CHAPTER 969: NEXT STEPS

Jan, Esther, Hund, and Annette exchanged glances again. They didn’t say anything but clearly sharing the same thought.

If Erend’s sister was anything like her brother then her talent must be overwhelming. And now she was being trained personally by Archmage Sylmirra?

That was no ordinary apprenticeship. That was a sign that great Mage will be emerging soon.

"How did the Archmage agree to teach her?" Jan finally asked, leaning slightly forward.

"Erend came straight to her chambers. With the girl and me, then he just said what he wanted, and she said yes."

Once again, the adventurers stared at him. No one said anything at first. It sounded too simple.

But that simplicity said everything.

They all knew that not just anyone could walk into Sylmirra’s private quarters and make a request like that let alone have it granted. Normal people, even high-ranking nobles, wouldn’t dare. And for good reason.

There was one particularly infamous case. A noble from the Southern Isles who had barged into the Archmage’s tower some years ago, trying to offer money and political connections in exchange for Sylmirra mentoring his daughter.

The man had been confident, arrogant, and convinced his business empire gave him leverage.

By the end of that week, his entire fortune had collapsed. Sylmirra hadn’t raised her voice. She hadn’t cast a single spell in public. But one way or another, within days, his contracts were revoked, his allies distanced themselves, and his name was buried under legal flames and silence.

Since then, no one had approached her with selfish demands again. Even the king.

But this? This wasn’t the same.

Jan and the others understood instantly that Sylmirra must’ve sensed Erend’s power the moment he stood before her more than anyone else. Not just his raw strength but the unmistakable presence of someone who had stood against gods and walked away in victory.

It made sense. If Erend or Eccar asked them to do something, they’d obey without a second thought too.

They weren’t ordinary. They weren’t even just a man with Magic power. They were forces. Wielders of something great that they can’t fathom. And Sylmirra, with the finest Magical senses in the kingdom, surely saw it the same way.

Soon after, the tavern workers arrived with their orders. Steaming plates, sizzling meats, and thick slices of herb-baked bread were placed before them.

The group gave short thanks, but the earlier energy was gone replaced by quiet thoughtfulness. They ate and chewing quickly.

The food vanished quickly, and as they leaned back in their seats, wiping their mouths or finishing their drinks, Eccar finally broke the quiet.

"You guys planning to go out again soon?"

Jan nodded slowly. "Maybe. We probably will do something small. We’re still not fully back from that mess with the forest god. Took a bit out of us."

"Understandable," Eccar said, swirling the last of his beer. "If it’s alright, I’d like to tag along. I’m so bored here."

Hund chuckled. "You sure? Can’t promise the pay’ll be worth it for you."

Eccar smirked. "I don’t want the money. You guys keep the reward. I just want to move my body."

"That’s the best offer I’ve heard all week," Hund said, grinning. "You’re welcome to join anytime."

They laughed, raising their mugs and clinking them together. It was lighthearted, but beneath it Eccar felt something else.

He didn’t know how much time he had left before Krono called him and Erend again, dragging them into another realm with another threat.

But until that moment came, he’d rather spend his days in motion than pacing the palace walls.

Adventure kept the mind clear. And right now, he needed that more than anything.

—

Not far away, at the projection arena of the academy, a soft gust of wind carried Arty upward into the open air.

Her arms were spread, elbows bent slightly as she balanced herself with precision.

She was flying.

Or at least, floating with control now.

Sylmirra’s guidance had helped her rein in her power. She was no longer just exerting blasts of wild wind that sent her tumbling across practice fields. She had learned to focus it, shaping it into patterns, and guiding it around her body.

This morning, she’d had the idea herself. Why not try to fly?

And now she was doing just that. She was hovering gently in the air, her figure lit by the soft sunbeams slanting through the academy towers.

A wide grin spread across her face.

This was what Magic is supposed to be.

The wind swirled around her. Her laughter echoed faintly as she shifted left, then right to correct herself. Not perfect yet but this is pretty good. Better than before.

Sylmirra, watching from the ground below, remained quiet. Her arms folded as her robes rippled in the wind Arty was creating. A rare smile touched the Archmage’s face.

"She’s almost ready," she whispered to herself. Then shake her head. "She will be surpassing me in no time. This is faster than I imagined before."

Sylmirra lifted her hand slightly. "That’s enough for today, Arty. Come down."

Arty obeyed, letting the wind ease her descent. Her boots touched the ground lightly and she took a deep breath. The excitement still glowing on her face.

"I just did something amazing," she said, beaming. "In my world, something like this would be impossible."

Sylmirra raised an eyebrow. "And what you did just now? Even in this world, it’s close to impossible for someone your age and experience. Flying with wind Magic is not easy. Most trained mages can’t hold balance that long."

Arty’s smile grew wider, pride warming her chest. Then her expression shifted with curiosity.

"So... what’s next?"

The Archmage considered her for a moment.

"I think you’re ready to try something outside the academy. Like some light adventuring and small missions," Sylmirra said slowly.

Arty’s eyes widened. "Really? I can do that already?"

Sylmirra nodded. "Yes. Your progress is far ahead of what I expected. You’ve grown more stable with your Magic and your control is sharp. It’s time you learn to apply it beyond training walls."

Arty felt a jolt of excitement rise in her chest. "That sounds great!"

"I’ll arrange for you to join a known party," Sylmirra said. "They’ll guide you through the outside world. It won’t be dangerous. Just enough to get you used to real-world use."

Arty nodded, still smiling. "I’m ready."

Sylmirra gave a faint nod of approval. "Then we’ll begin preparations. For today you’ve done more than enough."

They left the projection arena together, walking through the sun-drenched stone halls. It was the first time they finished earlier than usual.

---