TBATE - Not Bound By Fate

Part 19

It was the middle of the night before I took the exam to become an adventurer. I was experimenting with wind mana trying to unlock its deviant form when suddenly my aether core started aching, and before I could even examine it, the pain became unbearable, I couldn't even scream as I fell over.

Alarmed by my state, Regis jumped inside my core saying something but it didn't register. Soon after Sylvie came into the room worried and lifted me off the ground and into the bed. She stayed with me for a while until I passed out.

I don't know how long I was out for, but it was still dark when I woke up. Sylvie was still next to me, worry laced on her face and Regis was on the other side, seemingly lost in thought. My core was still aching, but at least it was just that.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice a bit weak.

"That's what I want to ask." Sylvie said.

"Regis?"

"I'm not sure how it happened, but I think it's good." He answered after a few seconds. "For starters, the layers you built on top of your core are gone, but, it didn't reduce the amount of aether you can store, it increased in fact. I would say you can store at least five times as much."

"What do you mean at least?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but when I was inside your core, the aether felt a hell of a lot denser. And it felt like there was a lot of empty space there. So you'll need to fill it up to see just how much more grape juice you can drink."

"I see." I tried to pinpoint what would have such a change but nothing came to mind.

"I wonder why it happened." Sylvie said as if reading my mind.

"No clue. Maybe because the princess has his mana core back something in his mind changed. Aether is all about insight and perception."

"Maybe, but who knows. I've been thinking of going to the Relictombs some time soon, so I'll do some tests there."

"Not a bad idea. Do you think I can come too?" Sylvie asked.

"I think so. The entrance we use is different from the others so you might be able to get in." I answered. "But that can wait, you should go back to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow."

She nodded and as she was about to get out of the bed I heard a voice inside my head. And by the expression on my companions' faces, they heard it too.

"The time of our meeting draws closer, Arthur-Grey."

"That wasn't ominous at all." Regis said, being the first to get back his composure.

"Doesn't help that it was a child's voice." Sylvie commented.

"At least it didn't sound hostile." I said. "But now I doubt I'll be able to sleep."

We stayed in silence for a few minutes until Regis spoke up.

"Do you guys feel like playing poker to pass time? Winner gets one wish from the losers."

"Sure, why not." Sylvie said with a confident grin. And so we spent the rest of the night playing.

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I was sitting with Jasmine in the stands of the arena where the examinations took place. My talk with Kaspian went pretty much the same as last time. Regis was with me in my core while Sylvie decided to stay home after destroying us last night. I don't know how she always had the perfect hand to beat us, when I asked she simply said a lady needs to keep a few secrets. I spent most of the day so far trying to figure it out to no avail, so I turned my attention to the match that was happening right now.