After a series of dialogue, they agreed that silence was safer. They took a carriage from a nearby town and arrived at the Kingdom of Elarion in the country of Luminaris.
Stellanova's Academy loomed familiar and unwelcoming as they returned. Dirt-streaked and battered, they drew stares. Soon after came Prof. Nowell's office where they saw both Ariel and Daniel leaving.
Nathan stood alone before him as Noah was dismissed.
"What were you doing," the professor asked calmly, "while your group nearly died?"
Nathan couldn't speak.
"Mr. Valen, I do hope that you understand the severity of the situation that you're in."
No response came forward.
"Fine, I've grown tired of this. You and your group will be suspended for 2 weeks from the academy and commission work."
Nathan's voice burst out with refusal.
"So you can speak? Oh how a miracle has been bestowed unto me (sarcastically)."
Nathan found his voice and took a deep breath before speaking.
"I'm sorry for what has happened today sir."
Prof. Nowell rubs his eyes in exhaustion.
"I didn't ask for an apology, I asked for your input on the matter."
"I'm sorry sir."
"I clearly said no apologies."
"(quietly) Sorry"
Nathan then tells Prof. Nowell everything from start to finish.
"That was quite the tale, Mr. Valen, I almost felt pity for your nap time."
"I'm so sorry, sir. Whatever punishment you would've given them, give it to me. I take full responsibility and promise to reflect on my actions and will never abandon them again."
He bowed his head after giving him his speech.
"Mr. Valen, how did you feel when you saw your group in that situation where one of them seemed to be on the brink of death?"
"Regret… fear… anger towards myself."
"I see. You are suspended for 1 week from the academy and will take no commissions during that time. Make sure you clean up every chalkboard in the whole school. You are now dismissed."
Nathan got up from the chair with his hands and feet still shaking. Prof. Nowell noticed this and said, "let this be a lesson and a reminder of why you came to this academy. What you felt today should be an indication of whether or not you are out to be a mage. You aren't from any noble or royal background so whatever mistake you may have whether it results in the death of your team or the death of others as part of casualties, there'll be no one to cover it up for you then. One slip up and a family loses a loved one, a life is gone. Do better next time, Mr. Valen."
Nathan clenched his fists in frustration as he responds to the professor.
"Yes sir."
Later on that day, Nathan met up with Noah outside the entrance as other students went out the gates after school. He caught Noah up with his talk with Prof. Nowell. That early evening, Nathan finished cleaning the chalkboard of every class. He bumped into Ariel at the exit.
"What are you still doing? School ended 2 hours ago."
"What's it to you?"
"Are you still mad about today? I'm sorry."
His apology was in vain as she continued to leave.
"Prof. Nowell wanted to suspend all of us for 2 weeks."
She was brought into a halt after hearing this. Nathan continued, "He wanted to suspend us but I couldn't let you guys take the fall for it along with me, so I took responsibility for it. She turned to him and said, "Do you want a party to be thrown in your honor. Do you expect praise for learning how to walk. What you did was to be expected of you because all the trouble that occurred today was on you. We needed you with us but you came when we were on our last legs. If you had envisioned me applauding then you're sorely mistaken."
Nathan expected this from her so all he could do was apologize again and make amends with her with an offer.
"Noah offered me dinner at his mom's restaurant. I want you to go in my place."
She responded and asked in a suspicious tone, "Why?"
"Think of it as my final act of forgiveness. And before you refuse, just know that you're letting go of free duck saute'd in berries." She refused at first until her stomach gave out a loud growl.
"Should I take that as a yes?"
"SHUT UP!"
Ariel reluctantly forgave him, irritation giving way to something gentler.
Later, at home, his mother's smile washed the day clean.
Sleep claimed him quickly.
Elsewhere, beneath the same tree Nathan had trapped the dark cloaked man, another mysterious figure studied the lingering magic. A trail stretched toward the kingdom.
The man followed it with his eyes.
"…Son?"