If the philosophers from Earth would discuss the situation, they might have a name for it.
Fate.
…
Angor did not know whether it was fate that put him in the center of the whirling chaos. However, he did know he should give an answer to the man standing in front of him. The other people were about to murder him with their sharp glares.
“Sir, I agreed to Mister Mara that I’ll join White Coral Floating Island Academy…”
“You want to save your teacher? Jon, am I right?” asked Sunders.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you think a wizard at the academy would take you in and help you find a way to cure your teacher within five years?”
“I… don’t know. But I’ll try my best.” Angor hesitated. Mara told him that every apprentice would find a wizard as their tutor once inside the organization. However, the apprentices were only nominal students, and what they could actually learn relied on their teacher’s mood. It was extremely difficult to find a “real” teacher.
Heroline was trying to say “I will teach you”, but she never got the chance to move her lips, and the other wizards certainly did not want to offend Sunders now.
“Trying your best will not always get you a good result. If I’m your teacher, I will personally train you,” said Sunders. He stroke his white gloves as he continued, “If you can’t save your teacher in five years, I will give you a magic scroll that can freeze any life form in ice and give your former teacher another five years to live. However, if you are still powerless in ten years, his death will not be prevented.”
Angor immediately raised his head.
Ten years.
Almost half a year had passed since he left the Padt Manor, and he had not even reached Fey Continent yet. Returning to the manor and save Jon from his illness in five years was just too difficult. Angor appeared to be calm during these months, but his mind was not calm at all. If Sunders spoke the truth, that he could actually have ten years, Angor would make up his mind. Time was most precious.
“How about it? Do you have an answer?”
Sunders was acting relaxed and seemed indifferent about Angor’s decision, but as a student who knew him best, Flora recognized the tint of desire and stubbornness hidden in his expression. Flora was certain, that if Angor chose to refuse, Sunders would simply knock him out and kidnap him away.
“What kind of talent attracted teacher to such an extent?” Even Flora was becoming a little envious at Angor’s luck.
Angor stayed silent, then looked at Mara, who was standing not far.
Mara’s attention, however, was focused on someone else.
Heroline.
Heroline was gazing at Mara with pure hatred.
At first, Mara did not know why Heroline hated him so much but considering Heroline’s regretted look towards Angor, Mara realized what just happened.
It was clear. Heroline was blaming Mara, for not noticing Angor’s talent beforehand, thus giving Sunders such an opportunity.
Mara felt really upset. He did not know there was something else besides “floating” during the talent test. He was being excited about his own breakthrough on that day. It could not be helped.
Despite his feeling, Mara could not argue with Heroline. Otherwise, he would not be going back to the academy at all.
Heroline’s resentment sent a chill down Mara’s spine. An apprentice was like an ant in the face of a wizard. If Heroline decided to end his life right here, the academy would not even question about it.
With his future dangerously hanging on a thin string, Mara changed his train of thought, clenched his teeth in determination, and made a great decision.