When Ethan returned to his friends, the cool air of the dark corridor hit his face. The thick stone walls and narrow windows of the school made the dim light inside feel like a labyrinth. Ethan's mind was still affected by what he had read in the library, so he could barely hear his friends' conversations.
Pamela's voice broke through Ethan's thoughts. "Ethan, what are you planning to do for lunch today?" she asked, smiling.
Ethan quickly snapped back to reality. "I think I need some time alone to think," he said. "My mind's been all over the place lately."
Harry responded with concern. "Is being alone really a good idea? I think we should all hang out together. It might make you feel better."
Lidya nodded in agreement. "Yes, being together is always better. Plus, maybe you won't have to see Hugo and the Draconis heirs for a while, which could help clear your mind."
Ethan felt grateful for his friends' support, but at the same time, the unease inside him grew stronger. He had something he needed to resolve within himself, and no matter how much support he got, he had to carry this burden alone. "Thanks, really," he said. "But I feel like I need to be alone with this. Please don't worry, it'll just take some time."
Pamela gave him a worried look but didn't say anything. Lidya, however, took a deep breath and said, "If you need anything, we're always here for you."
After thanking his friends once again, Ethan began walking toward the lesser-known parts of the school to find a place where he could be alone during lunch. The corridors grew quieter, and the distant sounds of students faded. Eventually, he found an old, unused part of the school and discovered an exit no one knew about. The courtyard beyond the door looked abandoned, but it was exactly the peaceful place Ethan had been seeking.
Here, amid the sounds of nature and the soft hum of the wind, Ethan lost himself in thought as he sat on a stone. The Draconis heirs, Hugo, the letter from his family… they all came together to form a big knot in his mind. He wasn't sure what to do, but one thing was clear: no matter what, he had to do what was right.
Ethan took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. Whispering to himself, he said, "I must make a promise to myself. No matter what challenges I face, I will stay true to my sense of justice. I won't fall into others' games, and I won't stray from my path."
As he solidified this resolve in his mind, he heard footsteps approaching from afar. Quickly getting to his feet, he looked around to see who was coming. In front of him stood a face he had never seen before—a tall young man wearing a black cloak, standing at the entrance to the courtyard. The young man's eyes were sharp and determined, but there was a hint of compassion in his gaze.
Ethan was surprised by this unexpected encounter. "Who are you?" he asked, reaching for the hilt of his sword.
The young man slowly approached Ethan. "My name is Emris," he said in a calm yet authoritative voice. "I won't ask what you're doing here, because everyone needs time alone. However, you should know that being alone in this school is not always safe."
Ethan sensed the looming threat in Emris's presence, but at the same time, he realized his intentions weren't hostile. "I just came here to think," he said. "But now I'm curious—what are you trying to do?"
Emris smiled faintly at Ethan's words. "I see someone trying to find their own path, and I want to help," he said. "There are few who fight for justice and honor in this world. Someone like you, are you ready to join this fight?"
Ethan was taken aback by Emris's words. "What do you mean? Who are you, and what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with more curiosity.
Emris lowered his gaze slightly before meeting Ethan's eyes again. "I was once a student of this school," he said. "I used to walk these halls just like you. But the real battle lies beyond these walls. If you want to be a part of that battle, you might need someone to guide you."
Ethan thought about what Emris had said. Everything about him was mysterious, but at the same time, he had awakened something inside Ethan. "Are you saying you want to help me?" he asked cautiously.
Emris nodded seriously. "Yes," he said. "But this help depends on what you really want. The Draconis heirs, Hugo… these are just the beginning. You'll encounter much bigger and darker forces. And when that time comes, you will need to have found yourself."
Ethan understood the depth of Emris's words. The confusion and anger growing inside him found meaning in what this stranger had said. But there were still questions. "Why me?" he asked. "Why do you want to help me?"
Emris narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Ethan. "Because," he said, "I see great potential in you. If you walk the right path, you can protect not only yourself but others, and bring justice to this world. But it all depends on how courageous you are."
Ethan was moved by Emris's words, but doubts still lingered. "And what if I go down the wrong path?" he asked, his voice hesitant.
Emris took a deep breath and replied seriously, "Then, you will not only harm yourself, but those around you as well. But whether or not you take that risk, it's entirely up to you."
These words echoed in Ethan's mind. The journey Emris was offering him, no matter how dangerous, was an opportunity to shape his own destiny. Ethan looked at Emris with a determined expression. "I'm ready for this journey," he said. "But I'll make my own decisions and walk my own path."
Emris nodded with approval. "Then it will be an honor to work with you," he said. "But remember, this path will be difficult and dangerous. You must be cautious with every step."
Ethan nodded in agreement, recognizing the truth in Emris's words. He had made his decision, and now he was ready to walk this path. However, he still had no idea what challenges lay ahead. With Emris's guidance, he would fight for justice and honor, but he would also face the darkness within himself.
As Ethan left the courtyard with Emris, he felt a new sense of strength and determination. His journey was just beginning, and though he didn't know what awaited him, knowing he was no longer alone gave him reassurance. No matter what happened, he would find his own path and continue walking it.
Ethan arrived just in time for the end of lunch, grabbed a quick snack, and rushed straight to his Diplomacy and Negotiation class. He knocked on the door. When their teacher, Dennis Smith, gave him permission, he entered and sat down next to Pamela.
"We've been looking all over for you, Ethan. Where have you been?" Pamela whispered anxiously.
Ethan whispered back, "I went to a place where I could be alone and clear my mind."
Mr. Smith gave Ethan and Pamela a warning look for whispering, so Pamela didn't ask any more questions.