All-around teacher at the magic academy

With heavy steps, as if carrying a thousand-pound burden, Rhine walked with difficulty under the dim streetlights.

Today, he finally took a significant step in his life, using magic in battle for the first time.

The surge of that power gave him an unprecedented sense of awe.

Recalling the tense and exciting battle not long ago, his heart couldn't help but race. He could almost feel that burning magic flowing through his fingertips.

This sense of accomplishment was unforgettable for him and made him even more interested in magic.

Despite his physical exhaustion, he was unusually excited.

He marveled at the wonder of magic, as if a door to a new world had been opened for him. This power captivated him, fueling his desire to explore more unknown secrets.

Finally, he arrived at the familiar, dilapidated apartment. Though simple, it held many warm memories for him.

He looked up at the familiar window, a warm feeling welling up inside him. Having a home of his own in this world was enough for him.

The moment he opened the door, Rhine was so blinded by the warm light inside that he could barely open his eyes.

He paused for a moment, a hint of doubt rising in his mind, before his gaze fell on Arthur, who was sitting at the table.

Arthur's face showed a hint of worry, but seeing Rhine return safely, that worry instantly turned into relief.

Upon seeing Arthur, Rhine felt a surge of inexplicable happiness and emotion, a feeling that caught him somewhat off guard.

He never imagined that there would be someone in this world who cared so much about his safety, and he cherished this sentiment deeply.

"You're back! I thought something had happened to you."

Arthur's voice held a sense of relief, but his eyes were filled with concern. Clearly, he had been worried about Rhine, fearing he might be in danger again.

Rhine smiled slightly, trying to make his tone sound relaxed: "Everyone ate quite late."

He didn't explain in detail, just said it casually. He knew Arthur was a worrier, and he didn't want Arthur to worry about him. After all, he was back safe and sound, and that was the most important thing.

"Have you eaten?" Rhine's voice sounded particularly gentle in the quiet room as he looked at Arthur with concern.

"Ate."

Rhine walked to the dining table, gently placed the food he had packed on it, and then sat down opposite Arthur.

His movements were gentle, as if he were afraid of disturbing the peaceful night.

"Perfect for a late-night snack. This is a new one I bought, and it's delicious."

Rhine's gaze lingered on Arthur's face, a hint of shared joy in his eyes.

Looking at the food on the table, Arthur's eyes involuntarily welled up with tears, his nose tingled, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. This simple act of care moved him deeply.

"Shall we eat some more?" Arthur's voice trembled slightly as he tried to hide his emotions.

"Mhm." Rhine nodded with a smile, his eyes shining with understanding. He knew that this late-night snack was more than just food; it was an exchange of emotions, a silent companionship.

The two sat quietly together and began to enjoy their late-night snack. Although there weren't many words exchanged, the warmth and unspoken understanding in the air made this simple night exceptionally beautiful.

Sometimes, a simple late-night snack or a warm smile can make you feel the warmth and preciousness of home.

……

Arthur's gaze never left Rhine; his heart was filled with a sense of pride and surprise.

In just over a month, Rhine had changed so much that he couldn't help but wonder, is this what they call instant growth?

That transformation from boy to man seemed to be completed in that instant.

"Huh? Is there something on my face?" Rhine noticed Arthur's gaze and touched his cheek with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

“No.” Arthur answered hesitantly, his lips moving slightly, but he ultimately did not voice the question that was on his mind.

He was afraid that his question would break the rare tranquility, or perhaps he was worried that it would touch on something Rhine didn't want to talk about.

This afternoon, during his free time, Arthur planned to start cleaning the house.

He thought that since he had some free time, he might as well help Rhine tidy up his room.

Arthur always assumed that Rhine's room would be a mess, because Rhine was always too busy with his own things to keep the room tidy.

However, when he gently pushed open Rhine's door, the scene before him surprised him.

The room was neatly arranged, the bed was clean, the documents on the desk were stacked in an orderly fashion, and even the floor was spotless.

This unexpected cleanliness made Arthur realize that Rhine was no longer the Rhine he used to be.

His gaze was involuntarily drawn to the books on the table. He had initially thought they were just ordinary books, perhaps some collections of stories or academic materials.

However, when he subconsciously opened the book's cover and his gaze fell upon the mysterious symbols and incantations, his heart began to race, and he froze on the spot.

He carefully flipped through the book, examining each page meticulously. Indeed, it was a genuine magic book.

In an instant, a multitude of thoughts flashed through Arthur's mind. He didn't know how complex his feelings were at that moment—was it shock? Relief? Or worry?

In the end, Arthur silently closed the book and put it back in its place.

He knew that Rhine must have his own reasons for suddenly wanting to learn magic.

Perhaps it was something he had experienced in the past that made him realize he needed more power to protect himself; or perhaps it was because his interest in magic had suddenly been rekindled. Whatever the reason, Arthur decided to respect Rhine's choice.

He recalled how he had always encouraged Rhine to go to magic school.

Although he knew that such a decision would make their lives more difficult and increase their financial burden, he never felt that there was anything wrong with his suggestion.

Learning magic, especially for a young man like Rhine, is a path that can drastically change his destiny.

Magic not only provides power, but also broadens horizons, giving Rhine more opportunities to realize his dreams.

Arthur silently told himself that this was all he could do at the moment.

As for Lineker, he has unlimited potential, the opportunity to go to a wider stage, and the opportunity to live a better life.

Arthur knew that all he could do was to provide as much support and help as possible to Rhine, so that he could fly higher and go further.

...

Rhine looked at Arthur, who seemed a bit dazed, and felt that something was off about him today. There seemed to be deep thoughts hidden in his eyes, but he didn't know what he was thinking.

A sense of unease crossed Rhine's mind, but he didn't press the matter, simply waiting for Arthur to come to his senses.

Finally, Arthur's eyes cleared, and he sighed softly in his heart.

Although Rhine's changes surprised and even worried him somewhat, he understood that these changes were generally for the better. His growth and progress were what he most wanted to see.

He tried to shake off his doubts and anxieties and refocused his attention on Rhine.

And so, the two sat there in silence, and Arthur's heart gradually calmed down.

He thought that perhaps it would be nice to just let things develop naturally like this.

Experiencing life's ups and downs together is a rare kind of happiness in itself.