TBATE: PRIMORDIAL ASCENSION

Chapter 35: Unexpected Invitation

JASMINE FLAMESWORTH'S POV: 

It had been nearly five months since I last saw Arthur, back when we parted ways after the dungeon raid of Dire Tombs. Those memories were still fresh in my mind, and I found myself missing him more than I ever thought I would. Arthur had become like a little brother to me during that time, and now that we were apart, there was an emptiness that only his presence could fill. We'd fought side by side, shared stories, and grown closer through our experiences, forging a bond that I hadn't realized was so strong until he was gone.

In the time since then, the Twin Horns, my old comrades, had risen in ranks. We'd become an AA-rank adventuring party—a significant achievement that allowed us to enter any AA-rank dungeon without needing to form alliances with other parties. It was a testament to our growth and strength, and I couldn't help but feel proud to be a part of it. We had all come a long way.

For me, personally, these past few months have been transformative. I unlocked my deviant affinity—Sound magic—which had boosted my power considerably. It was what finally pushed me to the peak of an S-class adventurer and a fraction away from achieving SS-class. Mistral, my bond, had been instrumental in helping me reach this level. Yet, despite all these advancements, I still hadn't unlocked the second phase of my will. It was a goal that remained just out of reach, something that I knew would take more time, patience, and perhaps a bit more guidance.

Now, we were heading back to Xyrus City, a place that held so many memories. We were on our way to meet with Alice, Reynolds, and Ellie, but there was another reason I was eager to visit. A few days ago, I received a letter from the Director of Xyrus Academy. It was completely unexpected—I had never met the director in person, and I couldn't think of any personal connection we might have. The contents of the letter intrigued me, though, and I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever the director wanted to discuss was important.

As we arrived at the Helstea mansion late in the morning, I could feel everyone's anticipation. After knocking on the door, we waited outside, exchanging quiet conversation. Soon enough, a maid opened the door, greeting us with a warm smile as she welcomed us inside.

"Hmm, the mansion seems empty, is no one present?" Helen asked as she noticed no one was inside. 

"Lady Alice, Lady Tabitha, and young Ellie are all in the backyard," the maid informed us.

"Why are they in the backyard?" Adam asked.

The maid's smile turned mysterious, and she simply replied, "Why don't you go and see for yourselves?"

We exchanged intrigued glances before following the maid through the mansion, eager to see what awaited us in the backyard. There was a sense of something special in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder what surprise the Leywins had in store for us. Mistral also seemed to sense something, as I could feel a strange nostalgic feeling within her.

As we made our way to the backyard, the anticipation grew. The maid led us through the hallways until we finally reached the glass doors that opened up to the backyard. What we saw on the other side was nothing short of shocking.

The entire backyard was heavily damaged—scorch marks on the ground, patches of dirt and grass torn up, and even a few charred remains of what might have been trees or bushes. In the center of the chaos stood little Eleanor, Arthur's younger sister, with a bow in her hands. She was shooting arrows at targets hanging a few meters away, her concentration intense as she tried to reinforce herself with mana.

Adam was the first to react, his eyes wide as he let out a low whistle. "Holy crap," he muttered under his breath, clearly impressed.

Helen, on the other hand, voiced the question that was on all of our minds. "Did... Did Ellie awaken?"