Renzo Leaves the Academy
Division: Son of Envy
Arc: Buzzutsu Academy
Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Warren's grave, Blue Rose Speedway
Overview
Plagued by guilt and trauma from the UTC Massacre, Troy experiences a vivid nightmare in which a serpent — which eventually takes the form of Warren — accuses him of weakness and failure. Shaken and unable to sleep, he uses the think tank to visit Warren’s grave, where he considers abandoning his training and returning to a normal life. Renzo, a third-year planning to leave the academy himself, challenges Troy’s reasoning and urges him to process his grief rather than run from it. After Renzo departs, Troy is approached by Rosa, a second-year who has secretly been observing him due to Mr. C.’s interest in his potential. She reveals that new developments connected to the UTC Massacre are emerging on a global scale, reigniting Troy’s purpose and convincing him to remain at the academy and continue fighting.
Detailed Plot Summary
Troy experiences an intense nightmare in which he runs through mangroves before being trapped by a serpent that strips him of his cursed energy and taunts him about his weakness. The creature takes on Warren’s voice and eyes, accusing Troy of failing to save him during the UTC Massacre. Overcome by guilt and self-loathing, Troy accepts what he believes is his deserved death in the dream, only to awaken in a cold sweat with a real nosebleed.
Unable to return to sleep, Troy leaves the academy alone and travels through the think tank to Warren’s grave. There, in the rain and darkness, he confesses his regrets about not agreeing to leave with Warren before the massacre and laments his perceived failure as both a friend and a sorcerer. While grieving, he is unexpectedly found by Renzo, a third-year student who had tracked Troy’s think tank exit. Renzo offers him a ride, and upon arrival at the Blue Rose Speedway, reveals that he is planning to leave the academy permanently in order to pursue a normal life with his girlfriend and her child. Their conversation forces Troy to reflect on his own doubts about whether he belongs in the sorcerer world.
Renzo also reveals that Warren had previously taken leave from the academy before his death, deepening Troy’s confusion about his friend’s past decisions. Left alone to reflect, Troy briefly resolves to quit the academy himself. Renzo challenges Troy’s thinking, arguing that grief and insecurity are not valid reasons to abandon his potential. He insists that meaningful progress takes time and that Troy has not fully committed to learning from his peers or trusting his team. He leaves Troy with those thoughts as he briefly leaves.
Before he can finalize his decision, Troy is confronted by Rosa, a second-year with a perception-diverting cursed technique who admits she has been secretly observing him due to Mr. C.’s interest in his abilities. She reassures Troy that his passion and compassion mark him as someone with real potential. Rosa then reveals that intelligence gathered by Duncan suggests a larger threat connected to the UTC Massacre — possibly extending beyond Florida and even reaching Africa. The possibility of uncovering the truth and avenging Warren rekindles Troy’s determination, and he ultimately decides to remain at the academy and continue his path as a sorcerer.
Key Events
- Troy experiences a traumatic nightmare featuring a serpent embodying his guilt over Warren’s death.
- He awakens with a physical nosebleed, suggesting lingering psychological or cursed effects.
- Troy secretly leaves the academy via the think tank and visits Warren’s grave.
- Renzo finds Troy and reveals his decision to leave the academy for a normal life.
- Renzo challenges Troy’s self-doubt and urges him to process grief rather than quit.
- Troy briefly decides he will also leave the academy.
- Rosa reveals she has been monitoring Troy due to Mr. C.’s interest in him.
- She shares intelligence about a larger global threat connected to the UTC Massacre.
- Troy regains resolve and decides to stay at the academy and continue training.