Chapter 19: Preparations

Daemon woke up early to the dawn light filtering through the curtains of his room. He stretched and stood up, then went to brush his teeth when he looked in the mirror and saw that his muscles were more toned and he was a little taller.

 Today he would begin his preparations for his trip to the continent of Aeris.

He went down to the dining room, where he found his parents already having breakfast. His mother, Helena, smiled warmly at him when he entered.

—Good morning, Daemon. Did you sleep well? Helena asked.

—Yes, mother. "I slept well, thank you," Daemon replied, sitting down at the table.

Alexander, his father, spoke.

—Preparations for your trip begin today, son. It is an important moment. You have everything you need?

Daemon nodded, although he knew there were still many things to do.

-Yes father. But I need to get a few more things before I leave.

Helena intervened.

—Make sure you bring enough food and water for the journey. You will also need potions and herbs to heal wounds and illnesses.

Daemon smiled.

—Don't worry, mother, I have everything planned. Lyana and I will visit the town today to buy everything we need.

After breakfast, Daemon met up with Lyana, who was also prepared for a day of shopping. Together, they walked towards the town market, a bustling place full of merchants and shoppers.

First, they headed to the blacksmith shop to find a sword suitable for the journey. The blacksmith, a robust man with calloused hands, showed them a variety of swords.

"This is an excellent choice," the blacksmith said, pointing to a sword with a sharp edge and elegant design. It is forged from high-quality steel and enchanted to be stronger.

Daemon tested the sword, feeling its weight and balance. He nodded satisfied.

-I'll carry it. How much does it cost?

"For you, young master, I will make a good price, just give me 100 silver coins," the blacksmith replied with a smile.

After acquiring the sword, Daemon and Lyana headed to the potion shop.

 There, they purchased various healing potions, antidotes, and medicinal herbs.

"These potions will be crucial to our journey," Lyana said, examining the glass bottles filled with colorful liquids.

"Yes, we must be prepared for any eventuality," Daemon agreed.

Then, they visited a supply store where they bought dehydrated food, canteens, and blankets for the trip. Daemon also acquired a detailed map of the continent of Aeris, which he enthusiastically showed to Lyana.

 Daemon had noticed that his behavior was slowly changing, previously he didn't usually talk much, now he seemed like someone very different expressing his emotions more easily, he assumed that this body that was still in its adolescent stage was affecting him.

"Look, this map shows all the routes and important places we could visit," Daemon said.

Liana smiled, sharing her enthusiasm.

—It will be an incredible adventure, Daemon. I'm excited for what awaits us.

Finally, with all the necessary supplies in their backpacks, they returned home to prepare everything. Daemon spent the afternoon organizing and packing, making sure they didn't forget anything important.

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 With Lumia:

She was in the patio of her house, training intensely. Her movements were precise and fast, but he still felt like it wasn't enough. She remembered her father, a gold rank adventurer, who had been defeated by that beast, who swore one day to kill her with his own hands.

 Lumia had promised herself to avenge him and become someone strong enough to protect her loved ones.

However, something was bothering him. Daemon no longer looked for her like before. Although it was good news, he also felt that something was wrong. She felt an inexplicable emptiness and didn't want to admit it, but it was as if she missed Daemon. He shook his head, trying to push those thoughts away.

"It's okay," she said to herself. That fool just wants to get my attention by acting like that.

She knew that Daemon was going to Valeria's Academy along with her; He had told her many times. Just then, her mother entered the yard.

"Hello, mom," Lumia greeted, trying to sound casual.

-Hello daughter. How is the training going? —Her mother asked, sitting next to her.

"Well, I guess," Lumia replied, without much conviction.

Her mother looked at her with concern.

—Has something happened with Daemon? I don't see him anymore lately.

Lumia felt a knot in her stomach.

—No, nothing has happened. "Besides, I don't care what Daemon does," she replied, trying to sound indifferent.

-Are you sure? —his mother insisted. Because she seems like she's drifted away a little bit.

He just wants to get my attention by acting that way, I hope he never speaks to me again, it would be a relief, I don't want to associate with someone weak like him.

Lumia snorted.

—I'm not going to fall into her silly game. It's enough for me to follow me to Valeria's Academy. I've told her many times that I don't want her company, but apparently it's like talking to a rock.

Her mother looked at her with sadness.

—Daughter, maybe you haven't found out. I spoke to Helena three days ago and she told me that Daemon is not going to Valeria's Academy.

Lumia felt as if she had been hit.

-That? Impossible! It must be a lie, he even dares to deceive her own mother, she said, clenching her fists.

Her mother shook her head, Alexander also confirmed it to me, if not I remember Daemon will go to the Heavenly Wind Academy on the Aeris continent—her mother stated.

Lumia stayed silent, taking in the information.

"Daemon is crazy," he murmured. How do you think about going to a place so far away?

She stood up abruptly.

"I'll go to my room," she said, without looking at her mother.

-Are you OK? —Her mother asked, worried.

"Yes," Lumia answered, although she knew it wasn't true.

In her room, Lumia fell onto the bed, her thoughts a tangle of confusion. She felt a mixture of frustration and something she didn't want to admit: a strange sense of loss. She had rejected Daemon so many times, but now that he was leaving, she thought she should feel happy, but she realized how much his presence had affected her.

Había rechazado a Daemon tantas veces, pero ahora que él se iba, pensó que debería sentirse feliz, pero se dio cuenta de cuánto le había afectado la falta de su presencia.

"I'm a fool, she," she muttered to herself. I don't know why I care what Daemon does.

But deep down, she knew something had changed. And that change worried her more than she wanted to admit.