Project 7 the First: The Hero's Great Come Back

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

It was a long day. Project 7 just returned from their last mission. They also had some training during missions. It seemed that Lance exceled in most training exercises. For someone who is being teased around school, he sure earned high scores during missions.
They were returning to their base from their last mission in Japan. They were all tired from the hard work. Shannelle was happy that she could take a break. Marjorie was thrilled that she will not be riding that bird anymore.
"Congratulations, guys!" said Mr. McGuillon as he felt proud for everyone. "You all did very well in our missions. Now, it has come to an end. Starting next Monday, we will be moving to Excalion."
"Where exactly in Excalion?" asked Gavin.
"We will be staying in the main village also known as Ardenia," said Mr. McGuillon.
"What you mean by 'staying', do you mean... living there?" asked Marjorie.
"Exactly," replied Mr. McGuillon.
Everybody got excited except Lance. He was not ready to reveal his secret to them yet. He does not even know what will happen if they figure out.
"You will spend two more days here to think about what you want to bring and also what you want to do with your family. It's up to you," said Mr. McGuillon. "Manteio Academy has a branch there in Ardenia. We will be staying there. There are also two individual dorms. One for the guys and the other for the girls. Don't mess around or you'll get punished. Trust me, you won't like the punishment. Okay, that's all for now. I like to compliment Lance for doing great in all exercises. He was the first to accomplish all of them."
They congratulated him. Albert, on the other hand, felt very suspicious. He began to have that feeling from the first task that was given to them. He felt like he was hiding something. He felt like he was the worst at everything. He was the last to finish all the exercises that were given to him. He felt jealous at the same time suspicious. He thought that there is something wrong.
After the meeting they had, they all separated and went home. As Lance was walking home, he almost collapsed from all the missions they had. He was dragging his feet going home.
He already reached home. He greeted his parents and went to his room to do his routine before dinner. After taking a bath, he sat on his bed to dry his hair.
"You did great these past few days," said Pagos.
"Well, it was not that hard, to be honest. With the training I had with you, I experienced much worse," said Lance.
"Oh, you should be thankful. Without my harsh training, you wouldn't be able to reach this far," said Pagos.
"Yeah, you're right."
Averugius was on Lance's desk hopping around. He came to a stop and faced Lance.
"What is it, Averugius?" he asked.
"I want to say my thanks to you," said a voice that sounded like a child's voice.
Lance was shocked. He was worried where could that voice be coming from.
"Please, don't get startled," said the voice. "It is I, your so called 'Averugius'."
Lance suddenly stared at the bird disturbingly. He could not believe that his pet just talked.
"Y-you just talked!" said Lance as felt frightened. He crawled back leaning onto his bed. "How did that happen? Am I getting crazy? It's probably stress, isn't it, Pagos?"
"Calm down, Lance," said Pagos. "You should get used to these stuff. There are also sone creatures that talk."
"Why didn't you tell me that?" Lance asked. Lance finally calmed down. He took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry if I did scare you like that," said Averugius. "My real name is Ascalon. You already know what I am. Sorry that I was silent all this time."
"Don't mention it," said Lance calmly.
"I believe that since you won't be needing me, then, I have to leave," said Ascalon sadly.
"Why?"
"I still have to return to my family. The reason I stayed with you is to return the favor you did. I really appreciate the treatment that you did for me," said Ascalon.
"I see. So, you're not coming back?" asked Lance.
"Sorry, but I guess we could meet someday," said Ascalon. "My job here is done. 'Til we meet again. I'm looking forward on your development."
Then, Ascalon hopped to the window. He spread his wings and took off. That was the last time Lance saw Ascalon.
"Dinner's ready!" exclaimed Lance's mom from the kitchen.
Lance was really hungry, so he rushed down the stairs and went to the dining room. He saw his dad already seated. For some reason, he felt awkward facing his dad. It has been a long time since they got to talk properly since he has gotten himself busy with some work.
Lance sat next to his dad. He did not know how to start the conversation. He just remained silent until his dad started to talk.
"So, how was the academy," he asked.
"It's fine," Lance answered shortly.
"By the way, you did not mention your teammates to me," said his dad. "I'm disappointed. Your not opening up anymore. Is it because of too much school work?"
"Well, Dad, you've been busy yourself," Lance replied. "It's rare for you to join us for dinner lately."
"Oh," said his dad pitifully. "Then, I'll make it up to you. How about tomorrow we will have a battle. Let's see how far have you gotten. I won't hold back, so prepare yourself."
"Then, I'll give it my all," said Lance boldly.
"That's my son," said his father proudly. "So, the school called me. They said that, for an ordinary student like you, you excelled in every exercise you were given."
"It wasn't that hard, Dad," said Lance. "I just did what I have to do. It's not like my spirit energy is sealed or something."
"I see. So, tell me about your team," said his dad.
Lance explained each member of his team in detail. He also mentioned about their trainor.
"So," said his dad like there was something wrong, "you're teammates with Arclight, huh?"
Lance felt a weird aura around his dad like there was an incident that just happened. "Why? Is there something wrong? Do you know his family or something?"
"Well, it's not like that," said his dad like he was hiding something. "It's just that his father is very famous. That's all."
"Oh."
"I'm amazed that you got a legendary trainor," said his dad. "A member of the Juvian tribe."
"Yeah."
"So, next week you're moving to Excalion, huh?" asked his dad with excitement.
"Well, yeah. I feel kind of nervous," said Lance.
"What's wrong?" said his dad. "It's just moving to another dimension. Once you enter that dimension. You will be transformed into your magical form. I just wonder what yours will be like..."
"Umm, yeah. I wonder, too," said Lance nervously. He quickly finished dinner and went straight up to his room.
His dad felt uneasy like he said something wrong. He felt regretful saying those words.
Lance was in his room lying on his bed. He stared at the ceiling like he was waiting for something to appear.
"Why did you immediately leave the table?" asked Pagos. "You know that it's impolite."
"I just felt like it," Lance replied gloomily. He was pondering on some stuff.
"Something wrong?" Pagos worriedly asked.
"It's just that... tomorrow I'll be fighting against my dad. What if I have to use my powers? Then, he would think of some bad intention," said Lance.
"If you feel that way," said Pagos, "then just show him. He is your dad after all! And, one more thing, he was the one who gave you the amulet you're wearing now."
Then, Lance thought it through. Maybe he could just show his dad. Pagos was right. His dad has the right to see what Lance is currently capable of.
Lance finally felt relieved. He could trust his dad. So, he tucked into his sheets and fell asleep.