Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 18: Fundamentals

After talking with my professor, a nurse kindly gave me some pain ointment for my bruises. I thanked her and then headed over to my friends, who excitedly hugged me, checking out my bruises and cuts, and congratulating me on winning the fight.

Edger invited me to grab some food to celebrate, but I was feeling pretty wiped out and just wanted to head back to my room for some much-needed rest. I suggested we save the party for tomorrow after classes and have a proper celebration then.

It was decided that a party would be held tomorrow after classes to celebrate my and Scarlet's victory in the fight today. For now, we decided that we rest up and prepare for the classes tomorrow.

As Sylvia and I make our way back to our rooms, I turn to her and ask, "Hey Sylvia, do you mind if I jump in the shower first today? I just wanna make sure It's okay with you."

"That's not a problem at all, I took a shower before the match began. I'll start steeping some tea for when you're out so you have something to drink."

"Thanks a bunch, Sylvia!" I quickly grab my pajamas and head into the shower to freshen up and wash off any blood and dirt that may have gotten on me.

After leaving the bathroom, I slowly make my way to my bed a bit sore and stiff from the blows I received earlier. As I sit down on my bed Slyvia pulls up a chair next to me handing me a cup of the tea she brewed.

"Thank you so much for the tea, Sylvia. It's really helping me unwind after everything today."

"It's not just a problem, Rune. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Do you think you could lend me a hand with putting on this ointment that the nurse gave me for my back? It's a bit tricky to reach on my own."

"Sure thing, I can do that."

"Sorry you have to see me without my shirt on, hopefully, it's not too awkward for you."

"Aw, come on, It's only fair since you did walk in on me while I was in the bath yesterday, right?" she said, giggling.

I begin to blush thinking about it before laughing myself and apologizing again for doing that. I lay on my stomach as she began applying the ointment.

Her gentle hands, glide across my back putting me into a sense of nostalgia of my mother doing the same thing. She wishes me a good night as I slowly drift off.

I woke up a little later today than yesterday, most likely because I was feeling quite exhausted. Instead of heading straight to the arena for practice like I did yesterday, I decided to go straight to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat.

As I was leaving the cafeteria, I bumped into Scarlet. "Hey there, good morning! How are you feeling, Rune?

"Hey there Scarlet, good morning. I'm actually feeling pretty good, just a little sore. How about you?"

"Honestly, I'm feeling quite tired, I had a restless night."

"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want to walk to class together?"

"I'd really appreciate that, yeah let's go."

As we enter the classroom, we prepare for our history lesson. The first lesson is about what the world was like before the fall of Gaia and the Aether.

After delving into the history of the world before the fall, we made our way outside to begin our first lesson on combat fundamentals.

Where we will learn how to defend ourselves in close-quarter combat including hand-to-hand and weapon combat. Alongside learning ranged combat and how to protect ourselves against such attacks.