<Arcadia Hunter Academy, Saturday Evening>
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Arcadia Hunter Academy, the atmosphere buzzed with activity.
The last duel of the extended duel period had ended in an electrifying display of skill and power. Victor Blackthorn and General Kyle Braveheart had pushed each other to their limits, leaving the audience in awe of the spectacle they had witnessed.
Now, the academy staff moved swiftly to dismantle the preparations made for the duels. Workers bustled about, dismantling temporary structures, clearing the arena, and ensuring everything returned to its pristine state.
The sound of equipment being packed away and voices giving instructions filled the air.
In the courtyard, Headmaster Jonathan Verdict stood with a group of staff, overseeing the operations. His authoritative presence ensured everything proceeded efficiently and smoothly.
At designated points around the campus, academy staff handed out elegantly wrapped gift packages to the departing guests. Each package contained a selection of exquisite items, including enchanted trinkets, fine chocolates, and vouchers for future academy events.
The guests, though still slightly shaken from the previous day's attack, appreciated the gesture and the academy's efforts to ensure their well-being.
"Thank you for coming," a staff member said warmly, handing a gift package to a family. "We hope you enjoyed the duels despite the unfortunate incident. Please take these tokens of our appreciation."
In the crowd, Kaya Hartley watched as her daughter, Jane, eagerly accepted a gift package. Kaya smiled, grateful for the academy's thoughtful gesture.
At least that was the fact that she would need to show, being one of the most famous people in the world right now.
Nearby, a young man stood beside her.
"Quite the event, wasn't it?" Ethan mumbled. He somehow looked thoughtful and a bit tired. After the fight and the display that he showed, he fell into a peculiar state. The reason for that was evident.
He used something that his body couldn't withstand.
"Indeed, it was," Kaya said, looking at her daughter. And then she turned to face her niece. "You did well."
"….Thanks…." Ethan nodded, a smile creeping onto his lips. Though he had gotten used to getting praise, his aunt was not one of those who talked too much. She was quite an introvert, and she was busy most of the time. The praise that she got from him was really valuable.
Just then, Jane returned with a bright smile on her face, rushing towards Ethan. "Big brother Ethan, look what I have gotten!" she exclaimed, her excitement evident.
She held out a beautifully wrapped chocolate bar, her eyes shining with joy. "They gave me chocolates! Do you want to share?" she offered, holding the chocolate out to Ethan.
Ethan's smile widened at her enthusiasm. "You can eat it," he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. Surely, he was not someone who could easily take chocolate from a young child like her.
"No. I want big brother Ethan to try it as well." But seeing that she was this adamant about giving him the chocolates, he decided not to think about it.
"Sure, let's share it." He took the chocolate from her, carefully unwrapping it.
Jane beamed, clearly pleased with his response. "Big brother Ethan, your duel was so cool!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "I couldn't believe how powerful you were! The way you summoned that giant storm, it was like something out of a legend!" fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Ethan chuckled, slightly embarrassed by her enthusiasm. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said, breaking off a piece of the chocolate and handing it back to Jane. "It was a tough fight, but I couldn't let myself back down."
Yet there was a part of himself that was doubtful.
'The thing that happened there…..Was it really me?'
He had been pondering about his question for a long while now. It was as if, at that moment, something else had possessed him, yet he didn't have any idea at all.
Jane took the piece of chocolate and nibbled on it, her expression turning thoughtful. "What was that thing you said before you attacked? It sounded like a poem."
'I would like to know as well.' He thought to himself. He sighed, unsure of how to explain. "Honestly, Jane, I don't know it either," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "It just sort of... happened."
Jane pouted, clearly thinking he was just trying to hide it. "Come on, big brother Ethan, you can tell me! I promise I won't tell anyone else," she urged, her eyes wide with curiosity and determination.
Ethan felt a pang of helplessness. He was sincerely telling the truth, but he didn't know how to make her understand. "I swear, Jane, I really don't know. It was like something took over for a moment," he said earnestly, feeling at a loss.
Just as he was about to try and explain further, Jane's attention was suddenly drawn to something else. She turned her head to face her right side, her eyes lighting up with recognition.
Without a word, she rushed towards a figure passing by. "It's that mysterious brother!" she exclaimed, standing before him.
Ethan turned to see a young man with black hair dressed in dark clothing, moving casually. Yet it was always hard to sense him as that person's presence was almost ghostly.
And there was a certain person that fit this description.
"Astron," Ethan mumbled, recognizing him.
Astron, with his usual calm demeanor, looked at Jane and then at Ethan, giving a slight nod. "Hello, Ethan," he greeted, his voice steady and composed.
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