The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 12 [Higher-ups]

"He got cocky and then out of control?" I repeated Saria's words, disbelief coloring my voice. The image of the dark figure we'd fought earlier flashed in my mind, a stark contrast to the confused, powerless individual we'd left behind.

Saria nodded solemnly, her tiny face creased with concern. "Power can be intoxicating, especially to those unprepared for it."

Noarin crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on the shattered ornament lying on the coffee table. The fragments glinted dully in the soft lamplight, a reminder of the battle we'd just endured. "Something like that happens often," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of understanding and resignation. "Having powers... it changes you."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. I couldn't help but wonder if we too were changing, slowly but surely, as we navigated this new world of magic.

The clock on the wall ticked steadily towards midnight. We'd gathered in the living room, the cozy space a stark contrast to the chaos we'd left behind at the festival. Despite the late hour, none of us seemed ready for sleep, too wired from the night's events.

Saria straightened her back, her small form somehow commanding attention. "Well, since he got his lecture and now he doesn't have the ornament, we can focus on the other pressing matter," she announced, her tone businesslike. "We should think about how to start introducing magic into society."

Kai leaned back on the couch, his usually carefree demeanor tempered by a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, since there's already public witness, maybe we should really get in touch with the higher-ups," he mused, running a hand through his tousled hair.

Noarin turned to him, her brow furrowed. "But how do we get in touch with the higher-ups?" The question hung in the air, highlighting the enormity of the task before us.

To my surprise, a slow, knowing smile spread across Kai's face. He stood up, stretching his arms above his head with a casual grace that belied the seriousness of our situation. "I don't think that's necessary," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "We just have to wait. I bet we'll be busy as hell tomorrow."

Rishia nodded, a similar knowing look in her eyes. "Yeah, Kai is right. We should get some sleep now," she agreed, rising to her feet with a barely suppressed yawn.

Noarin and I exchanged confused glances, feeling like we were missing some crucial piece of information. "Um, Miss Deduction, would you like to explain?" I asked Rishia, unable to keep the frustration from my voice.

Rishia simply smiled enigmatically as she headed for the stairs. "You'll understand tomorrow," she called over her shoulder, leaving us even more perplexed.

Before we could press for more information, Saria's stern voice cut through our confusion. "Yes, we can continue this tomorrow. You both need some rest. Now." Her gaze, fixed on Noarin and me, brooked no argument.

"Yes, ma'am," we answered in unison, feeling for all the world like chastised children despite the gravity of our situation.

***

I stir awake, my mind still foggy with sleep. The room is bathed in a soft, pre-dawn glow, the world outside my window still shrouded in the hazy twilight between night and day. Despite the early hour, I feel oddly refreshed, the events of last night seeming almost dreamlike in the quiet of the morning.

As I make my way downstairs, the old wooden steps creaking softly beneath my feet, I hear the gentle clinking of dishes and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the kitchen. Curiosity piqued, I follow the inviting scent.