"You're leaving?" Selim said in shock while sitting on the rooftop.
She nodded, "I have never left the country before. I have only ever been to the Capital, the Academy and the Anthos County. I have dreams of traveling the world. Almost no one in Solin has ever left the Grand Continent including the royals. This is quite the opportunity for me. I wish I could take you with me, but Professor Wyatt has already made an exception for me. I don't wish to inconvenience him even more."
Selim shook his head, "It is alright, but I am happy for you, but I feel like I lost a friend and a person to talk to."
"You won't lose a friend. We have until next year. Besides, there is Rana. She may be quiet but she's a good listener."
"Have you told the others yet?"
Amy froze in a cold sweat.
Selim immediately took notice, "Oh, that's not good. It's gonna be announced sooner than later."
"Soon, very soon."
*
After a week, she unknowingly started shivering anxiously during class because of the upcoming announcement today. She is given a spatial ring to put her belongings in and probably overpacked items crucial to survival including modern items and items that Alabaster has for free. She turns to see that someone is staring at her from behind. It is both Rufus and Leon, smiling like the pair of troublemaking delinquents that they are. In fact, they are more like twins than her and Viola.
"So~ what's going on?" Leon whispered.
I wish I know how to act. Amy can be a decent liar, but she is an open book when it comes to experiencing intense emotions. She never told anyone, even Viola, of the news. The only people she told the news to are her family and they gave her their full support especially her father as it is rare for anyone in Solin to leave the Continent.
Instead of giving them any reason to tease her even more, she remained silent. She is afraid of the result.
After Professor Wyatt finished lecturing, he packed his thing. "I have an announcement to make. I will be joining an expedition outside the Grand Expedition, and I will be gone the entire school year. I might not even come back until by the time the school year starts."
Everyone listened with interest.
"Other than me, your classmate Amaryllis Anthos will also be joining me as my intern."
"WHAT????!!!!!" Everyone collectively yelled.
Professor Wyatt is not surprised by the reaction. He supposed it is his fault for telling Amy specifically not to tell everyone.
"Wait, why is she going? She's a fourth year. Only fifth years can go on internships." Viola said.
"She has proven herself capable enough to join in and got the permission of all the professors and her parents to go. Even if she will not join the academy for the school year, she will not be missing anything."
"Then can we come?" Leon said raising his hand like a diligent student that he isn't.
The professor shook his head, "Absolutely not. The recruitment period has ended and even if you did sign up, almost none of you are qualified." This time his expression and tone turn serious. The message should be clear.
Leon slouches and pouts childishly. He could stretch his prince privilege, but he knows that it's useless.
"Also, do not blame her for keeping a secret. I specifically told her not to tell this to anyone except her parents,"
"You're really painting us as the bad guys, professor." Sabina said.
He then chuckled, "Well in a sense, I guess you might be right. Class dismissed everyone."
*
"You should've told us. Now you are going to the islands."
"Why did you decide to go?"
"Can you convince the Professor to take us with you?"
These questions are stressful, and they pile on her. The only one that is not joining the herd is Melissa. She watched as this took place.
Viola is more sad than angry. Leon looks like he's ready to wring her neck. The rest are either excited or act like their usual selves.
"Shut up, everyone. I made the choice, and I proved myself. This is my chance to see more than just being inside the Academy. You can just send letters, and I can still write to you no matter how far I am. I'll also bring souvenirs and pictures." she says and relents as she deal with them.
"But why didn't you tell me?" Viola asks and Amy felt her heart twist to hear the pain in her voice. She has come a long way from her depression and recovery. In fact, the part that hurts her the most is leaving her behind.
"I want to see outside the continent. It is rare for Solineans to leave the Continent. I want to be one of the few that do." She grabbed Viola's hand, "I promise that I'll be back."
*
At night, Amy looked at the time. It won't be long till she departs with everyone. She will join with some other scholars, a few mages and their interns. She is lucky that this opportunity presents itself to her.
There was a knock on the door. Not recognizing it, she opened the door. It is Vanessa Aquila. She has the scrying orb in her hand.
"I want you to take this. That way you can talk to Violet no matter how far you are."
"But this is your gift."
Vanessa sheepishly grinned, "I see her everyday here. You, on the other hand, are going far away for a year. You need it more than I do. Once you come back, you can return the orb back."
She smiles at her, "Thank you."
As she watched her leave, she decides to check up on Viola.
As she went to her room, she heard crying. She walked up to her bed and sat at the edge to pat her on the back. Viola turned around, tears in her eyes.
"I had a nightmare that you left and never come back. You were hurt and then you lost your life. I remember the many times you have been sick or injured. I was scared every time but after Marg died, I always fear the worst in everything. So please!" She hugged Amy's waist tightly, "Please don't go! Please don't leave me like she did." she wailed.
"Viola," she said in a comforting tone, "You need to be strong. I won't always be here to protect you or watch over you. You must be strong."
"Amy,"
"I promised that I would protect you and now I will promise you that I will come back alive and the first person I will see is you."