Chapter 42
Leaving Mandrake
In the cozy confines of the Weird Stuff Store, the conversation meandered through myriad topics, the air filled with the scent of ancient parchment and the subtle hum of magical artifacts. As the afternoon light waned, casting long shadows among the shelves, Adom steered the conversation to the reason behind his and Bennu's visit.
"You know, there's actually a bit more to our visit today," Adom began, his voice taking on a more serious tone. Bennu perked up, sensing the shift in the conversation's direction.
Biggins, ever the enthusiast, leaned in, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Oh? Do tell, young Adom. What brings you and Bennu here, truly?"
Adom took a deep breath, measuring his words. "I have a... task, one that requires my attention away from here for a few days. It's for this reason that I wanted to ask if Bennu could stay with you at the store, at least for three days, until I return."
Biggins' excitement was palpable, his hands gesturing grandly as he spoke. "Ah, what fortuitous timing! With Bennu here, we can dive into the intricacies of shapeshifting! It's an opportunity not to be missed, a chance to delve into one of the most nuanced arts of our craft!"
Leon, who had been listening quietly, nodding along with Biggins' exuberance, turned his gaze towards Adom. The corners of his mouth twitched upwards. "I agree with Mr. Biggins, it's a good idea. Bennu will be in good hands!"
Biggins' tone shifted, becoming more probing, yet still imbued with his characteristic warmth. "But, dear Adom, have you informed the academy and, perhaps, Athena about this little... excursion of yours?"
Adom couldn't help but notice the casual way Mr. Biggins addressed Headmistress Ravenshadow, hinting at a deeper connection than mere acquaintance. It aligned with the whispers he'd heard about their rumored friendship. This casual mention intrigued Adom, fueling his curiosity about the enigmatic shopkeeper's past and his possible ties to the headmistress. However, recognizing the timing and setting weren't right for such inquiries, Adom filed this curiosity away for a later, more opportune moment.
Addressing Biggins' astute observation about his forthcoming absence from the academy, Adom nodded, "Yes, Mr. Biggins, you're quite perceptive. I'm in the process of submitting an absence notice to the academy. I planned to ensure everything is in order before I leave."
Biggins' eyes twinkled with a mix of understanding and a hint of mischief, "Very well, young Adom. It's always wise to keep one's affairs in order, especially when embarking on... unexpected journeys. I trust your time away will be fruitful."
Leon, still buoyed by the excitement of teaching Bennu, clapped his hands together, "Well, that's settled then! Bennu, you and I are going to have quite the adventure here."
With the conversation turning towards farewells, Adom rose from his seat, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. He was acutely aware of the tight timeline looming over him; the adventurers destined to uncover the dungeon would arrive in about six days, and he had to be ahead of them to execute his plan successfully.
A whirlwind of thoughts churned in Adom's mind as he prepared to leave. The arrival of Bennu necessitated a revision of his original strategy, adding complexity to an already intricate plan. He mulled over the system's capabilities and pondered on how to leverage it more effectively to navigate the challenges ahead. The shadow of Helios, a constant threat lurking in the background, reminded Adom of the need for vigilance. The possibility of being followed was a risk he couldn't afford.
Moreover, the impending disciplinary committee meeting, scheduled in about eight days, added another layer of urgency to his endeavors. And then there was Helios. Even in his absence, the threat he posed loomed large in Adom's thoughts. The days ahead promised to be a maelstrom of activity, each moment critical to the success of his mission.
After expressing his gratitude and bidding farewell to Biggins and Leon, Adom shared a silent, meaningful glance with Bennu. Words were unnecessary; their mutual understanding spoke volumes. With a final nod, Adom stepped out into the unknown, his resolve as steadfast as ever, ready to face whatever lay ahead in his quest to alter the course of the future.
Adom stepped into the bustling streets of Mandrake, the weight of the impending journey pressing down on him. Without a word, he activated his Aetheric Echo skill, a skill designed to enhance his sensory perception to a supernatural degree.
[Activating Aetheric Echo...]
The familiar hum of the skill activation resonated within him, his senses immediately amplifying. The world around him became more vivid, each sound and movement sharply defined against the backdrop of the city's chaos.
Adom focused, extending his senses in search of Helios's distinct aura, a presence he had come to recognize all too well. To his relief, the malignant signature of Helios was absent, a small victory in the grand scheme of things. However, as he scanned the dense tapestry of life that thrummed through Mandrake, another aura caught his attention - Eren's.
Eren's presence was a steady beacon amidst the fluctuating energies of the city, calm and untroubled. This reassured Adom that the boy was not in immediate danger, yet the knowledge that Eren and his mother remained in Mandrake filled him with a sense of urgency. They needed to leave before Helios or his minions returned.
Satisfied that the vampire was not lurking nearby but concerned for Eren's safety, Adom decided it was time to retract his heightened senses and proceed with his mission.
[Deactivating Aetheric Echo...]
The system's notifications confirmed the deactivation, and the world dulled slightly as his senses returned to their natural state. The extraordinary clarity he had experienced faded, leaving behind a trace of longing for that heightened awareness.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Adom made his way back to Xerkes Academy, the familiar stone buildings a comforting sight amidst the whirlwind of preparations racing through his mind. He navigated the corridors with a purposeful stride, heading straight for the registrar's office. The door, always slightly ajar, welcomed students and faculty alike with the promise of assistance for any academic need.
As he entered, the jovial face of Rubert Salis, a halfling known for his good cheer and efficient service, greeted him. Rubert's desk was a meticulously organized chaos, with stacks of paperwork and ledgers balanced precariously yet somehow never toppling over.
"Ah, Mr. Sylla, back again, are we?" Rubert's voice was as warm as the hearth, his eyes twinkling behind small, round spectacles. "It's been some time since you've needed one of these, eh? Congratulations on your recovery, by the way. We've all been rooting for you." he said, noticing the letter in Adom's hands.
Adom couldn't help but smile at the genuine affection in Rubert's voice. Despite the formalities of their interactions, there was a sense of community within the academy's walls that Adom had come to appreciate.
"Thank you, Mr. Salis. Yes, it feels good to be back on my feet," Adom replied, his tone sincere. He handed over the sealed envelope containing his absence letter. "I need to submit this for a short leave."
Rubert took the envelope, his fingers deftly flipping it over, but he made no move to open it. "And what's the reason this time, if you don't mind my asking? Not that I need to pry open your letter here."
Feeling a pang of nostalgia for the days when his health had been a valid excuse for extended absences, Adom opted for a half-truth. "Feeling a bit under the weather, you could say. Thought it best to take a short break, recuperate fully."
Rubert nodded, understanding flashing in his eyes. "Of course, of course. Your health comes first, Mr. Sylla. I'll make sure this is processed straight away. No need for any further details; we all know you've had your fair share of challenges."
With the administrative formalities swiftly handled, thanks to Rubert's efficiency, Adom felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The registrar's office, always a hub of activity, had been a constant in his life, a reminder of the academy's support during his struggles with illness.
Adom made a detour to Sam's room, a familiar path he had walked countless times before. The corridors of Xerkes Academy, usually bustling with the chatter and footsteps of students, were quieter now, the dimming light casting long shadows on the stone walls.
As he approached Sam's door, Adom paused, listening. The unmistakable sound of snoring, loud enough to be heard through the heavy wooden door, brought a smile to his face. He chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. It was a sound he knew all too well, a reminder of why they had never shared a room, and perhaps why Sam had remained without a roommate all this time.
Leaning against the doorframe, Adom took a moment to reminisce about the countless nights they had spent studying and debating magical theories, only to be interrupted by Sam's thunderous snoring. It was a quirk that had become a fond memory, a testament to the depth of their friendship.
Shifting the weight of the bag on his shoulder, Adom retrieved a cheque card from his pocket, the same kind he had given to Eren. He had promised Sam 250 thousand cauris, a sum that would no doubt come as a surprise to his friend. It was a gesture of gratitude, a way to ensure Sam had the resources he needed for his own studies and endeavors.
Sliding the cheque card under the door, Adom hoped it would find Sam in good spirits when he awoke.
With a final glance at the door, Adom turned and continued down the corridor, his thoughts drifting to the journey ahead. The sound of Sam's snoring, a comforting reminder of normalcy, faded into the background as Adom stepped out into the cool evening air.
As Adom prepared for his departure, he meticulously checked the contents of his dimensional bag, a 'Black Hole' Bag renowned for its staggering 4500 cubic meter capacity and unmatched durability. Each item was accounted for, neatly arranged within the vast, multi-dimensional space of the bag. However, as he inspected the bag more closely, Adom noticed something peculiar about the runes inscribed on it.
Despite his adeptness in runicology, a discipline he had studied since childhood, Adom found the runes on the bag somewhat unfamiliar. Over the centuries, sorcerers had refined and optimized runes for greater efficacy, a process that demanded extensive knowledge and could span decades. Given the 'Black Hole' Bag's age, its runes shouldn't have appeared so archaic to Adom's trained eye. This anomaly suggested that the bag's runes might be even older than the bag's official debut a century ago, hinting at a less optimal design by modern standards.
Pondering this curiosity, Adom decided to set aside his questions for later contemplation. With the pressing need to leave Mandrake and undertake his urgent mission, now was not the time for in-depth runic analysis.
Ensuring his bag was properly secured and all essentials packed, Adom reviewed his checklist one last time. The bag also contained a detailed map of the forest, durable and lightweight gear suited for his journey, and ample provisions to sustain him. He also verified his arsenal of enchanted items, each selected for its utility and reliability in the unpredictable environments he would navigate.
With everything in place, Adom set out towards the train station, his strides quick and purposeful. The familiar sights of Mandrake blurred past him, each step taking him closer to the next leg of his journey. The air was filled with the usual hustle and bustle of the city, but Adom's mind was focused, his thoughts on the mission ahead.
Arriving at the Marble Harbor train station, he found it teeming with travelers, the echoes of farewells and the rhythmic footsteps on the cobblestone flooring creating a symphony of movement and emotion. The Mandrake bullet train, known for its punctuality and comfort, awaited its passengers, its sleek design a testament to modern magical engineering.
During his previous visit, Adom had encountered a lady selling candies at the station, a small but cherished moment that had added a touch of sweetness to his departure. He had hoped to revisit that brief encounter, perhaps to buy some more candies and relive the simple pleasure it had brought. Unfortunately, as he scanned the station, it became apparent that the candy stall, along with the lady who ran it, was nowhere to be seen.
A tinge of disappointment washed over him. Yet, there was no time to dwell on these reflections. The pressing nature of his mission urged him forward.
Adom navigated through the crowd, his dimensional bag slung over his shoulder, feeling the weight of the ancient runes inscribed upon it. He approached the ticket counter, where an elf clerk was busy assisting a line of passengers.
"I'd like a ticket for the next train to old Salamander, please," Adom stated, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of urgency.
The clerk, proficient in his duties, quickly processed the request, handing Adom a ticket with a polite smile. "Your train will be departing shortly from platform nine. Safe travels, and may your journey be fruitful," the clerk said, echoing the customary farewell of the station's staff.
Adom offered a nod of thanks, the transaction seamless and efficient. With ticket in hand, he made his way to the designated platform, his senses alert and his mind racing with the myriad tasks that lay ahead.
The train's whistle sounded, a clear, melodious note that signaled the impending departure. Adom boarded the train, finding a quiet compartment where he could gather his thoughts and prepare for the challenges to come. As the train began to move, the landscape of Mandrake receded into the distance, a tapestry of memories and experiences that had shaped him.
Settled in his seat, Adom's gaze lingered on the passing scenery, the rhythmic motion of the train a soothing backdrop to his contemplative mood. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but Adom was resolute, his determination fueled by the knowledge that the fate of many rested upon his shoulders.
With a final look at the city disappearing behind him, Adom turned his attention inward, reviewing his plans and strategies, ready to face whatever awaited him beyond the familiar confines of Mandrake.