"Stay here and get some rest. I'll notify your teachers." The nurse ordered as she brought over a couple of paper slips for the young boys to sign.

"It's not serious is it?" Dora asked, her eyebrows furrowed with worry.

"Apart from the bruises, there are some fractures and minor broken bones. But don't worry, it's nothing worrisome. After a healing session and a few hours of rest, they'll be good as new."

"That's good. Thank you so much."

"No problem. Alright, you girls should leave. They need their peace and quiet."

"Okay."

After seeing the girls off, the nurse turned back to Mel and Stent. "I'm going to go submit these forms to the Principal so he can notify your teachers of your absence. You guys stay here and don't move about, okay?"

"We understand."

After hearing their confirmation, the nurse smiled and left the room. In the peaceful state of the infirmary, Stent suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Mel.... Am I weak?"

"No, Stent. Why do you say that?"

"The fight...I couldn't do anything to help...I was useless."

"There's no helping it. That bastard was just too strong. Even I couldn't do anything. I-I should have paid more attention in class. I was too conceited."

Stent gingerly rolled to the side and looked at Mel, "I want to get stronger...no, I need to get stronger."

"Yea. We both need to get stronger or how else will we be able to protect our friends? Like my old man used to say...'To protect his family and friends, one must be powerful.'"

Stent repeated those words silently and nodded in agreement. "I think I'm going to minor in Combat Magic."

"Minor in Combat Magic? You shouldn't."

"W-Why not? Are you worried about my grades? Don't worry. I also have the foundation for Combat Magic. It shouldn't be a problem for me to pass the classes."

"No, it's not that."

"Then, what are you talking about?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to become Grand Forger?"

"Yea?"

"How can you accomplish that if you don't focus solely on Magic Forging?"

"Magic Forging won't make me strong. How can I defend myself or protect my friends without Combat Magic?"

"That can be solved easily. I can teach you some fighting techniques and Combat spells. There are a few Foundation Techniques from my family you can use freely."

"Your family is proficient in Fire Magic...different from what I'm good at. Those Foundation Techniques of yours are probably not suitable for me. That can also be said for those Combat spells of yours. I think learning from a teacher would be more helpful."

"But the expenses...." Mel glanced towards Stent worryingly. Mel knew that even though Stent came from a middle-class family, he won't be able to pay for the tuition garnered from both a major and a minor.

"Don't worry about it. I've earned some coins from my part-time job working for the city's blacksmith. I'll manage."

"Oh, alright. But, if you are ever short on money...ask me. I'll help out. After all, we're friends."

"Thanks."

The two boys laid on their beds after their conversation and both looked towards the bleak future with hope and motivation.

..........

At Dora's room....

..........

Tanya walked up to Dora and hugged her. "Don't be sad, Dora. I'm sure things will work out."

"You don't know for sure. Who knows what that bully would do to me." Dora glared at Tanya before her eyes softened once more with depression.

Dora wiped away her tears and climbed on top of her bed. She huddled at the head of the bed and hugged her knees. "My parents initially didn't want me to join an academy."

"What do you mean?" Tanya asked curiously as she sat next to her friend.

"They told me that they were worried about my well-being. Especially mother...she said I should stay home and learn from a home tutor. I thought she was just being ridiculous. I mean, why was Mel allowed to venture out but not me?"

"Then, how did you convince them to let you go?"

"I...I didn't. I ran away from home. By the time my parents found out my whereabouts, I've already joined this school."

"I see."

"I was so stupid. I should have heed my parents' warnings and stayed home instead. Now, look at me.... I've brought too much trouble to you guys."

At this point, Dora could not hold in her depressed emotions anymore and tears began to well from her eyes once more. Hearing the young girl sob, Tanya too began to feel that she was about to cry as well. And so, the two friends sobbed silently in each other's arms. Once the two young girls cried their hearts out, they finally settled down. Dora thanked Tanya for being there for her.

Feeling better, Dora remarked with some determination. "Right now, I am too weak. If I want to protect myself, I need to get stronger."

"Me too." Tanya chirped in. "I want to be stronger as well. I want to have the power to protect you from bullies."

"Thanks Tanya." Dora chuckled as she hugged her best friend again. "We'll protect each other from bullies."