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Chapter 36 - Seaside Wonders and Soaring Adventures

The pair woke leisurely at nine and headed downstairs after washing their faces, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair. They changed out of their sleeping robes into lounge robes, planning to stay in today.

They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with coffee, then decided to head to the library floor for a spirited game of three-dimensional Go, pitting their minds against each other as they sipped tea and snacked.

Their battle of wits lasted the whole day as they played game after game, finally ending with a draw. Neither emerged as the clear winner, nor lost more than the other. During their matches, they also discussed plans for the weekend and, since Chaos had never been to the beach, decided on a seaside getaway. They informed their Mammys, prompting them to prepare.

That evening, after dinner, they left the Academy for their beach trip. Sitting on the balcony of Bane's carriage, they sipped hot chocolate as they soared through the air toward the nearest shore, with Bane posting pictures online.

While the pair enjoyed a leisurely extended weekend, the Academy buzzed with activity. Several official threads were posted about Grav training and how to do it safely and healthily.

These threads detailed the built-in safety features, explained how each person's Stats were unique, and emphasised that a patient, gradual increase in training was best to avoid injuries.

Bane and Chaos were commended for asking Teachers when they were unsure, setting a positive example. Teachers, the threads noted, would always consult medical staff if uncertain to ensure student safety.

Student responses online were overwhelmingly positive, with fears alleviated and hazardous ideas dispelled.

Thread: Grav Training Safety Talk!

FunFlier042: Did you see those new threads? Now I know my Stats are SO different from Mira's. I used to try to lift the same weight as her, lol! Not anymore. 

MiraStar: Haha, SAME! I always wanted to try the next level, but now my Mammy says slow and safe is better. Gradual makes us strong!

BookDragon13: True! And Bane and Chaos are so cool. They asked the Teachers when they weren't sure. I was shy to ask before, but now I will!

GravGuy: I wish I'd seen Bane and Chaos's faces when the Teachers explained stuff. If Teachers aren't sure, they go straight to the medics. Plus, the built-in safety measures are next level!

MazeRunnerJ: Did anyone else worry about getting hurt? I feel better now. My cousin got a tiny bruise last year, but that was from showing off. No more of that!

SariSparkles: Yeah, all the grown-ups know tons more. We should always ask! The Teachers are nice, so it's okay.

FunFlier042: Can't wait to go again! I'll go slower this time. I hope they mention safe snacks next time, too!

MiraStar: LOL! Snacks are life. See you at training!

The Headmasters and Nursery Elders felt proud and relieved, reading how students were no longer shy about seeking their Teachers' advice. They were delighted that Chaos and Bane had made such a positive impact, highlighting shortcomings in previous practices.

They wrote a detailed report describing what was done, why, how it came about, and the positive student feedback since changes were explained, then sent it to the Councils for review.

After reviewing it thoroughly, the Councils decided to implement the same policies across all Academies and Kindergartens, enhancing transparency and reducing pressure on the Children.

As Chaos and Bane woke leisurely at eight on Saturday, they went through their morning routine, then stepped out onto the carriage balcony for breakfast and coffee. The carriage sped through the air toward the seaside, expected to arrive at ten—enough time to finish coffee and savour the spectacular views.

Bane asked Morgana to take plenty of pictures and post them on the Academy forums so he could revel in the exploding comments, while Chaos shook his head in amusement at Bane's antics.

Thread: Chaotic Beach Trip Pics!

SunnySkies09: Did you see Chaos and Bane's breakfast photos? The sky looked AMAZING! I wish I could fly to the seaside for breakfast!

MagiKid: Same! Their carriage is so cool. I bet their coffee tasted better with that view, lol.

BrightStar: Morgana posted sooo many pictures!! The sea looked so sparkly in the distance. I want to go next time!

SkyRider: Was Bane really reading all the comments? I bet he loved it! My brother thinks Bane is the funniest.

PuzzleQueen: Chaos always looks so chill in photos. Bane's crazy—but in a good way! Who else wants a flying trip?

PotionPal: Me! But I'd spill my tea if I tried drinking it while flying, haha. Will they get sea snacks too?

SunnySkies09: Let's ask them! Morgana always posts the funniest stuff. Next time, they should invite the whole cohort!

At ten, the carriage began landing at the beach. The pair sat for a while, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents. From the lofty balcony, the expanse of sea unfolded in breathtaking splendour. Early sunlight danced across gentle swells, turning the surface into a million glittering diamonds.

Soft whorls of sea mist swirled above turquoise waves, foaming delicately as they swept towards golden sands. Far below, the beach curved invitingly, sprinkled with seashells and hints of hidden treasures. The salty tang of ocean breeze floated upwards, mingling with the sweet aroma of coffee and pastries.

Beyond the shore, distant cliffs rose in rugged silhouette. Birds wheeled overhead against a sky painted in pale gold and azure. The carriage glided silently, providing a sense of serene detachment—suspended between sky and sea—a perfect vantage for the coast's boundless beauty.

"So, does it meet your expectations?" Bane asked. Chaos could only nod, wordless in the face of such beauty.

"Good, I'm glad you enjoy it as much as I do!" Bane said with genuine joy.

After landing, they stepped onto the sand, Chaos finally relishing the feel of it beneath his feet—hand in hand, they strolled the beach, Morgana busy snapping and posting pictures.

Thread: Who Saw the Beach Pics?!

StarKid4: OMG, did you see Morgana's photos? Bane and Chaos at the beach! It looked SO pretty! I want to go for the weekend!

Lila_9: I know! The sunlight on the water looked like a bazillion sparkles. It must have been amazing just sitting on that balcony!

NovaGo: The sea mist looked super cool, too! I could almost smell the salt through my screen. And coffee in a carriage? Fancy!

PuzzleHero: Did you see the seashells? I wonder if they found any bizarre ones. Chaos looked so quiet in the pics—he must have been wowed, lol.

BeachFanatic: Bane looked SO happy. I bet he talks a lot, haha. I want to walk barefoot in the sand, too!

SandyJay: Same, and I want pastries by the ocean! Morgana takes the best pictures. Next time, everyone should come!

StarKid4: I'm in! Do you think Chaos will post more? I want to see if he builds a giant sandcastle!

NovaGo: Or if they find buried treasure! Maybe next time we can all go and have a beach contest!

Lila_9: Can't wait for more photos! This trip looks way cooler than homework!

The Nursery Elders, reviewing Morgana's photos and the excited threads (thanks to Elder Kyle lurking in every forum), were moved as they saw Chaos's childlike wonder and innocence. This was what they'd hoped for since summoning the Twins.

They felt profoundly gratified: at last, Chaos was able to be happy, and Bane was helping him embrace the childhood he deserved, not the miniature adulthood that had caused them so much grief—and a simmering anger at that accursed Planet.

Recalling that Planet, Elder Caine immediately sent a request to Tian Dao for an update, and was soon surprised by the reply.

"What's the matter?" Elder Kyle inquired, seeing his expression.

Elder Caine shared the report from Tian Dao. The others quickly reviewed it.

"Is this true?" Elder Lucius asked, raising an eyebrow.

"According to Tian Dao, it is," Elder Caine replied.

"So no Outsiders were found, and the source of the anomalies was traced to someone from another Civilisation in this very Universe? Have they determined why they targeted the Children?" Elder Soleil asked, concern in his voice.

"Tian Dao has a Slayer and their Twin Demon investigating that Civilisation. They suspect similar actions there, too. We need to know if it's the whole Civilisation or an independent faction," said Elder Caine.

"Did Tian Dao give a timeframe for more information?" Elder Lucius asked.

"Yes, it will take at least five years for conclusive info," Elder Caine answered.

"Then we wait and hope Tian Dao finds no traces of Outsiders," Elder Kyle sighed, and the rest nodded solemnly.

Meanwhile, Bane and Chaos played on the beach: building sandcastles, chasing each other in the surf, hunting seashells, and exploring tidal pools.

It was a celebration of childlike innocence. Laughter echoed along the beach as Morgana captured their antics in photos, posting them online and giggling as Bane buried Chaos in the sand—leaving only his head visible—while Morgana tutted about the mess they'd have getting clean.

Thread: Bane and Chaos at the Beach!

HappyJoey99: Who saw Morgana's pics? Chaos was BURIED in the sand with just his head sticking out!

ScienceGal92: I laughed so hard! Bane looked like he was having the BEST time. Who else wants to play like that?

BookWormLila: Me! Their sandcastles were epic! I wish I could find seashells like they did. I bet the tide pools had wild creatures.

StarRider7: Morgana takes fantastic photos. I wish my Mammy would let me run wild at the beach!

MischiefMax: Did you think Chaos was really stuck or just pretending? Still, looked hilarious. I want to get buried (but not if it takes ALL DAY to get clean after).

DreamerAsh: My favourite was them racing by the water. You could almost hear them laughing. Makes me want to go seaside!

HappyJoey99: Next trip, we ALL go! But I want Morgana to take photos of ME this time!

At four, Morgana corralled them back to the carriage for showers, grooming, and a soak in the bathing pool, while she whipped up a seafood feast to match their hunger after so much chaos and play.

They ate, then enjoyed hot chocolate on the carriage balcony as sleepiness crept in. They fought it as long as they could, but by nine, they had to go to bed; it was impossible to stay awake any longer.

Tucked in together, tired from a day of pure childhood joy, they fell fast asleep.

The next morning, they woke up early, having gone to bed earlier the night before. After getting ready, they stepped out onto the balcony for breakfast and enjoyed the sunrise as they savoured their coffee. They discussed whether to stay for a few more hours or start their journey back to the Academy and take their time along the way. In the end, they decided to leave now and travel slowly, knowing it would be fine as long as they arrived before curfew.

The carriage lifted into the air and began its gentle journey towards the Academy. Its occupants enjoyed the sights and sounds below: birds singing, Warbeasts roaring across the plains, swamps, and forests that dotted the Planet.

Morgana was constantly taking pictures from the balcony, posting them to showcase the sheer beauty of the landscape they were flying over. At one point, a flock of colourful Auroralarks began flying alongside the carriage, their soothing, crystalline birdsong filling the air.

Morgana filmed this magical event and posted it online, as Auroralarks were rarely seen while travelling by carriage, making it a mesmerising experience—especially with their enchanting birdsong.

Thread: Flying Back from the Beach! 

SkySpotter10: Did anyone see Morgana's photos from the carriage this morning? The sunrise looked so cool! I wish I could eat breakfast floating in the air.

SunbeamJules: SAME! The sky was so pink and orange, and their coffee looked so good. How come my breakfast is always just plain cereal? 

WarbeastFan22: Forget coffee, did you guys hear about the Warbeasts they spotted? I saw Morgana's video—those roars! I'd be so scared, but kinda want to see it too!

NatureBuff: The forests and swamps on the Planet are HUGE! It's like a whole adventure flying over them. I tried to count all the trees in one pic, but I lost track, lol.

AuroralarkKid: Did anyone see the part with the Auroralarks flying with the carriage?! Their wings looked like RAINBOWS! Morgana posted a video, and the birdsong was so lovely.

MagicMimi: I've never seen Auroralarks before, not even on trips! Aren't they supposed to be super rare? Morgana is lucky!

CoffeeChaser: I want her camera. My pics would be all blurry if I were flying! What do you think Auroralarks eat to make them so colourful?

SkySpotter10: Bet they eat rainbows. 

SunbeamJules: Or fairy dust! But really, it must've been amazing to see. When I fly, I don't see anything except plain clouds.

NatureBuff: Next time they go on a flying trip, I hope they film the whole thing—sounds and all!

AuroralarkKid: Maybe Morgana will do a livestream! Meanwhile, I'm making a drawing of an Auroralark after school. Who's with me?

WarbeastFan22: Me! I'll draw the Warbeasts too. Flying adventures are the best!

MagicMimi: Can't wait for more pics!

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