Chapter 103: Arkery

"Make sure you remember this!" Abel fixed his gaze on Emmy, who could only nod in response, and with those words, he left the place.

Lying on the ground, Emmy watched Abel depart, silent for a long time.

"Brother, do we really have to go to the Shadow Ring?" Leah asked Bols, her brow furrowed with worry. Over the past two years, Leah had transformed from a shy little girl into a poised young lady, her features growing ever more refined.

"Leah, you have to understand, this isn't something we can decide," the blond man sitting opposite Leah replied helplessly to her complaints.

"But Emerald Tower never wanted to get involved in this, and yet they insist we go!" Leah protested, knowing deep down that it was unavoidable, but she couldn't help venting her frustration about the academy.

"Alright, the mentor said we just have to do our best, casting healing spells from the rear. It's not like they're sending us to the front lines," Bols reassured her, thinking Leah was simply frightened; after all, he had done his best to protect her these past two years.

"I know! Besides, I'm not afraid of the other apprentices." Leah could tell from Bols' look that he was worried about her.

"Yes, yes, you're the strongest!" Bols replied indulgently, though he didn't quite want to admit it.

"Hey, brother, what if we ask our mentor for help?" Leah suddenly remembered her instructor.

When Leah entered Emerald Tower, she was taken on as a student by a female mentor, who also brought Bols along. Although neither Leah nor Bols had outstanding talent, they worked hard, especially Bols, after Leah was bullied by other apprentices who entered with her. Though they had numbers, Bols had the swordsmanship of the Church of Hughes and didn't suffer much.

After that incident, the siblings devoted themselves entirely to learning, and their mentor grew increasingly pleased with them. Their mental capacities were now at the brink of becoming third-level apprentices, able to concoct some basic potions—though their success rate was embarrassingly low.

"Don't even think about it! Last time you got in trouble, our teacher had to bail you out," Bols immediately rejected Leah's idea.

"Oh, come on, brother, let's just try. What if the mentor agrees?" Leah, seeing Bols refuse, moved closer, staring at him with wide eyes.

"Why are you so unwilling to go?" Bols looked at Leah with a troubled expression. He cared deeply for his sister, but he didn't want to trouble their mentor this time.

"Brother, think about it. If the teacher agrees, we could sneak off to find Hughes!" That was Leah's real reason for wanting to avoid the mission.

"I know, but Leah, have you thought about it? All these wizard organizations are attacking the Shadow Ring. Even if our mentor approves, with the Shadow Ring's current defenses, if we approach, we'd just get caught," Bols reasoned patiently, knowing Leah was worried about Hughes—he was, too.

A few days earlier, their mentor told them that Emerald Tower, pressured by other wizard organizations, would join the attack on the Shadow Ring. The first thing Bols and Leah thought of was Hughes.

"So what do we do? Are we just supposed to ignore Hughes? If only we hadn't let him go to the Shadow Ring!" Leah's eyes grew misty, her voice full of grievance.

"It's not that we don't care—we just can't act recklessly," Bols said, his heart aching as he watched Leah.

After a long silence, Bols finally spoke. "Alright, you win. Let's go see the mentor together. But listen—if she doesn't want to help, you can't pester her!" Knowing Leah's temperament, Bols made her promise.

"Don't worry, I'll do as you say!" Leah's mood instantly lifted, and she grabbed her brother, heading to their mentor's residence.

Bols sighed, realizing he'd been tricked; Leah's sadness had been an act. But he'd already agreed, so he could only follow her.

"You first," Leah said to Bols.

"You first—you're the one who wanted to come!"

"I don't care, it's you!"

The siblings stood outside their mentor's door, debating who should knock.

"What are those two whispering about outside?" Inside, Professor Hattie had noticed their arrival and waited to see what they wanted. When they didn't come in, but stayed outside murmuring, she couldn't stand it anymore.

"Come in, whoever's out there," Hattie called, unable to wait any longer.

"Teacher!" Leah and Bols hurried inside, faces tinged with embarrassment, unsure if their conversation had been overheard.

"So, what brings you here?" Hattie asked, her tone amused.

Hattie had a good impression of them—this was her first year teaching at Emerald Tower, so Leah and Bols were her first batch of students.

Seeing Bols remain silent, Leah steeled herself and spoke.

"Teacher, about going to the Shadow Ring, could we…"

"No," Hattie interrupted, refusing Leah without a second thought.

"Leah, you must understand—the entire Emerald Tower is mobilizing for this. I can't help," Hattie said, softening her tone as she saw Leah's pitiful expression.

"Oh," Leah replied, feeling utterly dejected. Without her mentor's help, there was truly no one else.

"But if I run into that little fellow, I'll keep an eye out," Hattie promised, seeing Leah's disappointment.

"Teacher, you know what I wanted to talk about?" Leah stared at Hattie in surprise.

"Of course—you're always muttering about it in class. How could I not know?" Hattie replied, exasperated. Sometimes she felt more like Leah's older sister than her mentor.

"Hehe, thank you, teacher." Leah felt a bit embarrassed but was deeply grateful.

"You two won't be facing direct conflict this time, but be careful. Stay close to Emerald Tower's apprentices," Hattie said, giving instructions for the upcoming mission.

"Teacher, aren't you coming with us?" Leah asked curiously.

"Not this time. We official wizards have our own assignments. No matter what, surviving is the most important thing, understand?" Hattie said seriously to both Leah and Bols.

"Yes!" The siblings understood the gravity of the situation and promised solemnly.

"See? My idea was right," Leah said with pride as they left Hattie's residence.

"Yes, yes," Bols conceded, admitting Leah's plan was indeed the better one.

"Once this is over, we'll ask Professor Hattie for leave, and with Hughes, we can all return to Sorto City together!" Leah was delighted just thinking about it.

"Yes, as long as nothing goes wrong," Bols replied, his heart full of anticipation.

"Don't jinx it! If something does happen, how will you explain to Father and Uncle Clay?" Leah scolded, unhappy with Bols' words.

"Alright, alright, I spoke too soon. But Leah, are you sweet on Hughes?" Bols teased, noticing her strong reaction whenever Hughes was mentioned.

"You—you…" Leah blushed, unable to reply, and raised her hand to chant a spell, preparing to unleash her magic on Bols.

"Don't, I was just joking!" Bols quickly dodged, realizing what Leah intended.

"Master, Yalkri has arrived!" With the ship docking, Willy entered Hughes' quarters to inform him.

"I know."