Challenges of the Aether: Call of the Abyss

Chapter 30: Stars Collide

 I woke up far later than I wanted, forgetting to set my alarm last night. I quickly get myself ready, frantically dressing and grabbing what I need. With my heart racing, I hurry to the festival, determined not to miss Jacob and Pearl's competitions.

I weave through the bustling crowd of students, my eyes scanning eagerly until I finally spot Jacob and Pearl just as they're about to enter the competition. "Sorry, I'm late," I say, my voice breathless. "I completely forgot to set my alarm last night and scrambled this morning. Did I miss anything?"

"Nothing yet. The potion competition is just about to start," Jacob says, glancing at the stage. "Wish us luck," he adds.

Pearl turns to me. "Thanks so much for coming to watch. It means a lot to us."

"Of course, no problem at all!" I say with a smile, waving at them as they head toward the entrance. "Have fun and give it your best shot. I'm sure you'll do great!"

I sit among the crowd and settle in, trying to get comfortable. To be honest, I'm not entirely clear on the competition's specifics—other than the list of various potions the contestants need to concoct and the points awarded for each one.

They must brew a range of potions, including a revitalizing elixir, a transformation brew, a rare antidote for a specific poison, and a few other essential potions.

The competition spans nearly two hours. I watch as they carefully measure ingredients and mix them together in flasks and a boiling cauldron,

I see Jacob and Pearl waiting anxiously as the judges tally up the scores based on precision, creativity, and effectiveness. The top three students are announced to the crowd.

It was surprising to hear that the top three students in the competition were all from our Academy. Pearl claimed first place. Not too far behind was Amber, from my own class, who took second place, and Jacob rounded out the top three, securing third place.

As the winners were announced, the organizers declared a forty-five-minute break before the next competition would begin.

As they claimed their prizes and walked off the stage, I spotted them standing slightly from the crowd, "You guys did amazing! I knew you could do it."

Pearl turned to me with a wide smile. "Thanks, Rune. We really appreciate your support."

Jacob gave me a friendly punch on the arm. "Told you we could do it! It was a tough competition, but we pulled through."

"You know what this means, right, Jacob?" I say with a grin, my eyes twinkling with mischief. "You lost the bet, so I guess you owe Pearl now."

Jacob lets out a sigh. "A bet is a bet, and a knight always keeps his word," he says, reaching into his coin pouch and pulling out the money.

Pearl steps in, placing a hand on Jacob's open palm and gently closing it. "You don't have to give me your money, Jacob," she says warmly. "I had a lot of fun, and friends don't need to take each other's money like that."

"With that said, I'd love to stay and watch your next competition, but I've got to run," I say with a regretful smile. "Edger and Hadger's blacksmithing competition starts in just a few minutes. If I don't return in time, I wish you guys the best of luck."

"Thanks, Rune!" Pearl responds with a smile. "Have fun at the blacksmithing event. We'll catch up later!"

I go through the crowd to the blacksmithing area for the competition. The roar of the forges lighting up pulls me to the correct building. When I enter, a wave of heat rushes over me.

The competition has just begun, and I can see Edger, Hadger, and twelve other competitors. I find a seat to get a good view of them as the announcer is about to speak.