Magician From the Past

Chapter 10

Ethan perched upon a rock, his gaze lingering over the battlefield's remnants. A contemplative silence enveloped him as he mused, "So this is what the life of hunters looks like. My entire life I've been doing illegal mercenary work or stealing things for Elaine."

The captain's voice broke the stillness. "Alright, we're done collecting the precious parts. Let's head back."

Dawn, in quiet conversation with the captain, couldn't help but remark, "That kid really is something, huh?"

"Yeah, I saw his contract for this mission earlier. Apparently he's a battle mage," the captain replied, a note of respect in his tone.

"Those are really rare," Dawn marveled, her eyes following Ethan's solitary figure.

At the hamlet, the rescued victims arrived, their expressions hollow, the shock rendering them almost lifeless. "This is all of them," Present reported to Marvin.

"Lead them to the Hall. The captain should be arriving anytime now; they just finished the subjugation," Marvin instructed, his voice carrying the weight of the day's events.

By the time they returned, dusk had settled, casting a somber hue over the scene. "They all look awful," Nothando observed as they entered the hall.

"Well, what'd you expect after what they went through?" Marvin responded, his rhetorical question hanging in the air.

"Yeah, they're probably traumatized, scarred for life," Dawn added, the mood heavy with a sense of loss despite their victory.

The captain, ever the leader, spoke up with authority. "We'll gather up the people and escort them to the hospital. They'll receive the proper treatment."

"And the kids?" Dawn inquired, her concern evident.

"We'll take them as well. No one will be left behind," the captain assured her.

Turning to Ethan, the captain concluded their arrangement. "This concludes our contract with you, Ethan. I'll fill out all the necessary documents and send them to you, and you will be free to leave."

As Ethan's airbike soared through the night sky, returning to Sky City, he pondered his newfound freedom. "I still have a week and some days. I wonder how I'll spend my free time. Maybe I'll buy a warehouse," he thought, the city lights beckoning him to a future yet unwritten.

In the magnificent Golden Tower of Sky City, Ethan returned from his first official mission. Professor Thorne remarked, "That was quite short," as Ethan submitted his completion form. "You'll receive your commission later today," Professor Thorne added.

With time on his hands, Ethan ascended to the tower's third floor, where advanced books on magic arts were housed. For the next few days, he immersed himself in their pages, often returning to his dorm late at night and rising early each morning. On the fourth day, the second floor bustled with activity.

"What's happening today, Linda?" Ethan inquired of the second-floor receptionist. The first four floors of the tower served as its library, and he and Linda were familiar with each other.

"A group of scholars is searching for information about an ancient plant," Linda replied. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And what about you? You've been studying magic textbooks like a man possessed."

Ethan chuckled. "It's nothing serious. I'm just researching runic magic."

As he made his way toward the magic elevator, a familiar voice called out. "Ethan, you're back—or perhaps you never left?" It was Fan.

"I completed my task a while ago," Ethan replied. Fan always seemed to appear at the right moments.

"Today seems busier than usual," Fan observed.

"Yes," Ethan agreed. "Apparently, BHK is hosting a botany competition. Whoever correctly identifies the characteristics of a mysterious plant they'll reveal will win 50 million Chronon and a free trip to Mars."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Are you considering joining? After all, you specialize in botany."

Fan hesitated. "I'm not that confident in my skills."

"And what about her?" Ethan whispered, thinking of Joy.

"What?" Fan leaned closer, intrigued.

"Nothing," Ethan said, shaking off his thoughts. "I've been meaning to buy a warehouse of my own. It's about time I had a place to call home."

On a sunny Saturday morning, Ethan embarked on a quest to secure his own piece of Sky City. Real estate was his goal, and he sought advice from his friend Nickolas, a seasoned property enthusiast.

Nickolas, flanked by Mike and Christian, appeared on Ethan's holographic video call. Christian, always the jester, quipped, "Ethan, my friend, you don't exactly exude 'millionaire vibes.' Perhaps you'd have better luck renting an apartment outside the academy."

Nickolas, ever practical, cut to the chase. "What's your budget, Ethan?"

Mike, the voice of reason, chimed in. "Considering the exorbitant tuition fees, are you sure you can afford anything beyond renting?"

Ethan leaned back, a sly smile playing on his lips. "My budget is 60 million Chronon," he declared, stunning the entire group. Their eyes widened, and Christian's jaw nearly hit the floor.

Christian recovered first. "Wait a minute. Are you really an orphan, Ethan? Maybe you inherited a hefty sum after your parents' untimely demise."

Ethan's smirk hinted at secrets. "Something like that," he replied, cryptic yet amused.

Nickolas, the practical advisor, offered options. "Plain land or dilapidated buildings—what's your preference?"

"Either is fine," Ethan said. With Nickolas's guidance, he learned of an auction house in the northeast business district. There, hidden among the bustling cityscape, lay the perfect opportunity.

Ethan arrived at the auction, the air thick with anticipation. The gavel fell, and he secured a sprawling 100-acre plot in the undeveloped region of Sky City—for a mere 10 million Chronon. His mind raced with possibilities.

Next, he hired skilled contractors to construct a warehouse. It would house small ships, a testament to his dreams of exploration and adventure. The warehouse took shape—a beacon of possibility against the city skyline.

But fate had more in store for Ethan. As he settled into his new house in the residential district 8-million-Chronon, he noticed a familiar face next door. Luna, stood on her balcony

As Ethan recognised Luna he received a message from Zephyr materializing on the screen. "I've heard of your recent strides, Ethan. It's commendable, truly. But remember, the closing of the day heralds your entry into the grand tournament."

Ethan's eyes narrowed as he read the words, a murmur escaping his lips, "Didn't Zephyr mention it would be months from now?" Confusion laced his thoughts, mingling with the anticipation of the challenge ahead. His fleeting respite had reached its end, and with it, the promise of a new adventure beckoned.