Phantom Hunters | Saphir Casters Academy

39 | The Illusion of Happiness

XXXIX | THE ILLUSION OF HAPPINESS

    As the days to the Weapons Choosing Test drew closer, students seemed to grow more restless. The prospect of failing the exam was greatly upsetting for many, especially those who still had trouble finding a weapon vessel. This was particularly evident by the pounding of Wynt's head on the table.

    The friends were gathered in a lounging area in the Silver Wolf after their last class of the week — and after Kael's community service, of course. It didn't seem to be a very popular spot for the other students.

    "This is it," Wynt groaned. "I'm going home. After all I've done to get here, I'm going straight back home."

    Fadhia rubbed his back, tactlessly cheerful about his dilemma. "Don't worry about it, Wynt. Why would you be going home? You're doing great! The only thing you need is a weapon vessel, and lots and lots of practice. Though, you are running out of time, aren't you? You should hurry." She giggled.

    "You are not helping, Fads," Rita said, her arms crossed over denimed chest.

    "Yes," Tyra agreed, somewhat mildly. "You seem to be making the situation quite worse than it needs to be."

    Fadhia's face fell, her doe eyes widening even more. "Huh? What do you mean? I thought I was encouraging him."

    "Oh, that's all right, Fads," Wynt said with a crooked smile. "Thanks for trying."

    Kael shook his head sympathetically. "I wish I could help, but there really isn't anything I can do. It would be great if we could somehow find something that's perfect for you. Maybe something you're already an expert in. Or at least something easy to master. You were pretty good with an axe..."

    Something Kael said seemed to have sparked an idea in Wynt's mind. The Sqorjican rose his head so fast that he almost hit Fadhia's unsuspecting face. She squealed away, holding her hand to her heart.

    "Wynt! Why did you do that?"

    "That's it!" Wynt grinned widely and turned to look at Kael. "If I wasn't weirded out by it, I would kiss you right now!"

    Kael grimaced. "Yeah, I'd rather not."

    "Thanks a lot, Kael! I gotta go." Wynt stood. "Tomorrow night, I want all of you to come meet me here, in the lounge room. If my idea works, I won't have to worry about my weapon vessel anymore. You'll see something magical, and I guarantee it will be pure happiness."

    Wynt refused to answer any of the probing questions his friends asked, rushing out of the room with a chuckle at a secret joke.

    The night wore on without Wynt, and Kael found himself zoning out while the girls, well, Fadhia talked about popular fashion in Arridia. Kael sighed, sinking into the plush brown couch.

    He snapped out of his thoughts when Tyra took a seat next to him, her armor clinking slightly against each other.

    "Hey, Tyra," Kael said, straightening his position. "What's up?"

    Tyra seemed to gaze into the distance, her eyes fixed on an old grandfather clock. "When I came to the academy, I never expected to make friends so quickly, especially not with someone like Fadhia."

    Surprised by Tyra's confession, Kael paid close attention to what else she had to say.

    "Back in my hometown, it is very difficult to make friends when you want to be a warrior. You could even say it is forbidden."