"So, what's your destination, lad?" Mr. Alden asked, leaning back in his chair. "What do you want to be?"
Ronan paused, his gaze lifting to the vast, glittering sky above. His voice was quiet but steady. "I want to explore the world… to experience all the beauty it has to offer."
Both Ms. Amara and Mr. Alden looked at him, momentarily stunned by his unexpected answer. Most students who enrolled in the academy spoke of heroism, fame, or glory. This answer was different.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Ronan lowered his gaze and added, "It's not just that. I also want to protect the ones I love."
A brief silence hung in the air before Mr. Alden burst out laughing, the sound rich and warm. Ms. Amara joined in, her laughter soft but heartfelt.
Ronan blinked, confused by their reaction. "What's so funny?" he asked, his tone slightly defensive.
Ms. Amara wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "We had a friend once… someone who said almost the same thing. You just reminded us of him, that's all."
Mr. Alden nodded, his expression softening. "Now I understand why Gideon thinks so highly of you."
At the mention of Gedion, Ronan's curiosity was piqued. "You know Sir Gedion?"
Mr Alden leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic look crossing his face. "We're old friends," he said simply, though the weight of unspoken memories lingered in his tone.
After they finished eating, Ms. Amara stood and stretched, her movements graceful under the starlight. "There's a bed on the flying ship if you want to rest, Ronan. We've still got a few hours before we arrive at the academy."
Ronan smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, but I think I'll stay out here for a while. The night sky is too beautiful to miss."
Ms. Amara nodded, understanding in her gaze. Mr. Alden gave him a knowing look before clearing the table with a flick of his hand. As Ronan leaned back in his chair, staring at the endless expanse above, he felt a small spark of warmth not just from the roasted meat but from the company of these two unusual, kind-hearted people.
After hours of flying, the trio—Mr. Alden, Ms. Amara, and Ronan finally descended onto the bustling street in front of the Hunter's Boutique. The vibrant district was alive with activity: merchants shouting their wares, adventurers clad in battle-worn armour bargaining. The boutique itself stood out, an imposing building with intricately carved wooden beams and a shimmering sign above the entrance.
As they stepped inside, the cool air of the shop contrasted with the warm chaos outside. Rows of shelves lined with rare materials and weapons gleamed under soft magical lights. The receptionist, a young woman with sharp eyes and a polished demeanour, immediately approached, bowing slightly upon recognising Mr. Alden and Ms. Amara.
"Welcome, esteemed guests," she said smoothly, her gaze briefly flitting to Ronan, who was scanning the interior with wide eyes, his curiosity piqued by the assortment of items. Hesitating for a moment, the receptionist tilted her head and asked, "If I may inquire, who is this young man?"
Mr. Alden and Ms. Amara exchanged a glance before replying in unison, "Our student." Their tone was calm, but the sharp glint in their eyes made it clear the question required no further probing. The receptionist quickly nodded and stepped back, only for the shopkeeper, an older man with a greying beard and a jovial expression, to approach with a warm smile.
"Mr. Alden, Ms. Amara! It's always a pleasure to see you both. What brings you here today?" he asked, his hands clasped together in a gesture of hospitality. Meanwhile, Ronan wandered toward a section displaying weapon-making materials, his attention drawn to the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant hues of the items.
Noticing this, the receptionist cautiously approached him. Her tone was polite, almost reverent. "Young Master, are you interested in anything specific?"
Ronan blinked, turning to face her, surprise evident on his face. "Young Master?" he echoed. "You're mistaken. I'm just a student. I'm here with my teachers from the academy."
Despite his clarification, her demeanour didn't change as she inclined her head slightly and stepped aside to allow him to rejoin his mentors. Mr. Alden, who had been speaking with the shopkeeper, gestured for Ronan to come forward.
"I have a few items to sell," Mr. Alden began, his voice steady. "Some tailed-fox flames and a few bodies. Specifically, three cores of one-tailed foxes, one core of a two-tailed fox, and the full body of a three-tailed fox."
The receptionist's professional facade flickered for a moment as she processed the list. "One-tailed and two-tailed fox cores are quite common, so their prices are modest," she explained. "However, a three-tailed fox body is a rare find. Its price will reflect its rarity. Should I register the seller as Ms. Amara or Mr. Alden?"
Mr. Alden's lips curled into a faint smile as he pointed toward Ronan. "He's the seller."
Ronan's eyes widened. "Me? But—"
Ms. Amara interrupted with a reassuring yet firm tone. "You're starting to handle things on your own. This is part of your growth. But let me make one thing clear." She turned to the shopkeeper, her hand igniting with a small, controlled flame that flickered ominously. "If I find that you've deceived him in any way, I will personally burn this place to ashes."
The shopkeeper's jovial expression faltered into a nervous grin. "Of course not, Ms. Amara! You have my word. The young master will receive a fair price for both buying and selling."
Mr. Alden gave a single nod of approval. "Good."
The transaction proceeded smoothly. The receptionist and shopkeeper meticulously appraised the items, offering a reasonable sum. When the exchange was complete, Mr Alden handed the pouch of coins to Ronan.
Ronan hesitated, shaking his head. "I can't accept this. I've already troubled both of you enough."
Ms. Amara's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "This is your earning, Ronan. You earned it. Our role is to guide you, not take what is rightfully yours." Her smile was warm, carrying a sense of encouragement.
After a moment of silence, Ronan reluctantly accepted the money, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you. For everything," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.
Back at the academy, Ronan paused to bow deeply toward his mentors.
"Thank you again for helping me," he said. "Good night."
Ms. Amara and Mr. Alden watched him walk toward his dormitory, a small smile playing on their lips.
"His adaptability is far suparis what Gideon told us." Mr. Alden remarked.
"Indeed," Ms. Amara replied, the flicker of pride in her eyes unmistakable as they turned and headed to their quarters.