Capítulo 26: 26. Frank’s Crash
Arthur woke with a start, blinking at the soft, diffused light filtering into his room in Avalon. For the first time in what felt like ages, his sleep had been dreamless, a deep and uninterrupted rest that left him feeling remarkably refreshed. As he sat up, a familiar chime sounded, and a translucent notification appeared before him.
[System Notification: Level Up Achieved – Level 14]
Arthur grinned, the progress invigorating. Every skill he honed, every lesson he learned brought him closer to mastering Avalon's challenges. Today felt like a fresh start, one where his newfound strength could push him even further.
He dressed quickly, fastening his jacket with practiced ease before stepping into the halls of Avalon. The air hummed faintly, a subtle pulse that seemed to carry the energy of the sanctuary itself. As he made his way toward the dining area, the faint murmur of voices reached his ears.
When Arthur entered the space, he found the group gathered around the long dining table. Guan Yu, Musashi, and Mulan sat with a quiet dignity, their postures relaxed yet composed as they sipped tea. Hecate and Taliesin were with them, the latter gesturing animatedly as he recounted some humorous tale, his harp resting against his chair.
Arthur smiled as he approached, greeting them warmly. "Good morning, everyone. How's the tea?"
Musashi glanced up, his calm demeanor tinged with a faint smile. "Excellent. A still moment before the day begins."
Taliesin waved a hand, grinning. "Perfect as always! Though a hearty breakfast wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Arthur chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Well, I was just about to suggest that. Would anyone like to join me in making breakfast?"
The question hung for a moment before Mulan tilted her head thoughtfully. "We don't need food, as you know," she said, her voice light, "but… indulging in a meal is something we can still appreciate from time to time."
"Agreed," Guan Yu said, his deep voice steady. "Food is not merely sustenance. It is an art, a way to connect with one another."
"I'll lend a hand," Musashi added simply, setting his tea down.
Arthur's grin widened. "Then let's get to it. Cooking together sounds like a perfect start to the day."
He led the group into Avalon's well-stocked kitchen, the air filling with an unexpected but pleasant sense of camaraderie. The three legendary warriors, alongside Hecate and Taliesin, followed Arthur, their curiosity piqued as they surveyed the array of ingredients.
The kitchen quickly became a lively hub of activity, a harmonious blend of personalities and skills. Arthur stood at the center, delegating tasks with ease. "Alright, let's keep it simple. Guan Yu, can you handle the vegetables? Chop them finely—they'll go into an omelet."
Guan Yu nodded solemnly, taking up a knife with a precision that spoke of his battlefield discipline. Each cut was deliberate, every piece of vegetable perfectly uniform.
"Mulan, let's have you on the eggs. We'll need enough for everyone," Arthur continued.
Mulan rolled up her sleeves, cracking eggs with swift, efficient motions. She moved with the same grace she displayed on the battlefield, her movements fluid and unhesitating.
"Musashi, you're in charge of seasoning. Think you can handle that?"
Musashi gave a faint smirk, his hands moving toward the spices with the same precision he used to handle his katana. "A well-seasoned dish is no different from a balanced strike," he remarked, sprinkling salt and pepper with an almost meditative focus.
Hecate and Taliesin, meanwhile, handled the smaller tasks. Hecate arranged plates and utensils with meticulous care, while Taliesin sliced bread and sampled bits of cheese, humming as he worked.
Arthur moved seamlessly between them, stirring, mixing, and guiding. The scene felt almost surreal—a gathering of legends and mythological figures, working together in the kitchen like a family preparing a meal. The atmosphere was warm and lighthearted, a stark contrast to the intense training and battles they usually faced.
At one point, Taliesin nudged Musashi with a playful grin. "You're so precise with that seasoning, Musashi. Careful, or we'll have the blandest omelet in Avalon."
Musashi raised an eyebrow, not breaking stride. "Precision ensures harmony. Chaos belongs elsewhere."
Guan Yu glanced over, his deep voice carrying a note of humor. "A warrior's discipline extends to all things, even the kitchen."
Mulan chuckled softly, her voice carrying warmth. "Even so, I think a touch of creativity wouldn't hurt. What do you think, Arthur?"
Arthur grinned as he flipped an omelet deftly in the pan. "A balance, like everything else. A bit of discipline, a bit of improvisation. That's what makes cooking fun."
When the meal was ready, they returned to the dining table, the plates filled with vibrant, aromatic dishes that spoke to the effort they'd all put in. As they sat down to eat, the sense of camaraderie deepened, the meal feeling less like a necessity and more like a shared celebration.
Arthur looked around the table, his chest swelling with pride. "Thank you all for joining me. I think this might be one of the best breakfasts I've ever had."
Hecate raised her cup in a subtle toast. "A good meal, made better by good company."
Taliesin leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. "And who would've thought legends could cook?"
Guan Yu gave a small, thoughtful nod. "Cooking is much like battle—each element must be balanced, each action deliberate. Today, we achieved harmony."
Musashi added quietly, "And in harmony, we find strength."
Arthur felt a quiet sense of belonging settle over him. In this moment, Avalon wasn't just a place of learning or refuge—it was a home.
Arthur finished cleaning up after breakfast and felt a familiar pull toward his routine. After the warmth of camaraderie with his companions, it was time to return to his training. His first stop was the Arcane Training Room, where Hecate was waiting for him, standing amidst a circle of softly glowing runes etched into the floor.
"Good, you're here," Hecate said, her piercing gaze locking onto him. "Let's see where your progress stands. Show me your spells—the best you've got. No holding back."
Arthur nodded, focusing on the lessons he had drilled tirelessly over the past weeks. He raised his wand, channeling his energy into the incantations he had worked so hard to master. Lumos. A bright light bloomed at the tip of his wand, steady and strong. He followed it with Wingardium Leviosa, lifting a nearby book into the air with a smooth, controlled motion.
"Not bad," Hecate remarked, crossing her arms. "Your basics are solid. But magic isn't just about precision—it's about intent. Your spells lack weight. You're going through the motions, Arthur. Let me show you."
She stepped into the circle of runes, her presence commanding. With a flick of her fingers, a brilliant orb of light materialized above her palm, far brighter and purer than his Lumos spell. "Feel the magic. It isn't just words or gestures—it's you, your will, your desire to shape reality."
Arthur watched intently as she demonstrated, her movements fluid and deliberate, as if she were weaving magic like an artist painting a canvas. When she had him repeat the spells, she adjusted his grip, his stance, and even his breathing, guiding him toward a deeper connection with the magic.
By the time the session ended, Arthur felt drained but invigorated. Hecate gave him an approving nod as he prepared to leave. "You're improving, Arthur, but don't settle for good. Greatness is within your reach—if you're willing to push harder."
"I will," Arthur promised, a determination burning in his chest as he left the Arcane Training Room.
Next, Arthur made his way to the Martial Hall. The energy in the air was different, heavier, as if the hall itself was urging him to rise to its challenges. He walked to Musashi's section, expecting another lesson on balance or technique, but the swordsman was seated in meditation, his katana resting on his knees.
Arthur hesitated, unsure whether to disturb him, but Musashi spoke without opening his eyes. "Today's training is not with me," he said, his tone calm and certain. "Go to my sister. She will teach you what I cannot."
Arthur blinked, surprised but intrigued. He bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "Understood," he said, before turning and heading toward Hua Mulan's section.
Hua Mulan's area of the Martial Hall was open and airy, with a sense of discipline woven into its design. Red banners adorned the walls, each marked with symbols of honor and resilience. Mulan stood in the center, her sword resting lightly in her hand. She greeted Arthur with a nod, her expression serious but welcoming.
"Musashi sent you?" she asked.
Arthur nodded. "He said today's training would be with you."
"Good," Mulan replied, motioning for him to step forward. "Then let's begin. Tell me, Arthur—what do you know of adaptability?"
Arthur tilted his head. "I suppose it means being flexible, able to adjust to different situations?"
Mulan's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's part of it. But adaptability is more than flexibility—it's survival. It's thriving in chaos. On the battlefield, the plan never survives the first clash of swords. To adapt is to read the flow of battle, to anticipate, to overcome."
She raised her sword, holding it in a relaxed but ready stance. "Show me what you've learned so far."
Arthur drew his training blade, settling into the stance Musashi had taught him. He stepped forward, his movements steady and deliberate, swinging toward Mulan with precision. But her response was swift and effortless—she sidestepped, deflecting his strike with the flat of her blade, and pivoted into a position where she could have disarmed him easily.
"Too rigid," Mulan said, stepping back. "You're following a form, not the flow. Again."
Arthur tried again, adjusting his approach, but each time Mulan countered him with ease, her movements fluid and unpredictable.
After several failed attempts, Mulan stopped him. "Arthur, you're thinking too much. Stop reacting to what you think I'll do and respond to what I am doing."
Arthur took a deep breath, centering himself. He tried again, this time focusing on Mulan's movements rather than his own. When she shifted to strike, he sidestepped just in time, narrowly avoiding her blade. She smiled faintly, approvingly. "Better."
As they continued, Mulan began weaving lessons into their sparring. "In my time, I led men into battles where we were outnumbered, outmatched. The only way we survived was by reading the battlefield, exploiting what others overlooked. Adaptability is not just about reacting—it's about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles."
She demonstrated by feinting an attack, then pivoting to deliver a precise strike to Arthur's unguarded side. "Always be aware of your surroundings," she said. "Every step, every breath, is a part of the battle. Use the terrain, use your opponent's assumptions against them."
Arthur absorbed her words, adjusting his stance and movements. He began to see openings where he hadn't before, to anticipate her shifts and react more fluidly. It wasn't perfect, but it was progress.
By the time they finished, Arthur was drenched in sweat but felt a sense of accomplishment. Mulan sheathed her sword, her gaze steady. "You have the makings of a warrior, Arthur. But remember—strength alone won't win the day. Adaptability, awareness, and heart will."
Arthur nodded, her words resonating deeply. "Thank you, Mulan. I'll keep that in mind."
She placed a hand on his shoulder briefly, a gesture of respect. "Good. Now, go and rest. Tomorrow will bring new challenges."
Arthur left her section feeling not only physically tested but mentally sharper. Hua Mulan's lesson was more than just martial skill—it was a philosophy of survival and growth, one that he knew would serve him well in Avalon and beyond.
...
Arthur awoke with the familiar, soothing pulse of Avalon's magic flowing through him. The night had been dreamless again, a rare but welcome stretch of peaceful sleep. He stretched, feeling the lightness in his body—a sure sign of his progress. The system notification was a confirmation.
[System Notification: Level Up Achieved – Level 15]
[Adaptability 7/10]
Arthur smiled, the sense of achievement settling into his bones. Every lesson, every challenge, was building him up to something greater. He could feel the changes in himself, not just in his strength but in his mind and spirit.
He made his way to the bathroom, taking a long, refreshing shower. The water cascaded over him, and he allowed the warmth to help clear his mind. After drying off, he dressed in his uniform, the fitted black jacket a symbol of his role in Avalon, his responsibility to protect and lead those who entered the sanctuary.
When he stepped out of his room, however, the scene before him was anything but ordinary. In the main hall, the three warriors were standing in defensive stances, their weapons ready, eyes sharp. It was a sight that immediately caught his attention.
Guan Yu, his sword resting at his side, stood poised, his expression calm and unyielding. Musashi, his katana drawn, was focused on something ahead, his movements subtle but alert. Mulan stood with her arms at the ready, her body coiled like a spring, watching for any sign of movement.
But what caught Arthur's attention was the sight of Hecate and Taliesin kneeling by a strange creature—its body cloaked in a glowing aura of crackling thunder. A bird, though unlike any Arthur had seen before, it was massive, its feathers shimmering like liquid lightning, a sharp, jagged beak that seemed capable of rending the skies apart.
"About time, lad," Taliesin said, his usual light tone now laced with an edge of urgency. He was studying the creature closely, his fingers strumming the air like he was coaxing something from the very atmosphere.
Hecate was focused, her brow furrowed in concentration. "This mystical creature is injured," she explained, looking up as Arthur approached. "I'm trying to stabilize it, but it's proving difficult. The storm around it is… interfering."
Arthur's eyes narrowed as he studied the creature. The energy crackling around it was volatile, and its breathing was shallow, erratic. "I'll help," Arthur said, moving toward the kitchen as he quickly thought of the herbs he had seen.
...
Meanwhile, far from Avalon, in a quiet, unassuming house in London, a very different scene was unfolding. Newt Scamander, a wizard of renown and a lover of magical beasts, was tending to his beloved creatures in the basement of 9 Sherringford Square. The basement was far from ordinary—his enchanted Undetectable Extension Charm allowed him to house at least a dozen magical creatures, from nifflers to bowtruckles. The basement, affectionately known as his "hospital for creatures," was a sanctuary where Newt's passion for magical beasts could thrive.
Despite his age, Newt's devotion to the creatures under his care had never dimmed. He tended to them with the same enthusiasm as when he was a young man, every movement filled with gentle reverence.
But as Newt moved, his eyes narrowed in concern. One of his most trusted creatures—Frank, the Thunderbird—was missing. Frank had always been reliable, soaring across the skies with an electrifying presence, but now there was no sign of him.
"I haven't seen him in days…" Newt muttered to himself, worry knitting his brow.
He moved to the large window of the basement, his fingers tracing the glass as he peered out into the sky. He thought he caught a flash of lightning far off in the distance, a trail of electric blue streaking across the darkened sky. It was too far for him to be sure, but it reminded him of Frank's presence.
With a decisive nod, Newt grabbed his coat and made his way out into the yard. His suspicion grew as he crossed the grounds and entered the forest that bordered his property. His connection to the magical beasts had always been strong, but he sensed something different in the air. A disturbance. A clash of magic. It was like a battlefield had been left behind.
He followed the signs, feeling a tug in his chest, until he reached a clearing. There, in the center of a large crater, was a door—an ancient door, covered in runes that shimmered with faint magical energy.
Newt's heart raced. "What in the world…?"
His wizarding instincts screamed at him to turn back, but his curiosity and determination to find Frank overpowered his caution. "Frank's out there. I'll find him, no matter what."
With a wave of his wand, he dispelled the barrier around the door, and without hesitation, he stepped through. The world around him seemed to whirl, the air thick with a strange energy. Before he could react, the pull of magic was too much, and he was sucked into the unknown.
...
Back at Avalon, Arthur had returned to the kitchen, pulling herbs from the shelves. They were simple cooking ingredients—nothing too exotic—but his experiences with Geralt's alchemy experiments had taught him which ones could have healing properties. He moved quickly, cutting the herbs and preparing a paste, hoping it would help stabilize the creature.
The tension in the air was palpable as he returned to the dining area, the storm around the bird flickering in fits and starts. As Arthur approached, he could feel the faint hum of magic in the air, an electric charge that seemed to grow stronger the closer he got to the creature.
"Here," Arthur said, presenting the herbal paste. "I'm not sure if it will be enough, but it should help calm the storm around it."
Hecate glanced at him, her eyes sharp. "Let me try it."
She took the paste from him, applying it gently to the bird's chest. There was a moment of stillness—then, the storm around the creature seemed to lessen, the crackling thunder weakening.
For a brief, flickering moment, the creature's eyes opened, the electric storm around it subsiding, though it was still weak. Hecate smiled faintly, a look of quiet satisfaction in her eyes.
"Well done, Arthur," she said softly. "You've helped more than you know."
As the creature steadied, Arthur felt the faintest pulse of magic in the air. Something was shifting in Avalon, a sense of both danger and possibility. The doorway to new worlds was opening once again, and Arthur knew that more challenges, and perhaps even more surprises, were waiting just beyond Avalon's walls.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder