Chapter 11: Welcome Back

Max, accustomed to navigating through harsh weather, guided Pip through the blizzard with ease, he even activated a barrier around them shielding them from the biting cold. Upon arriving at The Rusty Mug, Uncle Joe scolded Max for venturing out in such treacherous conditions.

Uncle Joe frowned deeply as he eyed Max's worn appearance. "Max, what in the blazes were you thinking, wandering around in a rough blizzard like this? You could've frozen solid out there!"

Max flashed a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, you know me, Uncle Joe. Just couldn't resist a little adventure."

Uncle Joe shook his head in anger. "Adventure, eh? Well, next time, consider the consequences before dashing off. And who's this young lad you've brought along?"

Max glanced at Pip, who stood timidly beside him. "This is Pip, I thought it best to bring him here for shelter."

Uncle Joe's expression softened as he looked at the young boy. "Well, Pip, you're safe here. Come on in, both of you. Let's get you warmed up."

Uncle Joe's outstretched hand hovered uncertainly in the air as Pip shrank back, clutching onto Max's robe with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Sensing the boy's hesitation, Uncle Joe exchanged a knowing glance with Max.

"Max, why don't you take Pip upstairs and get settled in? I'll prepare some warm broth for you both. No need to worry about the blizzard; it'll pass soon enough," Uncle Joe suggested, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Nodding in agreement, Max gently guided Pip towards the staircase, offering the boy a comforting smile. "Come on, Pip. Let's get you somewhere cozy and warm. Uncle Joe makes the best broth in town."

With a hesitant nod, Pip followed Max, casting a wary glance over his shoulder at Uncle Joe before disappearing up the stairs. Uncle Joe watched them go, a flicker of concern crossing his features before he turned back to the task of preparing a hearty meal to chase away the chill of the blizzard.

Uncle Joe approached quietly, a steaming bowl of broth in hand, to find Pip already fast asleep. With a subtle gesture, he motioned for Max to join him at the far end of the room, away from the boy to avoid disturbing him.

"Who's the lad?" Joe inquired softly, his tone filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern as he glanced back at Pip.

Max's expression grew serious as he leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's been through a lot. A monster ravaged his village, took everything from him."

Uncle Joe's brows furrowed in sympathy as he listened to Max's words. "Poor thing," he murmured, his gaze drifting back to Pip. "Well, he's safe here, Max. You made sure of that."

Max nodded, a hint of relief flickering in his eyes. "Yeah. At least for now," he replied quietly, his thoughts already drifting to the challenges that lay ahead.

As Pip woke up, Max was already there, a warm bowl of broth in his hands. With a gentle touch, he offered it to the boy, feeding him spoonfuls with his own hands.

"How's the broth?" Max inquired softly as he watched Pip take a hesitant sip.

Pip's response was barely more than a whisper, his voice laden with the weight of his recent trauma. "It's... okay," he managed, his gaze drifting away as memories of the village consumed his thoughts.

"Must've been tough out there in the blizzard, huh?" Max ventured, trying to keep the conversation light, knowing that Pip needed distraction from the darkness of his memories. "But hey, you made it through, and now you're here, safe and sound."

Pip nodded slowly, his eyes still clouded with the remnants of fear. "Yeah... I guess," he mumbled, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket wrapped around him.

Max offered a reassuring smile, hoping to ease the tension that lingered in the air. "Well, you're not alone anymore," he said gently, placing a comforting hand on Pip's shoulder. "We're here for you, okay?"

Max held Pip close, feeling the weight of the boy's sorrow, but also the warmth of his trust. "I'm here for you, Pip. I promise," Max whispered softly.

Pip sniffled, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. "Okay," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Max gently pulled away, offering Pip a reassuring smile. "Now, let's not waste this delicious soup, alright?" he said, reaching for the bowl and offering Pip a spoon. "You've had a rough day; you need all the warmth you can get."

Pip nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Okay," he repeated, accepting the spoon from Max and taking a hesitant sip of the broth.

After the blizzard subsides, Max and Pip resume their journey to the magic school. As Max entered the bustling halls of the magic school, the whispers and stares followed him like a shadow. He could feel Pip's grip tighten on his robe, due to the sea of curious gazes. Ignoring the prying eyes, Max guided Pip towards the principal's cabin, his steps steady and determined.

Upon reaching the principal's cabin, Max turned to Pip with a gentle smile. "Wait for me out here, Pip. I'll be right back," he said softly, trying to convey a sense of security to the trembling boy.

Pip hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting nervously around the corridor, but ultimately nodded in reluctant agreement, releasing his grip on Max's robe and taking a small step back.

Max offered Pip an encouraging pat on the shoulder before turning towards the cabin door and pushing it open.

The principal's office was a solemn space, lined with shelves of ancient tomes and illuminated by the soft glow of magical lanterns. As Max entered, the principal regarded him with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Max," the principal began, his voice carrying the weight of authority tempered with genuine interest. "You've been absent for nearly a week. Is everything alright?"

Max offered a nonchalant shrug, though his eyes betrayed a hint of weariness. "Just some personal matters to attend to," he replied vaguely, sidestepping the question.

But the principal wasn't easily deterred. "I trust you haven't been neglecting your studies," he said with a pointed look.

Max met the principal's gaze squarely. "Of course not," he replied, his tone firm and resolute. "In fact, I've been searching for something that could greatly benefit our school."

The principal's interest was piqued. "And what might that be?" he inquired, leaning forward slightly.

Max's expression turned serious as he posed his own question. "Have you found Lucifer's diary?" he asked, his voice steady and unwavering.

The principal's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected query. "Lucifer's diary?" he repeated, clearly taken aback. "What makes you think such a thing exists?"

Max's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Let's just say I have my sources," he replied cryptically, his gaze unwavering.

And so the conversation began, delving into the mysteries of the past and the secrets that lay buried within the school's hallowed halls. 

The principal's expression softened slightly at Max's mention of his brother, though a hint of skepticism lingered in his eyes. "Your younger brother?" he repeated, his tone laced with curiosity. "I wasn't aware you had a sibling."

Max offered a casual shrug, as if it were of little consequence. "He's... a recent addition," he explained vaguely, choosing not to divulge further details.

The principal regarded Max thoughtfully for a moment before continuing. "And how does your brother fit into your plans for the school?" he inquired, raising his eyebrow in doubt.

Max's smile widened, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Let's just say he's a... special case," he replied cryptically, his tone tinged with amusement.

The principal seemed intrigued by Max's cryptic response, though he wisely chose not to press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation back to more mundane matters, discussing the progress of various disciplinary initiatives within the school.

As they spoke, Max couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that stirred within him. The search for Lucifer's diary was gaining momentum, and with each passing moment, he felt himself drawing closer to uncovering its elusive secrets.