Return

"Be careful, don't push yourself too hard, okay?" Lashara asked with a worried expression.

"Don't worry mom, I'll be fine." Rui insisted, yet she didn't appear convinced.

It was a cold morning, as always. Rui had was standing at the entrance door of the orphanage, facing Lashara and other members of the Orphanage. Three days had gone by and now it was time for Rui to return to the Academy.

The Academy allowed for short vacations per season for a reason. So that students didn't lose their disciplined mindset. This was especially true for students at earlier stages. The Foundation and Exploration Stages, in particular. Three days was around the sweet spot where there was just enough time for a break, but not long enough to break the students out of their mindsets. They all knew they were returning to the Academy in three days so they psychologically didn't relax too much and adapt to their circumstances, knowing they would be returning soon.