The only students who survived Mystic Academy's Batch of 9022...
Saying it like this makes them somewhat even more miserable. To think that such a prestigious school like that would meet an end so abrupt was practically unthinkable yet it still happened.
Seeing them once more was a bizarre feeling for Ashton. To him, they were the proof that time still passed despite him being away, which is given of course, but still...it was weird.
They've changed a lot.
They're taller and no longer had that naive air of youthfulness in them, unlike the last time he saw them. Just like him, it would seem that the past years hadn't been so kind to them.
Mary showed up looking like an office lady for some reason. She was also wearing glasses like Aria but not because her vision had any problems, they were for protection against harmful lights due to her work, Ashton presumed.
Blake looked like he aged so much. He looked haggard, especially with that messy beard of his. Plus, he was no longer the guy who usually had too much energy and adrenaline. He looks tired and he had a tumbler filled with jet-black coffee with him that never left his hands.
And finally, the one who changed the most was Alice.
Ashton could still remember how Mary introduced her to him. She used to be the 'timid' one. But that timidness is nowhere to be found in her right now.
She was gallant, her spine was ramrod straight and she could now look at Ashton in the eye — something that past Alice could've never done. She wore some kind of uniform which followed the same theme as the military uniform. The only difference is that hers was red.
She exuded confidence, grace, and strength with every move she did. It was surprising for Ashton to be completely honest.
As they caught up with each other in this rather bland room, Ashton silently used Scan and Identify to each of them to know more about the changes that happened to them.
Back then, he didn't really see much due to his skill not being maxed yet, but now that it does, everything was laid bare for him to see.
Saying that what he saw surprised him, would be an understatement...
***
Name: Rosemary Summers
Age: 19
Race: Human
Bloodline: None
Cultivation Rank: Lv.9 Warlock
Specialization: Magic Archer
Aptitude:
Mageroot: Ancient Heavenly Arc (Pseudo-Ancient Rank)
Magical Artifact: Sky Trampling Heels (Cursed-Legendary)
Providence: Divine Feather Empyrean (Rank: Heavenly Emperor)
Remarks:
: She's being emotional again, which is bad for her due to her curse but it is what it is. She couldn't really help it when someone who she thought dead suddenly appeared out of nowhere right?
: 'Aria's with him too. Who could've thought that she was a spirit? Nevertheless, this is good. At least they had each other while they were out there. The journey back home must've been difficult for both of them, especially Ashton. I should help him adjust to civilization once more. I hope they don't make things difficult for him.
***
Name: Blake Reed/Richards
Age: 19
Race: Human
Bloodline: None
Cultivation Rank: Lv.8 Grandmaster Knight
Specialization: Shield Seigneur
Aptitude:
Physique: Fiendgod Battle Body (Legendary Adamantium)
Battle Spirit: Mountain and Sea Fiend Turtle
Providence: Reincarnation of the Shield Hero (Awakened)
Remarks:
: Blake looked tired because he is tired...tired of living that is. After awakening his latent potential, he also stirred up the slumbering memories of all of his past lives. This is his 9th reincarnation, and if he's being completely honest, he's damn tired. He just doesn't understand why this world keeps calling him back.
: 'I need stronger coffee.'
***
Name: Alice Chrome
Age: 19
Race: High Human
Bloodline: Heavenly Human
Cultivation Rank: Lv.9 Grandmaster Knight
Specialization: Sword Saint
Aptitude:
Physique: Skyborn Heavenly Body (Legendary Adamantium)
Battle Spirit: First Sword (Legendary)
Providence: Reincarnation of the Sword Empress
Remarks:
: Alice is a Heaven's Chosen if that's not obvious yet. The trauma and pain of losing so many people triggered her awakening which caused her to change so much. Her awakening was also noticed by the Federation so she was lured in and now, she's being raised as the current era's Hero.
: 'He changed so much. I can't gauge how strong he is, which is rather alarming. But Master said that he's the real deal and looking at it, it should be true. Nevertheless, it's best to keep an eye out for him and Aria. I don't want to doubt him but considering how chaotic this current situation is, we need to be on guard.'
: 'Still...I am happy that they're back. They even got together despite their difference. How envious. Sigh, Why must I fall for such a blockhead?'
***
There's a lot that was revealed to him, and honestly, Ashton needs a few days to digest all of this.
Though in all seriousness, who could've thought that two of his friends would be famed Heroes of the past eras?
The strange part was that, somehow, the Federation noticed Alice but not Blake. Ashton thinks that it's the combined experience of all of his lives that allowed him to escape their radar but he could always be wrong.
Besides, knowing that Alice is next on the platter to be sacrificed for the invaders wasn't something he could just accept.
'...Blake must've known the schemes of the Federation which is why he's prepared. As for Alice, I could think of a few reasons.'
'Her being the Reincarnation of the Sword Empress doesn't necessarily mean that she was a Hero in her past life. Her aptitude reached the peak now, yes, but that might've been due to the accumulation of luck and destiny.'
'If she's not aware of the schemes, then it isn't her fault for exposing her talents for the sake of claiming more resources.'
'Still, I can't just sit still after knowing that she's next on the line on the sacrificial altar.'
'...I wonder if Blake was doing something about this.'
Ashton didn't show any signs of his inner thoughts as he freely conversed with his friends. Even Aria was unaware of his current musings. He'd tell her later, not now when she's obviously enjoying their little reunion here.
Time passed and the day eventually ended. The visiting hours had long since passed, the only reason why the three of them were able to stay this long was because of Alice's unique title as a conferred Knight of the Federation.
Still, even with her status, they can't stay here. Moreover, she can't bring him and Aria out of here. There are still some procedures that need to be observed and followed, this isn't something she can bypass.
"...don't worry, we'll try out best to get you out of here as soon as we could. Just cooperate, for now, they shouldn't make things difficult for you." Mary told them as they were leaving.
"Don't worry, we'll be good here." Ashton nodded in reply.
"...not like they could handle him if try something funny anyway," Blake grumbled as he emptied his tumbler.
His voice was faint but it was heard clearly by both Ashton and Alice.
"Blake, you're grumbling again. Has your insomnia made things difficult for you?" Mary asked in concern.
"...I guess. Don't worry, I'm fine." Blake waved his hand and brushed off the topic.
"We really have to leave. We'll visit again tomorrow." Alice told them, to which both Ashton and Aria nodded.
They bid their farewells for now and left the room.
Once they left, Aria rested her head on Ashton's shoulders. They enjoyed a peaceful silence with just the two of them.
That's until something suddenly shimmered in existence in front of them in a form of an old woman.
Neither Ashton nor Aria reacted in her presence. No, it's not that they didn't notice her because they did. In fact, Ashton predicted that she was coming. And Aria well...so long as Ashton's with her, there's nothing for her to be afraid of.
"...may I sit here, Young Man?" The old lady asked in a kind tone.
Ashton raised his head and looked the old lady directly in the eye. There's this certain measurement behind their eye contact for a bit which left the old woman reeling.
'This child...!'
Ashton smirked after seeing how the old woman was sweating. He then said: "Go ahead, Ma'am. And don't be shy, all of you on the other side of the wall can join too. I don't mind."
The old lady froze upon hearing how Ashton just casually exposed her hidden allies even though this room should be made of something that could dampen the senses of those inside of it.
Those on the other side froze as well. They looked at each other in dismay, wondering how they should proceed with this...
***
[A/N: Here are the Aptitude Rankings.]
Knight Ranks: Trainee, Fighter, Warrior, Master, Grandmaster.
Physique Ranks - Iron, Bronze, Secret Silver, Profound Gold, Mystic Platinum, Fierce Titanium, and Legendary Adamantium.
Mageroot Ranks - Human (5 tiers), Mystic (3 tiers), Treasure, Earthen, Heavenly, Ancient, Mysterious Rainbow.
Battle Spirit/Magical Artifact Ranks: Simple, Rare, Profound, Epic, and Legendary.
Noble Warrior, Illustrious Saint, Mysterious Sage, Glorified King, Perfected Champion, Heavenly Emperor, Legendary Hero.
