Chapter 28

Plans In Motion

Adom, Sam, and Bennu shared a tense silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they watched the three unlocked cubes. For a moment, nothing happened, and the anticipation in the room grew palpable. Suddenly, without warning, the cubes began to tremble on the wooden surface of the table. They moved towards each other with an unseen force, their edges magnetically aligning as they converged into a singular form. The blending of the cubes was seamless, the runes engraved on their surfaces glowing with a vibrant green light, casting an eerie luminescence around the room. Before their astonished eyes, the cubes transformed, their shapes morphing and merging until they settled into a box-like structure.

Adom exchanged a look of bewildered curiosity with Sam and Bennu, a silent agreement passing between them. With a cautious hand, Adom leaned forward to open the newly formed box. Inside was a paper. It wasn't just any paper; it was a cheque, elegantly penned and bearing the significant sum of 1 million, with a rune intricately woven into the paper, marking Adom's magical imprint as its rightful owner. Alongside the cheque was a golden note, its surface shimmering under the room's dim light.

The note was addressed to the "Apprentice #7" and bore the official seal of the World's Sorcerer Association (WSA), an organization renowned for its authority and governance over all matters sorcerous. The WSA, a powerful and revered entity, regulated the magical community, maintaining order, setting standards for magical practice, and organizing events of significant importance, such as the Olympiads.

The golden note read:

To Apprentice #7,

Congratulations on unraveling the enigma bestowed upon you. Your prowess in the magic arts leaves no place for doubt. Enclosed, you will find a token of recognition for your commendable achievement - a sum of 1 million Cauris.

Furthermore, we extend to you the opportunity to partake in the illustrious Olympiads. Should you wish to embrace this challenge and showcase your talents on a grand stage, please present this note to the administration of Xerkes Academy. The Olympiads will commence, on the 1st day of the month of Shura 851, providing ample time for preparation and reflection.

This event, a testament to the unity and competitive spirit of our community, awaits your decision.

With high regards,

Balthazar Snape,

High Councilor of the World's Sorcerer Association

The signature at the bottom of the note, belonging to Balthazar Snape, was a name that resonated with a deep sense of history and respect. Snape, a dwarf of remarkable valor and intellect, had not only been a key figure in the war against the Lich King but also a close ally of the legendary sorceress Athena. His contributions to the magical world were vast, yet his fate was marred by tragedy, like so many others, in the future. Adom recalled the historical accounts of Snape's untimely demise at the hands of the Black Dragon, a fearsome creature, the first dragon in ages, just like bennu, that emerged in Ariadan and unleashed chaos upon the Chronos continent, leading to an unprecedented loss of life and the subsequent great war.

Sam's enthusiasm bubbled to the surface, breaking the solemn atmosphere. He playfully tapped Adom on the shoulder, his eyes alight with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "You're rich!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his joy for his friend's newfound fortune.

Adom turned to Sam with a warm smile, the kind that spoke of deep-seated camaraderie and shared dreams. "You mean we're rich," he corrected gently.

"Why's that?" Sam inquired, genuinely curious about Adom's reasoning.

With a chuckle, Adom nudged his friend. "I promised you 250,000, didn't I?" he reminded Sam, referring to their earlier conversation and the light-hearted wager that had now come to fruition.

The conversation meandered as the evening wore on, the two friends discussing plans, dreams, and the unexpected twists life had offered them. As the night deepened, casting long shadows across the room, Sam realized it was time to depart. With a reluctant sigh, he stood up, stretching his limbs and sharing a final moment with Bennu. "Guess I'll see you guys tomorrow," he said, patting the phoenix gently, a hint of reluctance in his voice at the thought of leaving the warm circle of friendship.

Adom nodded, his mind already turning to the tasks ahead. "I'm planning to visit Mr. Biggins tomorrow," he shared, his voice tinged with determination. "He seems to know a lot about phoenixes. I need to find out how to... well, manage Bennu here, without drawing too much attention."

Sam's brow furrowed in concern, but Adom raised a hand to forestall any objections. "Don't worry about it. You focus on your morning class. I've got a different one, and I'll handle this," he assured Sam, his tone leaving no room for argument.

With a final clap on Adom's shoulder and a nod of understanding, Sam turned towards the door, his steps slow and reluctant. "Alright, then. But if you need anything, you know where to find me," he called over his shoulder, his loyalty and friendship unwavering even in the face of new challenges.

As the door closed behind Sam, leaving Adom and Bennu in the quiet of the room, Adom let out a deep breath. The weight of responsibility and the anticipation of the journey ahead filled his heart. With a glance at Bennu, who seemed to sense his thoughts, "So, are we starting the plan tomorrow?" he inquired, his voice a soft chirp that resonated with curiosity.

Adom nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yes," he affirmed, the resolve in his voice leaving no room for doubt.

Bennu tilted his head, considering Adom's response before voicing his own concerns. "Going through the great forest to the dungeon will be dangerous," he cautioned, his instinctive understanding of the risks ahead evident in his tone. "With the money we got, wouldn't it be safer to just work with that?"

Adom paused, the complexity of their mission weighing heavily on his mind. "It would be difficult to execute the plan with just this amount," he explained, his words measured and deliberate. "We need much more to secure the families and avoid the coming war."

Bennu sighed, a small puff of air that ruffled his feathers, signaling his acceptance of Adom's reasoning, yet his next question was tinged with a hint of playfulness. "You're blocking me from reading your thoughts right now. Why's that?" he asked, his bright eyes peering up at Adom with a mix of amusement and mock indignation.

Adom chuckled, the sound warm and comforting in the quiet room. He patted Bennu gently on the head, a gesture of affection and camaraderie. "I like to have my thoughts to myself sometimes," he replied, his tone light yet sincere. "We'll have to work on personal space and individuality, you and I."

The conversation then took an unexpected turn as Adom broached a new subject, one that hinted at the boldness of their strategy. "Now, since we have some unexpected money, I think we should try to approach the Ka'ui tribe," he suggested, the idea clearly one he had been contemplating for some time.

Bennu's purrs ceased abruptly, his body tensing as he fixed Adom with a stare that was both surprised and incredulous. "Are you crazy?" he exclaimed, the shock evident in his voice.

Adom's laughter filled the room, a light-hearted sound that belied the seriousness of their conversation. "Maybe a little," he admitted, his eyes twinkling with determination.

Bennu's caution was evident in his voice, a reminder of the inherent risks in dealing with the notoriously reclusive orcs of the Ka'ui tribe. "If the orcs of Ka'ui have chosen to isolate themselves from the rest, perhaps it's wisest to respect their wishes," he suggested, his tone laced with concern.

Adom considered Bennu's words, but his mind was already weaving through the intricate tapestry of potential futures, seeking a thread that might lead to a more favorable outcome. "Aroth isn't the Orc Lord yet, and his daughter's death hasn't happened at this point in time," Adom mused aloud, his thoughts drifting to the pivotal events that would shape the orcish leadership in the years to come. "Securing an alliance with the future Orc Lord could be invaluable. And with the resources now at our disposal, acquiring the 'Elixir of Life' is within reach. "

The mention of the Elixir, a legendary concoction rumored to possess remarkable healing properties, piqued Bennu's interest, yet his concern remained palpable. "The great forest is treacherous, and the path to the dungeon is filled with beasts," Adom continued, understanding the strategic importance of the orcs' knowledge of the land. "But I need to go through it to reach the dungeon. If I could cure Aroth's daughter, his gratitude might secure us safe passage, perhaps even guidance to the castle and the dungeon beyond."

As Adom outlined his plan, Bennu listened intently, his sharp mind analyzing each detail. However, a particular choice of words caught the phoenix's attention, leading to a pointed observation. "One thing that puzzles me here is your choice of words. Why do you say 'I'?" Bennu inquired, his gaze fixed on Adom, seeking to understand the deeper implications of his familiar's solitary reference.

Adom cradled Bennu gently, the warmth of their bond palpable in the soft glow of the room. "Listen, I know you're a proud phoenix," Adom began, his voice laced with a mixture of affection and resolve. "I felt your strength and spirit resonate within me when we bonded. But, Bennu, you were literally in an egg just a few hours ago. I can't put you in unnecessary danger."

Bennu fluttered slightly in Adom's arms, a small puff of feathers indicating his desire to assert his newfound independence. "But I'm not helpless," Bennu protested, his voice tinged with the fiery spirit characteristic of his kind. "I can help, I want to help."

Adom's expression softened, his eyes reflecting the depth of his care for the young phoenix. "I know you're not helpless, and I know you want to help. But you're the first phoenix in millennia, Bennu. You saw in my memories what happened with the black dragon. How this world reacts to beings like you. This isn't something to take lightly," Adom explained, his tone firm yet gentle, seeking to convey the gravity of Bennu's existence in a world that hadn't seen his kind for ages.

Bennu's eyes shimmered with a mix of frustration and understanding, the reality of his unique situation slowly settling in. "But I can be careful," he insisted, the stubborn streak of a creature born from fire evident in his voice.

Adom shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the seriousness of the conversation. "No, Bennu. For now, we'll go see Mr. Biggins. We need to figure out a way to keep you safe, to hide you if necessary. Your safety is my top priority," he said, the finality in his voice leaving no room for further protest.