The man was surprised and said,
> "The Eastern Magic Tower? Are you one of the tower's apprentices?"
Aether smiled and replied,
> "Yes, I'm one of the apprentices there… but I don't know why I'm here."
The man spoke again, introducing himself,
> "My name is Luther. I'm a small-time merchant. Lucky for you, I'll be traveling to the city of Aska in a few days. You can wait and come with me."
Aether's face brightened with relief.
> "Alright, I agree," he said.
Luther nodded.
> "Good. Come with me to my house, and tell me what happened—how you ended up here."
After a short walk, they arrived at Luther's home. It was a modest little house with a small barn behind it for animals.
Luther entered first and invited Aether inside. Aether followed him and sat with him at the dining table.
Luther said kindly,
> "Eat first, then tell me your story."
Aether began eating quickly, like someone who hadn't eaten in days.
When they finished, Luther leaned back and said,
> "Now, tell me what happened."
Aether took a deep breath.
> "I found myself in that cave… I don't know how I got there.
But I remember going on a mission with my master outside Aska—to retrieve one of the ancient magical relics."
Luther's eyes widened in surprise.
> "An ancient magical relic? You mean one from the era of the Great Dawn of Magic?"
> "Yes," Aether replied.
Luther frowned, puzzled.
> "Why would they send a child—someone who hasn't even come of age—to retrieve such a dangerous relic?"
"What happened then? Continue."
Aether nodded.
> "We found two sorcerers at the location—both of the Seventh Circle."
> "Seventh Circle sorcerers?" Luther repeated in shock.
> "Yes," Aether said. "But my master fought them and managed to kill one. I lost consciousness after that… and I don't know what happened next. That's why I must return to the Tower."
Luther looked stunned.
> "Alright… we'll leave in three days. Until then, you can stay here."