Chapter 444: Teacher and Student
..."So you expect me... to personally come with you, just so you can get a gift for a boy in the Withered." Avius said, shocked by just a revelation.
Aether smiled, from beyond Avius’s desk, his hands behind his back as he nodded. "Of course, you spent a lot of time near kids in training, so you have to know a few things. And plus, you’re the only person I could think of."
Avius sighed, rising from his chair as he slowly walked over to the boy, resting a hand on his shoulder. "And just what makes you think that I would ever do that? I’m an important man, Aether, you know that. I don’t have time for things like this." He let his hand fall as he passed him, only to come from behind and slightly correct his stance. "I know we’ve spent some time together, with all those stories I told you instead of teaching you.
But we aren’t friends." Backing off slightly, Avius watched as Aether turned to face him, his smile still on his face.
"We’re teacher and student, I know. However." Aether raised his hands to point towards himself. "This student of yours almost died recently, so it would be really nice for him if he spent more time with his lovely teacher." He made his eyes wider, trying to copy Inky more, since he knew its eyes were lethal to him.
But Avius didn’t budge, just crossing his arms, as he leaned forward slightly. "You didn’t almost die; you were dead. That’s the weird part." He squinted one of his eyes as he examined him. "You’re the most mysterious student I’ve had. Ever."
Aether chuckled. "Am I that interesting?" Pausing for a second, Aether continued more seriously. "Then come with me. If I’m so fascinating, then spending some time with me outside a formal view wouldn’t that be good for you?"
Avius’s eyes widened; he stared into Aether’s eyes, trying to see if there was anything behind them, any hidden plan. Since... he was considering it.
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Aether walked through the Merchant Ward, with Avius closely following behind him. Looking back at the wizard, he had a deep frown on his face. ’Grumpy old man.’ Aether rolled his eyes, continuing to lead with a small smile on his face.
"What are we even looking for exactly?" Avius said, fastening his step to catch up to Aether.
Once he reached his side, Aether turned his head to face the man. "No idea.... that’s why I got you with me."
..."Then why are you leading the way? Shouldn’t I be the one doing so?"
Aether scoffed. "I mean, yeah, not my fault you instinctively followed me?"
The wizard’s eyes widened as he tilted his head. "When did you become a brat all of a sudden? Sure, you were pretty bad before, but I feel like your ego has only grown."
Surprised by his statement, Aether wanted to respond, but before he could, Avius took the lead.
"So, how old is this boy?" Avius questioned, not even looking back.
Aether took a bit to respond, still caught off guard by his comment. "He’s turning nine; does it matter that much?"
"Nine? So one year from awakening. You could get him a blade or something. I’m sure he would appreciate anything, but a blade also means protection, so his parents will also like it."
Aether sighed, his mood falling slightly. "But blades are expensive..."
...
Avius smirked, turning to face him. "Then how about a deal?"
Aether put on a smile, but inside he knew exactly where this was going, and he sure didn’t like it. "Sure... what is it?"
"I’ll get you a blade... but in exchange you have to answer some questions. Honestly, how’s that? I won’t ask any really bad ones. Just some I’m interested in."
Aether bit his lip, thinking of it... a blade was going to cost some money, but he could afford it, plus there were some weak ones that were pretty cheap, but then again, a stronger blade could help the boy a lot... ’Why do I even care so much about it...’ Putting a hand over his face. He sighed.
He knew how risky it was; after all, Avius knew a lot about the Abyss, and he could ask questions he would have never thought about, but he wanted to do it...
Letting his hand fall, he lifted one finger up.
"Fine. But I’ll only answer in your office. Not on the street."
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Aether rested on his chair, his hands almost digging in the seat from how nervous he was. But he put a smile on his face as he waited for the old man to finally ask the first question. But he wouldn’t; he would just stare into his eyes, trying to see what he was feeling.
After a long while, Avius laughed. "Alright, I’ll start... with something light....
What category is your Affinity?"
’That’s light?!’ Aether was visibly displeased, but at the same time he knew that he had to answer. ’Did he also have to bring this guy...’ Aether’s eyes moved towards the man sitting next to him. From what he heard, his ability allowed him to know if a person was lying or not, which meant he really couldn’t lie.
He sighed. "Utility, it doesn’t do anything special."
Avius glanced at the man, who nodded to him, proving that Aether had said the truth.
The old man smiled, leaning more into his chair. "Good, so you’re willing to cooperate... though I’m surprised. A Utility from what you say isn’t that powerful, being able to go in a Seeker Demon with Sena, but still."
"I feel like this isn’t everything to that Affinity of yours"
Aether frowned. "I really don’t want to waste any more time than I need on this thing, so could you just ask these questions so I can leave already?"
Avius’s smile faded. "Fine, if you want to speed things up, then I will."
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"How was the Abyss as a person?"