色戒无删除版

Ezio stood at the entrance of the Magic Academy with a frown on his face as he watched Vinya and William who wouldn't let him go. They had been talking nonsense ever since he started packing his things until he walked towards the gate. There was also the headmaster who said that he was there to see him off.

"I'm just leaving ahead of you. After this week the both of you will also go back to your families." Ezio couldn't stand it anymore so he tried to pacify them.

They're already considered as graduates so they can leave the academy whenever they want. The academy has no strict structure so as long as they finish their course they were free to leave. Since Vinya and William were done with their course they could already leave.

"I won't be going to the duchy. My uncle is currently in the capital so I will be staying with them for the time being." William grinned and even gave Ezio a thumbs up. "So if I want to visit the Magic Tower, I can always go."

Vinya was the most sad because she needed to leave the capital and return to their place. William comforted and assured her that they would still see each other again in the future. She can't stay in the capital for long because she has a family where she can return to.

After saying their goodbyes, Ezio decided not to take a carriage or teleport. He wanted to visit a place first before he returned to the tower. It was a place he dearly missed.

The shop was busy. There were many customers queueing just to be able to order something from the bakeshop. He entered the shop and looked around as he felt nostalgic. He waited for the line of people to dwindle until finally he could already order.

He walked to the counter and casually pointed at the pastries he wanted to buy. He left the bakery and took his time to trudge the way towards the tower. Ezio reached the place as he stood in front of the gate for a while.

He was staring at the tower with mixed emotions but the most dominant one was anger and disgust. He did not want to return but the master was there. Ezio clenched his teeth as he took a step and another forward until he reached the main door to the tower.

Argus welcomed Ezio and led him to his room at the Hall of Time. Since the young man didn't want any fuss, he did not announce his return. The archmage also saw the bags of pastries from Vergessen and thought that it was Ezio's.

After making sure that he was settled, Argus finally left. Ezio waited for a couple of minutes before he too left the room. He walked through the hallways until he stopped in front of a certain door.

It was nothing special but he knew that the person he was looking for was inside. The door to the room opened and he heard a familiar voice that called out to him. This time all hesitation in his body disappeared so he walked forward and entered the room.

"You took your time," was the only comment he heard after he entered the room.

"I'm sorry master," he slightly bowed his head and when he saw the bags in his hand, he looked up.

He walked to where Cygnus was having a cup of coffee and placed the bags on the table. He conscientiously opened the bags and pushed them towards the master. Cygnus couldn't help but raise a brow at the child's actions.

"Is this bribery?" He looked up and stared at Ezio. Cygnus thought that it was thoughtful of Ezio to bring some snacks for him.

Ezio shook his head, "No. I just wanted to get you something so I bought these." He looked around and only saw Astrophos who was standing not far from them.

"What would you do now that you are back here at the tower?" Cygnus asked while he was choosing from the variety of treats presented in front of him.

"I will follow your lead master!" He did not hesitate to answer. From the very beginning, it has been his ambition to use magic to show off to his uncle but now, he wanted to use his ability to assist the master.

There was no point in living at the tower if he was alone. He also wanted to participate in whatever scheme they were planning. Now that he can use magic, he can help and join them instead of being only a bystander.

Cygnus looked at the child who instantly turned into a puppy whenever he was in his presence. His mind was filled with thoughts of using his power to help him. To see the earnest look on his face, the master couldn't ignore him and his conviction.

"If that's what you want then you are free to do so." Cygnus has no qualms if Ezio wanted to join them.

He has no problem in snatching the precious dimension walker of the tower. It would be much fun for him too, now that Ezio wanted to help them. He could use him as bait to utterly destroy the tower.

Ezio's eyes sparkled when he received the master's go signal. Now he could finally help the master. Nothing would be able to hold him back.

"I will do my best!" His loud voice pierced through the silence of the room.

"Alright, drink some coffee first since you only returned." Cygnus offered the treats and Astro went to make him a cup of coffee.

Ezio took a bite of the biscuit with a smile on his face. He was even humming a jolly tone as he accepted the cup that Astro handed to him. He drank without any reservation and enjoyed his time with the master.

"By the way, I need to remind you that you should call Mr. Astrophos, Astro." Cygnus pointed at Astro with his spoon. "Currently his role is that of my aide so you should call him as such."

The young man nodded as his gaze shifted to the mage who remained silent on the side. He quickly noticed that the mage had a difference on him that was not there the last time he saw him.

"Is there a problem?" Astro noticed the young man's gaze on him.

"I just wanted to ask, how have you been, Mr. Astrophos?" Ezio blurted and in the man's eyes, he returned to the Ezio he first met.

His eyes right now were showing the sincerity and innocence that he had before everything became messed up. It was different from what he was showing outside.

"I have been doing good and going through several changes." Astro chuckled before he answered. "I hope that you do too."

Ezio nodded, "I have been better." He grinned and continued to drink his coffee and eat his pastries.

They were enjoying their break when Ari appeared out of nowhere with a red blinking light around her. Ezio was stunned and froze on his seat while Astro became alert because he knew what that red light entails. The red glow slowly disappeared and Ari's mechanical voice echoed in the room.

"I managed to break through from one of the coded books we discovered from the Magus's secret room." Ari informed them and without waiting for the master's approval, she flashed what she decoded.

Ezio looked at the letters on those pages and almost dropped the cup he was holding when he understood the things written on the yellowish pages of the book. His eyes were wide as his body slowly moved and stood up to take a closer look at what he was seeing.

"Is this my mother's…" he raised his hand and caressed the name that was written on the air.

"Yes, a very familiar name," Cygnus answered. His voice sounded solemn with his eyes narrowed at the name that was being flashed in the air.

"Did they really do something to my mother that caused her death?" He asked while his gaze was still on the cursive letters of his mother's name.

"Yes they did," the master's voice deepened at his answer. "Something that would definitely make your blood boil."