The Village of RestlessWind

The village was a very lively one. You could see people and carts moving from one place to the other and the buildings and atmosphere were much different from the villages Aster had travelled by on the Outer area of the continent.

The buildings were much fancier even if still wood based. Not complex as Initium but developed and large enough to the point where it resembled more a small city rather than a village. Even the pavement was gravel based instead of dirt.

They had moved away from the entrance and were now going down the street before stopping by an empty spot.

"Well here we are. I'm ahead of schedule since you gave me a ride so do you want a guided tour around the village?" Asked Rose to the group after they stopped.

"We'll pass. It's not my first time here so the two of us will just make our way to the marketplace and set up shop." Said the merchant.

"Ok, how about you Aster?"

"Sure, I don't see why not."

"Well then, if we don't see each other again." The merchant went up to Aster and raised his hand.

*shake*

"I wish you the best of luck Aster."

"Same."

The little girl then went up to him and also gave her goodbyes and a hug. The merchant then started to once again move the wagon towards the market.

"I should stay for a couple of days, try to say hi once or twice before I leave." Shouted the merchant as he and his daughter waved at Aster.

"I will try." Replied Aster as he waved back.

...

...

"So, how about a quick trip around the village?"

"Doesn't sound bad, but could you instead point me towards the Elementalist Academy."

When she heard him she stopped right on her tracks and took a look at Aster especially his waist.

"You don't look like a swordsman..."

"I... 'think Aster think' lost... my sword... 'perfect'. "

"Lost your sword...?"

"Well... broke it. While fighting some bandits. These daggers are what they had on them."

"Ho... that makes sense."

"So, I would be correct to assume you know where the Academy is right?"

"Ye. I have a close friend who is studying there, so I always go there at least a couple of times a week. I even know a few shortcuts. Here try not to fall behind. " She said before starting to move at a fast pace, Aster following behind.

"Can I ask you something?" Said Aster.

"Sure."

"Why were you so far away from the village? A trip like that can't be that safe."

"Well the best herbs to make medicine don't exactly grow near. Also, I can take care of myself somewhat regardless of how it might have look earlier. I mean I've been doing it since I was a child. I'm still alive ain't I?"

"Fair enough." 'It's not like I'm one to judge considering my lifestyle.'

They kept talking for a few minutes before arriving at some large buildings.

"We're here."

Aster looked around. There was a large building that was enormous relative to the surrounding ones and it was much more complex than the other ones as well. It was brick based and felt a bit out of place.

"Are you sure this is it? Isn't it a bit to... big."

"Don't worry about it. The academy is not as prestige as it used to be. The building looks good but inside it mostly the same as the other buildings around. Also, as long as they are official pupils they let the students live here so it's mostly just dorms."

"Even then... isn't it a bit of a waste."

"Most guards and soldiers train and live here as well so it kind of doubles as a barracks and training grounds. Even if the quality of the student's isn't what it used to be. Well it was a pleasure meeting you Aster."

"Like wise."

They then shook hands and then Rose started to walk away.

"If you ever need anything just ask where the herbal shop is most people should be able to point you to it."

"Will do."

'Well then. Guess I should go in.'

Aster then climbed the stairs in front of him and went inside. When he went in he was met with the sight of multiple people with swords on their waists or back and attires quite different from the ones on the village. These were still simple ones but designed to be easier to move in. The atmosphere inside felt similar to a military base although not as formal or strict. You could even see teens and man on their 30s walking around.

'Ok so... no receptionist. Well don't be shy Aster just ask around.'

"Hu excu.... and he is gone."

"Hey miss do you min..... thanks anyway."

'They really are busy aren't they.'

"Can I help you?"

Aster then heard a voice call him from the side. A man in his late 30s with a very slim built and young face, in fact he looked to be in this mid 20s but for Aster all he noticed was his aura.

'He is strong.'

If he had to compare the Bandit Leader and the man in front of him right now. Then the man in front of him would be the strongest, even if by only a little.

"Yes, you see..."

...

...

...

Aster had explained the situation, and they were now in a sort of office where the man was taking care of some paperwork.

"Aster, yes the name did sound familiar. We had a call a couple of weeks back. In fact your paperwork was mostly taken care of already. But... you are aware this is a swordsmanship focused academy right?" He said while taking a look at Aster's daggers.

'Why did I not store those away already!? ' "I broke the sword I was using these were a replacement."

"Well it is true a fighter should not rely too much on one type of weapon. Don't worry we use mostly wooden swords on practice anyway. Since the call indicated you would be staying with as at least a few months I suppose you want a room?"

"Is there a fee of sorts?"

"Yes and No. Usually after a week if the Master doesn't deem you worthy you would need to pay to continue to attend the academy and use the room. If not you are good."

'That's good to hear.'

"But It also seems that we received a small donation from your call so you don't need to worry about that for the next few months."

'Dammit Luka.'

"Well do you mind explaining how exactly does the Academy work?"

"Well in the morning you have the Instructor classes, you know basically them teaching how to fight with a sword and in the afternoon you have an optional Aura and Wind Element Class you know for elementalists. Afterwards Its self practice mostly just sparring matches about what was discussed in the morning. In the weekend there are no classes but there is an event of sorts. It's easier if you just see for yourself."

"I see well thank you for your time."

"No problem, I will see you later this week."

Aster then started to leave the room before he remembered something.

"Ho, ye just one more question. Do you guys have a Communication Crystal?"

...

...

...

*kreeek*

*tumpth*

Aster had just arrived at his room. It was fairly modest with a window, a bed and a closet. You could also see the sun setting out the window.

"I'm tired..."

The first thing Aster did when he entered the room and closed the door was to toss his backpack to the side and lay flat on the bed.

"So this is where I'm gonna train for the next few months..."

He then took a quick look around and closed the curtains before summoning his sword.

"How much? How much stronger will I have to be before I'm ready..."

"It's not like I know I will have to fight. Maybe..."

Aster then closed his eyes and remembered the events that happened in Central Island.

'Who am I trying to fool? Myself?'

"There will be a fight... and a hard one at that. I'm sure of it. So I will make sure I'm ready before attempting it."

Aster then started to do the usual Aura trainings he had been doing.

"I won't let them down... I will find what I'm looking for. I will... I must...

...

...

...

Luka ha just finished working for the day when he entered his room. He was tired but as usual instead of going to bed he had sit down and was getting ready to do some more work before he called it a day. At least that was his intention until he saw a notification in his personal Communication device. He had figured who it was before even opening the message.

- hey Luka i arrived at restless wind today-

-just wanted to tell you the trip went without an issue-

-since you didnt answer i guess you are working-

-just make sure to rest in fact i order you to go to bed ater you read this-

-im seroius-

-i will try to call you when i have the time-

-and dont think you are going to get away with that small donation of yours you are gonna tell me how much you paid GOTIT-

Luka just smiled softly after he read the text.

' I should probably go rest then.'