A soft glow illuminated the outpost as Milo sat hunched over the table, his brow furrowed in concentration. Ancient scrolls lay scattered before him, their edges tattered and ink fading with time. The scrolls were coarse to the touch, their edges frayed and rough. The paper had yellowed over time, and the ink had faded away, barely visible between the cracks of the paper. The texture was delicate and almost brittle, like something that could have broken with a single touch.

Alistair paced back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back. The air was thick with tension as they discussed the impending journey to locate the elusive Crystal of Balance.

"Time isn't exactly running out," Alistair said, his voice laced with urgency. "But we do need to leave soon, since the Alliance knows of your existence they are surely using some powerful magic to try and track you. But I have a plan to expedite our departure."

Milo glanced up. He studied Alistair's face, searching for any hint of doubt or deception. He trusted Alistair, but the weight of their quest bore heavy on his shoulders. "What's your plan?" he asked, his voice steady despite the knot that tightened in his chest.

Alistair leaned in, his eyes glinting with determination. "I've been working on perfecting my portal spell. It can send Xu Wei, Alexis, and Marco back to the Fae Academy swiftly, sparing them from this dangerous journey. Usually I can only send two people through a portal, but with this I should be able to fit all three of them in."

Milo's heart clenched at the thought of leaving his friends behind. They had faced countless trials together, and their unwavering support had sustained him through even the darkest moments. He knew that Alistair's proposal was logical, but parting with his friends felt like abandoning a piece of himself.

"Are you sure it's safe?" he asked, his voice barely audible, betraying his inner turmoil.

"Absolutely," Alistair replied, his confidence never wavering. "I've tested it multiple times. It's the best way to ensure their safety while we focus on our mission."

Milo steeled himself, knowing that he had to be strong for his friends. His fingers traced the etchings on one of the scrolls, a silent plea for guidance. He inhaled deeply, his chest expanding beneath the layers of scars that marked his battles.

"Alright," he said, his voice unwavering. "We'll do it."

"Good," Alistair replied, placing a reassuring hand on Milo's shoulder. "I know this isn't easy, but it's the best course of action. We must find the Crystal of Balance before they find you, and in turn, me too now."

Milo nodded, accepting the gravity of their situation. As much as it pained him to leave his friends behind, he knew that their mission was greater than any personal sacrifice. With each step he took towards the crystal, he vowed to carry the memory of his friends with him, drawing strength from their unwavering faith in him.

"Let's prepare the portal," Milo said, his voice resolute. "The sooner we can secure their safety, the sooner we can focus on our task."

Alistair nodded, and together, they began the intricate process of summoning the portal that would send their friends back to the Fae Academy - and alter the course of their lives forever.

...

Milo's fingers drummed nervously against the worn wooden table, his gaze flicking from one ancient scroll to another. The weight of their mission hung heavy on his shoulders, and the prospect of parting with his friends only added to the burden he bore.

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Milo left the room where Alistair was and made his way to the common area of the outpost where his three friends were.

"Xu Wei, Alexis, Marco," Milo began, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning within him. "I know we've been through a lot together, but I have to undertake this journey alone."

Xu Wei's brow furrowed, concern etched in the lines of his face. "Milo, are you certain? We can help you –"

"No," Milo interrupted, his gaze meeting each of theirs in turn. "It's too dangerous. I can't risk all of our lives for this."

"Sometimes," Alexis said softly, her dark brown eyes betraying a hint of sadness, "we must make difficult choices to protect those we care about."

Marco clenched his fists, anger flaring in his expression. "But we're a team, right?" His voice was strained, the hurt evident. "We're supposed to stick together, no matter what!"

"I understand how you feel, Marco," Milo said, his heart twisting at the pain in his friend's voice. He forced himself to swallow the lump in his throat. "But Alistair is right – our best chance is if I go alone. If you stay with me, you'll be in so much danger, and if anything ever happened to any of you I-" Milo paused, his voice suddenly disappearing. He shook his head and then weakly whispered, "I would never forgive myself."

The room fell silent, filled with tension and unspoken emotion. As much as they wanted to be there for him, they knew he was making the hard choice for the greater good.

"Promise us you'll return safely," Xu Wei said quietly, his wise eyes reflecting his understanding of Milo's decision.

"Of course," Milo replied, his resolve unwavering. "I promise."

"Then let's make sure we finish our studies and become stronger at the Fae Academy," Marco chimed in, his determination igniting anew. "So when you come back, we'll be ready to face anything together."

Milo nodded, grateful for their support despite the pain of separation. He would carry their determination with him on his perilous journey, a source of strength when he needed it most.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice strained by emotion. "I won't let any of you down. I will find the Crystal of Balance, no matter what it takes."

Milo fought back the sting in his eyes as he looked at his friends, their faces etched with a mixture of sadness and understanding. In that moment, it seemed as if time slowed to a crawl, each second stretching out like an eternity.

"Come here," Alexis said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. She pulled Milo into a tight embrace, the warmth of her body a bittersweet reminder of the bond they shared. "Remember what we've taught you," she whispered into his ear, her breath warm against his skin. "And never forget that we believe in you."

"Thank you," Milo managed, his throat tightening around the words. He returned her hug fiercely, their bodies pressed together for one last moment before the chasm of distance would separate them.

Next, Marco stepped forward, his arms open wide. As they hugged, he spoke with determination. "We'll be waiting for you, Milo. I don't care how long it takes – we're gonna see each other again, got it?"

"Got it," Milo replied, forcing a small smile despite the tears threatening to spill from his eyes. His heart swelled with gratitude for Marco's unfaltering loyalty.

Lastly, Xu Wei approached, his wise gaze locked onto Milo's. As they embraced, the boy whispered sage advice. "Trust your instincts, Milo. They have guided you well thus far." Pulling back, Xu Wei placed a hand on Milo's shoulder, his expression solemn yet proud. "Fulfill your destiny, and return to us."

"I will," Milo vowed, his voice thick with emotion. The trio's unwavering support lent him strength, fueling his resolve to face the perils ahead.

As they pulled away from their embraces, Alistair came into the common room and began finishing the intricate process of opening the portal. His hands weaved through the air, tracing arcane symbols that shimmered with an otherworldly light. Ancient words filled the room, echoing like whispers from a long-forgotten past.

Milo watched in awe as the magical energies swirled around them, casting eerie shadows on the walls. He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at Alistair's mastery of the arcane arts. But what good was envy now?

"Are you ready?" Alistair asked, his voice strained from the effort of maintaining the spell. Despite the pressure, there was a glint of admiration in his eyes – a silent acknowledgment of Milo's bravery.

"Ready," Milo murmured, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced back at his friends one last time, their faces a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.

The low hum of the portal intensified, as its surface pulsated with a ghostly radiance. Flickers of light danced across Milo's face, casting eerie shadows that contorted and writhed around the room. He caught his breath, the sight both mesmerizing and unsettling.

The portal's hum was low and menacing, a reverberation of power that filled the room like a thundering wave. The flickers of light created an ambient drone that seemed to echo through time, a whisper from the ancient gods. The portal's hum was tinged with the scent of ozone and old leather, the air crackling with an unseen energy.

"Alright," Alistair said, wiping beads of sweat from his forehead. "It's time."