Chương 17: Missing cadets

The night enveloped the academy in a shroud of silence, broken only by the soft glow of the moon casting its silvery light upon the grounds.

In this tranquil darkness, a young cadet moved with stealth along the dimly lit corridor, his every step deliberate and cautious. His purpose was clear, but he sought to keep his actions hidden from prying eyes.

Approaching a particular door, the cadet hesitated for a moment. His heart raced as he debated the consequences of his actions. Yet, with resolve, he rapped gently on the door, producing a soft, almost hesitant sound.

The door cracked open slowly, revealing a narrow sliver of the room beyond. Tension hung in the air as the cadet, his nerves taut, waited for a response. Finally, he broke the silence with a question, his voice a mere whisper in the still night.

"I am here, as we agreed. You didn't lie about it, did you?" he asked, his voice quivering with a mix of anticipation and doubt.

For a moment, the room remained quiet as the door began to open wider, revealing the secrets hidden within. The cadet, his heart pounding in his chest, crossed the threshold into the room.

As the door closed behind him, the night continued its vigil, guarding their clandestine meeting with its cloak of silence.

****

In the dimly lit training room, Alfred stood in the center, his eyes closed in deep concentration. He drew slow, deliberate breaths as he focused his mind and energy. It was a quiet moment, the only sound the soft rhythm of his breath.

His outstretched hand quivered slightly as he channeled his inner strength. At the tips of his fingers, a faint, ethereal glow began to emerge, casting a delicate light in the room. Alfred's face broke into a satisfied smile as the radiant aura around his hand intensified.

He was on the verge of a breakthrough, feeling the surging power within him like a rising tide. The moment was his, and he was determined to grasp it fully.

Suddenly, the tranquil atmosphere was shattered as the training room door slammed open, revealing Layla, bow in hand. Her presence disrupted Alfred's intense concentration, causing the fragile glow at his fingertips to flicker and fade. He let out a frustrated sigh, the opportunity slipping through his grasp.

"Eh, the cheater," Layla remarked, her tone filled with disdain as she regarded Alfred with a critical eye.

Alfred tried to salvage the situation with a smile. "Don't be like that. I didn't know this was so important to you."

Layla's stern demeanor began to crumble, revealing a vulnerability she had kept hidden. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Well… I've never seen anybody else here. I thought I was the only one who takes it seriously."

Alfred's curiosity was piqued. "Yeah, I have to train my power so I can become stronger. What are you training for?" he inquired.

Layla's resolve wavered, and she was on the brink of tears. "I... I don't even know anymore," she confessed, her voice breaking. "None of it matters. I can't achieve my dream."

Alfred watched as Layla crouched down, her arms wrapped around his legs, seeking solace. He was taken aback by the sudden emotional outpouring. Glancing around, he felt a bit lost, searching for the right words.

"There, there…" Alfred muttered, awkwardly attempting to comfort her, his hand moving to pat her head gently.

Layla, however, slapped his hand away, her frustration palpable. "I don't want your pity. It's easy for you; you already have your blessing," she retorted bitterly.

Alfred remained silent, unsure of how to proceed as Layla's tears continued to fall. 'What is it with everybody tonight' Alfred asked himself.

"If you have a dream, go for it. Who cares what others say?" Alfred finally offered, trying to provide some encouragement.

Layla straightened up, wiping her tears away with newfound determination. "You're right," she declared, her resolve rekindled.

"Of course, I am," Alfred said with a confident nod. "But now, I've got to go back to training."

Alfred assumed his training position once more, closing his eyes as he sought to rekindle the energy within him.

Meanwhile, Layla walked to the wall, resting her bow against it, and chose a sword from the rack. She examined the blade with a mix of eagerness and determination, her face reflecting in the polished silver.

****

The courtyard was shrouded in a gloomy overcast sky, casting a somber atmosphere over the assembled cadets. Garf emerged from the academy building, and a hushed anticipation spread through the crowd. His expression was stern, and his voice cut through the murmurs and whispers like a blade.

"Listen up!" Garf's command made everyone snap to attention, their eyes fixed on him. "I'm sure you've all heard the rumors circulating about our missing cadets. Unfortunately, those rumors are true. Just last night, another one of our own disappeared into thin air."

A wave of unease rippled through the gathered students, their voices hushed as they exchanged worried glances.

"So," Garf continued, his voice unwavering, "instead of our usual training regimen today, we will be organizing search parties. We'll comb every inch of the academy and its immediate surroundings. We need to find our missing comrades."

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the cadets as they absorbed Garf's words. Their training had taken an unexpected turn, and the mystery of the disappearances loomed over them like a dark cloud.