Magician From the Past

Chapter 8

The Golden Tower hummed with anticipation as the apprentices dispersed. Ethan and Malik, their conversation a blend of camaraderie and curiosity, headed toward the magic elevator.

"So, what's your assigned task for this month?" Malik asked, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.

Malik adjusted his satchel. "I was assigned to help with a murder case," he added. "Probably because I attend The Southern African Magic Federation Academy."

Fan, always quick to interject, chimed in. "It's none of your business, Malik."

Ethan chuckled. "I guess they gave us these assignments based on the jobs said we wanted to pursue after school."

"But didn't you say you wanted to be a mercenary hunter or something?" Fan asked, her eyes narrowing playfully.

Ethan shrugged. "My choices are still open. I just want to be comfortable with what I do."

"Good for you—" Fan began, but Malik interrupted.

"Hey! Just 'cause your family forced you to be an alchemist doesn't mean you have to make us feel sorry for you," Malik teased.

As they resumed walking through the meeting room of the Golden Tower, Ethan observed their playful banter. "You two must be best friends, huh?" he said, glancing at Fan and Malik.

They both denied it. "We just live in the same neighborhood," they replied in unison.

The day passed, and Monday arrived. Nickolas settled into the seat next to Ethan in class. "You seem excited," he remarked.

"Did someone ask you out or something?" Christian teased, joining the conversation.

"Dude, just 'cause you're single and lonely doesn't mean we all are," Mike interjected, earning laughter from the group.

Christian defended himself. "Hey! I'm the honest one here. You all are just hiding it."

Ethan leaned back, contemplating the month ahead. "I have to complete this month's assignments from the academy so I can apply for a month's leave."

Mike smirked. "It's that time, huh? I also received a mission from the Guild I contracted with."

Christian rolled his eyes. "Here we go—the geniuses are bragging."

"Jealous much?" Mike shot back, teasing Christian.

Their homeroom teacher, Mr. Wellman, entered the room. "Alright, class," he announced. "As we all know, the end of the semester is coming soon. All tasks outside this Academy are to be finished within these two weeks or placed on hold until you finish your exams."

Nickolas leaned over to Ethan, whispering, "Must suck to be you, huh?"

As the end of the semester drew close, Ethan's plans for an extended leave were ruined, leaving him with a mere two weeks to complete his task. The revelation hung in the air, a specter over their final days at the academy.

"So what will you do?" Nickolas inquired, his tone laced with concern.

Christian chuckled, finding amusement in their predicament. "Not so great being scouted early, huh?"

Mike, ever curious, turned to Nickolas. "Say, why weren't you scouted, Nick? Almost all students in our division are."

Christian's protest went unheard. "Hey, don't ignore me!"

Nickolas, caught in the crossfire of questions, hesitated. "Well, it's not like I don't want to, it's just..."

Ethan interjected, revealing a secret kept under wraps. "His father is the Guild master of Driekan."