As soon as the instructor left, the hall grew quiet again.
Asher looked at the five of them—still holding their documents, still trying to process everything that had just happened.
"Okay then," he said, breaking the silence, "now that you're officially part of Averin Academy…"
They straightened instinctively.
He continued calmly:
"I'm going on a short trip."
All five of them blinked at once.
"A trip?" Maxwell asked.
"Where?" Sophia added.
"Why now?" Amanda muttered.
Asher lifted a hand, stopping all questions.
"It won't take long. A few days at most. You'll be fine—you're in the academy now, and you'll have your own schedules to follow soon."
Lia nodded slowly, trying to look composed.
Sylens stayed quiet, but his eyes sharpened, already preparing himself.
Asher then reached into his cloak.
A faint shimmer of light appeared.
Five small objects materialized in his hand—each glowing softly with a pale red hue.
He held his hand out.
