"You came just at the right time," Gale said, casting his fishing rod into the water. "Maybe we can get that dinner if everything goes well."
Agnes stared at him and his surroundings.
"When you called, I thought you'd be here within a couple of hours," he said. "What took you so long?"
Agnes sighed. "I could have been here in less than half an hour if I used teleportation," she said. "But I flew most of the way here."
He turned to look at her and finally noticed the changes. Her aura was hidden as always, but the fluctuations she emitted were far more prominent and developed. "You have advanced!" he beamed. "Congratulations!"
"Thankfully, it went without a hitch," Agnes nodded. The benefits she received from the subspace were likely unmatched, as he couldn't imagine anyone else getting the same advantages from dark essence as she did.
"Almost a couple of months have passed on the front lines," he said, motioning for her to sit next to him on the boulder. "Is there any news I need to be aware of?"
"Other than the demonic monster surge that ran amok until the higher-ups intervened," Agnes paused, "they've finally realized what we stole and are doing their best to find it."
Gale blinked. "Really?" He wasn't too surprised; the news was bound to break out eventually. But it had only been a few days for him, and he hadn't thought much about what was happening on the front lines. "How much did they find out?"
"Probably more than they're letting on. They're keeping the search under the radar, but I've heard everyone is far more eager. Even the noble kids had to go through many rounds of interrogation. Good thing you got out before they had any idea."
"They'll still bother me about this when I get back," Gale muttered. He could already see it happening, especially with his relationship with the Walts. They would probably try something sinister again.
Unfortunately for them, this time he would be prepared for whatever they could throw at him. Gale smiled coldly.
"Anyway," Agnes said, meeting his gaze. "Have you checked on the findings?"
"I have, though from afar," he said. "I've been waiting for the right time to do a more thorough inspection."
"What are you waiting for? Didn't you mention the core was causing complications with your abilities?"
"I fixed that while still within the camps. Anyway, I'll let you see it all after dinner."
****
June arrived on Sylvie when it was completely dark, except for the countless stars twinkling in the sky. Gale had called her twice in the last couple of hours, urging her to join him as soon as possible. He was preparing dinner and wanted her to be there.
"Finally," Gale greeted her before they could even land.
She could already smell the delectable aroma of food in the air. The table setup indicated she was late.
"Dawn, help her prepare," Gale said to the unique-looking woman, who still looked as pristine as ever. "Meanwhile, I'll set the table."
Dawn invited June back to the guest house to refresh herself and change. Since she was already late, June didn't waste much time. She changed into a light blue gown she hadn't worn more than a few times and applied some natural perfume. When she came out, Dawn was still waiting for her.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," June said, nodding to her.
"The others have already joined. We shouldn't keep them waiting," Dawn said as they passed by a very furious-looking girl—Jenni, if June remembered correctly—munching on a big piece of roasted meat and glaring at Dawn and her.
Dawn nodded, as there was nothing more to say, in her opinion.
"How was he before then?" Agnes asked again.
Gale quirked an eyebrow, interested to know the answer. Dawn lifted her head to give him a look as he served fried rice onto their plates.
"He's just the same as I remember," Dawn said, "Perhaps a little less intense now, with a more prominent face."
"Are you saying he's more handsome now?" Agnes raised an eyebrow, looking between Gale and Dawn.
Dawn's cheeks turned a shade red. "Yes."
"Mhm," Agnes hummed. "I thought he looked better with a beard, but that might be because it hid his pointy chin and jawline."
"Okay, you two can stop discussing how dashing I am in front of me," Gale said, taking the seat between them. "You can sing songs of my heroics behind my back."
"I like the clean-shaven look," June told him, touching his knee. "It gives more of an intellectual vibe, not just a brutal fighter who kills monsters for a living. You would look imposing as a professor."
"That reminds me, are you planning on going back to teaching at the school?"
"Honestly, I haven't thought about it," Gale said thoughtfully. "But I love teaching, so I can see myself going back."
Dawn looked eager to say something but remained silent until Gale pointed it out.
"You want to add something, Dawn?"
"Umm, I may have forgotten to mention, but you do have an establishment where you teach spirit arts and many other things a couple of times a week," she said.
"Really?" Gale raised an eyebrow. "How many students do I have?"
"Well, other than your disciple, there are about a dozen or so," Dawn said. After thinking for a second, she added, "You didn't like ruckus, so we kept the thing very remote."
"You have a disciple?" Agnes asked, completely flabbergasted. "Like one you teach regularly?"
Gale shrugged. "Why is it so shocking to you?" he snorted.
"Well, as much as I know, I just couldn't imagine it," she said. "You give the vibe of a person who'd fed up with teaching a single person soon unless they are really talented."
"I think she is," he muttered. "And I'm going to have another disciple soon... Probably..."
"Jenni?" June picked an eyebrow.
"Probably," he nodded. "Though it depends on her. If she can see above her current mindset and see what she can accomplish with some nudges on her path."
Agnes was more surprised. "You are really serious about this?"
"Enough about me," Gale said. "I heard you're discharged from being the role of captain of the 16th infantry?"
"Fortunately, or unfortunately, yes," Agnes said with a deep sigh. "I'm free of military duties now."