As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the training grounds, Valeria felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
"We should spar sometime," Evelyn suggested, eyeing Valeria and Owen with a challenge in her gaze.
Valeria grinned, her competitive spirit reignited. "You're on, Evelyn. But first, let's celebrate our reunion with a feast. My treat!"
Owen chuckled, feeling a sense of belonging among his newfound friends. "Sounds like a plan," he agreed, eager to continue forging bonds that
As they walked back towards the academy, laughter echoing in their wake, Valeria couldn't help but glance back at Owen.
Despite his rapid rise and the shadows that sometimes clouded his demeanor, she knew that he still remained the person he was.
As they gathered around a table in the academy's dining hall, the atmosphere buzzed with animated conversation and the clatter of utensils. Valeria took a deep breath, steeling herself to broach the topic that had weighed on her mind for months.
"So, there's something I've been meaning to tell you both," Valeria began, her voice steady despite the lingering uncertainty. "It's about Blackthorn."
Evelyn and Dante exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions shifting to ones of curiosity and concern.
Dante leaned forward, his eyes reflecting ancient wisdom and a keen intellect honed over years. "Go on, Valeria. What about Blackthorn?"
Valeria recounted the events leading up to Blackthorn's abrupt departure—the cryptic warnings, repeating the revelations about his origins from Duskfall, and his enigmatic mission that transcended their academy's walls.
"We were sent back in time," Dante explained, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "And that there's more to him than meets the eye." He added, however Valeria quickly filled him on the details.
"Oh, so you know already?" Evelyn uttered.
"That makes things easier then." Dante spoke.
Owen nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "It makes sense now, why he always seemed... distant, yet determined," He mused, remembering Blackthorn's behaviors.
Owen, who had been listening intently, interjected with a sense of urgency. "He also warned us about the Vorpal Lords," he added, his tone grave. "Said we have three years to get stronger, that danger is coming."
Dante's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed this new information. "The Vorpal Lords," he murmured, his mind racing through the incident with them in the future "They're not to be underestimated. If Blackthorn sensed their approach..."
"We need to prepare," Evelyn declared firmly, her gaze flickering with determination. "The academy might not be safe for long, and we are only as strong as our former selves, I don't know about you two though." She added, seemingly referring to Evelyn and Valeria.
Valeria nodded in agreement, her mind already forming plans and strategies. "We'll train harder, study more intensely," she affirmed, her resolve unwavering.
Dante nodded approvingly, his expression a mixture of pride and concern. "Indeed, unity and strength will be our greatest assets," he stated with conviction, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom.
As they continued to discuss their next steps, the dining hall buzzed with their shared determination.
Together, Valeria, Owen, Evelyn, and Dante forged a pact of solidarity and preparation, their hearts set on a future where they would stand strong against the looming threat of the Vorpal Lords.
After a few more minutes of intense discussion and sporadic bursts of laughter over shared memories, Valeria and Owen walked Evelyn and Dante to the academy gates. The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of magic and anticipation.
"So, when will we see you again?" Valeria asked, her tone tinged with both hope and concern.
Evelyn smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fondness and determination. "As soon as we can manage. We'll keep in touch and keep you updated on any developments."
Dante, always the calm sage, added with a twinkle in his eye, "And who knows, maybe we'll drop by unexpectedly to spice things up a bit."
Owen chuckled, unable to suppress a grin. "Please do. I could use a break from Valeria beating me at everything," he quipped, earning a playful shove from Valeria.
"Don't underestimate yourself, Owen. You're getting stronger every day," Valeria reassured him, her voice filled with pride.
As they reached the gates, Evelyn turned to Valeria and Owen, her expression serious yet hopeful. "Take care of each other, and remember what Blackthorn said. We have three years to prepare."
Dante nodded in agreement, his gaze lingering on Owen with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "Stay focused, Owen. Your potential is greater than you realize."
"Blackthorn said the same thing!" They pouted, muttering comically.
With a final wave and a promise to keep in touch, Evelyn and Dante ventured beyond the academy gates, their figures fading into the dusk. Valeria and Owen watched them go, a sense of determination burning brightly in their hearts.
"We'll be ready," Valeria murmured, more to herself than to Owen, her gaze fixed on the horizon where the last traces of daylight lingered.
Owen nodded, his jaw set with newfound resolve. "We'll train harder than ever," he affirmed, his voice steady despite the weight of the impending threat.
Together, Valeria and Owen turned back towards the academy, their minds already racing with plans and strategies for the challenges ahead.
The echoes of laughter and shared friendship lingered in the evening air, a reminder of the bonds they had forged and the strength they would draw upon in the days to come.
As they walked side by side, Valeria glanced at Owen with a small smile. "Ready to take on the world, Owen?"
Owen returned her smile, a spark of determination in his eyes. "Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice carrying a quiet confidence that belied his earlier uncertainties.
With each step, they moved forward into the unknown, their hearts united in purpose and their resolve unshakable. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Valeria and Owen knew they would face them together, stronger than ever before.
And amidst the quiet of the academy grounds, under the watchful gaze of the stars above, they embraced the future with open arms, ready to write their own destiny in the face of adversity.