The bell rang a melodious chime that resonated through the entire academy, signaling the end of the lesson. The students jumped to their feet, the sudden movement creating a flurry of whispers and shuffling feet as they gathered their belongings. Si-Woo looked around, feeling a mix of relief and dread. The first day so far had been overwhelming, but he had survived, and now he had a new goal: to prepare for the pre-mid-term placement test.
Mai, walking up from behind gave him a reassuring smile as they left the classroom. "You'll do great," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Just focus on the basics for now."
The rest of the day was a blur of new faces, unfamiliar names, and the weight of his backpack, which seemed to grow heavier with each new textbook and scroll he was handed. The classes were as diverse as the students, with lessons ranging from the history of Ondur's creation to the intricacies of the Hoken language, which was a complex mix of sounds and gestures that seemed to dance around the tongue.
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Si-Woo felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. He grabbed his backpack and made his way to the exit, his eyes searching for Ha-Yoon's familiar face. Outside the academy, the siblings found each other amidst the swarm of chattering students. The sky was a canvas of pinks and oranges as the two suns began their slow descent, casting a warm glow over the floating islands that surrounded the school.
"How was your first day, how are you feeling?" Ha-Yoon asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had noticed the silver emblem on Si-Woo's chest, identical to the one she was wearing.
Si-Woo took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. "It was... intense," he said finally. "I can't believe how much we must learn about serein and this world."
"Yeah," Ha-Yoon nodded. "But we're in this together," she said, her voice filled with determination. "We'll help each other out, just like we always do."
Si-Woo managed a smile, feeling the weight of his sister's words. He knew she was right. They had always been a team, facing challenges side by side, and this was just another one of those moments.
Ha-Yoon used the T crystal to uncover the Mu's path, guiding them out of the forest and toward their portal home.
As they stepped through the shimmering gateway, the familiar sight of their neighborhood greeted them, but something was off.
"Do the streets look cleaner to you?" Si-Woo asked, his eyes scanning the area with a frown.
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"Kinda," Ha-Yoon said, her voice filled with wonder. "They do look... different."
"Whoa," Si-Woo said pointing up at the sky. The siblings watched as Fae flew by on the backs of majestic wyverns, their scales glinting in the soft light of the setting sun. The children could feel the rush of wind as the beasts flew past, their eyes wide with amazement.
Ha-Yoon remarked, "They must be preparing Yohen for immigration."
The siblings advanced in silence, absorbing the familiar yet transformed landscape. Upon arriving at their home, Si-Woo halted at the view of his mother's grave. Where an overgrown patch of soil once lay, a young tree now sprouted. A twinge of grief, intertwined with an odd reverence, struck him. He sensed their mother's essence had merged with this nascent world. Bowing his head, he offered a quiet farewell, and then they both proceeded to step into their home.
The house looked untouched as if waiting for their return. Ha-Yoon made her way to Ye-Jun's old room, which now served as a makeshift living area. She plopped down onto the bed, the softness enveloping her in comfort. "Let's see what's on TV," she suggested, reaching for the remote that lay on the nightstand.
Si-Woo, still standing, rolled his eyes. "It won't work," he said, his voice echoing the doubt in his thoughts. "All the satellite connections are gone."
But as Ha-Yoon pressed the power button, the TV flickered to life, displaying a man with a sharp smile, dressed in a neat suit. The room was filled with a sense of disbelief as the news anchor spoke in their language, his words carrying a sinister undertone. "Breaking news," he announced, his voice ringing out clear and crisp. "The final count is in. Earth has been cleansed of the human plague. Only a select few, less than one hundred, remain."
The siblings' jaws dropped in horror as the images on the screen switched to show schools and buildings, now a pile of rubble. Faces of families flashed by, some smiling, some crying, all looking lost and afraid.
"What's happening?" Ha-Yoon whispered, her eyes glued to the TV.
Si-Woo's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the information. "They're talking about Earth," he murmured. "They think we're gone."
The news anchor's expression grew smug. "But fear not," he said, his eyes seemingly looking straight into the camera. "We are in search of any survivors, especially a young human male named Si-" but the TV suddenly fused out.
"What the-" Ha-Yoon yelled in frustration as she slapped the power button several times. The TV remained black.
"Maybe we can get Minho to fix it later," Si-Woo suggested, his voice shaky. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched and that the TV had gone out on purpose. The silence in the room was suffocating.
"It's getting late," Ha-Yoon said, her voice cutting through the tension. "Let's eat."
They rummaged through the kitchen, finding that it had been stocked with food that was somehow familiar yet different. The fruits were vibrant and had a unique taste that danced on their tongues, and the vegetables were crisp and bursting with flavor. They cooked a simple meal of rice and a stew filled with Ondurian ingredients. Despite their appetites being sated, the food felt like a small victory, a comforting reminder of home amidst the overwhelming changes.
Lying in bed and gazing at the stars through the skylight, Si-woo looked to his left to see Ha-Yoon already asleep, he looked back up at the skylight and found himself pondering the words of the man on TV, "Whose name was he about to say" he thought. Intermittent thoughts eventually lulled him into sleep.