Their carriage stalled to a halt, and from it exited four people. Avaros was the first one to step out, his eyes glued to the paper that contained everything that Lady Aqua had taught him. This will give me so much to research.
A great misfortune turned into fortune when he was attacked.
"Even death is a small price to pay for the knowledge of this 'Aether'."
Shortly after, the trio of girls made their way out of the carriage.
Avaros turned on his heel toward the trio and bowed. "I thank you for such knowledge, by the honor of the Lux family, the royal family will always have an ally in us."
His grin widened, and fists clenched around the notes.
Aqua raised her hand, "Knowledge is to be shared. I am honored to meet someone as thirsty for it as you."
Her stood straight, his eyes piercing the trio. "I have a small request to make to your highness."
Sheira tilted her head. "What is it?"
"Let's make sure to be in the same testing halls. I wish to observe your real power firsthand."
"I don't think that will be an issue." Sheira awkwardly rubbed the back of her head.
"Good, unfortunately, this means I must leave your side for now and prepare; however, we shall meet soon." He curtsied and turned his back toward the trio.
The trio turned to each other. "Rather strange individual." Azure cupped her chin.
"I don't know, he is rather charming. Not as much as my Lucia, of course." Sheira chuckled.
"Your… Lucia…" Azure's eyes fluttered.
"What? I like her, you aren't the only one who appreciates the presence of a hot lady. Of course, she doesn't know it just yet, but I plan to make her mine as soon as I am back home."
"Shameless…"
"Unlike you." She leaned in close and whispered. "I take what I want."
Azure's ears twitched wildly. "Ugh, I can't believe you sometimes."
Aqua tapped her fingers against her cheek. To think they had discovered the aether on their own, however, that father seems rather interesting. He must have been in contact with the world soul.
World Soul was the originator of Aether conversion, the World itself had to grace the mortals with such knowledge, and only then would it spread to be used by anyone else.
She finally had a lead.
She crossed her arms and stepped away from Azure and Sheira. While she had enjoyed the banter, her thoughts had to be focused elsewhere.
The voice spoke of the empress, and it was begging that entity for help. She hummed and tilted her head up.
Whatever the rot was, it made the world soul beg for help.
Even if it's a weaker world than Sun God, it should be able to swat away any troublesome pests. Whatever it is, it is far beyond even the divine parasites.
She shook her head, she had a lead now. The Lux family had a connection, however, as proven by their shallow knowledge, it painted a grave picture of the world's soul on this planet.
It must mean it's capable of manifesting, and it even fought against Sun God's presence even if he had spared it.
Aqua felt a tug on her shoulder, and her mind was forced back into the current reality.
Her head snapped toward Azure, who stared at her. Her eyes were wide and almost teary. "Aqua? You were in thought again. Is something the matter? Are you keeping something that's bothering you from us?"
Aqua shook her head, This is my duty, not yours, Azu.
"Azure, you needn't worry about me. I appreciate your concern, I really do. However, there are things that only I can deal with."
"B…but…" Her ears slumped.
Stop being adorable, you are making it hard for me. Her hand hovered right above her head, then slowly landed on her long white hair.
"Trust me, Azu. If a need arises, I will call upon your help." She gently slid her hand down to Azure's cheek and smiled.
"Promise?" A tear rolled down her face, and her expression soured.
"Of course, you know, I preferred the strong and untrusting you that I met when I first arrived in this world. I know your confidence might have suffered, but you are strong and beautiful."
Her hand moved under her eye and gently wiped the tears. "You shouldn't spill your tears for no reason."
Azure chuckled, "It's just that I know I am worthless compared to you, and I feel like I can let my vulnerable side out when around you. I was always a crybaby pretending to be some unshakeable warrior." Her lips quivered.
"Azu…" Aqua smiled and pulled Azure into a hug. "I promise you, you aren't worthless to me. And of course, I do not mind you being vulnerable. I will cherish that side of you. If I need any assistance, you will be my first ally to call upon."
"That makes me happy… tho you saying you prefer my old self saddens me a little."
"I like your real self even more. You are working so hard. I admire your resolve." Aqua let go of Azure and took a step back. She approached Sheira, leaving Azure alone.
"I…I love you…" Azure whispered to herself. Her fists tightened around the necklace that Aqua had gifted her.
She shook her head, snapping back to the present. She turned to Aqua and Sheira and approached.
"We should head into the Academy premises. It is not a good look that we are just standing here."
Their carriage long since departed, leaving the trio at the side of the Academy's main road.
"I agree, I am itching to step foot into this prestigious institution finally." Sheira stepped forward, her gaze locked onto the towering academic complex.
Behind the large stone walls rose a grand building, it's silver roof glistened under the gentle autumn sun, and the flag of the elven kingdom fluttered in the wind. Outside, it was peaceful, without a single sound reaching their ears.
However, as they approached the open gate, the bustle was something to behold. The nobility gathered in the courtyard, the stone path leaving no space to pass through.
They all focused on the entrance of the great building in front of them.
Many smaller buildings were connected, yet nature was present, well-groomed trees and lawns decorated the stone pathways.
The sounds of gathered people were almost deafening, yet Aqua did not mind them. They were alive and happy to be here, just as she was.
She kept close to Azure and Sheira, slowly finding a spot away from the crowds.
"Azu, Aqua. I need to meet with the headmaster. Would you mind waiting for me?" Sheira retrieved her letters.
"Of course not, do what you need to do." Aqua waved her off.
"I feel so old…" Azure chuckled, her gaze washing over the gathered masses.
"Azu, I am older than you. How should I feel then?"
"No, you are different!" She proudly explained. "Hopefully, nobody recognizes me."
"Ah, you are a celebrity. I almost forgot." Aqua giggled, her hand covering her mouth.
"Mean. Hmph!"
"Sorry, sorry." Aqua turned her back toward Azure. "Mind if I go explore a little?"
The champion's eyes fluttered, and her eyes slumped. "Sure… I should probably do the same."
"Want to go with me?"
She nodded, her ears turning slightly red.
Aqua slowly turned to Azure. "Let's go then, I believe it will be a bit before any announcement is made."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Azure saluted and quickly caught up to her heroine.
The duo walked through the right stone path, passing rows of flowers and small trees. "I am surprised everything is so well maintained." Her eyes locked onto the pristine walls of the academy.
Not even a blemish was visible to her superior eyes.
Azure hummed, her hands crossed. "It is supposed to host nobles, so appearances were important to be maintained."
"I guessed so." Aqua's lips stretched into a line, her eyes glistened in admiration. The entire institution was pristine, there were no cracks, the vegetation was trimmed and taken care of. If anything, they have a really good architectural sense.
In front of them was a fountain, a large stone fish spouted water. The duo approached.
"I think I will actually enjoy my long-overdue vacation."
"Likewise." Aqua put her hands behind her back and smiled. I really want to see how they teach their nobility, and especially magic.
The elves were weak, however, Avaros el Lux had proven to her that they weren't helpless. If given the right stimulant, they would become a force to be reckoned with.
Suddenly, it makes sense why Red Dawn was working on weakening them.
A sense of pride welled up in her chest. Her kin wasn't as weak as she had expected. She was wrong, and she wore such a mistake with pride.
Before a word could be spoken, a bell rang from the top of the academy's main building.
"I guess it's time. Let's go, Azu." Aqua grabbed stunned Azure's hand and pulled her toward the main courtyard.