Chapter 182: Returning To The Black Tower

[AN: Bonus Chapter 3/7]

On the blue ocean called the Everlasting Sea, a large ship made of earthen wood was currently bobbing up and down along the waves. Ceilie stood on the main deck, looking out over the ocean, enjoying the breeze that blew through her hair. Nergal walked up behind her and hugged her while resting her head on Ceilie's back. "Ceilie, we have been out here for weeks. How much longer?" 

Ceilie let out a sigh and peeled Nergal off her. "We got a few more days to go. I told you it would be a long trip." 

"Mmm…. I am not complaining, I was just wondering." Nergal smiled, showing her white teeth and two sharp fangs. 

During this time, Nergal had weaved her way into Ceilie's heart little by little. Although they were still not intimate, they were still more than just friends. Ceilie was not completely used to Nergal's kinship and did not push her away as much. Even on the ship, they had no choice but to share a bunk since there were no spare rooms. After a few sleepless nights, because Ceilie kept having to pry Cergal off her, Ceilie finally gave up and just let the girl latch on to her at night as long as she did not interrupt her sleep. You could say they were a couple in the making but not quite there just yet.

Ceilie smiled and turned back around to look out over the ocean. "Nergal, why can things not always be as peaceful as they are now? If things were this peaceful, then I wouldn't have ever felt weak and compared myself to my little sister. I could have stayed by her side and enjoyed having a family. Although I know, that would not last too long..."

"If that was the case, then you would never have met me. I would never have found my soulmate." Nergal said as her cheeks became red.

Ceilie rolled her eyes as she said: "I am being serious. Well... I guess you are serious. But still. I know no matter how peaceful it is, I would still need to make this journey in order to be able to better myself. To be honest… I am thankful you are with me. With you around, I am not always thinking about unnecessary things." 

"Hehe, does this mean you love me!? Just say it out loud. Nergal, I love you so much I can not live without you. I will now strip nak… Ow!" Nergal rubbed the fresh bump on her head as she looked up at a smiling Ceilie.

"Stop while you're ahead." Ceilie chuckled and then ruffled Nergal's hair. Nergal looked up at Ceilie with a wide grin before hugging her. Ceilie did not push her away this time and actually hugged Nergal back. This was the kind of relationship the two had. 

---

Dean Williams office…

"Dean, I need to finish something and will need a bit of time off." Kana had come to the dean's office in order to request leave. It would allow her to finish the trials and find out what else she would gain besides being able to use all elements. 

"Mmm.. that is fine. Do you know how long you will be gone for?" Dean Williams asked.

"This… I am not sure, to be honest. To tell the truth, before everything with the empire happened, I was in the middle of a trial for the Gratoirans race. An ancient cil…." Kana was about to explain when Dean Williams suddenly shouted.

"The Gratoirans!? Are you sure!?" Dean Williams's eyes opened wide in excitement. Mainly because they had some information on this ancient civilization. The Gratoirans were a highly advanced race of giants who could change their systems in order to gain a higher advantage. Their knowledge of the system and magic far surpassed any civilization. Just their magi tech alone was enough to make Dean Williams begin fangirling, and he was a guy!

"Mmmm… It is the reason why I can use both fire and water." Kana replied. She held out her hand, and two small balls appeared. One was made of fire, while the other was water. 

"I see… I see… Then take your time. I will inform your instructors… But I must ask, where is this trial you speak of?" Dean Williams asked.

"In the middle of the wasteland on the red magic realm, I went to last time. It is a tall black tower. The outside is surrounded by graves. It is just that the trial starts off with the steps leading to the entrance of the test, and one must stand on each step in order to register that they have indeed passed the test.  But the gravity that weighs down the body is not easy to deal with. I was just barely able to pass the first trial." Kana explained.

"I see… But still, even if that is the case, it will be a good way to train the students. I will wait before making any kind of announcement. Once you complete the second two trials, give me a full report on what they consist of and how hard they were. As for your classes…. Take this..." Dean Williams took out a small cube. "This cube will create a water screen. I will assign one of the staff to attend your lessons so you can still take your classes while taking the trial if things are going to take time.  As for the forging and  battle training, We will schedule you to take extra lessons on them." 

Kana smiled and took the cube. She was actually happy that she could still learn things. "Then I will be sure to bring a bag with notebooks so I can  take notes."

"Yes, you should. It is good to want to better yourself but make sure you keep up to date on classes is also important. Come back and see me when you are ready to leave." Dean Williams said with a smile.

"Mmm… I will."