Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 22: Heading Towards Peril

 I wake up, with Scarlet still asleep, cuddled next to me. Carefully, I slip out of bed, making sure not to disturb her. I dress quietly and quickly. Once dressed, I step outside enjoying the breeze ready for the trip back to the academy.

Before anything else, I make my way to the designated bathroom area. Afterward, I head into the woods to dismantle the traps we built to catch the rabbits.

When I arrive in the woods, I discover that one of the traps has been triggered. I quickly dismantle the remaining traps before making my way to the other one. I carefully open the trap releasing the rabbit that has been caught inside, watching as it scurries away into the safety of the underbrush.

After releasing the rabbit, I make my way back to the camp. As I enter, I find Scarlet already awake and busily packing her things. I quickly join her, putting away my belongings and helping with the tent.

After everyone had packed away their things and taken down the tents, we gathered for breakfast. We enjoyed the remaining berries we had picked and the fish we had caught in the traps overnight.

As we waited for Mr. Wykles to arrive, we decided to pass the time with some of the games we had created. With the makeshift chessboard, we played a few strategic matches, enjoying the mental challenge and friendly competition. Along with chess, we took turners shooting off spells at the targets we hung in the trees, to see who could score the most hits.

We also played a game of tag with a magical twist. The player who was "it" could use simple Water and Wind spells to tag the others. Water spells allowed them to launch small jets of water, while Wind spells created gusts of air to gently push or disorient people.

After a few hours of fun, Mr. Wylkes arrived with the carriages to take us back. He congratulated us on the teamwork and resilience we had shown throughout our time together. With his help, we packed our belongings into the carriages, ensuring everything was secured for the journey home.

We all climbed into the carriages and began our journey back to the academy. As we pulled away, I glanced back at the camp, watching the familiar opening slowly disappear behind the trees. I whispered a quiet goodbye.

About an hour into our trip back, the carriages suddenly came to a halt. The abrupt stop caught us all by surprise, and after a few tense moments, a voice called out from the front. "Everyone, get off and come to the front!" the voice instructed.

As we stepped out from the carriages and made our way to the front, we were confronted by a group of about fifteen armed men. The leader of the group stepped forward and, with a stern expression began to talk. "Hand over everything you have," he commanded, "and we'll let you go with at least your lives."

Mr. Wylkes glanced back at us, his face set with determination. Drawing his sword, he commanded us to stand back and prepare to defend ourselves. With a commanding presence, he raised his open hand, and a flicker of flame began to form, swirling and merging with his blade.

In a quick yet powerful motion, he lunged forward at the bandits. he had taken down two of them with swift, fiery cuts and delivered a decisive blow to another, slicing across his abdomen. The chaos of the battle unfolded rapidly as some split from the main group headed toward us.

I quickly grabbed the golden rod from its holder and infused it with my mana, transforming it into a staff ready for combat. Meanwhile, Scarlet unsheathed her sword, and several other students followed suit, drawing their weapons ready to defend themselves.

One of the bandits charged at me, closing the distance rapidly and leaving me with barely any time to react. I managed to deflect his swing just in time, but not without sustaining a cut on my arm. Before I could recover, Scarlet sprang into action, unleashing a volley of attacks leaving him little room to defend himself.