CHAPTER 205: VACATION IS OVER
In Aurora’s private room, a projection of Urfin was illuminating the interior.
“We’ll be moving in a few hours,” Urfin reported, rubbing his temple and with a sigh, revealed. “Currently, they caught us by surprise, managing to stun the forces.”
He sounded tired and stressed, but continued.
“Cardinal Auguste was nearby and, not wanting to start a fight near the portal so as not to destabilize it with an attack, he gave the order to retreat,” Urfin explained and, letting out another long sigh, he added. “As I said, we will move in a few hours. Duke Kristoph has left immediately, but we have to prepare well.”
The seriousness increased, and Aurora received the look.
“We face goblins. We have experiences against them, but for that very reason, we will not underestimate them. Those green creatures are considered weak by many ignorant people, but most of them have ended up dead,” Urfin added and passing a report, he warned. “They are more cunning than a human and just as intelligent. Cardinal Auguste’s withdrawal was the best decision.”
Aurora read the report and her expression became serious.
This report was a compilation of information the Falion Empire had on the creatures known as ‘goblins’.
Some considered them monsters and others considered them to be an intelligent race, and regardless of how they were viewed, they were dangerous.
The savages could be eradicated with some ease, but when they formed a civilization, they managed to be terrifying.
“Don’t take this report too seriously, it may be that these creatures on this side act otherwise. You can meet all kinds of beings in this world. Or worlds,” Urfin added, trying to lessen the seriousness of the report.
Aurora knew he was referring that all creatures of a race might not be considered ‘evil’ and could be encountered from all kinds of individuals among those races.
“For now, they will evacuate the surrounding area and watch from afar, trying to understand what is going on,” Urfin reported, giving a few orders to others moving around him.
“I’ll go right away,” Aurora replied in a serious tone, realizing that he was calling her in the middle of work.
“I understand. We do need to prepare, so if you need to fix your problems, you can take some time. Also, the Cosmos Portals were closed to the public following company protocol to avoid chaos, so if you want, I can get you a ticket,” Urfin said in a simple tone, but his gaze drifted to the ball gowns laid out on the back bed.
He was giving her time in case she wished to go to the party, and Aurora, in response, shook her head.
“You needn’t worry. I can get a way to travel,” Aurora replied, and after a short exchange, the call ended.
Aurora stood silently and looked at the dresses.
Even though Cithrel gave her dresses of different styles, they all had the same similarity.
They were too flashy.
From the embroidery with golden threads, the jewels, and small diamonds or all kinds of extra additions.
It wasn’t too excessive making the dresses look ostentatious, but it was just enough to make anyone who looked closely realize the high value.
Surely these kinds of dresses were what Cithrel wore as a princess.
After giving them a single glance, she kept them in the space ring Cithrel had given her and then sent a message to her friend and Liam to get her a ticket.
Informing those they were to inform, she put away everything she had brought for this trip and before she knew it, she felt her heart beating rapidly.
Looking down at her slightly trembling hands, she realized that she was nervous and very anxious.
Her masters had given her warning that ‘magical’ creatures might come out of the abyssal portals, but it was one thing to hear it and quite another to see it.
Now that she had seen them, it was impossible not to be nervous.
What were their numbers? How dangerous were they? What did they wish for? What would happen?
So many questions ran riot in her mind, causing her to feel agitated.
She remembered when the demons came to Earth... She reflected on the millions of people who died in Jerusalem City when that lunatic mage moved.
She remembered the people she lost that day and recalled the pain, anger, frustration, and desire for revenge.
With so many thoughts in her mind, she clenched her fists involuntarily.
She was not extremely strong, but she knew she could make a change.
She understood that she could step in and make a difference, no matter how small... Anything to stop that from happening again.
As those thoughts came rushing into her mind like an avalanche, a pounding came from the window overlooking the balcony.
Looking out the window, she could see a drone tapping on the window.
Hesitantly, she walked over to the window to see who it was and her expression changed as she saw a young man giving her a smile from the ground in the back garden.
Her mind momentarily went blank and in that state, her body moved on its own.
Leaving the room, she went down the elevator, and from the living room, she walked towards the back garden.
When Aurora saw the young man, her mind reacted again, and she didn’t know what to say.
Dressed in a formal suit that gave him a unique charm, that young man smiled at her as his sapphire blue eyes sparkled looking at her intently.
“Quite a surprise, isn’t it? I hesitated for a moment whether to come or not, but then I thought... I’m a stalker. Why do I have to hold back?” said the young man with a confident tone.
Aurora could tell he was embarrassed by his own words and the red cheeks were the proof.
She could also tell that he initiated the conversation that way, as he had seen her expression.
“Princess Cithrel told me that you might not be coming to the party. So, since I was prepared, I decided not to miss the opportunity,” Kairos added with a smile, trying to excuse himself for his sudden appearance.
Aurora’s gaze hesitated for a moment, unable to deny that seeing him being embarrassed, making an excuse for his arrival relaxed her.
In front of her was the opportunity to relax and joke, perhaps forgetting for a moment about the complicated issues of life and moving with the sole purpose of making him blush.
In that moment of hesitation whether to stay by his side, the young man moved.
Pulling several drones out of his space ring, they disassembled into small squares and formed a large bench in the middle of the garden.
Giving her a smile, the young man sat down and Aurora’s body shifted, sitting nearby.
“Apparently you’ve improved as a stalker,” Aurora said involuntarily, and seeing him blush, she couldn’t resist and pointed. “Knowing my exact location and my room. I don’t suppose that’s what my partner told you.”
Kairos’ expression changed in different ways, and when he wanted to open his mouth, he couldn’t say anything.
Aurora enjoyed watching him blush, trying to hide it, and she couldn’t help the thought of continuing to tease him.
When she got that feeling, she laughed, letting out all the stress and nervousness.
They both fell silent, and it was Kairos who regained his composure first and watched her carefully.
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“You’re not going to the party?” he asked calmly.
“No. I have a business to attend to,” Aurora replied, giving a half-smile.
“I understand, then I’ll wait for a better opportunity,” Kairos replied, smiling, not at all discouraged.
Aurora looked at him seriously.
For a moment she wanted to tell him that, yes, to wait... For a moment, she wanted to be selfish and make him wait so that she could enjoy these little moments where the only thing that mattered was making the other blush.
However, she couldn’t do it.
“It’s not necessary,” Aurora interjected and hesitating about what to say, in the end, she decided to be honest and commented. “This... I find it nice and I don’t deny that I would like to get to know you to let the future develop into something more, but I have work.”
As if putting embarrassment aside and understanding better what she wished for, Aurora continued.
“I think it’s best to stop everything now. My work will keep me busy in the future and I won’t have time for all this,” Aurora revealed, and looking at the young man whose expression became serious, she continued. “I’d like to let you do all the work. Let you approach when you can, but I think a relationship like this wouldn’t be pleasant.”
Having to be the person to approach to try to engage in a serious relationship was not only exhausting but too excessive to ask.
Her work would take up most of her time... And adding the uncertainty of it all, Aurora knew she would prioritize above all else her goal before romantic relationships.
No matter how much she wanted to, in the end, she couldn’t ask him to be her ‘stalker’, expecting him to always be the one to approach.
Her selfishness was too short-lived.
“I took the first step today,” Kairos said with a big smile, and seeing her stunned, uncomprehending, he pointed. “By your words, I have a chance... That’s good enough for me.”
Aurora blinked, her brain unable to understand what was going on.
She was sincere in saying she would like to meet him because it was true... Maybe she wasn’t in love, but she certainly liked him.
Not just his looks or enjoying seeing him blush, but she enjoyed these moments where there wasn’t too much to think about.
Where it was just her and him in a bantering exchange.
Still, seeing his rejection as an opportunity... Aurora didn’t hesitate to look at him strangely.
However, Kairos was not embarrassed.
“I understand that you have work, responsibilities, and goals to follow. I don’t want to limit you or prevent you from following your own desires, but...” Kairos murmured and, giving her a serious look, he stated. “I like you.”
This time there was no embarrassment and his eyes shone like little stars in a symphony of emotions that Aurora found difficult to fully grasp.
Unlike her, who seemed to rationalize emotions by trying to stretch things out without pinning them down, he knew what he wanted.
Aurora couldn’t help but feel shy.
“I understand that we don’t know each other. I understand that we may both barely know superficially about each other, but I would like to get to know you and I’m just asking for a chance.” Kairos said and giving a smile, he commented. “I do not wish for you to quit your job. I only wish you would allow me to get close.”
Hiding his emotions and embarrassment, along with a hint of fear at rejection, he continued.
“Do you know what ‘Kairos’ means?” He asked suddenly, and seeing her shake her head like a child, he gave a smile and explained. “Kairos in Greek means ‘the right or opportune time’.”
His expression became serious and when his gaze changed imperceptibly, he continued.
“I will be ‘Kairos’ for you... I will be a stalker, appearing at the right time. When you are bored, when you need someone or need help. That moment I will use to get to know you and for you to get to know me.”
His tone and expression carried a great solemnity as if this was a very important matter, even though he was referring to himself as a ‘stalker’.
Aurora couldn’t help but blush and feel shy at the clear sign of advancement, but a part of her trembled.
“If others hear you, you’ll think you’re a pervert,” Aurora muttered, unable to resist.
Kairos’ expression trembled, and he avoided her gaze, clearly trying to keep his expression in check.
Still, Aurora could see that trace of embarrassment and couldn’t help but laugh.
A loud laugh that released her anxiety and fear of the future, while completely stabilizing her emotions about the different aspects of her life.
Can he keep his word?
Aurora didn’t question it, and even less so when there were too many encounters to say it was a coincidence.
“What’s your number?” Aurora asked and seeing him stunned, she hesitated for a moment and announced. “Seeing you try to do all the work, I can’t help but try to help.”
I like you too... Those words she kept to herself because of her embarrassment she couldn’t express.
Maybe her feelings seemed fuzzy because she had never developed them, nevertheless, she liked him.
Not just his looks, she enjoyed talking to him, teasing him, and staying in these moments where only the two of them mattered.
It was hard to pinpoint if that was ‘love’ when she had never felt it before, but Aurora was sure she would like to see what was beyond this simple emotion.
Trying to keep her embarrassment from coming out, Aurora did her best to hide her shyness with a serious expression and asked. “Your name?”
The question made her feel as if she was in some kind of interview where the data was asked for, which caused the young man to grin from ear to ear.
It was hard to tell if his smile could grow even bigger, as he even seemed to be enjoying her shyness.
“Kairos Cosmos,” replied the young man and, giving a big smile, he revealed. “I’m looking forward to both of us getting to know each other.”
******
Clémentine in the throne room observed the people in this place.
“Is there any more news?”
“Why are you so scared? They’re goblins!”
“Are you saying they’re weak? Underestimating the enemies will make you end up badly.”
The voices of all the students echoed everywhere and Clémentine scanned the surroundings intently and then let out a sigh.
When people were nervous, they took different postures.
From those who looked reckless saying they could cope with everything, those who were cautious, always hesitating, and, of course, those who were fearful.
In the great throne room, all those postures intermingled.
No one could hide that they were surprised and completely stunned at what had happened, trying to come to terms with it each in their own way.
It was at this moment and where everything was agitated, that Emperor Victor, along with other important individuals, entered the great hall.
“I have received news from Romania. Cardinal Auguste, a renowned SS Rank, has kept everything under control with all the foreign teams that are in the city,” Emperor Victor reported and, with a clear tone, announced. “If you think mankind can lose to a few simple goblins, then you underestimate our capabilities.”
Those words filled everyone present with confidence and were enough to suppress any sense of fear, and it was because of the confidence and pride that Emperor Victor displayed.
“Only when a dragon appears will it be interesting,” the Emperor said calmly.
His tone was interspersed with an amused laugh, making it clear that in his eyes this was a situation of no concern at all.
That reaction succeeded in making the people watching him feel encouraged and full of confidence.
“Let the party continue!” Emperor Victor exclaimed, getting the musicians to play again, enlivening the atmosphere.
With a few simple words, he changed the atmosphere of the whole place in an instant.
Maybe there were bad rumors about him, but this man was one of the strongest men in the world and his words could fill anyone with confidence.
The hero academy group gathered around, keeping calm.
They all knew that at this point they could do nothing and could only leave the situation to the professionals who were in Constanta City.
“Has Alice gone to look for Aurora?” asked Alexey curiously.
“Yes, but I don’t think they’re coming to the party,” replied Cithrel, giving a hearty and simple smile.
At that answer, everyone’s holographic clock chimed and in the tournament academy group, a message appeared.
“Because of some unexpected personal circumstances, I cannot attend the party. I am retiring early. Enjoy and congratulations on your victory.” –TheSimplicityOfLife
Aurora’s message was simple and full of reassurance.
Clémentine could tell that Aurora was trying not to ruin the mood by keeping the reason for her retirement a secret.
However, she could see that just like her, Nicole, Leslie, Érica, Andrés, Cithrel, and even Edward, received other messages.
“Oh, too bad... Well, I guess when we’re at the Academy we can all party together.” Jordan commented slightly cheerfully.
He seemed to want to improve the atmosphere even more, but his action was in vain.
“I think that’s impossible,” Clémentine replied with a half-smile.
“So we’ll see her in the second year?” Jordan hesitated as he noticed something odd.
The group hesitated and in the end, Leslie shook her head as Clémentine read the message that was sent to the group chat.
“Sorry for not celebrating with you as you deserve, but work responsibilities call and it’s time to take them back. Although I have not been a good student, I have enjoyed this time with you and in some ways, I am a little sorry that I will not be able to continue with you in the future as fellow academy members. However, that does not mean that we will part ways. You can count on me whenever you need me, and remember that Zerzura has open arms for you. I am waiting for you with open arms. As your former boss and current friend.” –TheSimplicityOfLife
******
Aurora read the messages from the students... From her classmates and friends.
“You remember to count us in too...” -NikkyOfVictory
“True, we may not be as strong, but you can count on us.” -EricaTheIceMage.
“We can help in other ways, too.” -PowerOfTheMind
“Exactly, we can always help in any way we can.” -AlwaysHeadShot
“That’s the same on my end...” -MachineControl
First up was Nicole, followed by Érica, Clémentine, Leslie, and finally Andrés.
They were short messages, revealing different emotions contained in a few words.
Aurora read it for a while and then, letting out a long sigh, watched the young woman approaching with a bag of chips.
Alice had left her evening dress behind and was wearing casual clothes as if she were going on an outing.
“Won’t you say goodbye?” Aurora asked when she saw that her gluttonous friend had left no message.
“It’s unnecessary,” Alice replied, and seeing that Aurora was looking at her curiously, she commented. “We can always keep in touch and communicate.”
Aurora gave a smile at those words without being able to deny it.
Looking at the large building where the Cosmos Portal was located, Aurora thought about this long year very different from the previous ones, in a unique way.
Arriving in an unfamiliar city, in an unfamiliar house, and enrolled as a heroine in an unfamiliar academy... She took this entire year as a vacation.
Despite the work in the middle of the year, it was certainly a vacation.
Meeting new people, receiving a group of new students who showed her a unique vitality, it was simply fantastic.
Meeting Edward again, interacting with a princess who hid a gallant knight and had a dark side of a ‘predator’.
She had a great personal improvement not only in strength but in mood and attitude, achieving that now she could say she was ready to keep walking towards her goal.
“Shall we go?” Alice asked curiously.
A simple and profound question that questioned whether she wished to continue on her old path or stay in this place away from everything.
Perhaps her path seemed blurred and unfamiliar because of her wide target, but Aurora, just as she told Edward, was ready to walk again.
It wasn’t about forgetting her past; it was just about walking on, and now she was more ready than ever.
“Let’s go,” Aurora replied, heading towards the building.
She could see a long road ahead and while it was just as dark as before, there it was... Waiting for her to walk it.
“This vacation is over,” she murmured in a tone full of calm.
Their figures disappeared inside the building.
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***End of Volume 1: Vacation.***