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Chapter 28 - The Offer

The Everhart family residence, a grand edifice with its towering spires and a marble facade, held an air of regal authority. Its interior was a labyrinth of polished corridors and ornate chambers, each steeped in history and tradition. Portraits of illustrious Mystic Masters, their eyes filled with wisdom and gravitas, adorned the walls, bearing witness to generations of arcane accomplishments.

Scion, Eve, and Priscilla traversed the corridors, their footsteps echoing in the hallowed halls of the Everhart residence. Priscilla led the way with graceful poise, every step a testament to her upbringing and the prominence of her lineage. The air around her seemed to exude an aura of authority, effortlessly commanding respect.

The private chamber where Luke lay, battered and weary, stood in stark contrast to the grandeur of the mansion. Machines and monitors surrounded his bed, their soft hum creating a soothing backdrop to his laboured breathing. Tubes and wires connected him to the devices, a lifeline that monitored his vital signs and helped mend his injuries.

The room was bathed in a gentle, healing light, casting a warm glow that accentuated the pronounced marks of battle on Luke's body. His face bore the traces of pain, yet his eyes held a flicker of determination. As he greeted Scion and Eve, his voice, though weak, resonated with a palpable strength.

Scion couldn't hide his concern as he approached Luke's bedside. He had seen his friend endure unimaginable challenges, but the sight of him in this condition still struck a chord of worry. "Luke, you've done it this time, haven't you?"

A tired but genuine smile graced Luke's lips. "You know me, always pushing my limits. But it was worth it."

Eve, with a soft smile, chimed in, "You've definitely earned your title as a Mystic Master."

Before their conversation could delve deeper, the chamber's door swung open with quiet grace, revealing the arrival of Priscilla Everhart. The entry was accompanied by an invisible shift in the room's atmosphere as if her presence brought with it a subtle gravity.

Luke's expression wavered, a complex mix of recognition, wariness, and familial affection. Priscilla was his older sister, a relationship marked by a tapestry of rivalry, love, and shared history. Her arrival had the potential to bring forth a wave of emotions and unspoken conflicts.

Priscilla's demeanour remained poised, and her voice held a tone of determined purpose as she addressed Scion and Eve. "I apologize for the interruption, but there are matters we must discuss."

As they left the medical chamber and moved to a tastefully decorated sitting room, the grand window framing a view of the mansion's sprawling gardens, the atmosphere shifted once again. Priscilla's command of the situation was unmistakable, her authority unwavering.

Once they were seated, Priscilla delved into the heart of the matter, her words carrying an air of shrewd competence. "I must admit, I'm well aware of who you are, Eve." She turned her gaze to Scion, her indigo eyes penetrating. "And Scion, you are a rare case, awakened after birth, possessing unique potential."

Eve's initial curiosity had shifted into a mild state of shock. "You know who I am?"

Priscilla responded with a subtle, enigmatic smile. "I keep a close watch on the mystic community, and your extraordinary talents in Wind powers didn't go unnoticed. You're a force to be reckoned with."

Scion leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "And what about me? How do you know about my awakening?"

Priscilla's unwavering gaze met Scion's with a measured intensity. "It's my duty to be informed about matters of mysticism, and individuals like you don't come around often. Your potential is staggering."

Eve, still processing the revelation, couldn't help but voice her concerns. "What does this have to do with us?"

Priscilla leaned forward, her presence commanding the room. "I want both of you to join the American Mystic Academy."

Scion's response was earnest and almost childlike. "Are there strong people there?"

Priscilla's answer was swift and decisive. "There are, indeed."

Scion's enthusiasm was palpable, his decision made in an instant. "Then I'm in."

Eve, however, remained cautious. "I appreciate the offer, but the Mystic world is disgusting as is. I have no interest in joining their ranks."

Scion's heartfelt plea was genuine, and his voice bore a childlike sincerity. "Eve, please. I can't do this alone. We can't. You can't stop all the bad guys, not unless we're strong enough to defeat them. Please?"

Eve's stoic facade wavered under Scion's words. Her cheeks tinged with a soft blush, and her voice held a hint of vulnerability. "Alright, I'll join."

Priscilla nodded in approval, her gaze lingering on Eve. "A wise decision."

As their conversation shifted to other matters, Scion couldn't help but inquire about Luke. "What about Luke? Will he join too?"

Priscilla's response was tinged with a hint of amusement. "Luke has always been too proud for his own good. He won't join due to his... arrogance."

Scion's enthusiasm wasn't affected at all, "I'll get Luke to join, no matter what."

Priscilla's lips curled into a soft, knowing smile. "Your determination is admirable. Hopefully, it will work."

With a shared understanding between them, Scion and Eve left Priscilla for her family matters and headed for Luke's room. Their footsteps were quiet in the hallowed halls of the Everhart residence, their thoughts filled with the prospects of the future, the bonds that had grown stronger, and the challenges that lay ahead. The trio made their way back to the medical chamber where Luke lay, Scion's determination remained unwavering.

Scion and Eve approached Luke's room, their footsteps growing slower as they reached their destination. The medical chamber was dimly lit a tranquil contrast to the battlefield they had just left behind. Luke lay on a pristine white bed, his face still showing the signs of the fierce battle he had fought.

Eve couldn't help but feel a surge of relief seeing him there, alive and breathing. But there was an urgent matter at hand, and Scion knew it.

"Luke," Scion said, his voice steady, "we need to talk."

Luke turned his head slowly to regard them, his gaze weary yet filled with the same resolve that had seen him through countless trials. "Scion, Eve," he acknowledged, his voice a rasp of exhaustion, "I'm glad you're both safe."

Scion, not one to waste time, cut to the chase. "Luke, we want you to join the American Mystic Academy with us."

Luke's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Why? What's the point? There's no one worth fighting there."

Eve, understanding the urgency of the situation, added her voice to the appeal. "Luke, it's not just about fighting. It's about becoming stronger, learning, and understanding the intricacies of mysticism. You can't stay here. It's too dangerous."

Scion, always the determined one, was more direct. "We need you, Luke. You can't just sit here, who's going to be my rival?"

Luke considered their words for a moment before a sly smile played across his lips. "Alright, Scion, here's the deal. Do you want me to join the academy? Land a single punch on me. If you can do that, I'll go."

Scion's eyes widened at the challenge. He understood that it wasn't going to be easy; Luke's agility and skill were formidable. But he also knew the importance of Luke joining them. After a moment of contemplation, he grinned with a determined glint in his eye. "It's a pity that I can't fight you while you're at full power, but it doesn't matter, you're on Luke."

And with that, a challenge was accepted, setting the stage for a thrilling confrontation between friends, one that would determine not only their immediate future but also the bonds of their friendship. The chapter ended with Scion and Luke preparing for a showdown that would decide the course of their journeys.