Alaric recovered quickly. Staying in bed helped—and Vergo's healing magic had clearly worked. Just three days later, he felt nearly back to normal. He got up, stretched, and moved through the house to show Ruby how well he was doing.
"See?" he said. "I'm as good as new."
Ruby narrowed her eyes. Ashley looked doubtful too. Both wanted him to keep resting a bit longer, but Alaric did look fine—and they knew it would be hard to convince him otherwise.
"Fine," Ruby said. "Since you're feeling well, we've got a mission today. We're giving Ashley a boat ride back to her cabin."
Alaric groaned. "So now you want me to leave bed and do something exhausting?"
"Shut up. It's not like you're sailing the boat yourself. Now come eat something."
Alaric joined them at the table and dug into the fish and potatoes Ruby had prepared. He wanted to tag along to see Ashley off properly… but part of him wanted to visit Vergo's shop too.
Alaric had suspected Vergo was powerful after reading Ruby's sister's diary. She'd written about working in the same shop. But after witnessing Vergo's magic firsthand, it was no longer just a hunch. That changed things.
Still, curiosity could wait. For now, he'd go with Ruby.
They took the same boat as before, circling around the island. Water was the safer, faster route—far better than trekking through the forest, especially with Alaric's recent injuries.
No magical beasts lurked in the waters this close to land, and before long, they'd reached a quiet beach near Ashley's cabin.
Ruby tied the boat to a post at the edge of the shore.
"We walk from here," she said. "Ashley's cabin's about ten minutes in."
She knew the route well—she'd visited a few times before. A narrow path led into the trees, winding gently toward the cabin.
As they walked, the trio chatted—mostly Ruby and Ashley. Ashley would probably stay at her cabin for the next few months, which meant Ruby wouldn't see her friend again anytime soon.
"You should visit us more," Ruby said. "What if I come pick you up twice a month?"
Ruby had her hands full helping in the family restaurant, but she managed some time off here and there. Soon, she'd be learning magic full-time, which meant more flexibility.
Ashley smiled. "I like it. It's a deal then?"
"Deal."
They shook hands.
Alaric liked the idea too. Ashley was kind—someone worth having around.
She was supposed to head home days ago, but she'd stayed behind for him, making sure he was okay after the kidnapping. That spoke volumes. Only a true friend would do that.
Her cabin looked just as it had before—unchanged, timeless. Alaric's eyes widened at the sight of it. The memories of all the chores he'd had to do came flooding back. He fought the urge to panic.
They didn't stay long. Ruby needed to return to work, and Alaric still wanted to visit Vergo.
After heartfelt goodbyes—tears from the girls, a neutral nod from Alaric—they got back in the boat and began the journey home.
The ride took about an hour and a half, far quicker than any forest route.
At the port, Ruby glanced at the time.
"My parents will be pissed if I linger. See you later, Alaric," she called out, waving.
Alaric waved back. His gaze shifted toward the small shop just beyond the port. He headed there.
Inside, Vergo was already seated, waiting on a wooden chair.
"You recovered faster than I expected," Vergo said. "Are you sure you got enough rest?"
"I'm fine. Thanks to your magic," Alaric replied.
He grabbed a spare chair and sat down beside Vergo.
"So… you're the one who trained Ruby's sister? The only person on this island who reached three stars?"
Vergo blinked. "Oh? And how do you know that?"
"Just a guess," Alaric said. "I know she worked around here, and you seem to be the only wizard around. So it wasn't too hard to figure out."
"Makes sense. But what do you want with me? Are you here hoping to become my apprentice?" Vergo asked.
That was exactly what Alaric wanted. He could grow stronger on his own, sure—but having a seasoned wizard guiding him? That would change everything.
Vergo had power, wisdom, and the experience Alaric lacked. Anyone serious about magic would want that kind of mentorship.
But Alaric didn't say it out loud.
"I'm here to work," he replied. "Isn't that why you hired me?"
Vergo chuckled. "Haha, I like you. Yes, you're here to work. Come on, I'll show you how things are done around here."
And just like that, Vergo began explaining everything.
He showed Alaric how to speak with customers properly, the pricing for each item on the shelves, and even where he'd be sleeping.
It wasn't complicated. The tasks were simple.
But they were boring.
The shop barely got customers during the day. Most of Alaric's time was spent standing behind the counter, waiting.
Doing… absolutely nothing.
Alaric couldn't sleep. Not during those first few days at least.
What if Vergo walked in and caught him napping behind the counter? That could ruin everything. He didn't want to seem lazy. He needed this job.
After going over all the shop basics, Vergo headed out without much warning.
"I'll go fishing for a few hours. Take care of things. See you later."
Before Alaric could reply, the old man was already gone—boat ready, off to sea.
So Alaric sat behind the counter and waited.
The first customer wandered in two hours later. A fisherman in need of bait and a new rod—his had snapped recently.
"So you're the new guy?" the man asked, squinting. "Not gonna lie, I prefer a pretty woman behind the counter. Thanks anyway."
Alaric blinked. "…Okay."
He had no idea what to say to that. Still, the sale went smoothly. Alaric stored the money carefully—Vergo would definitely check it later.
Throughout the day, only four customers stopped by. The shop was quiet. Boring. But the silver lining? It closed early.
Vergo returned about thirty minutes before closing. He stepped in, took over, and handed Alaric a small key.
"You'll be sleeping here. That's the key to the shop. Don't lose it."
"And where do you sleep?" Alaric asked.
"That's not something I want to share," Vergo replied with a faint smile. "Go rest somewhere. I've got things here."
Alaric nodded, grabbed the key, and left. He headed straight to Ruby's house. There was one thing he needed before sleep.
The book.
"Time to finally learn more spells," Alaric thought, feeling the buzz of excitement in his chest.