Chapter 47: Vale
The next day, following the holiday, was the scheduled resource distribution day.
Athar collected his allotted quota early in the morning and carefully stored everything in his room. The cultivation technique, the storage ring, and the metallic card for the training hall from Angelica were all placed safely alongside the resources.
Having skipped dinner the night before, Athar felt a growing hunger and made his way toward the dining hall for breakfast. On the way, he ran into Ryler.
"Athar!" Ryler called out. "Where were you yesterday? Were you with Miss Angelica the entire time? You did not come for the spar, and I did not even see you at dinner."
Athar replied. "Yes, I was with Master the whole day. And about dinner... I was too tired and fell asleep early."
Ryler nodded in understanding. "So... do we spar today?"
Athar scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"About that," he answered, "I do not think I will be able to spar this week. There are a few things that master has taught me and I need to take care of. Plus, I have been neglecting my battle techniques. I need to put in some practice towards them."
Ryler smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Athar’s shoulder.
"It is alright. Sparring with you has already helped me a lot. I will focus on my battle techniques in the meantime too."
Athar sighed in slight relief. He had not wanted Ryler to feel bad after he was walking away from their previous arrangement.