For the first time in weeks, Mystic Academy felt peaceful.
The skies above the courtyard were bright and clear, birds darting through drifting clouds as students lounged around, relishing the rare quiet.
Classes were on break for an entire week—a miracle—and the mission board near the main hall was swarmed with eager students looking for work and coin.
Aranea stood in front of the crowded board with her hands on her hips, squinting at the rows of parchment. "There's too many," she muttered. "How do we even pick one?"
Beside her, Beau leaned lazily against the frame, scanning the listings with a grin. "We go for the one that pays the most, obviously."
Leonel rolled his eyes. "You always say that, then complain halfway through because it's too hard."
"That's because I didn't have the right motivation last time." Beau crossed his arms, smirking. "This time, I do."
Zann raised a brow. "And that is?"
"The beach trip," Beau said proudly.
