The day passed swiftly. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Erend decided to leave the base early for once.
He drove to Arty's school and when she climbed into the car, her tired face immediately brightened.
"You're early," she said with a grin, tossing her bag in the back.
"I figured it's about time I showed up before the sun's down," Erend said, smirking. "Also, wanted to talk to you about something."
Arty raised an eyebrow and feeling intrigued. The car rolled forward as they pulled out of the school's parking lot.
"I've been thinking," Erend said. "Maybe it's time that I start calling for my coontact in another world for a teacher for you. "
Arty's eyes lit up immediately, her expression blooming with surprise and excitement. "Seriously?"
Erend chuckled. "Seriously. But…"
His tone shifted slightly, more thoughtful.
"This isn't just about getting stronger, Arty. This is a dangerous matter. The fact that you have Magic makes you a potential target. People out there might want to use you, control you, or worse. This path comes with power but also a huge risk."
Arty went quiet. She stared out the window, her smile fading into a thoughtful frown.
Her mind drifted back to those moments with the Chaos Realm's creatures and when she and her mom were kidnapped there. How they'd clawed through that strange world. How their mother had been there and she had stood between her and the monsters.
It had been terrifying. The fear was real. But so was the strength she'd discovered in herself.
She hadn't just survived. She had protected her mother and also her life.
The only reason she had been able to was because of the Magic that surged within her at that time.
Arty slowly turned back toward her brother
"It's alright. I'm ready," Arty said in calm and firm tone with a small smile.
Erend glanced at her.
She smiled and added, "If I don't want to be a danger to myself or to Mom then I need to become stronger. That way, when you're not around I can protect her. I want to protect her too."
For a moment, Erend didn't say anything. Just give her a soft and proud smile. Then reached over and gently ruffled her hair, earning a mock glare from her.
"You've got guts, little siste. I'll give you that," Erend said then chuckle.
As they continued driving through the orange-gold wash of late afternoon, Erend's thoughts shifted.
He would need to find a teacher. Not an Elf, at least not for now. Elf-style Magic was precise and amazing, but it didn't suit human instincts well.
Arty was human. She needed a human foundation first, something that matched her body and mind. He need to look for instructors from the human kingdoms he trusted. People who wouldn't exploit her potential.
When they got home, the rest of the evening passed peacefully.
Dinner came and went, laughter echoed lightly through the house, and the world felt quiet.
Later that night, Erend stepped out into the backyard.
He focused, drawing on his internal link and reached out telepathically.
There was a pause, then a familiar voice answered, brimming with comfort and lazy satisfaction.
"About time you remembered me. I was starting to think you forgot I existed."
Erend scoffed aloud. "Its just been few days, man. Damn…"
"Right. Haha. But I've been doing well. Still enjoying the luxury life. The Qomore Kingdom has some excellent services. My wounds are all gone. You should come visit."
Erend smiled faintly. "Good to hear. Actually, I've got something I need help with."
He explained the situation about his decision to have Arty begin her Magic training under human guidance, at least for now. He need someone grounded in the human kingdoms, not just Elven theory.
He asked if Eccar could look into someone suitable. Maybe even speak with Adrius or the Archmage of Qomore.
Eccar grew quiet in thought.
"Yeah, I can do that. That won't be a problem. The sooner we get her trained, the safer she'll be. I'll reach out to them and see what options we've got."
"Thanks," Erend said. "I owe you one."
"You owe me about twenty already. But who's counting? I'll wait for your next call."
Erend ended the link with a breath, then opened another mental channel. This time to Aurdis.
Her voice reached him warmly after just a few seconds. "Erend?"
He explained everything again. His reasoning for giving Arty a human Magic education first. Not that Elven teachings were lacking, but that it wasn't a perfect fit for a human girl.
She needed something built for her kind, her pace, and her limits.
"You're right. Besides we're quite busy over here. There's a lot happening of things we need to uncover from Laston's corpse and his soldiers."
"One more thing," Erend added, sheepishly. "I might still need a clone spell. Something that can hold strong and last long, just in case. I know you're busy but…"
"It's fine. Saeldir already has a few versions of that prepared. I'll talk to him."
"You're amazing," Erend said with real warmth.
"I know." She chuckled softly, then added, "Take care of Arty. She's brave and will become a strong girl. Like someone else I know."
With that, the night stretched on around him, cool and quiet.
Erend turned his gaze to the stars.
In the quiet depths of the Qomore Palace, Eccar strode confidently through the moonlit halls, ignoring the startled glances of guards as he approached the Archmage's chambers.
He raised a hand and knocked once.
"Sylmira, you asleep? I've got something important to talk."
His tone was casual almost teasing. Like they were old friends.
The guards around the chamber stiffened. No one dare to spoke to the Archmage like that before because they will be smite on the spot.
But moments later, the door opened, revealing Sylmira in a silk robe, her silver hair unbound. She smiled, amused.
"Come in," she said. Without hesitation, Eccar stepped inside.