Atlas and the others appeared suddenly outside the cottage. Leah, Jax, Kian and Nole looked at Atlas, amazement in their eyes. They have all experienced teleportation as that's a common means of transport in the middle plane, but those were by using formation diagrams powered by mana stones. Even people naturally attuned to space mana thus having a space spirit body require a lot of energy to teleport such long distances, not to mention the mana required increases with the number of people.
Atlas didn't even seem to have performed any mana arts, it was like it was a muscle for him, and he broke no sweat. Then as they all processed this thought, they all looked at each other as if confirming the other thought the same.
'He's a space law user. And a high level one'
They again turned to Atlas this time the reverence in their eyes maddening. Anya to the side looked at them in understanding. She was also shocked when she came to the realization.
'No wonder the elders don't dare come down here,' she thought.
cough
Ethan interrupted as he looked at them confusion in his eyes. 'Why are these guys acting weird, it's just some trick,' thought Ethan.
"Okay, Let's go in" said Atlas ignoring the stares. "it's pretty late so you can all stay the night."
They all looked to the sky, the stars were out playing as the moon watched with its crescent shape smile. They followed Atlas to the cottage. The door opened to the smell of warm dinner still cooking.
Davina's head popped out from one of the rooms as she stared at them entering.
"About time."
They all settled down in the living room as Atlas went to look for his lovely wife in the kitchen.
They all sat there silently as Leah, Kian, Jax and Nole were deep lost in thoughts, theories of Atlas Origins forming in their minds. Ethan spoke snapping them out of their daze.
"So that was fun." said Ethan "And Thanks for taking care of me."
"It was nothing" answered Jax
"We haven't even introduced ourselves, this is Leah, Kian, me Jax and this is Nole." Jax said as he pointed to them.
"So what were you guys really looking for in the forest?" asked Ethan. Donald turned to them as he curiously awaited their answer.
For all the time they were in the forest, Donald realized they weren't your ordinary adventurers and Explorers going to the forest for hunting or exploring. From the start they had a specific destination they wanted to go.
"It was a mission from the institution." Said Anya.
"Ooooh! The institution in the city? So all of you are students at the evergreen institution in the city." Asked Ethan in excitement.
"Actually no, we came to help Anya, were from other cities." Replied Leah
"What? Other cities what are they like?"
As they were about to answer jasmine came in holding plates. She approached the table setting it up.
Jax, Kian and Nole stared, ensnared by jasmine beauty. She turned to them and smiled as she greeted everyone. The boys looked away, their cheeks flushed red in embarrassment from getting caught staring. Anya looked at them from the side and started laughing.
From behind Atlas came with pots of food floating all around him as he placed them in the middle of the table,
Davina came and sat next to Ethan as they started arguing.
They all ate the dinner silently, the only sound that could be heard was the sound of spoons and plates clicking as they met.
"Ethan, you've always wanted to explorer and see the world, what do you think about going with them to the Evergreen institution?" Atlas said as he continued eating.
Ethan looked at atlas then to his mom to find her calmly eating, which was a surprise to him as she was very opposed to him going out into the world at such a young age. Even more surprising was Davina as she was also calmly eating her dinner.
"Oldman, I see you finally got an excuse to throw me out." Joked Ethan but the excitement in his voice couldn't be hidden.
" What do you mean? Isn't this something you've always wanted" smiled Atlas as their eyes met.
"Don't think I don't know about how you've always mumbled about wanting a daughter."
"What! Me? Don't throw such accusations without proof."
The others looked at the two banter to each other, the atmosphere jovial.
"So, what do you think?" interrupted Jasmine as she put away her spoon.
"Are you really okay with this." Asked Ethan.
"Of course not but…" sighed jasmine, "We won't be with you forever and besides you look old enough for a ten year old."
"Ten-year-old!"
Anya and the other shouted in shock then looked away in embarrassment for the outburst.
'Intent at ten years old, what is wrong with this family.' They all thought.
"What about you?" Ethan turned to Davina.
"It's not like you will listen, if I told you not to go." She answered, still not taking her eyes off her plate but her voice quivered a little indicating her sadness.
"So do you, or don't you?" asked Atlas impatient from waiting.
"I do." Answered Ethan, "As long as you guys agree to take me."
"Of course, it's the least we can do after all the help you gave us." Answered Anya.
As the curtains closed on their dinner Jasmine arranged a place for everybody to rest.
Ethan lay in his bed fantasying about how exciting life from now on was going to be.
Atlas and jasmine lay in their bed, her head resting on his chest.
"Are you sure its not too early?" asked jasmine.
"Honey, it will never be the right time." Sighed Atlas, "His fate is too heavy, its either we let him fly now or he will fall flat on his face"
"Especially after today." Continued Atlas " Ten years old and he's already experienced opening up his soul….. and that world seed?"
Atlas sighed again as he caressed his wife's hair both of them falling a sleep.
Davina was outside petting Nox as she looked to the sky.
"I'm gonna miss you buddy, you have to take care of him for me."
After along tome of staring up, she turned to enter the cottage.