Chapter 391: Into the Seclusion

With that slightly cheesy episode, they stayed in the room for a while, talking through the last few small details and making sure everything was settled. When the time came, Soren took a deep breath, knowing he couldn’t delay his seclusion any longer.

He stepped up to Ethea and leaned down to pull her into a close hug. Holding her against him for a brief moment, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling back.

"I’ll be back as soon as I can," Soren said softly, offering her one last look before turning toward the door. "Take care of yourself."

"Good luck!" Zura called out, waving encouragingly.

Ethea raised her hand as well, her eyes fixed on him with encouragement and confidence. "Do your best, dear. We’ll be waiting."

Soren gave them both a final nod and took his leave.

’...Malakor.’ He called out in his mind after walking a fair amount of distance.

’...Master.’ Malakor replied almost instantly.

’You know what to do, right?’ Soren asked.

’Yes.’

’Good. However, if you’re discovered and your life is in danger, don’t hesitate to abandon the mission and run away.’ Soren instructed firmly. ’And if I complete my breakthrough and come out before you return, I’ll contact you myself.’

’I understand, Master,’ Malakor answered without hesitation. ’May your breakthrough go smoothly.’

’Thank you,’ Soren replied. ’And good luck to you too.’

With their final exchange complete, the mental connection went quiet, leaving Soren alone as he continued his way toward his destination.

About ten minutes later, he arrived at Vice Principal Ramona’s office. He knocked once, stepped inside, and exchanged brief greetings with her.

"Are you ready?" Ramona asked, setting aside her paperwork and looking up at him.

Soren gave a firm nod. "I am."

"In that case, let’s go," she said.

Ramona raised her hand and channeled a surge of mana. Space distorted around them in an instant, and the office melted away. When the sudden flash of light settled, a familiar chilling sensation struck Soren’s face.

He looked around, taking in the vast expanse of ice and snow blanketing the ground and jagged mountain peaks stretching out into the pale horizon. Frost hung thick in the air, creating a dense environment saturated with frigid mana.

"Since your affinity is ice, I chose this secluded chamber for you," Ramona explained, adjusting her coat slightly against the frosty wind. "It will aid your concentration and mana gathering."

"Thank you for being so thoughtful," Soren said, genuinely appreciating the preparation.

"Do well," Ramona said, offering him a brief nod of encouragement. "Good luck."

With a flick of her wrist, space warped again, and she disappeared from sight, leaving him alone.

Soren took a deep breath and walked to the center of the snowy clearing, sat down cross-legged, and closed his eyes. Closing off all external distractions, he began initiating the breakthrough process and soon lost himself to the rhythm of his meditation.

───────

Later afternoon, Nura headed for her private lesson with Instructor Zura.

As she walked toward the classroom, her thoughts drifted to the gift the Instructor had mentioned yesterday. She wondered what kind of surprise her tutor had prepared. She had said it would be something Nura actually needed, which left her curious. Could it be a unique cultivation technique, or maybe a new spell tailored to her affinities?

Entering the room, she took her usual seat and pulled out her books and notebooks, laying them flat on the desk. She shook her head slightly and refocused on the task at hand. She would find out soon enough anyway, so she decided to make good use of the time and start reviewing yesterday’s material.

And just like that, half an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Nura finally lifted her head from the open pages, stretched her arms above her head, and let out a small yawn. Mid-stretch, she froze.

Sitting quietly in the teacher’s seat at the front of the room was a familiar figure, watching her with an amused expression.

"Ah!" Nura blurted out, dropping her arms quickly. "Teacher! When did you—I mean, good afternoon!"

"Good afternoon, Nura," Zura replied, waving a hand playfully. Her wavy bob shook lightly as her lips curled up mischievously. "Did you lose yourself in your studying again?"

Nura blushed, ducking her head with a sheepish nod.

Zura let out a soft laugh, resting her chin on her hand. "Alright, gather your things."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Nura blinked in confusion, her hand pausing over her desk.

"We won’t be studying theory today," Zura explained, leaning back in her chair.

"So it’s a practical lesson?" Nura asked, her curiosity piqued. She hurriedly gathered her books and notebooks, stuffing them back into her bag.

"Something like that," Zura answered, watching her zip the bag shut. Once Nura swung it over her shoulder, Zura stood up and gestured toward the door. "Follow me."

Nura silently followed after her down the corridor. After walking a short distance, Zura glanced back over her shoulder.

"By the way, did you eat lunch? Are you hungry at all?"

Nura raised an eyebrow at the sudden question, but replied truthfully. "I ate lunch, so I’m not that hungry right now."

"I see," Zura muttered, turning her head back forward as she lapsed into silence.

Nura narrowed her eyes slightly, watching the back of her instructor and thought, ’Could she be taking me out to treat me to a meal or something?’

However, that guess quickly faded as Zura led her away from the central facilities and toward the quieter edge of the campus. Before long, they arrived at a spacious villa tucked into a corner of the outer academy grounds.

While Nura looked around the property, taking in the peaceful surroundings, Zura pushed open the front entrance.

"Take a seat in the living room," Zura instructed, gesturing toward the main hall. "I’ll go grab something to drink."

Nura nodded and stepped inside. As she entered the living area, her attention settled on the center of the room, where a beautiful, silver-haired woman sat in a wheelchair with a plushie on her lap.

’...Is she someone close to Instructor Zura?’ Nura briefly wondered, then composed herself. Not wanting to seem rude by staring, she straightened her posture and offered a polite bow.

"Good afternoon. I’m Nura, one of Instructor Zura’s students."