(EPILOGUE)
After a very long and grueling summer, a weary Gavin and Erza sat down on the stump in the middle of camp the morning of the last day. It looked so strange to Gavin. Only his and Erza's tent remained along with the camp table and grill. After the visit to Club Storm, Aria, Lyla and Tessa decided to return home. The Valkyrie weren't there to teach them, so they felt awkward staying.
Astrid and Kara sat down with them and gave them the run down of the good and bad of how they did over the summer. Both Erza and Gavin were surprised by how few bad things the Valkyrie had to say.
After that, the four said their goodbyes and the Valkyrie left. The camp then truly felt deserted.
"Come one, lets get everything packed. Then we can head home for a few days of rest before we leave for the academy." Erza said.
Veronica, can we do a final rundown on my stats while I help pack? Gavin asked his partner.
Gavin Johnson. Age 18.
Royal bloodline, Dread Howler were-wolf shifter.
Level 30.
Hp. 390/390
Mana points. 200/200
Strength 86.
Speed 89.
Agility 82.
Stamina 100.
Charm 25.
Intimidate 35.
Acquired skills.
Hunters howl level 8. Uses increased to five times per day.
Shape-shift, were-wolf form level 9. Shifting uses minimal stamina and mana. Able to use complex magic when shifted.
Elemental manipulation level 10. Able to blend elements. Spells require 40% less mana to use.
Overdrive level three. Drawback effect is reduced to several hours.
Soul Sense level one. Able to detect the souls of living beings.
Soul Vault level one. User is able to store souls defeated in battle. Limit is 10 souls. Over use may cause mental strain.
Damn, so much improvement in such a short amount of time. Everyday felt like I died and was reborn, over and over. Gavin wondered at his newfound level of strength and he clenched his fist by his side.
Gavin didn't really know how to feel at first. Yes, he had worked hard this summer. Physical workouts and battle training in the morning, then magical training in the afternoons where he worked various styles of magic until he drained his magic over and over again. Will it be enough when it matters, though?
He looked over at her tearing down their tent and realized she had grown a lot physically too. Her lean arms had subtle, yet noticeable muscle growth. Her back was straighter and she walked with a confidence he hadn't noticed before.
Gavin smiled and walked up to loosely wrap his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest.
Erza stopped tearing down the tent and looked over her shoulder at him. "You okay?"
Gavin nodded without speaking, letting his emotions flow through their bond to her. "It's nothing, come on. Let's finish up and head home. I want a real shower for once."
Those were all worries for the future. Right now the goal was to get home, have a real shower, sleep in a real bed; where he could do proper justice to ravaging Erza, then pack and head to the Allario Academy.