ShadowBound: The Need For Power

Chapter 112 - 112: The Progress

The training with Mystica was drawing to a close. While Mystica herself was preoccupied with other matters, Sheila, Liam, Dylan, and Ariana had each absorbed the lessons she had imparted to them in their own ways.

Ariana and Dylan mostly trained together, having spent the longest time under Mystica's guidance. They shared insights and worked in sync, their bond growing even stronger.

Sheila, on the other hand, preferred to spend most of her time immersed in the book Mystica had given her, pouring over its contents in

The group stood in the familiar clearing of the illusory forest.

"Time does fly, doesn't it?" Mystica continued, clasping her hands together with exaggerated sorrow.

"I might be sad, but I'm actually happy. Why? Because I'm finally going to have a month of freedom! No students to pester me while you all head off for weaponry training. Such a relief." She finished with a mischievous smirk.

Dylan clutched his chest dramatically and stumbled backward. "How could you say such a thing in front of your loyal servant? I'm devastated, wounded—nay, betrayed!" With a flourish, he fell to the ground as if struck by an arrow.

"Oh, please." Mystica rolled her eyes, though her smirk widened. "No need for theatrics, Dylan. You and Ariana will still be seeing me often."

Dylan immediately popped back up, dusting himself off. "Aha! I knew it. She can't resist my charm. I'm obviously her favorite."

"You're definitely something," Sheila quipped dryly, as she gave him a side glance. "Favorite might be a stretch."

Ariana giggled softly, shaking her head. "It seems you can never change, Dylan."

"Of course not," Dylan replied, grinning. "Why mess with perfection?"

Mystica raised a hand to silence the playful banter. "Anyway, I have something to propose, but it's entirely up to you if you're interested." Her expression turned slightly more serious, though her usual playful tone remained.

"I've been invited by one of the noble families in Grandeur City to a party. Since you'll have two free days before your training shift begins, I was thinking of taking you four along as my guests."

Dylan immediately shot to his feet, his eyes wide with excitement. "A party? Grandeur City? Nobles? Yes! I accept! Lead me to the promised land!" He threw his arms up dramatically, earning a chuckle from Mystica.

"Well, that was predictable," Sheila remarked with a hint of amusement in her voice. "I'm in too. It sounds like a good opportunity to relax."

Ariana nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up. "It sounds wonderful. Thank you for inviting us, Mystica."

Mystica's gaze shifted to Liam, who hadn't responded. "And what about you, Liam?" she asked, her tone turning deliberately mischievous. "Don't tell me you're turning down a chance to hobnob with the elite."

Liam placed his hands in his pockets, his expression calm. "I don't think I'm much of a party person. But I actually need to speak with you about something. I have a question."

Mystica tilted her head curiously, studying him for a moment before shrugging. "Is that so? Very well. You three," she said, turning to Ariana, Dylan, and Sheila, "can get going. He'll join you later."

Dylan gasped dramatically. "You're leaving us alone, Mystica? Abandoning us in our hour of need?"

Ariana rolled her eyes. "We're just heading to the teleportation cave. Try not to get lost on the way, Dylan."

"Lost? Me? Impossible!" Dylan placed a hand on his chest. "I have an impeccable sense of direction. Follow me, ladies—I'll lead us to glory."

"More like a detour," Sheila teased as she followed him.

As they walked toward the cave, Ariana leaned closer to Sheila. "Do you think Liam's going to join us later?" she whispered.

Sheila shrugged, glancing back toward the clearing. "Maybe. He's… complicated. But who knows? Mystica might talk him into it."

"I hope she does," Ariana replied with a shy smile.

Back in the clearing, Mystica waited until the others were out of earshot before turning to Liam. "Alright, Liam. What's so important that you couldn't tell me in front of them?"

"I didn't say I had something that important tell you which required them to go away. You told them to leave first." Liam replied with a deadpan expression.

"You sure do have guts." Mystica said with an animated irritated face. "Anyway, what is it you want you ask?"