While my life was getting worse by the day, my mother continued to try and give me hope.

"Don't worry Baxter! I'm sure you are just a Late Bloomer like your father! Just give it some time and your magic will awaken!"

I prayed every night hoping that my mother's words were correct. And then when morning rose I would dedicate hours to try and conjure mana out of my hands. In the end, nothing came out and I just looked like a fool.

As for my relationship with Iris, it had become complicated. Her parents who once loved me like their own refused to even let me approach their door. Iris herself still wanted to see me but her family did everything in their power to keep her away from me.

Having enough of being held down by her mother and father, Iris hatched a plan. She managed to send a letter to my house telling me to meet by the lake which was another area we used to play a lot. 

That night, I did as instructed on the letter and went to the lake. Standing right by it was an impatient Iris.

When my friend noticed me she grinned and waved.

"Hi, Baxter! Long time no see!"

"How did you convince your parents to let you out this late?"

"I didn't. I snuck out."

I gasped in a very dramatic fashion.

"Idiot! You can get in serious trouble for just being out here so late!"

"I shouldn't get in trouble for just meeting a friend! I don't understand why Mom and Dad are being so mean to you!"

"It's not just your parents Iris, it's everybody in the town! I'm the first Null they had in years and they are treating me as if I am sort of...disease!"

"Do you...really think you're a Null?"

"...I don't know. Mother says I'm just a Late Bloomer. But what if she's wrong? What am I going to do if I really can't use magic!?"

As I continued to let out my fears, sadness, and frustration my voice raised in volume. An uncountable number of tears fell from my eyes, blinding me as my body began to tremble as if it would fall apart.

"I-if I can't u-use magic...I can't become a H-Holy Knight...!"

Before any other words escaped my lips Iris embraced me. Her arms felt warm and her hair smelled like strawberries. I started to calm down bit by bit as I allowed myself to fall into Iris's hug. Once I stopped crying, Iris looked me right at my face. Slight tears were coming out of her own eyes but she was trying to keep her smile on.

"Baxter, you are one of the strongest people I know. No matter how hard the task or how big the obstacle you always managed to push forward! I don't know if you are just a Late Bloomer or a Null but regardless I know you--Baxter Ale, can still become a Holy Knight!"

"H-how can I become a Holy Knight if I'm a Null?"

"If you can't become stronger with magic then just get your strength from your own body! Maybe you will go down in history as the first non-magic Holy Knight!"

Iris's words of encouragement caused me to release a fit of laughter I never thought I could make. Feeling the same strange joy, Iris joined in and we basked in the moment as the full moon's light shined over us.

That night with Iris gave me the determination to keep on trying. No matter what my future would end up being, I swore under the gorgeous night to become a Holy Knight. To become a hero.