Chapter 144: Travelling To Cupid
After a long training session with Josinia, the woman was completely knackered and needed sleep.
Kalon returned to earth and did the same.
...
The next day of school ended without anything unusual happened.
Kalon left the final class and walked toward the front gates. Students filled the halls and courtyard in the usual rush.
A few glanced at him as he passed, but most had grown used to his new presence.
He ignored them and kept walking until he saw Thea waiting near the exit.
She had her bag over one shoulder. When she noticed him she pushed off the wall and fell into step beside him. They left the academy grounds together and headed toward a quiet public park a few streets away.
They walked in silence for a short time. Thea kept her hands in her jacket pockets.
After a while she spoke.
"All I can think about these days is space," she admitted. "I’ve been reading whatever I can find. Old astronomy books. Theories about other worlds. Reports on dimensional gaps and failed experiments. Nothing matches what you told me, but I can’t stop. Every time I close my eyes I start wondering what those planets actually look like. The colours. The air. Whether the ground feels the same under your feet. Whether the sky looks familiar at all."
Kalon glanced at her. It was the most he had ever heard her speak in a row.
It reminded him of himself when he first discovered his interest in space.
"You’ll see it yourself soon. Don’t worry." He smiled at her.
Thea’s blue eyes stayed on the path ahead. Her expression was serious, almost stubborn.
"I’ll hold you to that. I’m not staying behind while you keep disappearing to other planets. I want to stand there with you..."
Both their minds drifted to their last sexual encounter, and Thea’s cheeks blushed because of it.
Kalon was able to stay composed. He wasn’t a virgin anymore.
They walked a bit further. After another stretch of quiet, the conversation shifted to the tournament.
"The first fight of the Duo Tournament is coming up," Thea said. "We’re against Adrien and Claire Fontaine. It’s being held in The Garden Arena. That’s the largest arena in the city. They’ve already started setting up the barriers and the spectator stands. People are already talking about tickets. Some of the second-years were saying the stands will be full."
Kalon nodded. He had checked the bracket again that morning.
Claire Fontaine had a life affinity and focused on healing. Adrien Fontaine used lightning at close range. They worked well together as siblings, but both affinities had clear weaknesses he could exploit with water, earth, or raw overwhelming force.
"What are we doing for tactics?" Thea asked. "Claire can keep Adrien in the fight if we’re not careful. And his lightning is fast up close. I’ve been thinking about ways to separate them early so she can’t support him."
"I’ll end the battle in less than ten seconds,"
They stopped walking.
Thea turned her head to look at him. She studied his face for a moment, as if checking whether he was joking.
"I’m serious," he continued. "Don’t worry about the first round. Save your energy and your focus. Study Sun and Moon instead. Learn everything you can about how they fight. That’s the match that will actually matter. The Fontaines are just the opening."
Thea was quiet for a few steps. She couldn’t believe his confidence, but knew it was warranted.
"Alright." She eventually said.
They reached a quieter section of the park where the trees grew thicker and the benches sat empty.
Kalon stopped walking. Thea stopped with him. For a moment neither of them spoke. The wind moved through the leaves above them.
Somewhere further away a bird called once and went silent.
"I have to go," he said finally. "I need to prepare for space travel tonight."
Thea bit her lip jealously, then brushed a strand of blue hair from her face.
"Be careful. Come back in one piece."
Kalon gave a short nod and left the park.
...
He walked the streets back to the dormitory at a steady pace, mind already turning toward the travel ahead.
Cupid was an A+ threat planet. The first real step into that level of danger. He would need to stay sharp from the moment they landed and keep Josinia close.
Once he reached the building he went straight past his room and climbed the stairs to the rooftop like always.
The sun was setting.
He travelled to Venduros first.
[Initiating Travel Sequence...]
[Adapting body to suit conditions...]
[...]
[You have arrived!]
[Welcome to Venduros!]
The warm air of the resistance city settled around him. He appeared near Josinia’s house.
She was already outside, standing in the open space in front of the door. Her white hair was tied back out of the way. She wore a practical dark travel jumpsuit instead of her usual robes.
They were tight in all the right places.
When she saw him her pink eyes brightned immediately.
"You’re here," she said. "I’ve been ready since this morning. I can’t think of anything else..."
Kalon looked her over once. There was no hesitation in her posture. No second thoughts in her expression. She looked steady and prepared.
"You’re sure?" he asked. "Cupid is different from Venduros or Cryos. Higher threat. We won’t know what we’re walking into until we’re already there."
"Yes," Josinia answered without pause. "I’ve trained for this. My earth and water are better than they were. I’m ready to see the next planet. And I’m ready to watch your back while you do it."
Kalon smiled as he held out his hand. Josinia took it without needing further explanation. Her fingers closed firmly around his. Her palm was warm.
He focused on the system and selected the destination they had discussed the day before.
[Initiating Travel Sequence...]
[Adapting both bodies to suit conditions...]
[Warning: Destination Threat Tier A+]
[...]
[You have arrived!]
[Welcome to Cupid!]