The World Above

Chapter 13 : Lesson in Urgula

Haven's POV

“Why are you so late, unni?” Mira came running down the hallway and enveloped me in a tight hug.

“Oof! Get off, you're so heavy!” I laughed, gently pushing her away.

Giggling, she unwrapped herself from me. “Mom made pear bingsu, hurry!” She grabbed my hand and pulled me into the dining hall.

“Nice of you to join us. Mom! Haven's back! Can you please serve dinner now?!” Matt exclaimed eagerly from his seat as Mom entered with rice bowls.

“Alright, here you go. Tuck in everyone!” she said cheerfully. I sat down, trying to ignore the lack of appetite gnawing at me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have indulged so much at Felix’s house.

“Did you go to Cafe Internet again? Is that why you're not eating?” Dad eyed me with mild annoyance. I gulped, instantly regretting my gluttony. Dad hated us eating out; he believed it was unhealthy. Sighing, I picked up my chopsticks and forced myself to take a huge bite of rice.

After dinner, I helped Mom clear the table before retreating upstairs to tackle some work. An hour or two later, I glanced at the clock. It was already ten. I pushed my books aside and lay down. I had two hours before Hercule would come for training.

***

My pillow felt unusually fluffy. I reached for my blanket, but it was so cold. Not finding it, I opened my eyes to discover I was flying above the clouds. I yelped as someone touched my shoulder.

“You seem frightened. Are you alright?” Hercule’s voice was calm.

“What are you doing!” I stammered, trying to steady myself.

“You were in such a deep sleep that it seemed wrong to wake you. Not that I tried.” He smiled.

“You could have at least cleaned me up!” I protested, pointing to my disheveled state.

Hercule looked confused. “You look perfectly fine as you are. But if you think otherwise, Lenna would be more than happy to help.”

We soon reached the entrance of Magix, but instead of heading to the palace, Hercule directed the kitsune northeast.

“Where are we going?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“Your first lesson: taming the animals of Urgula!” He grinned and gently tapped his spirit animal, which suddenly dove. I shrieked, clutching its fur even tighter.

As soon as we landed, Hercule jumped off and offered me his hand. “I hope you're not sleepy anymore. We have an exciting lesson ahead, and it would be a shame to miss out!” I glared at him slightly but took his hand, fearing I might collapse otherwise.

“Wonderful! You guys are right on time! We'll start as soon as Felix joins us,” Lenna announced as she hurried to greet us, followed by the other gods and goddesses.

“Good, we have enough time for Lenna to dress Haven in appropriate clothes,” Hercule nodded at the goddess of fashion.

Lenna’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly dragged me to a nearby pink, glittery tent.

Felix's POV

Sometimes, I think my mother is right. Working myself to the bone for the prosperity of the company is neither healthy nor wise. But TechShion wouldn’t be here without my efforts. Exhausted, I rubbed my eyes and stood up to get some sleep. Just as I turned, Aether appeared, blinding me.

“Gosh! You gave me such a fright!” I hissed, clutching my heart.

He chuckled. “Shall we go? The others are waiting for us!” He extended his hand.

“Can I skip today? I’m really tired.” I yawned loudly, emphasizing my point.

“No can do, sir! But I can wake you up.” He smirked mischievously.

“If it involves standing in front of the Sun and burning holes in my eyes, I pass!” I joked.

Aether laughed. “Nice idea, but not what I had in mind. Here, eat this!” He handed me a toffee.

Confused, I took the toffee. A burst of flavor hit me: first spicy, then intensely sweet. I swallowed and looked up to see Aether holding back his laughter.

“That’s the Swilly candy, one of Magix’s best inventions. It starts off spicy and ends sweet, painfully so,” he explained.

“Who invented it?” I asked, but Aether seemed not to hear me. Instead, he asked, “Are you awake now?” I nodded, took his outstretched hand, and we teleported.

***

When we arrived, I noticed two odd things: we weren’t at the usual Magix palace, and the gods and goddesses hadn’t noticed our arrival. They were all huddled around something—or someone. Trying to get a look, I saw the crowd part, revealing Haven.

They were all surrounding her, and I didn’t blame them. She looked stunning in leather boots up to her knees and a full black outfit. Her high ponytail made her silver earrings visible, and the smoky eyeshadow added a fierce edge.

Angelica noticed me first. “It looks like Felix is here; shall we start then?” Everyone snapped out of their trance.

“Alright. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to a field I’ve specially prepared for today’s lesson,” Hercule called out, leading the way.

Farris fell in step beside me. “So, what do you think?” he asked.

“About what?”

“Haven! Who else?”

“She looks ready to murder someone! Black suits her.” I remarked.

Farris nodded in approval and fell silent.

We reached the field, filled with mythical animals. “Okay, today’s lesson is taming mystical animals,” Hercule began as the gods and goddesses took their seats on vine thrones.

Haven's POV

“A spirit animal bonds with your soul. Mystical animals are born with only half their soul, searching for the other half within their future owner's heart. When they sense it, a bond forms. Bonding season is special because children from Magix to Urgula bond with animals then.

Animals are divided by ferocity and power into classes. Class one has the least powerful beasts, like the bowtruckle, while class ten has the most ferocious, mainly dragons. However, dragons have long refused to bond, deeming us unworthy. Gods and goddesses get class eight or nine spirit animals, sometimes seven. High-status individuals get class five or six, while commoners get below class five. The Emperor and Empress receive class nine spirits but must tame all classes as a requirement.

We’ll go through a few animals from each class to prepare you for the Crowning Ceremony. Any questions?”

Felix's POV

I raised my hand. “What’s the Crowning Ceremony?”

Angelica answered, “It’s the day you’ll officially be announced as the Crown Prince and Princess of Magix. It’s in a month.”

Lenna sighed dreamily. “It’s going to be wonderful—a ball with gowns and dances...” The others agreed, excitement palpable.

Haven spoke up. “You said dragons stopped bonding with you. Did they ever? And how did they decide we were unworthy?”

The room’s atmosphere shifted, everyone deep in thought. Then a voice from behind answered.

“Dragons appeared during Bonding season but never bonded. No one was ever powerful or pure enough. An accident involving a rogue dragon and a rogue she-devil made them deem us unworthy,” the man explained.

“Erebus! Thank you for joining us!” Morpheus welcomed him, introducing him as the god of afterlife and death. Erebus bowed to Empress Angelica, apologizing for his tardiness.

Angelica smiled, nodding. Erebus took his seat, and Hercule resumed. “Today, we’ll study and tame the bowtruckle and the swar, class one animals. Shall we begin?”

Haven and I nodded, eager for what lay ahead.