“Then, are we all in agreement?” [Hastos]

Hastos asked as he looked around the round table. The seven heads of the seven major clans of Faywood made time in their busy schedules and were gathered together. The topic of discussion was the phenomenon that happened with Ava and the spirits a few days prior.

“Is it really alright to do this based on a guess?” [Elenaril]

Elenaril was wondering if this was the right decision. The Seer had only said that the spirits might be telling the half-breed to go back to school. There was no proof. He had years of experience, but even he didn’t know what the spirits were thinking.

“Be careful of what you say, Elenaril. You don’t want to show any disrespect to the spirits. Whatever reason they had, they showed a sign and we need to heed it.” [Hastos]

“I am still skeptic about letting the half-breed out into the world when many countries are most likely after her power.” [Rania]

A few like her were also against the idea of letting Ava travel outside the country. They wanted to keep her within their borders where no foreign power could reach her. However, the Spirit Faith, the spirits, were an important part of their life and they couldn’t ignore whatever message they were trying to convey. To do nothing might put their country at risk.

“Yes, but that’s why we’ll send him to school as well so that he can closely monitor her. He is a powerful, young prodigy and with him around, any outside force will need to tread carefully.” [Jastra]

“Still, will he be enough?” [Garrick]

“We’ll send more personnel acting as servants just in case.” [Hastos]

“I concur. Is anyone dissatisfied?” [Dain]

Everyone turned their sight on Nylian.

“… I also concur.” [Nylian]

He said after a brief pause to which everyone silently nodded. On behalf of all those present, Hastos clearly declared the course of action that they’ve agreed on.

“Then, we’ll send the half-breed to Sanctuary Academy and see how it goes. If it is discovered that the spirits wanted to tell us something different, we’ll quickly call her back.” [Hastos]

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“Allen!” [Fyr]

Hearing someone called out his name from behind, Allen turned around. Lightly jogging over to him was Fyr who was waving her hand over her head.

“Are you done with your job?” [Fyr]

She asked as she peered at his face from below.

“Yeah, though it’s more like I carried over stuff for the teachers than a job.” [Allen]

The both of them were sixteen years old and were attending the high school level of Sanctuary Academy. Allen had grown up splendidly since middle school. His appearance was more manly compared to the boy from two years ago. His body had put on a good amount of muscles which were the results of his diligent training.

Sadly, Fyr wasn’t so lucky since she didn’t hit much of a growth spurt. Her body had become slightly more feminine, but that was about it. The top of her head barely reached his chest. From the perspective of the other students walking in the hallway, they looked like a high schooler and a middle schooler that were talking to each other.

“It’s still work, isn’t it?” [Fyr]

“Yours is real work, Fyr. You’re in charge of the library.” [Allen]

“Hehehe~. That’s true~. I’m lucky they hired me.” [Fyr]

Fyr smiled happily and blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliment. The two, while having their usual conversation, went to the fifth floor. Just like the middle school building, there was a small staircase that led to the roof. However, the one that was in charge of picking the door’s lock wasn’t with them anymore.

It had been two years since Sanctuary Academy was attacked by mercenaries. The incident put everyone on edge and the number of guards increased. The students could see them walking about and keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings. Inspections at the checkpoints were also reinforced, so it took more time for visitors to enter the school grounds. Yet, the most significant change for Allen and Fyr was that Ava was no longer here. Since two years ago, she disappeared from their life.

They couldn’t find a way to contact her at all, not even Allen with his family’s vast resources. The red-haired man and the brown-haired harpy went to the rooftop as a way to remember her. Or, perhaps it was to honor her for she had lent them a hand in their time of need. However, as they reached the staircase, they heard the sound of a door closing.

“… Allen… Was that?” [Fyr]

Fyr spoke up first and pointed at the top of the stairs, where the door was. The two rushed over and stood before it. With a gulp, Allen grabbed the doorknob and turned it.

The door was unlocked.

Without thinking, he flung it open and rushed to the roof with Fyr right behind him. Their eyes were wide open at the scene before them. Basking in the deeming light of the sunset, a girl stood under the orange red sky with her back facing them. The wind caused her long black hair to flutter about. Although she had grown up, they easily knew who she was because of her signature white one piece dress, her long pointy ears and her hair color.

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“Hmm?” [Ava]

She noticed their arrival and turned around to face them. Her eyes of different color locked onto them and widened slightly.

“Oh? It’s been a while.” [Ava]

As if two years had never gone by, Ava lazily raised her hand in greeting.

“A… Va…?” [Fyr]

Fyr’s voice quivered as she said her name. Her eyes were quickly filled with tears.

“*Sniff* … AAAAVVVAAAAAAAAA~!!!” [Fyr]

The harpy rushed over to her while crying like a child and hugged her tightly.

“Ugh! A body blow right after we meet?” [Ava]

“WAAAAHHHHHH~!!!” [Fyr]

“Ha… Haha…! Hahaha…!” [Allen]

As Fyr cried loudly, Allen approached the two while laughing gently. His voice was strained because he was forcing himself no to cry as well. He was smiling and wiping the tears from his eyes.

That was how the two suddenly met Ava in high school.

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Once Fyr stopped crying, the three sat down on the roof like in the past.

“It’s… *sniff* It’s good to see you again.” [Allen]

Allen said as he kept rubbing his eyes that were still watery.

“I guess. I’m surprised I was allowed to come here again.” [Ava]

“T-t-then, does that mean you’ll suddenly leave like last time?!!” [Fyr]

“No, not if nothing major happens like two years ago. And now that I take a look at you, you’re really small.” [Ava]

“That’s the first thing you say about me after meeting again?!” [Fyr]

Fyr was shocked that her friend so accurately hit the point that she was the most concerned about. But, her insensibility also made her realize that Ava truly did come back.

“Well, yeah, you’re sixteen, right? You look like you’re thirteen or fourteen. So, you did grow a little?” [Ava]

“Uhhhh~. I can’t help it… I’m small… Like my wings…” [Fyr]

“You should take some tips from Allen here, he grew up properly… Tch!” [Ava]

Ava turned her head towards Allen, but looked away and clicked her tongue. Noticing it, the red-haired man sported a proud expression and puffed out his chest.

“That’s right, Ava! I’m taller than you now!” [Allen]

“Damn brat.” [Ava]

Allen, who still remembered how Ava made fun of him for being shorter than her, looked triumphant.

“It’s annoying when kids grow taller than me and act like they’re older.” [Ava]

“Aren’t we the same age?” [Allen]

“No, I’m eight hundred thousand years old.” [Ava]

“Elves can’t live that long! Don’t be so childish!” [Allen]

“Childish? You’re the brat, you brat!” [Ava]

“Umm, you two are both acting like children…” [Fyr]

“Not now, shorty!” [Ava]

“I-I-I-I’m sorry!” [Fyr]

Allen unhappily gazed at Ava and Fyr for a moment. The sleepy-looking half-elf and the flustered harpy were right next to him. The three of them were on the roof, talking about useless things and just spending time together. It was like nothing had changed since back then.

“Haha…” [Allen]

He smiled and laughter leaked from his lips.

“Hahahahahaha!!” [Allen]

The other two stared at him incredulously, but soon enough, as if she was infected by him, Fyr started to laugh as well.

“Hahahahahaha!” [Fyr]

Allen held his stomach and Fyr put her hands in front of her mouth. They laughed loudly. Their voices filled the roof. It had been two years since they could laugh like that.

“… You guys ok? Are you sick? Sick in the head?” [Ava]

Sitting between them was Ava who tilted her head and simply watched them, puzzled.

“Hahaha…! Pfft…! Haha… It’s nothing. It’s nothing. Anyway, you look well. Though I’m taller, you grew up too.” [Allen]

“Your voice annoys me, brat.” [Ava]

“T-t-t-that’s right, Ava! Allen is right! You look well!” [Fyr]

Fyr hurriedly jumped in the conversation to stop Ava and Allen from bickering again.

“You’ve become even more pretty than before! Your face is very beautiful and your body has turned more adult-like! And! And…!” [Fyr]

The small harpy looked at Ava’s chest before putting her hands on her own.

“Uhhhh~… Life is unfair…” [Fyr]

She had suddenly become crestfallen.

“Don’t call me pretty and don’t call me beautiful. Also, don’t look so gloomy after staring at my breasts. You’ll make me conscious of them. Any more and they’ll get in the way of my training.” [Ava]

“Oh? You’re training too, Ava? I’m also training and I’ve gotten rather good with a sword.” [Allen]

“Well, I was the indoor type of person, so it wasn’t too serious, but I stayed in shape.” [Ava]

“Then, if I train seriously starting now, will my breasts grow…?” [Fyr]

“Fyr, stop talking about breasts.” [Ava]

Ava narrowed her eyes at the harpy that was teary-eyed. Allen scratched his cheek and averted his gaze out of embarrassment while laughing dryly. It truly did feel like everything had gone back to normal.

“There you are.” [???]

However, the cold voice of a man broke the relaxed atmosphere and the three turned their gazes towards the door. Standing there was a handsome elf with blonde hair and blue eyes that was the same age as them. Fyr, fascinated, accidentally blushed because of the sparkling aura he emitted. Even Allen couldn’t take his eyes away from him. If not for his emotionless gaze, he would be even more charming. Quite a few women would be jealous of his beautiful facial features and his flawless, smooth skin.

“I told you not to move about without first telling me.” [???]

“… Crap.” [Ava]

Ava muttered and got up. The other two stared at her, puzzled.

“Huh? Ava? Who’s…?” [Fyr]

“I was allowed to attend Sanctuary Academy under certain conditions and he’s one of them.” [Ava]

She answered Fyr’s unfinished question in a low voice.

“He’s my Observer.” [Ava]

The half-elf swiftly walked over to him while her friends hurriedly got to their feet. When she stood in front of him, he raised her chin and stared into her heterochromatic eyes.

“Never do this again. Understood?” [Observer]

Ava closed her eyes and slightly nodded to show her understanding. The Observer let her go and shot a look at Allen and Fyr behind her.

“Come.” [Observer]

He turned around to leave, but Allen spoke up and stopped him in his tracks.

“Excuse me! May I know who you are?” [Allen]

“… I’m the one in charge of this half… Elf. If you want to meet her, be sure to tell me beforehand.” [Observer]

“Huh? Why?” [Allen]

“This involves the upper echelon of my kingdom, so please understand that this condition isn’t up for debate.” [Observer]

He shot down Allen’s question right away.

“Well now, we have some business to take care of, so we’ll be taking our leave here.” [Observer]

The Observer, after giving those parting words, descended the stairs followed by Ava in tow.

“Ava?” [Fyr]

Fyr stretched her hand towards her as she uneasily called her name. The friend she hadn’t seen in two years turned her head to look over her shoulder.

“… See ya.” [Ava]

That was all she said before leaving them behind. The two stood rooted to the spot, alone on the roof.

“… Fyr.” [Allen]

“… Y, yes…?” [Fyr]

“… What do we know of Ava?” [Allen]

“… That’s… We…” [Fyr]

They miraculously met Ava again, but she was followed by an elf that seemed to have been dispatched by her kingdom. Surprisingly, that girl was actually acting docile around him. Allen and Fyr once more realized that they knew nothing about their friend’s circumstances. She was a half-elf. She said that she was an indoor type of person. Moreover, she was allowed to go to school under certain conditions which involved being monitored by someone. What was her life at home like?

Two years have passed and things have changed.