Chapter 58: Return
Chapter 58: Return
Haffard took his MCOM to pass some information before turning to Nayala once again. "Alright, Nayala, the commander is calling you over. He wants to know more about the situation closer to the border."
Nayala didn't mind. "Understood. What about them?"
Haffard looked at Linfel and the others and nodded. "We are sending them to Sky Island. That's where they were supposed to be in the first place after finishing the Field Exam."
Nayala narrowed her eyes. Linfel's abilities filled her with doubts, especially the fact that he seemed to be able to override the Magic Energy Signature locks somehow. "I think-"
"Oh!" Haffard suddenly noticed something. "There is a special mention regarding Linfel, Alvin, and Felia. Anything any of these three did must not be mentioned or questioned. Seems like it is an order coming from high up." Haffard found it weird, but he wouldn't question the order coming from higher up.
Alvin, Felia, and Linfel definitely knew very well what it was. Xalafel had a huge influence and was even considered a hero, so it was most likely him who added it to their information.
Nayala felt relieved after hearing that, though. Her worries were that perhaps Linfel had some secret that she should have investigated. However, after hearing about Linfel's group's special status, it became clear to her that the higher-ups knew about it. In that case, it was not her place to discuss that.
"Senior Nayala, thank you for saving our lives," Alvin quickly bowed to her.
Connor and Kafril did the same. Without her, they would definitely have died by now.
Nayala shook her head. "It was a team effort. I know it was very stressful, but it will be something that will help you greatly in the future. Besides, Linfel was also one of the main contributors here. The only reason we didn't die in both attacks was his presence. In any case, it seems like I can't talk much about it.
We will part ways here. If fate allows, we shall meet again." And with that, she left.
Haffard had his doubts about what he heard. Nonetheless, he didn't ask and brought Linfel's group to the airship landing site. There were many airships fighting in the sky, but that was just the start. They had to send Alvin's group out fast before things got worse.
---
The airship took some detours to avoid battle and only arrived on Sky Island three hours later. It didn't stay there for long, though. As soon as Linfel's group came out, it took flight and went back to Fort Jukis.
On the Sky Island, Linfel and the others were brought to a room deep within the buildings. There, they saw several other Maguses and Familiars.
"It's the guys who failed the mission early," Linfel commented. He recognized some of those who were taken away by the Yellow Lights in his group during the Field Exam.
Alvin looked around and bitterly smiled. "None of the students who finished the test with us are here, it seems."
Kafril sighed and touched Connor and Alvin's shoulders. "Perhaps we are just the first ones. Who knows? There might be more coming later."
Kafril was with them on their journey back, so in the airship to Sky Island, he finally couldn't keep quiet and asked about Linfel. Alvin didn't speak much, though. It only mentioned his trio was special and that the Academy Principal Xalafel was aware of it. Unfortunately, he couldn't comment more than that. Kafril had his doubts.
Nonetheless, it was thanks to Linfel's actions that he was alive now, so he didn't force the issue.
Well, truth be told, Xalafel knew nothing about Linfel being able to control someone else's Magic Channels and the capability to copy their Magic Energy Signatures. He only knew about the double Master Familiar Connection. By luck, Linfel's extra perks would now be kept secret since Nayala and Kafril think Xalafell knew everything.
"What do we do now? We simply wait?" Connor couldn't help but ask.
"Seems like it," Alvin nodded.
"I just want to go back to the Academy already," Connor had enough already.
"Go back?" Linfel shook his head. "Didn't you hear from the soldiers? Our Heffal Country is being attacked from all sides. It is a coalition alliance. There is no way they will let any Magus capable of fighting to stay out. The survival of the country is at stake here."
"What?!" Connor, Kafril, and Alvin were taken aback. They hadn't thought about it.
Linfel then landed with his Core on a corner and reduced his output of Magic Energy. "Anyway, you three should rest for now. We will be certain soon."
Alvin and the others looked at each other and nodded. Kafril didn't stay with their group, though. He noticed some classmates in another corner of the room and bid his farewell there, leaving Alvin and Linfel's group alone.
Connor laid his back against the wall near Alvin and spoke with his Magic Energy so that only Alvin would hear. 'I knew about your Double Master Familiar Connection, but Linfel's abilities during this time were completely different. What is happening here? Does Xalafell know?'
Alvin scratched the back of his head. 'No. After all, even I didn't know he could do it.'
Connor already expected that answer. He saw how shocked Alvin looked when Linfel did those things. 'Say, Alvin. Tell me the truth. What exactly is Linfel? Those abilities of his couldn't possibly have appeared because of some different parameters during his creation.'
Linfel approached Alvin. Little did Alvin and Connor know, but it was quite easy for him to feel the Magic Energy and hear Connor's words with his Magic Energy sensibility. 'Alvin, say whatever you want. I don't mind.'
'You can hear me?' Connor was taken aback.
Alvin felt even more helpless. The more he knew Linfel, the more it looked like he had endless abilities. 'Connor, for now, what I can tell you is that Linfel isn't really my Familiar.'
'He's not yours?' Connor felt like he was struck by lightning. 'B-But! The Master Familiar Connection...'
Alvin smiled at Connor. 'You trust me, don't you?'
'Well, yes, but...' Connor had his doubts.
'Then let's leave at it,' Alvin stopped him. 'You should know what kind of chaos such information would cause if it was revealed.'
Obviously, Connor could imagine. Master Familiar Connection with someone else's Familiar was unheard of. 'I understand. I guess the Double Master Familiar Connection also has something to do with it, right?'
'Yes,' Alvin didn't hide it. 'In any case, it will help me a lot if you don't tell anyone about it.'
'Don't worry,' Connor patted his chest. 'I will only talk if the offer is high enough.'
'Hahaha!' Alvin and Connor laughed out loud. They truly knew each other quite well.
Linfel faintly smiled, unconcerned. He had to show his abilities to keep Alvin alive, so even if he was exposed, he wouldn't have regretted it.
---
A few more Maguses and Familiars from the academy who survived the trip back joined them in the next hours. Nonetheless, it seemed like none of Linfel's group appeared in the end.
Later, everyone there was brought to different rooms where they could rest and sleep. Everything in the Sky Island was monitored, so Alvin, Linfel, and Felia couldn't do their normal training either. With that, the rest of the day passed, and a new morning arrived.
Alvin checked his new MCOM, which the army gave him after he arrived. "They are asking us to gather in the same room we were yesterday."
Linfel and Felia nodded. "Let's go then."
In the room, the Maguses and Familiars waited for the Sky Island officers to come to address them. Finally, someone entered the room and headed to the center.
"I hope you all slept well. You will need it," the officer began to talk. "You have all been reassigned. Check your MCOMs and your next destination will be there. You will all join the front lines to help defend our country."
Alvin and Connor looked at Linfel. 'Just like he said it would be...'
"Go to the airship landing platforms once you confirm it, and make sure you enter the right airship. Their number is also included in the information in your MCOMs. Once you get to your destination, further instructions will be given."
Naturally, that information generated an uproar in the room. However, Linfel didn't even waste time hearing and pulled Alvin, Felia, Connor, and Tratil with him. "Let's go. Complaints won't be of any use."
Alvin and the others nodded. They had talked a lot about it during the last night and knew Linfel was right.
Outside, they checked their MCOMs and found out that they were being assigned to different places. Connor and Tratil were to go to the border with Xanzion on the west side of the country. As for Linfel, Alvin, and Felia...
"What?!" Alvin was taken aback, checking the information in his MCOM. "We... are to return to the academy!"