Chapter 52: one month

The morning light filtered through the dusty window, casting soft beams across Elias's face. He stirred from a restless sleep, his mind immediately clouded with thoughts of Ava.

Her fate hung heavy on his heart, an unresolved worry gnawing at the edges of his consciousness. He knew that he needed to find Ava.

With a deep sigh, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, wincing slightly as the pain in his arm reminded him of their recent battles.

Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Hannah entered her expression a mix of concern and urgency.

"Elias, good morning. How are you feeling?" she asked, her eyes scanning his face for signs of distress.

"I'm managing," Elias replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "Still worried about Ava, though."

Hannah nodded, her own worry mirrored in her eyes. "I understand. But for now, Professor William wants to see you. He says it's important."

Elias was not surprised that Professor William wanted to meet him. He just showed his magic power in front of everyone.

Elias also wanted to check whether Professor William was ok. Elias followed Hannah down the narrow corridor to a medium-sized room.

The air inside was thick with the scent of old books and parchment, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of their former laboratory. After leading Elias inside, Hannah left, closing the door behind her.

Professor William sat at a modest wooden table, his face lined with fatigue yet sharp with focus. His eyes, normally warm and welcoming, were now scrutinizing, filled with a mixture of doubt and curiosity.

"Elias," Professor William began, motioning for him to sit. "I've been thinking a lot about you. Your skills in high-rank space magic and fire magic are... remarkable, to say the least. Yet, they raise questions. Who are you? Who taught you these advanced techniques?"

Elias took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I have my secrets, Professor. But you must believe me when I say I mean no harm to the Space Sector. I intend to protect me and my friend only, nothing more."

The Professor studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I believe you. Your actions during the last battle spoke louder than any words could."

"However, we find ourselves in a dire situation, and I need to know if I can trust you fully."

"You can," Elias said firmly. "Whatever you need, I'm here to help."

Professor William leaned back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Thank you, Elias. We need your help now more than ever. After our retreat, I managed to return to the laboratory secretly. The Five Sectors have taken everything—our research, our knowledge, all of it."

"So, their aim was the laboratory. Time magic box was just an excuse?"

"Not really, based on my understanding of Liam. He believed that the time magic box was inside. But because the five sectors had a fierce fight with us. Both sides were already at odds. There was not way out."

"So they decided to the destroy space sector."

"Maybe there is someone hidden in the dark, causing the fight between the six sectors. "

Elias felt a surge of anger and determination. The laboratory had been a sanctuary of progress and discovery, now tainted by their enemies' greed. "What's the plan?" he asked, his voice steady with resolve.

"We need to reclaim what was stolen," the Professor stated, his tone resolute. "But we are not in any shape to launch an immediate counterattack. We need time to rest, gather our strength, and plan our moves carefully. We'll take a month to recuperate, train, and strategize. Then, we strike back."

Elias nodded, understanding the gravity of their mission. "I'm with you, Professor. Whatever it takes."

Professor William gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Elias. Your abilities and resolve will be crucial in the coming days. We need to train hard and stay under the radar. The Five Sectors are vigilant, and any misstep could be catastrophic."

Elias felt a surge of purpose as he left the room. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was ready to face it. For Ava, for the Space Sector, and for the countless lives depending on their success.

As he stepped out into the corridor, he saw Hannah waiting nearby. She looked at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Elias, what did the Professor say?" she asked.

"We have a plan," Elias replied. "But I need to make sure Ava is safe first. Can you borrow me your magic wands?"

Hannah nodded, understanding his priorities. "Sure. Here, take my magic wand. It might come in handy." She was ok with it because she still had her phone with her.

Elias accepted the wand, its familiar weight and warmth a comfort in his hand. "Thank you, Hannah. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Be careful," she said softly, her eyes conveying the depth of her worry.

Elias gave her a reassuring nod before turning and heading out of the safe house. The morning air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the tension simmering within him.