Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend-Chapter 136: Like A Kid In A Museum

Seizing the moment, Raegar surged forward, his daggers gleaming. With a primal yell, he became a whirlwind of steel and fury, his arms blurring into an indistinguishable storm as he sliced the devil thousands of times in mere seconds.

Each cut carved glowing gashes across the fiend's form, ichor spraying like a tempest. The onlookers stood frozen, their breaths caught in their throats, witnessing a legend unfold.

***

Zahara watched with wide eyes as Raegar danced around the training field as the Devil chased him, leaving behind a red and white blur. Her heart was racing when she noticed how strong he truly was.

''Rae's fighting side by side with a Tier Seven Warrior!'' Rune exclaimed in awe.

''For some reason, his power has shot up so much I cannot tell what Tier he is now,'' Vienna muttered in complete shock. ''Why is he even here, if he can wield such Aether?''

''He's Tier One and hasn't even reached Vapour yet,'' someone spoke from behind them.

Zahara spun around, her heart pounding, as Professor Morris stormed past, leading a group of knights clad in rune-etched armor. They charged toward the portal, cutting down a swarm of lesser fiends that spilled through with ruthless efficiency.

The creatures collapsed in heaps, their twisted forms dissolving into ash as the knights' blades sang with holy fire. Her gaze flicked to Raegar, who had just ceased his assault on the Tier Four Devil, his daggers still dripping with blood.

She watched him approach with a yawn as he spoke. ''Should we head to Aether Fundamentals? I want to see how to improve.''

Before she could reply, Professor Morris called out. ''Blackwood! Come to my office once lessons finish.''

Raegar yawned and nodded as the group approached the building. Zahara noticed how people were avoiding them. This prompted Vienna to comment. ''Between the scars and surprising power, it scared people away even more.''

''It doesn't matter,'' she declared with a big smile. ''We're his friends, and it doesn't seem like he cares for the other students.''

***

Raegar stopped at the entrance and turned to the three. ''Are you coming or not, Za? I don't want to be late.''

That's when his gaze settled on the Windermere siblings. ''I'll catch you both at lunch. What classes are you headed to again?''

Vienna offered a weary but warm smile. ''Healing.''

Rune, brushing ash from his sleeve, chimed in a moment later. ''Potion Brewing,'' he said.

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As they reached the towering oak doors of the academy building, Raegar and Zahara paused, exchanging brief goodbyes. With a nod, they stepped inside, their paths diverging as they headed to their respective classes.

Zahara glanced back at Raegar, her eyes glinting with curiosity. ''Rae,'' she called softly, slowing her steps. ''Is it just me and Luna who are Triarchs in our group?''

''Yes,'' he nodded. ''There are six more, remember, but enough of that, let's get to class.''

Raegar and Zahara strolled down the grand hallway, its walls adorned with vibrant works of art done by students and detailed murals depicting Drakenwood's storied past, scenes of battles, Aether rituals, and legendary triumphs.

His eyes widened, captivated by it all, his steps slowing as he took in every detail. Zahara glanced at him, a giggle escaping her lips at his expression. ''You're like a kid in a museum,'' she teased.

Moments later, the blonde tilted her head thoughtfully. ''If I recall correctly, Drakenwood's stood for centuries, built on the very ground where King Arthur vanquished a dragon, and Brightwater is an Old World city according to Imperial Scholars.''

Raegar's head snapped toward Zahara with an excited expression as he asked. ''How do you know that? I've never heard of such a thing.''

Her eyes widened with a mix of shock and amusement, a giggle bubbling up as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ''You should grab a copy of The History of Brightwater. There's this old scholar who swears there are hidden underground tunnels beneath the academy and the city.''

''That's too good to pass up. I'll check it out during my free period, as you have one?'' He tilted his head, enthusiasm lighting his features. ''Want to come with, Za?''

She shook her head, a playful pout tugging at her lips. ''Wish I could, but I promised Vienna I'd help her with her healing magic.''

Zahara gave him an encouraging nod. ''Let me know what you find, though!''

Raegar nodded in agreement as the duo made it to Class A, where they noticed other students entering. She looked at him and spoke. ''This is Aether Fundamentals Class, we should get in line to get a seat.''

Following that, they entered only to see most places were taken, but one table caught his eye. Dominique was sitting on her own while daydreaming as Professor Silvershade wasn't here yet.''

Raegar didn't hesitate, striding toward the vampire girl and settling beside her with a quiet confidence. Zahara slid into the seat on his other side. The girl stirred, her body tensing as her green eyes flicked to him, but he spoke before she could back away.

''Hey, I'm sorry for bringing that up earlier,'' he said, his voice low and sincere, laced with a warmth that cut through the tension. ''I know it's probably a painful topic, and I didn't mean to stir anything up. I just want you to know it wasn't intentional.''

Just then, two girls approached the table before the closest one spoke first. ''Thank you for saving me. I'm Emily Pearson, and my family is in your debt. If there's anything we can do, just let me know.''

The next girl stepped forward and bowed her head. ''I'm Ann Veyra. My uncle is the owner of the Veyra Trading Company, he will make sure you're rewarded for saving me from that vile Devil.''

Raegar's eyes opened as he smirked while taking out the Gold Pass that the old man had given him some time ago. ''Looks like I saved another Veyra from getting killed. Cassian gave me this to show at his shops.''

Ann's brown eyes widened in shock as she muttered. ''Uncle's only given that to one person.''

''And who was that?'' Dominique asked curiously as her suspicion was proven right.

''The Ghost of the South,'' the girl muttered as her gaze landed on his hair. ''Why are you here?''

''You're the famous ghost who freed the Southern Lands from the Korrveth and Lunathyr Kingdoms!'' Zahara exclaimed with a shocked expression. ''She's right. Why are you studying here when the empire would allow a powerful court mage to train you?''