Soon after, both Aqualina and Aether returned to the Academy. As they parted ways, Aether's demeanour shifted. Without wasting a moment, he set out on his next task.
"Celestia, did you send the package?" he asked as he strode purposefully through the Academy's gates.
"Yes," Celestia appeared beside him, her steps hurried to match his.
"Shouldn't you take some rest?" Celestia inquired with concern. She had noticed the toll his recent activities had taken on him... both physically and mentally.
Aether had been pushing himself non-stop.
Aether shook his head firmly, "I can't afford to waste time... I don't know exactly when it's going to happen, but before that, I have too much to prepare." His mind drifted to the ominous rainbow-crystaled creatures that had been lurking deep within the Pyra Empire. Three weeks had passed, but there had been no incidents in the Empire.... Unlike before!