Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend
Chapter 217 - 217: Do Return If You Have Time

Raegar woke up the next morning only to realize Drusilla was climbing on his face while smirking. Following that, the two of them spent some time pleasuring each other before getting ready for the day.

The Dark Fairy wanted to hang out with the girls, and thanks to being strong, she could go to most classes. Once they met up with everyone, Selene the Demoness looked at him with a knowing smirk.

''Rae, are you going to watch us race? It's a girls' competition to find the fastest sprinter among the first-year students,'' she revealed.

When Raegar heard this, he nodded. ''Of course, when is it?''

''A few days before Summer Break,'' she answered instantly before the others hugged him. ''What is it for?''

''Oh, just a fitness tournament for us girls,'' Zahara added. ''Professor Crowhurst, who is the head of our tower, wants to make sure we're keeping up with our P.T classes.''

He started laughing at this as he teased the girls. ''Luckily, it's me who trains you, you'll beat the others, and it will be a race between you six.''

When the group heard this, they giggled as Luna teased. ''Look at Domi's eyes, she wants to win the bet.''

As soon as those words left her lips, the four girls' heads snapped toward the blue-haired instigator as she hid behind Rune while giggling. This caught Raegar's attention, causing him to question. ''What's this bet?''

None of them answered apart from Vienne, who spilled the beans. ''Whoever wins was going to ask you on a date.''

''Oh,'' he muttered while his red eyes gleamed as he suggested. ''Instead of one getting a date, how about we do it in order?''

As Raegar finished speaking, a spark of excitement flickered across the girls' faces. Their eyes lit up, and they exchanged glances before nodding enthusiastically in agreement, their movements brimming with eager anticipation.

''That sounds good handsome,'' Selene commented, beaming.

Moments later, the group, buzzing with energy, continued down the bustling hallway toward their respective classes, laughter and chatter trailing behind them. Raegar found himself in World History, joined by Zahara, Dominique, Vienna, and Drusilla.

The classroom hummed with the quiet rustle of notebooks and the occasional whisper as students settled in. Zahara, with her golden blonde hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window, took the seat to his left, her presence warm and vibrant.

On his right sat Dominique, the Vampress, her cool composure and piercing gaze a striking contrast. Meanwhile, the mischievous Dark Fairy had perched herself atop his head, her tiny form sprawled comfortably as she lazily listened to the lecture.

Professor Wentworth stood at the front of the room, her voice steady and commanding as she guided the class through the day's lesson. Today, she delved into the lore of the Southern Desert, a vast and untamed expanse that stretched across the southern reaches of Kaldorra.

Her words painted images of ruins half-buried in sand and whispering tales of forgotten civilizations. The professor's enthusiasm was infectious, and even Drusilla, lounging on his head, seemed to perk up as she described the mysterious oases and the nomadic tribes who thrived in their harsh embrace.

Raegar's attention remained fixed on the professor's lecture, the vivid imagery of the Southern Desert lingering in his mind, when a sharp knock at the classroom door broke the flow of her words.

The room fell silent as an older student stepped inside. His posture was formal, his expression serious as he addressed the professor. ''The Headmistress requests Raegar Blackwood's presence immediately, Professor Wentworth.''

The older woman paused mid-sentence, her sharp eyes flicking toward Raegar. She adjusted her glasses, her weathered face softening with a nod of acknowledgment. ''Very well,'' she said, her tone measured but kind.

She turned to Raegar, who was already standing up, Drusilla reluctantly fluttering off his head with a dramatic sigh. ''Do return if you have time, Blackwood,'' Professor Wentworth added, her voice carrying a hint of encouragement. ''We'll be delving into the Desert Wars next, and I suspect you'll find it quite engaging.''

Raegar offered a polite nod, feeling the weight of his classmates' curious gazes, Zahara's warm smile, Dominique's unreadable stare, and Drusilla's playful smirk, as he rose from his seat.

The Dark Fairy decided to stay with the girls, which didn't bother him. As he stepped into the hallway, the older student gestured for him to follow, leading the way through the academy's winding corridors toward the Headmistress's office.

Raegar strode through the academy's winding corridors alone after the older student left on another task, the echo of his boots against the polished stone floors the only sound accompanying him.

He reached a pair of grand oak doors, their surfaces etched with celestial motifs and silver runes that glowed faintly. Taking a steadying breath, he knocked once, and the doors parted silently, revealing the Headmistress's office.

The room was vast, its high ceilings painted with swirling constellations that seemed to shimmer with life. Shelves brimming with ancient tomes and softly glowing artifacts lined the walls, framing a dark wooden desk where Corrine sat.

Her blue hair was neatly braided, and her light blue eyes locked onto him with a blend of authority and quiet warmth that sent shivers down his spine. A subtle smile curved her lips as she gestured for him to enter.

''Rae,'' she said, her voice smooth yet commanding, carrying a warmth that eased his nerves. ''Thank you for coming so promptly. Please, sit.''

He settled into a high-backed chair across from her desk, its cushions unexpectedly soft beneath the ornate carvings. Alone in the room's grandeur, he felt the weight of her gaze more keenly, as if she could see straight through to the core of his being.

Corrine leaned forward, her fingers steepled, her expression unreadable yet kind. ''I've been watching your progress since you joined us,'' she began. ''Your potential is undeniable, but your abilities are… unconventional. They don't fit neatly within our standard curriculum, and they require a more focused approach to fully develop.''

Raegar shifted, his hands resting on the arms of the chair. ''I've been doing my best to keep up, Headmistress. The classes are easy, but I'm managing.''

Her smile deepened, though her eyes remained sharp. ''Your effort is clear, Rae, but effort alone won't unlock your true potential. After careful consideration, I've decided to release you from your regular classes, effective immediately.''

The words hit him like a gust of wind. ''All of them?'' he asked, catching himself a moment too late.

He cleared his throat, adding, ''What will I be doing instead?''

Corrine rose gracefully, moving to a window that overlooked the academy's courtyard, where students practiced spells in bursts of light and color. ''You will train under the direct guidance of Professors Silvershade and Crowhurst. They will craft a specialized program to hone your unique abilities and prepare you for the challenges ahead.''

Raegar's pulse quickened as he knew Cecilia was a powerful Aether Mage and had already been helping him. But then there's Professor Crowhurst, a battle-hardened master of combat magic, who carried tales of slaying rogue beasts in his prime.

The prospect of studying under them was equal parts exhilarating and intimidating. ''What kind of training?'' he asked, his curiosity outweighing his unease.

Corrine turned, her silhouette framed against the sunlight. ''A rigorous one, tailored to your needs. Silvershade will guide you in unraveling the depths of your Aether, while Crowhurst will teach you to wield it with precision and power. Together, they will forge you into something extraordinary, or reveal whether you can withstand the weight of your gifts.''

Raegar's thoughts drifted briefly to his friends, their faces flashing in his mind, Zahara's encouraging smile, Dominique's quiet intensity, Drusilla's teasing grin, and Selene's mischievous energy.

''Will I still have time for my friends?'' he asked, his voice quieter than he intended.

Corrine's expression softened. ''You're not being cast out, Rae. You'll have opportunities to see them, and I suspect they'll be eager to hear of your progress. But this training will demand your focus. Silvershade and Crowhurst are not known for leniency.''

He nodded, the gravity of her words settling over him. Despite the uncertainty, a spark of excitement flickered within him, a chance to explore the full scope of his abilities, to step beyond the ordinary. ''I understand. I agree to it. I'll train with them.''

Corrine's eyes gleamed with approval. ''I expected no less. You carry a spark, Rae, one that could light a path to greatness or burn you if left unchecked. Silvershade and Crowhurst will help you find balance."

She returned to her desk, retrieving a sealed parchment bearing the academy's crest. ''These details of your new schedule. You'll begin tomorrow morning with Silvershade in the Arcane Vaults, then meet Crowhurst at dusk on the training grounds.''

Raegar accepted the parchment, its wax seal cool against his fingers. ''Thank you, Corrine. I won't disappoint you.''

''I trust you won't,'' she replied, her tone firm yet encouraging. ''You may return to Professor Wentworth's class if you wish, or take the rest of the day to prepare. The road ahead will be demanding, but I believe you are ready.''