After the combat class, Ian and Myrra were at Axilya's private training facility.
Myrra was entering the Zeroth Order once again, but this time with the Wizard Path. Yes, she had chosen Wizard after much deliberation and suggestions from others.
Apart from the usual reasons, like the path being more complete, extensive, and popular, there was also the advice from Master Elara. Master Elara herself followed the Wizard path, and in fact, it was the third most popular path among the folks of Arcane Engineering, after Etherforging and Architect.
Another reason for Myrra's choice was her affinity. After checking, she found herself aligned with something called Noctis, which represented the serene, vast darkness of the night. It could be considered a dark affinity, but it was far more elegant, subtle, and elusive in nature.
Although affinities weren't fixed and could be adjusted through certain methods, Myrra's connection to Noctis was exceptionally strong. Based on this, the Wizard Path seemed like the most fitting choice for her. Other paths, like Psion or Mystic Knight, had more neutral alignments, but Wizard was more comprehensive and could accommodate a wider range of affinities, making it a better match for Myrra's unique connection to Noctis.
The process of entering the Wizard Path was very similar to that of the Architect, where the mind had to be unlocked and expanded to align with the path. However, unlike the Architect's approach, which was attributeless, the Wizard Path was more flexible, based on affinity and the flow of energy.
Myrra cleared her thoughts, focusing entirely on her mental clarity. She could feel the Noctis affinity within her, a cool, serene darkness, vast and ever-present. It wasn't overwhelming but instead filled her mind with a sense of peaceful power.
As Myrra focused on this dark energy, she started to feel its pull. With each breath, her mind stretched outward, embracing the affinity that flowed through her. The darkness of Noctis felt like a silent companion, its presence not daunting but comforting and full of potential.
The breakthrough soon came. She realized a subtle yet powerful connection had formed between her mind and the night sky. Her bond with it solidified, and with that realization, she felt herself fully aligned with the Wizard Path.
Myrra opened her eyes slowly, her body relaxed, but her mind was sharper than ever. It was a subtle but profound shift, one that marked the beginning of her journey as a Wizard.
Feeling the shift within her, Myrra stood up, a soft smile spreading across her face. She turned to Ian, her joy evident, and without thinking, she hugged him tightly. As she pulled away, her lips brushed his in a quick, spontaneous kiss, a brief but tender moment that left them both a little breathless.
Cough...
They turned toward the sound and saw Axilya standing at the entrance, her usual military-style uniform on, the long claymore strapped to her back. Myrra quickly turned away, a flush creeping up her neck as her shyness kicked in.
Axilya hadn't been there before; she must've arrived just now.
"Congrats, Myrra," Axilya said, her voice neutral but with a hint of warmth.
Myrra smiled, still a little embarrassed. "Thanks, Axilya."
They have a brief conversation before Myrra asks "So, how about we celebrate? We could go out to eat or something."
Axilya shook her head. "I don't like crowded places."
Myrra grinned, not deterred. "Well then, how about we celebrate at home instead? We can cook something nice for you. Ian's a pretty good cook, actually."
Axilya hesitated for a moment, then gave a reluctant sigh. "Fine. But I'm not staying long. And nothing fancy."
Myrra's grin widened. "Deal! You're going to love it."
The three of them arrived at Myrra and Ian's apartment. Ian immediately began preparing dinner, taking suggestions from Myrra and Axilya about what they liked.
While Ian worked in the kitchen, Myrra and Axilya settled into the living space. The conversation quickly turned to memories of Lylva, their hometown.
They shared a few lighthearted exchanges about the quirks of their old neighborhood and the misadventures they'd had growing up there. The easy banter made the evening feel warm and familiar. Myrra shared a story about when she and Ian first met there, both working at a workshop and how they ended up here.
Axilya smiled warmly. "I'm really happy for you both. You make a great pair."
Myrra hesitated for a moment before glancing at Axilya. "What about you? Ever had something like that?"
Axilya tilted her head slightly. "Haven't really found anyone like that yet," she said after a brief pause. "I guess I've just been focused on other things."
Ian, overhearing from the kitchen, let out a small chuckle. "Huh. I figured you'd say your sword is your true love or something."
Myrra laughed. "Yeah, that does sound like you."
Axilya rolled her eyes but smirked. "I'm not that single-minded. I do think about it sometimes."
Ian smirked but didn't push further. The conversation flowed on as the scent of dinner filled the room, and Axilya, despite herself, already seemed hooked.
When dinner was finally served, Axilya took a bite and her eyes lit up. "This is one of the best meals I've ever had," she declared, her tone genuine and full of surprise.
Myrra patted herself on the back, grinning at Ian. "I told you he's a great cook."
Ian just smiled modestly, clearly pleased by the compliment.
After the meal, as Axilya prepared to leave, she thanked them warmly. "That was really wonderful. Thank you both."
Myrra offered a friendly smile. "If you ever want to eat again, just let me know, the chef will be happy to prepare something special."
Axilya nodded, a reluctant smile on her face. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. See you both soon."
And with that, she left, and the evening ended on a comfortable, pleasant note.
After Axilya left, Myrra and Ian sat together, the apartment quiet except for the faint hum of the night outside.
Myrra stretched her arms and let out a small sigh. "Axilya's really nice. She's not cold at all, just… reserved. Once you get to know her properly, she's actually easy to be around."
Ian glanced at her. "You think so?"
Myrra nodded. "She's kind of like you."
Ian raised an eyebrow. "What? How am I the same?"
"Yeah, pretty much," Myrra said with a small smile. "I used to be quiet too, but it was different. Mine was forced. With you and her, it's just… natural."
Myrra continued, her voice softer. "My quietness was uncomfortable. Yours is peaceful."
Ian looked at her for a moment before putting an arm around her, pulling her into a gentle hug. "You don't have to be uncomfortable anymore," he said quietly.
They sat like that for a while, neither feeling the need to say more. Eventually, Myrra shifted, stretching slightly before giving him a small, contented smile. "I'm heading to bed," she said lightly.
Ian nodded. "Alright."
Myrra stood up, pausing for a second before giving him one last glance. "Goodnight, Ian."
"Goodnight, Myrra."
With that, she turned and walked to her room, leaving behind the quiet warmth of the moment.
The next morning, Ian received a message notifying him that Enira and Eryndor had finally arrived. Visitors were allowed inside the Institute, but only with proper authorization. They would also have to wear a monitoring bracelet that tracked movement and access within the facility.
Myrra, who had already received a notification from Enira, was visibly excited. She quietly approached Ian, her voice carrying a rare enthusiasm. "Sister Enira arrived at Ial Themar. She said she will come to visit..."
Ian glanced at her and nodded. "Yeah... I'll authorize her entry."
Myrra gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Let's pick her up at the station."
Ian quickly completed the authorization process, ensuring Enira would be allowed inside with the required bracelet. Once everything was set, they made their way to the station to meet her.
At the station, Enira stood with her usual composed elegance, her tall, delicate frame accentuated by the soft lighting. Her long black hair was tied into a neat braid draping over her shoulder, and she wore a dark blue, ankle-length coat over a fitted top and tailored pants, blending practicality with refined style.
The moment Myrra spotted her, her eyes lit up, and she wasted no time, threw her arms around Enira, hugging her.
"Sister Enira!" Myrra's voice carried warmth and excitement.
Enira smiled, her cool composure softening as she returned the embrace. "It's good to see you, Myrra."
Back at the apartment, Myrra and Enira sat together, their conversation flowing easily. Myrra was visibly excited, happily chatting about everything, her studies, the Institute, and the things she had been up to. She also asked Enira about her journey and how she was adjusting.
Enira, too, found herself smiling more than she expected. She had come here with a purpose, her mission dictated that her interactions with Myrra were meant to be calculated, deliberate. Yet, something about Myrra's presence made it difficult to maintain that distance.
It wasn't just politeness or simple charm, there was something else, something that made it easy to let her guard down.
She wasn't the only one who had noticed it. Ian, sitting nearby, had observed the same thing before. Myrra had a way of making people feel at ease, as if their worries could momentarily fade in her presence. Axilya was a clear example of this, someone who was usually withdrawn yet had found herself blending into Myrra's world without resistance.
"You look happy," Enira remarked, watching Myrra with an amused expression.
"I am," Myrra admitted without hesitation. "It's good to see you here."
Enira let out a small chuckle. "You're more welcoming than I expected."
Myrra tilted her head. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Enira hesitated, then shook her head lightly. "No reason. It's just... nice."
She shouldn't be this comfortable. She knew that. And yet, for now, she allowed herself to indulge in the warmth of the moment.
After spending some more time at the apartment, Enira finally stood up to leave. Ian walked her out, offering to drop her off. The evening air was crisp and quiet as they made their way toward the station.
After a few moments of silence, Ian finally spoke. "Any news on what they want from Myrra?"
Enira shook her head. "No. But…" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I do know a few others who belong to the Quiet Testament."
Ian's gaze sharpened. "Anyone inside the Institute? Rumlose?"
"No… at least, not that I know of," Enira answered without hesitation.
That wasn't unexpected, but it only meant she didn't have access to that kind of information. Ian exhaled slowly. "See if you can find anything on Carion. Carion Veldrin, from Efsagroth, he's a student here. If he's related to…" He trailed off, leaving the implication clear.
Enira frowned slightly. "Okay… but that kind of information isn't easy to get."
That was the problem. Enira was just a peripheral member of the Quiet Testament, never truly in the inner circle. Eryndor was even more distant. If they wanted real answers, they needed someone deeper inside. But that was far easier said than done.
She hesitated, glancing at Ian as if debating whether to continue. Then, after a moment, she spoke quietly.
"There is a way…" Her voice dropped lower as she explained.
A slow, uncertain silence followed. Ian said nothing, just listening, weighing her words carefully.
Then, with nothing more to add, Enira stepped onto the Elysian Line.
Ian remained where he was, his thoughts swirling. He would have to consider her suggestion carefully.