32

Several weeks have passed since the defensive measures of Sagax Academy have been put in place once more. Eva and Scima have returned to the manor now with their safety assured once more. Though several families ordered their children to return when word reached them of the new dangers posed by the True Dracabanan Army, by and large classes have continued on like normal. Sion, ever diligent, has continued to grow stronger, and Scima, ever competitive, has caught up to him. Together they appear to be the two strongest of their year.

With the school year still in its early stages, the gaps between students have not yet been closed. There has only been little movement changing the way they are ranking each other among themselves. Those Rebello had put in his tournament are still largely considered the top, though their order has changed slightly. While Sion and Scima again and again display great strength, Tenka has shown little to nothing, and all they have to judge him now is his own confidence in challenging Sion to a duel. However, apart from those eight, attributed more to her favoring by the indisputable top student of the academy than anything else, Anima has also improved greatly in both combat and academics.

Valere stands at the front of the class and addresses them.

“Everyone, I have some important news. In three days your year of the academy will embark on a small outing to the Spire of the Sky, near the border between Saturgranum and Dracabana. There are several key points to go over, and I will not take questions until I’m done. To begin, this is an ‘extracurricular enrichment activity,’ meaning it has no bearing on grades and you do not strictly need to attend. The reason why you should attend is as follows: ‘it is a rare opportunity to observe the academic rigor of a large, interdisciplinary study.’ Now then, I’ll address the obvious concerns you all have. We have been attacked directly once already this year, and yet just as things are settling and a barrier is in place, you have all been asked to venture out. Headmaster Mirus believes that staying hidden away, ‘cloistered within the academy as in the days of old,’ as he put it, will not do you any favors. He believes that growth cannot occur without new things to stimulate you, and if you were to ask me, I believe he’s right. However, that is not to say that he wants to put you all in danger. For this outing, several staff members will serve as guards. First, the deputy headmaster, Rebello Faegen. In addition to him, all of the teachers in charge of classes, myself included, will be joining you. Though I’m missing an arm, do not forget that I am much more powerful than any of you. In addition, several of the special instructors will be coming along. That makes for a retinue of about ten, I believe. Within the next two days, you are being asked to signal interest, but in accordance with the headmaster’s wishes, this will not be binding. Any questions?" Nobody responds. “Okay, that’s great. Now, in preparation for this outing, I have been asked to brief you all on the spire itself, however, I’ve been talking for a while now, and I would like to drink some water, so if any of you can explain, please do.” Sion raises a hand. “Okay, Sion, go.” As Valere begins to drink, Sion begins to talk.

“The Spire of the Sky is an incredibly tall tower that is thought to come from the Divine Era. It is believed that it served as one of the last bastions of humanity near the end of the era due to what records we have in following eras. It is also believed that it was abandoned shortly after the Pact of Heavenly Isolation that ended the war between the gods due to a lack of any signs of use afterwards. For that reason, it holds a significant role in the church, as it is one of the last structures that gods might have existed near themselves.” Valere reads a paper in front of him and nods.

“Yeah, that hit all of the main points. Any takers for what they’re studying there, because I learned what it was yesterday and I’m still not entirely sure what it means.” Again nobody responds. “Okay, I’ll read off the description directly, so make of it what you will. ‘The researchers have made a base camp near the Spire of the Sky, with scholars in disciplines ranging from magic to anthropology. The researchers each are conducting independent studies in their own discipline, but at routine meetings, they share their recent findings with each other in a small conference, hoping to stoke new thinking by exposure to as wide a variety of ideas as possible.’ Any other questions or concerns?” Nobody responds. “All right, then I believe you are dismissed for the day.”

Sion, Scima, Eva, and Anima stand in the hall before they return to the manor. Scima looks at Eva.

“Lady Eva, what do you think you’ll do about this outing?”

“I’m still undecided. I’m sure that it will be safe with all the teachers around, and you by my side. However, I’m not sure if I would want to.” Sion sounds confused.

“But isn’t learning important?”

“Of course it is. But in the time it would cost me, I could study statesmanship instead. So I need time to weigh the possibilities.” Anima chimes in.

“Well, I understand. For me, what I want to study most are things that will help my father. But I’m sure it’s good to take your mind off of that every once in a while.” Eva smiles cheerfully.

“Most people would simply take a break and rest.” Anima seems slightly embarrassed.

“Ah, I guess you’re right… But… Sion, you think it will be interesting too, right!?”

“Right. And it’s as it’s said: ‘even the Great King Bana would have been another unmarked grave.’ Or rather, it’s good for you to do interesting things, learn interesting things, and push yourself to detours on paths you never thought to take. That’s part of what makes a life full. Doing nothing but for your goal won’t help you fill up your life with good memories.” Scima smiles.

“Well, Lady Eva, I intend to follow whatever course you decide on, but Sion has me convinced. It might be a nice change of pace.”

“You’re right. Anima and Sion have made good points. I’ll keep it all in mind while I decide. Shall we return to the manor?”

As they begin to set off, Tenka approaches them.

“Hello there, everyone. Have you decided what you will do about this excursion?” Scima answers him.

“Not yet. Well, the other two have, but not Lady Eva. You?”

“I am still not sure. That is why I decided to ask. I do not have much interest in history, especially such ancient history; I would much rather look to the future. However, I have a feeling that this trip will be interesting in the end. For that reason, if you choose to trust in me, it might be in all our best interests to go.” Eva considers his words.

“I’ll take that under consideration, Tenka. If you will excuse us, we were just on our way to the manor.” Tenka smiles.

“Of course. I hope you all have a nice rest of your day.” As they part, Sion looks at Tenka.

“Tenka, I don’t know what you feel is going to happen, but I’m sure it will be a good experience regardless.” Tenka waves him off without a word.

The four of them leave Sagax Academy. Just as the fog comes in around them, it parts, opening up the way to Messis. They walk leisurely, and Eva begins to speak to Scima.

“Tell me, what do you think about Tenka’s feeling?”

“Tenka’s too mysterious. I have no idea whether it’s smart to trust him or not. But I can’t imagine him having bad instincts. And he’s saying the same thing as Sion, so it must be right.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

Meanwhile, Anima moves so that she and Sion walk right side by side. She speaks to him quietly.

“Sion, I just started wondering earlier, but what is your goal?”

“I still don’t know.”

“You don’t? You left your home without knowing what you wanted to do?”

“Yeah. In a way, this whole thing is the ‘path I never thought to take.’ The form our future will take isn’t set, even something as simple as if I’ll ever return home is uncertain, so something like this is fine too. Things like this help give our futures shape. Even if I don’t know what it will be, I’m sure there are things that will only come about for me because I’ve done this.”

“Is that really enough?”

“Of course. Even if it hasn’t been long since I ended up here, I’ve already started getting all sorts of things I wouldn’t trade away. If I had stayed at home, or stayed in Clea, I never would have met you. Or Scima, or Eva, or anybody else we’ve met. All of those bonds are irreplaceable, so that’s definitely already enough.” Anima responds, slightly red in the face.

“Well, I guess that’s true.”