Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 23: The Forbidden Archives

I wake up before my alarm rings and make my way to the bathroom to get ready. As I brush my teeth, I glance at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the faint pink still streaking through my white hair. It's been over a week since the attack, and the tint in my hair refuses to fade.

After silencing my alarm to avoid waking Sylvia, I quietly slip out of my room and make my way outside. The early morning air is crisp, and the world is still bathed in the soft light of dawn. I make my way to the gym and when I arrive I start my run, starting with a gentle pace and working up.

After my run at the gym, I head to the cafeteria for breakfast. The scent of freshly baked bread fills the air as I approach the food line. I grab a plate piled high with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs, the warm bread a perfect complement. I pour myself a glass of apple juice and add a few orange slices to my plate

After breakfast, I spend a few moments outside, enjoying the crisp morning air and the tranquility of the campus before heading to class. When I finally made my way to the classroom, I found that Professor Wylkes and a few of my classmates had already arrived.

I take my seat, settle in and prepare my materials, and then sit back to wait for the class to begin. I'm particularly excited for today's class, diving into more magic training and engaging in sparring matches with my classmates.

Just as class is about to begin and Mr. Wylkes is preparing to review the lesson from last time, a sharp knock echoes through the room. Mr. Wylkes strides over to the door and opens it. After a brief exchange, he returns to the front of the classroom motioning for me to come to him.

"Rune, it appears your reward is ready. The headmaster would like you to come to his office to receive it."

"Thank you, Mr. Wylkes," I say with a nod before leaving the classroom. I make my way through the bustling hallways of the school. After a few minutes of trying to find my way, my eyes finally catch sight of a small, discreet sign on a door that reads "Headmaster's Office." I straighten my clothes and take a deep breath. I raise my hand and knock gently but firmly on the door.

The door opens gently with a soft creak, revealing Headmaster Enzo seated behind an impressive mahogany desk. "Welcome, Rune. I've been expecting you," he says, his voice warm and inviting. He gestures to a chair in front of his desk with a reassuring smile. "I'm glad you made it."

As I step inside, I notice the room is elegantly furnished, with bookshelves lining the walls and a large window allowing natural light to fill the space. The headmaster's eyes twinkle with a mixture of curiosity and professionalism, making me feel both welcomed and slightly on edge.

"Hello, Headmaster Enzo," I say with a genuine smile. "It's good to see you again. I was informed that the reward for my involvement in the recent incident is ready."

"Yes, of course, here it is," Headmaster Enzo replies, reaching into a drawer and placing a small, ornately decorated pouch on the desk in front of me.

He opens the pouch slightly to show its contents. "Inside, you'll find approximately six gold coins along with a few silver ones. The original bounty on the bandits was only around four and a half gold coins, but I managed to persuade the board to contribute a little extra as a token of appreciation.

"Did you manage to come up with anything you'd like in return for the favor I owe you?"

"Not yet, Headmaster Enzo," I reply, shaking my head with a thoughtful expression. "I've been quite focused on other matters recently, so I haven't had the chance to consider what I might need in return. However, I promise that when something comes up or if I think of a way you can assist me, I will come find you."