Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) Daniel Schinhofen (books to read in a lifetime .txt) 📖

the academy box. “I see. You have won and will be moving on.”

The men with the stretcher were loading up Xandia as Victoria headed for the exit, her eyes going to the people sitting in the front row. Her smile grew wide when she saw them cheering for her.

Chapter Sixty-nine

 

When Victoria left the arena floor, Hao stood up. “Well, that was invigorating. I could use some dinner.”

Gregory looked at the afternoon sky, but rose with him. “I’m sure an early dinner would be wonderful.”

“We’ll be staying to watch the rest of the fights,” Bishop said. “Enjoy your day, but remember the elder’s words about being back at a reasonable hour.”

“We will have them back before it becomes too late,” Yoo-jin said. “Have a good day.”

As they were leaving the arena, Yukiko moved up to walk beside her father. “How did you choose which item to give to each of them, Father?”

Hao snorted. “I didn’t. As I left the shop, Elder Lightshield stopped me. We chatted for a few minutes and he made vague comments about the items I’d just purchased. As I was on the way to join you, all his meaning fell into place. I did as he suggested, and it looks like it was the right choice.”

“Ah, that makes much more sense,” Yukiko nodded. “It felt odd that they just happened to have the items they needed to win. Without those boots, Daciana would have been crippled for days, at least.”

“Her foot would have been nearly destroyed by the first spike, and her other leg would have been maimed,” Jenn said darkly. “True, he didn’t try to kill her, but she would’ve been even worse off than you both were after the first tournament.”

“And Nessa,” Gregory said. “She would’ve been badly burned if not for the gloves. I was uncertain at first if they could counter Walun’s flames.”

“And the earrings and gloves were the only reason Vicky won,” Yukiko added. “She was able to make a tear to punch him in the throat, and she showed her strength off to everyone when she revealed her medallion. That caused quite a stir.”

“Yes, it did,” Hao nodded. “Until they declare what clan they’re joining, they will have even more people circling them.”

“Daciana is going to be beside herself,” Jenn said as they left the arena, changing the subject. “Literally walking on air.”

Gregory winced at the pun. “That was horrible.”

Yukiko laughed. “I thought it was good. Do you think Nessa will give her a... cold shoulder?”

Gregory groaned. “They get worse.”

“Yeah, sorry, Greg,” Jenn said with contriteness. “Sometimes, they come out of nowhere, like a punch to the throat.”

Hao laughed at that one. “That was good, very good.”

“Don’t encourage them, please?” Gregory asked Hao.

They came to a stop within sight of the arena entrance, but far enough away not to impede others. Umbrose shook her head as she patted Gregory’s shoulder. “Her father does the same thing.”

“As does my husband,” Yoo-jin said. “Sorry, Gregory, but it seems they will both do this at times.”

“We’ll stop for now,” Yukiko snickered.

Gregory sighed. “It’s fine. I’d never ask you to change who you are.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” Jenn said, giving his hand a squeeze, “but we can change a little for the one we love.”

“Yes,” Yukiko said, going to his side to squeeze his other hand.

“I’ll endure those moments and do my best to accept them,” Gregory said.

“Here they come,” Hao smiled, turning to face the novices and their families. He waved, and the group headed their way.

“We won,” Daciana grinned, but her grin slipped a little and she shot a glance at Victoria. “Now I know how you both felt last year.”

Jenn and Yukiko nodded, but it was Yukiko who spoke, “Yes, which is good and bad for you. It’s bad because now, you have to fight your friend with everything you have, but it’s good because you are a step closer to being the champion and not facing someone who might try to kill you.”

“Which is where you have it tough,” Jenn said, looking at Nessa. “It might have been better if Charles had won, since you know the gloves can help against fire magi. Instead, you have to face Frederica.”

“The healers will have her back in top-shape for tomorrow,” Nessa said. “I worried about the splash of fire on her shoulder that singed her head. Luckily, it missed her eye.”

Yukiko winced as she recalled nearly losing hers. “If it hadn’t, you might not have fought tomorrow.”

Daciana broke into the moment, bowing at the waist to Hao. “Thank you.”

“Stand up,” Hao said not unkindly, his eyes tracking the few people who could see them. When she did, he gave her a lopsided smile. “I have no need for thanks. I didn’t do anything. Your family is the one who gave you the items to win. Thank them.”

Gufta looked ashamed. “She would have been killed or maimed if not for those boots. We couldn’t do anything for her.”

“Nonsense,” Hao said, slapping the eurtik on the back. “You made friends with people who know the hardships you face. You could have told those people off, refused, and walked away. So, you did do something, and a very important something— you showed your daughter that friendship can help carry them through trouble.”

“Same for us,” Ramon said softly. “Our Ness could have been burned badly if not for her gloves. The little bit she had to deal with was bad enough.”

“You’ll always be welcome in our home,” Vana said.

“We thank you,” Yoo-jin smiled. “I hope you realize that if Nessa wins, your business will grow even more popular.”

“We did see a bit more business after the tournaments last year. People wanted to see where the champions had spent the time outside of the tournaments.”