Aurelie reacted on instinct, rolling away, coming up in a crouch, and then taking off into the trees, quickly concealing her presence. It was harder than usual, because of her aching body. Regardless, she managed to pull it off.

Observing her surroundings with caution (well, more caution than usual) Aurelie readied herself to take off at the slightest indication that something was wrong.

Nothing happened, but Aurelie didn’t relax, staying on constant vigil. She knew better than most how patient hunters were.

A quiet rustle in the bushes alerted her to another presence.

Tensing, Aurelie silently took her throwing knives out of her ring, clutching them for both comfort and so that she would be able to throw them easily. But she was surprised when the one who came out wasn’t her assailant, but Farn.

Taking a step out of her hiding spot, Aurelie opened her mouth to warn Farn about the unseen assailant. Before she could make a sound, though, a shaft of moonlight filtered through the tree branches, displaying the item Farn held in his left hand.

A bow.

Aurelie didn’t move, didn’t make a single sound as Farn scanned the area, his narrowed eyes attempting to pierce through the shadows that cloaked the forest and Aurelie. Even though she wasn’t in an optimal hiding place, Aurelie remained where she was. She was hidden well enough, and moving now would do little more than draw his attention.

The ‘regular, bubbly teenager’ half of her was hurt by the fact that she had to treat Farn as an enemy and move in accordance to that view. But the cold-eyed assassin had no time for such emotions, and was critically evaluating the situation.

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Farn had stopped looking around, and walked over to the arrow in the ground. Yanking it out in a smooth motion, he looked it over to check if it was damaged, then slid it back into his quiver.Then, giving a cursory glance over the surrounding forest one last time, Farn turned and left.

Aurelie took a step back, retreating into the shadows which swallowed her into their protective embrace.

~~~~~~~

Three weeks later, border between Lejus and Meir Villages

A huge crowd, containing almost everyone from both villages, had gathered to see Aurelie, Farn, and Gallo off. Today was the day that three would begin their journey to the Seven Heavens Academy. After much debate, it was decided that Lejus’ second slot for the selection would remain empty, out of respect for Mellana and to honor her memory. Not to mention that there wasn’t a single person in Lejus, other than Farn, who could be compared to the recently deceased teenager.

Aurelie smiled and waved, to the cries of the crowd, then turned and walked towards the forest. Everyone screamed their farewells. Lejus also said their goodbyes to Farn, with many people telling him not to worry about the village and work hard. Kadaras, who had completed his closed door cultivation and successfully emerged as an Elemental Apprentice, smiled as he watched his son leave.

He didn’t forget to give his son one final hug, though, and also took the opportunity to order Farn to apologize to Aurelie. Farn stiffened, but nodded slowly. Satisfied with the response, Kadaras clapped him on the back. Danadie came forward and gave Farn a kiss on his cheek, and then he too picked up his bags and walked over to where Mrs. Dreslin and Aurelie stood.

Gallos had a small ceremony off to the side with his family and envious friends. Quickly wrapping it up, he waved goodbye and joined the five people waiting for him.

And so all six of them set off on the perilous journey to the Seven Heavens Academy.