Syn's thoughts raced, and her heart pounded as she considered the consequences of what she had just learned. Going to the Academy, led by Taizhen, wasn't as straightforward as it appeared.

The possibility of becoming a skilled Cardslinger and helping her father was no longer a dream. She had gained more than she had hoped for after following Nyk to the cave, and the next step of her plan, attending the academies, was within reach.

However, if what Nyk's grandmother had just said was true, the path wasn't without dangers. She had no idea about Taizhen's intentions. The only clue was that, according to Val, her mother had chosen not to continue the research they were doing together.

A shiver ran down her spine, and she felt uncertainty wash over her, thinking of what she could be risking, not just her safety but maybe her mother's efforts to stop the research.

She didn't know what her mother was researching or the reasons for leaving Taizhen behind any more than she knew why she had left her and her father behind. Had she tried to escape the research and had to run away again? Was she running from something else, and the investigation was unrelated?

Syn's face tightened, her jaw clenched, as she became lost in deep thought. Distracted as she was, she jumped in surprise when Val placed her hand on her shoulder.

With a comforting touch, the old woman squeezed gently, and Syn felt her tense muscles and anxiety briefly ease.

"Dear, I see the path ahead worries you," Val said softly, her voice concerned, "And I don't want to see you like this. I know how troubling what I told you is for you, and I hope you'll forgive me, but it had to be said. I just hope you know that whichever choice you make, you'll find not only your father but everyone behind you. Your family and friends will help you succeed against any odds, whether you ask for help or not."

She suddenly realized that ever since her mother had left, she had always felt alone, but that had been an illusion. She didn't have to do everything by herself.

The world was a vast place, and knowing she could count on others made all the difference. The weight of her worries lightened as she considered what she had learned during the past weeks.

It hadn't been just Nyk that had helped her in her quest for the Green card; she had received help from many people. Starting with those she knew, like Zosimos, Val, Minda, Rodrin, and the other villagers. She had been the driving force for gathering the materials, but the village had helped her more than she had expected, providing her with high-quality ones. She wouldn't have made it here without them.

And even when she was far off, alone with Nyk, the universe had helped her. Had Taizhen known recognized her all along when the inquisitor threatened her? She doubted that. The city residents had also helped her during the auction, not to mention Daph and Lyra, who had defended and cared for her without even knowing her when the incident with the stone happened.

And Zosimos, with the mysterious shopkeeper, to get to her father, and Zosimos again when she needed help the most, had assisted Minda and Val in performing a miracle.

Even Nyk, naive as he was, had been a pillar throughout. The person she thought she was protecting had bravely fought Garoth, luring him away from her when she was unconscious.

She wasn't sure what her mother had done or why, but as she considered it, she realized she wasn't alone and probably never would be.

Syn looked into the old woman's eyes, grateful for her empathy and for helping her realize this, "Thank you."

Val smiled warmly, "Dear, you have the talent and drive to become an incredible Cardslinger. At least as impressive and as great as you are as a person. I believe you will succeed at the academy. If you do choose this path, please be cautious."

Then, she smiled, hugged her, and stood, ready to leave for the house.

Syn took a deep breath, her heart still heavy with doubt. The decision she faced was one she had never imagined she would have to make. Looking at Val, she knew she couldn't ignore the warning her friend had given her. The stakes were too high, and the choice would shape the rest of her life.

Val led Syn back into her dad's house and raised an eyebrow toward her.

Syn nodded, and Val turned to speak with Daph and Minda, leading them outside, "Let us show you around, Dear," leaving Syn alone with Taizhen and the unconscious bodies of Thassos and Nyk.

As they left, the atmosphere turned heavy, charged with tension and the weight of the decision that lay ahead of Syn.

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Taizhen wasted no time, "Syn, first of all, let me set things straight. As I'm sure Val's already explained, I knew your mother, Sylvie," he began, his voice gentle but firm. "We were close colleagues who worked together to change the world in ways that monster fighters like her could never understand."

Syn frowned, not liking the immediate dismissal of Val's authority but curious to learn more. "What do you mean?"

"We both shared interests in understanding magic deeply. To this day, I still believe that Sylvie's choice to have Val as a mentor was one of her biggest mistakes. Their conflicting viewpoints caused her so much stress." Taizhen sighed, shaking his head with a hint of sadness.

Syn considered his words, her fingers absentmindedly tugging at a loose thread on her shirt.

"I know you will be just like your mother. She was eager to help those in need. And if you join the academy," Taizhen explained, his hands gesturing expressively, "I'll ensure you can do that. I believe the best place for you to train would be the Keeper's research department. That'd keep you close by so you could visit your village and bring technological advancements home."

Syn held back a smile. The offer aligned better than she had ever thought with what she had wanted for herself.

"Even better, when you're ready, we could visit the Artificer's academy, where you'll learn to be a scholar and create clever gadgets that could help save countless lives."

"You're talking about helping invent things that will help?" Syn bit her lip, absorbing his words, her eyes darting between Taizhen and the unconscious figures on the floor.

"Yes, I heard about your inventions. Daph told me about them. They could have great applications in several fields that could help people," Taizhen said enthusiastically, "Although, with Garoth gone," he warned, his tone darkening, "we'll likely face larger numbers of beasts, or even stronger ones that had previously stayed away. Preparing the nation for this confrontation is the only solution."

Taizhen gestured towards Thassos and Nyk, who lay unconscious on the floor. "People who have never faced adversity can't understand the helplessness one feels when confronted with a monster that can destroy everything we hold dear. Not every situation can be resolved through violence, Syn. Sometimes, providing people with the means to fight back is more crucial than the fight itself." He said, pausing to see her reaction.

Suppressing a shiver, she felt she completely understood what he meant. She had never felt as defenseless as before Garoth.

"I know you, Syn. You'd make your mother proud. I have high hopes for you, and I'm convinced you'll join us, and I look forward to having you at the academy. You can follow in your mother's footsteps, becoming a role model admired by researchers and artificers alike."

Syn found herself drifting off. Distracted and torn between her loyalty to her mother and Val's warnings and the promises and praises before her. She knew that whatever choice she made would change her life forever, and she needed time to reflect on the path that lay ahead, her heart aching with uncertainty.

But Taizhen persisted, trying to convince her, explaining how she'd be able to impact the world.

Eventually, Syn found herself agreeing with him, "I-I think I'd like that," she blurted without thinking, her mind busy with the possibilities. "B-but I'd need time t-to think about it." she quickly added.

"Of course," Taizhen said, smiling confidently, his eyes full of assurance.

Finally, a knock on the door interrupted the discussion, and the pair found Minda entering the house.

"It's time we change their bandages. I hope you won't mind, Taizhen."

Taizhen's gaze betrayed no feelings but remained on the approaching Minda until he eventually turned his warm smile to Syn. "Well, dear, remember, you'll have my full support. I'll leave you to think about it. I'm sure they will recover soon under your caring hands." And with that, he left the room, his gaze emotionlessly peeking at Minda.

"Thanks," said Syn, grateful, while looking at Minda.

"Any time," replied Minda with a wink.

"W-would you mind leaving me alone with them?" Syn said as she swallowed. "I'll take care of changing their bandages."

Minda raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"

"I am. I need time to think," Syn insisted.

Minda nodded and exited the room, leaving her alone with the two resting figures.

Finally alone with her thoughts, Syn approached Nyk's resting figure, "Why haven't you woken up yet, you dummy?" she wondered aloud, feeling the urge to punch him.

She hesitantly turned to her father, and doubts flooded her.

After her mother left, her father had been so alone. She didn't want to abandon him but couldn't shake her fears about what would happen when more or stronger beasts arrived.

Kneeling next to her father, she clutched him tightly "D-dad, w-what should I do?" she whispered into his ear, "I wish you were here to advise me..."

As if awoken by her voice, Thassos shifted in the bed, mumbling something unintelligible.

Syn, excited, leaned in to hear him better. "W-what, Dad? What was that?"

He grumbled again, "D-don't."

A look of surprise and hope crossed her face, "Dad? Dad?"

His voice became clearer as he grunted in pain and furrowed his face, his eyes still closed. "W-what... about Syn?... D-don't go, Sylvie."

"D-dad? I'm Syn. I'm Ok... don't worry," she reassured him, her heart aching, he was dreaming of her mom.

"J-just s-stay," he mumbled, still in a dream-like state.

"I-I w-won't, I won't go, D-dad," she said, her eyes welling up.

"Why...Syl, w-why? Why... you return? Why?"

"Return?... N-no, Dad. I'll s-stay," she tried to comfort him, her voice shaking.

He grunted in pain, shuffling in the makeshift bed, "D-do you think you'll... find the answers you need... b-back at the Academy?" he mumbled.

Syn's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. Her mother had left them to finish her research, believing that answers could still be found at the Academy.

What was she supposed to do? Follow in her mother's footsteps and seek the truth at the Academy? Stay with her father and the people she loved, protecting them from lurking dangers? The weight of this decision rested heavily on her shoulders, and she knew that whatever she chose, her life would be forever changed.