Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 28: Unexpected Break

  It's hard to believe it's already been two weeks since I brought Elara back to the academy. She's been adjusting remarkably well, and I'm genuinely enjoying the time we're spending together. Before I meet everyone for our week off from school, I plan to stop by the lab to wrap up a few things.

I make my way to the lab, knock on the door, and enter. Inside, I see Nytsul at his desk, engrossed in some paperwork, while Elara is tidying up the workspace. She notices me and immediately starts running over with a bright smile.

"Hi, Elara! Hi, Nytsul," I greet them. "You both seem pretty busy this morning."

Nytsul looks up from his desk. "Hi, Rune. Yeah, it's a bit hectic here preparing for the upcoming festival."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's the festival for again, Nytsul?"

"It's an event held between the two academies to strengthen our bonds," he explains. "Last year, it took place at the Duke's academy, and this year, it's being hosted here."

"It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun," I say. "I'll make sure to stop by later this week to help out before the festival starts. I'm not sure what we'll be doing today, but I'll be back."

I kneel, extending my arms to pick up Elara and spin her around. "I love the new dress you're wearing! Where did you get it?"

"Mister Nytsul got it for me. I'm glad you like it, Papa," she replies with a beaming smile.

"Thank you again, Nytsul," I say, turning to him.

"It's no trouble at all," Nytsul replies with a shrug. "That's what mentors do for their apprentices. Besides, I used some of your allowance to buy her a few things. Here's what's left over." He tosses a small pouch towards me.

Opening the pouch, I find a couple of gold coins along with a handful of silver ones. I say my goodbyes to Nytsul and Elara, then head toward the entrance of the academy to meet up with everyone. Unfortunately, Sylvia couldn't join us today; she had plans to visit her grandparents.

I make my way to the entrance and find Scarlet, Jacob, Hadger, Edger, and Pearl waiting for me.

"Hey everyone!" I greet them with a smile.

"Hey, Rune! Glad you could make it," Scarlet replies, giving me a cheerful wave.

"Hi, Rune. Did you manage to catch up with Nytsul and Elara?" Jacob asks.

"Yeah I did, Nytsul bought her a new dress and she looks adorable, also here you go." I handed Jacob the gold coins I had to pay him back for helping me.

"Nice," Hadger comments. "It's good to see Elara getting along so well."

"Definitely," Edger agrees. "So, what's the plan for today?"

"How about we grab some lunch first?" Pearl suggests. "I'm starving."

"That sounds perfect," I say.

We head into the city, chatting excitedly as we make our way to our favorite café. After grabbing a variety of delicious foods, we find a cozy spot with a few empty tables in a quiet corner of the café.

Scarlet nods, taking a sip of her drink. "Definitely. So, what should we do after lunch? Any ideas?"

Jacob leans back in his chair. "How about checking out the new art gallery that just opened? I've heard it's really impressive."

Hadger grins. "Or we could hit the park. It's a great day for some outdoor games."

"I'm up for both," I say. "We can visit the art gallery first and then head to the park afterward. That way, we get to enjoy both the new exhibits and some time outside."