrupted.
"Oh, Yashimiro" what are you doing here, and who's this girl?
"Mom, what are you doing here?"
"I was shopping, but I didn't expect to run into you with a girl. Is she your girlfriend?"
Nohara blushed at Mozalia's suggestion, and Derivan didn't help at all.
"Yes" he answered, surprising the girl, then added "It's obvious at first glance that she's a girl."
Mozalia sighed.
"Good grief, you're just like your father when it comes to women. What's your name?"
"My name is Nohara."
"Listen, Nohara since you're here, maybe you'd like to come over for dinner?" Mozalia suggested, though Yashimiro didn't look convinced.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Mom" Derivan interrupted, causing Nohara to narrow her eyes at him.
"Why not?"
"Because Nohara is probably busy and doesn't have time."
To the teenager's surprise, Nohara smiled and agreed.
"No problem I'll gladly come tomorrow, if that's alright."
"Excellent" see you then.
After Mozalia left, Derivan turned to his old friend.
"Are you planning to stay here? I thought you'd return to Kasegi."
At the mention of Kasegi, Nohara's expression darkened something Yashimiro didn't miss.
"Did something happen?"
"Listen, Derivan… remember when you were exiled?"
"Of course — how could I forget?"
Nohara explained everything she had learned about that situation. Yashimiro couldn't hide his shock.
"I see… that bastard did something like that" Derivan clenched his fists hearing what Borner had done in Kasegi.
"I managed to escape thanks to my grandfather."
"Then let's go" we need to save that kingdom.
"Idiot do you really think the two of us can handle all those mages? I remind you my father and sister are among them."
"You're right. So what do you suggest?"
"I was thinking about forming a group. That way we'll have better chances."
"Makes sense."
Derivan and Nohara walked through the city chatting about trivial things.
"By the way, why does your mother call you Yashimiro?"
"Because that's my real name."
"What? Then what about Derivan?"
"You could say it's my nickname hahaha."
Soon they reached Ania's apartment. Hearing their conversation, the girl immediately came downstairs and when she saw Derivan, she was terrified.
"Hey, Ania, what's wrong?"
"H… him" the blonde pointed at Yashimiro.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Derivan was confused.
"He attacked my village and killed everyone" she said, shocking Nohara and even more so Derivan.