Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend
Chapter 194 - 194: Who Was That, Rae?

Raegar was busy teaching his friends how to work out like the Blackwoods, exhausting them all as they dropped into the group. Just then, booming laughter echoed across the field at the sight of them falling to the grass, breathing heavily.

Everyone faced the noise and noticed Ranthar walking over and clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder, nearly knocking him off balance. ''Well done, lad!'' the giant rumbled, his voice a deep, warm growl that carried a mix of pride and amusement.

''You pushed them hard today, but didn't let up on yourself either. That's the mark of a true leader, training alongside your students, showing them what it means to grow stronger,'' he exclaimed happily.

Raegar, still catching his breath while resting in front of the tired group, who were trying to recover from the workout. He managed a weary but genuine smile as he waved off the professor's praise with a casual flick of his hand.

''It's the only way to do it,'' he said, his tone tinged with conviction. ''If I'm not out here sweating with them, how can I expect them to give their all? Strengthening their bodies is just the start; it's about building their resilience, expanding their Aether Pools, and preparing them for what's ahead.

He pointed at Luna and Dominique, who were already on their feet as he continued. ''And with Professor Silvershade's guidance on channeling Aether, they're starting to tap into reserves they didn't even know they had.''

Ranthar nodded approvingly, his green eyes glinting in the sunlight. ''You've got a knack for this, kid. Keep it up, and you'll have a squad of warriors ready to take on anything, bloated Aether Pools or not."

With a final, rumbling laugh, the tiger-man sauntered off, leaving Raegar to glance at his friends, who were already picking themselves up, their faces glowing but covered in sweat as they rested.

Vienna strode over and gave him a playful fist bump. ''By the goddess, Rae, I'm so glad we're friends,'' she excitedly said. ''These workouts are working miracles on me."

Grinning, she nodded toward Zahara. ''And just look at our half-elf! She's sleek as ever but filling out nicely, gotta make sure she's stunning for your wedding night.''

When Raegar heard this, his cheeks burned crimson at Vienna's teasing, while Zahara's rich brown skin took on a deeper tone as embarrassment overtook her. Their blonde friend burst into laughter, joined by Caspian, who shot him an odd look.

''At least you're not consumed by your power,'' his friend said with a grin. ''Most with your strength lose themselves.''

He waved off the dark-haired boy's concern. ''I'm not turning into some evil tyrant. The Raegar you see now is the same one who'll be at your and Vienna's wedding, along with Rune and Julia's too.''

The giant boy's face lit up, his massive frame practically vibrating. ''That's the spirit, Rae! You're one of the rare ones who'll stay true!'' he boomed as the class bell echoed across the grounds.

As the group trudged away from the training field, a figure slipped from the shadowed corner, her voice slithering through the air. ''Good morning, Rae,'' she purred, the words curling like smoke as he chatted with Rune and Zahara.

The group froze, heads snapping toward the voice. Drusilla went rigid, her eyes wide with recognition. It was the same woman Raegar had helped at the school's entrance when she fell.

His muscles tensed, a chill prickling his spine as he sensed the eerie aura of her Tier Seven power, pulsing like a heartbeat in the dim light. Her gaze, sharp and unblinking, seemed to peel back his defenses, lingering too long, too knowingly.

The woman's unblinking stare bore into him, her eyes glinting with an unsettling intensity, like a predator sizing up its prey. The air grew thick, her Tier Seven power coiling around them, cold and oppressive.

Selene stepped forward, planting herself protectively between him and the woman, her stance defiant, blazing with unspoken challenge. The stranger's lips twitched, a flicker of anger darkening her features, her gaze sharpening into something venomous.

Her fingers flexed, as if itching to unleash something sinister, but before she could act, the group turned as one, their footsteps quickening. They rushed off, the weight of her stare lingering on their backs like a shadow, her fury a silent promise hanging in the air.

''Who was that, Rae?'' the Demoness asked as they got far enough away. ''She felt extremely off and only ever looked at you.''

He shrugged and explained everything that happened, but Drusilla added. ''We need to keep an eye on her. Not all monsters look like beasts; they come in human form as well.''

Everyone agreed as Caspian changed the subject. ''Rae, what class do you have now?''

''Aether Fundamentals with Za and Domi,'' he replied.

The two girls exchanged smiles as Selene let out a huff. ''I'm stuck with Blacksmithing, but I managed to switch into your P.T. and Combat Magic classes. I also signed up for World History and Dungeoneering, those are great since they don't keep me cooped up indoors too long.''

As the red-skinned girl's words cut through the garden they were passing, the group's eyes snapped to her in unison. Confusion flickered across her face, softening the usual fire in her crimson gaze, and he let out a laugh that echoed.

She tilted her head, white hair cascading like snow over one shoulder, and for a brief moment, she looked… adorable. The fierce, untamed Demoness seemed momentarily disarmed, her features softened by genuine bewilderment.

"What are you idiots staring at?" she demanded, her voice sharp but tinged with an uncharacteristic waver.

Rune let out a low chuckle as he leaned forward with a wide and teasing smile. ''Oh, please,'' he said. ''We all see it. You're itching to get closer to him, aren't you?''

Selene's eyes widened, and a faint flush crept across her red cheeks, so subtle it was nearly lost. Zahara bit her lip to suppress a giggle while Dominique raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the rare sight of the Demoness caught off guard.

Their earlier wariness melted into a shared amusement, their gazes darting between the Selene and Raegar, waiting for her inevitable fiery comeback, but she didn't say anything, prompting him to jump in.

''Let's get to class, then meet up at lunch as we skipped breakfast thanks to rushing to P.T,'' he said.

Everyone nodded before Caspian, Rune, Vienna, and the giggling Luna left for their lessons. Once they were gone, Selene glanced at him, causing the other two and Drusilla to give them some space.

''Sel, stop worrying about everything and let's see how things go,'' Raegar reassured. ''I think you're a wonderful girl, so there's that.''

When the Demoness heard that a bright smile appeared as she asked in a hopeful voice. ''If I'm honest, I get worried that I'm not ladylike and more of a tomboy compared to the other girls.''

His eyebrow rose as he honestly answered. ''It doesn't bother me, I like tomboys, Sel. And being ladylike isn't everything you know?''

Selene agreed and suddenly hugged him and headed for her Blacksmithing Class. He watched her leave with a pep in her step. Just then, Dominique appeared beside him, smiling. ''She's strong but insecure, I'm glad you see that and can communicate.''

''My mother taught me how to speak to people,'' he revealed. ''She spent weeks drilling into me how to interact, so it's easy for me.''

The Vampress nodded as they began heading for the Aether Fundamental Class while Zahara spoke up. ''I'm looking forward to my healing session with Nurse Kitsunia, she says she can teach me some rare eastern methods that might help your grandmother.''

Raegar's eyes glowed at her words, but he shook his head and gave the blonde a charming smile. ''Do you mind traveling with me? I can take you to your village after you heal her.''

When Zahara heard this, she beamed while questioning. ''Are you that confident in me? And that would be nice, my family would love to meet you.'' Just then, she turned to Dominique and asked. ''What are you doing for Spring Break?''

''I have my older sister's wedding on Skelgard Island,'' she revealed with a sigh. ''We have to sail across the Howling Abyss Sea, what a horrible place.''

Zahara shivered at her answer while he got excited. ''I heard about that place, the wind sounds like a wolf's howl, which is fascinating.''

The two girls turned their heads toward him, their eyes sparkling with amusement, and they burst into laughter. Dominique, still chuckling, brushed a strand of hair from her face and spoke with a playful tone.

''Wish me luck on the voyage! Father's been pouring his heart and soul into building that ship for months now, and I can't wait to see it set sail."

The blonde beside her, grinning widely, chimed in with an excited nod. ''And once we're back from summer break, things are going to get interesting! They'll officially announce the tournament in just a few weeks, and it'll kick off shortly after we return. I'm already counting down the days!''