NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36 - Saying Goodbye
"You've earned a break," Marcus announced the day after their mission to the Callahan facility as he stood at the head of the conference table, surveying the three of them with what might have been approval. "You'll be departing for the Academy in three days. Until then, consider this your time to rest, recharge, and prepare. The transport is at your disposal and can take you anywhere within a three-hour radius."
Nick exchanged surprised glances with Maggie and Jordan. After the last two weeks of nonstop training, followed by their first mission, the concept of "leave" seemed almost foreign.
"Anywhere?" Maggie asked, brightening visibly.
"Within reason," Marcus qualified. "Bogota and Cartagena are both options. Dr. Zhang suggested you might appreciate some time in civilization before your departure for the Academy."
Nick noticed Jordan straighten up and couldn't help but smirk.
Someone's eager to make a break for it.
As Marcus walked out of the command center, he left Nick, Maggie, and Jordan to their own devices.
Instead of returning to the command room after the debriefing, the three walked out into the compound's sunlit courtyard. Jordan immediately turned toward the residential wing, clearly intending to retreat to his quarters.
"Hey, wait!" Maggie caught his arm. "Where are you going so fast? Don't we want to talk about what we're doing over the next three days?"
Jordan gently disengaged from her grip with a sigh. "I'm tired. You have your parents here to spend time with. I'd like to research whatever information I can find about AIA that Marcus hasn't told us. Then maybe arrange some hikes and climbing expeditions in the jungle with Master Hernandez."
Nick perked up at this. "A hike and a climb, huh?" The idea had merit. He'd been wanting to spend more time with his grandparents—these last weeks had been rushed and he'd barely had any quality time with either of them without preparations for AIA or their recent mission dominating the conversation.
Maybe we can go back to Bogota and visit that arepa vendor again. He was a character ,Nick thought, chuckling to himself while remembering the gentleman who had given them coffee pun napkins.
Seeing Nick also contemplating plans for the next couple of days, Maggie sighed. Looking back at Jordan she said, "Yes, I want to spend time with my parents, but as you both know, they can be quite... overbearing." She rolled her eyes fondly. "I think it would be cool for us to spend our rest days like this: one day in Cartagena for a beach day like last time, one day in Bogota—my parents haven't seen it, and they'd love to meet that arepa guy. It would be a hoot." She laughed, imagining the interaction about to take place. "The climbing stuff sounds fun too. Maybe we do that in the middle? Two rest days and one active day? What do you think?"
"That sounds good," Nick agreed readily as he and Maggie began walking towards their rooms. He wanted to spend time with his grandparents, but didn't want to leave Maggie alone with her parents—this was the perfect compromise. They could all spend time together while living the tourist lifestyle and visiting both Cartagena and Bogota.
Jordan hung back slightly, his expression guarded. Without any family nearby, he looked suddenly out of place.
He must be feeling like an outsider with each of us talking about spending time with our families.
Nick stepped closer and slung an arm around his shoulders.
"We're friends," Nick said, his voice steady as Maggie came and put her arms around Jordan's other shoulder. "My grandparents already see you as one of us. Once we get to AIA, things are going to get real. Tougher missions, higher stakes. These next three days? They matter. So let's take the win. Breathe. Enjoy it while we can."
Jordan shrugged, but his posture relaxed slightly. "Okay, let's do it." He glanced at his watch. "So we have half a day left. What should we do today?"
Maggie's face lit up with a mischievous smile. "So you wouldn't believe what I found." Her eyes sparkled as she told them about a video game stash she'd discovered on one of the junior staffers' computers and how she'd managed to backdoor her Acadian system to access it.
They grabbed food from the cafeteria, ate, then collected desserts to bring back to Maggie's room. Her quarters were identical to Nick's—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lush forest, a wide king-sized bed, walk-in closet, and spacious bathroom. Essentially a luxury hotel room that none of them had really had time to appreciate. Nick felt a wave of tiredness wash over him as he settled on the floor.
Maggie brought up the game on her interface, then through the connection they'd established during their mission, transferred her screen to all three of them. Using the same link, she connected their Arcadian Systems to create improvised controllers. The game was a three-person shooter with various magical creatures instead of just zombies. It reminded Nick of video games he'd played as a kid.
Hours passed in a blur of digital combat, friendly trash-talking, and shared laughter. They progressed from slaying goblins to orcs to zombies, the activity providing a perfect release valve for the anxiety and stress that had built up over the past two weeks.
Five hours later, a knock at the door broke their concentration. None of them had noticed the time slipping away. Maria's voice drifted through from the hallway: "Would you all like to come to dinner tonight? We're having a campfire and barbecue!"
Nick immediately perked up, remembering his grandfather's famous barbecues. Disconnecting from Maggie's game, he stood—and promptly realized he hadn't moved from his cross-legged position for at least two hours. His legs tingled with pins and needles as blood flow returned. He stretched, working the stiffness from his limbs.
Maggie and Jordan did the same, both looking surprised to discover it was already 7 PM and they'd been gaming for the entire afternoon. The relaxed expressions on their faces said it all—this downtime had been exactly what they'd needed.
As they headed out, Nick glanced at Maggie and smiled. "Thanks for that. It was exactly what my brain needed after the last few weeks."
Maggie laughed. "No problem. You're both my accomplices now, so if I go down, you're coming with me."
Jordan snorted. "I knew there was no way you did something nice just because."
The morning sun bathed Cartagena in warm gold as their transport descended along the Caribbean coast. The rugged highlands gave way to shimmering turquoise waters, lush palms, and a walled city rising majestically at the edge of the sea. From above, Cartagena seemed suspended in time, its colonial architecture gleaming against a backdrop of vibrant blue.
"Now, this," Maggie declared as they stepped onto cobblestone streets, the humid air wrapping around them like a comforting blanket, "is exactly what a vacation should feel like."
Joining them were Maggie's parents, Elias and Mei Zhang, whose reserved, analytical nature seemed softened by the vibrant atmosphere. Nick's grandparents, Francisco and Maria Valiente, strolled arm-in-arm, their gentle conversation punctuated by laughter that carried decades of shared warmth.
They wandered through winding streets adorned with pastel-colored buildings and cascading bougainvillea. Vendors called out cheerfully from stalls laden with brightly painted souvenirs, woven bags, and handmade jewelry. Street musicians filled the air with the rhythmic melodies of cumbia, the city's heartbeat pulsing through every corner.
"Look at that!" Maggie exclaimed, pointing enthusiastically at a group of street performers dancing effortlessly around a plaza. Their vibrant costumes swirled in a mesmerizing display, drawing a crowd of spectators who clapped along to the beat.
Nick watched Maggie join in spontaneously, her laughter ringing brightly through the plaza. Her infectious joy even coaxed a genuine smile from Jordan, something Nick rarely witnessed.
"Think you could keep up with her?" Nick teased, nudging Jordan.
"Absolutely not," Jordan replied dryly. "I'll leave public embarrassment to Maggie."
Before long, a vendor approached them, offering woven bracelets in vivid shades of red, yellow, and turquoise. Maggie quickly chose bracelets for everyone, insisting playfully.
"Team solidarity," she grinned, tying one onto Nick's wrist, then turning expectantly to Jordan.
Jordan sighed dramatically. "These don't exactly blend in."
"They're supposed to stand out," Maggie retorted, fastening the bracelet around his wrist. "Besides, they bring luck."
"Luck," Jordan echoed skeptically, though he couldn't hide the small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Francisco chuckled warmly, holding out his wrist willingly. "Luck or not, I'll gladly take it from you, Maggie."
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Lunch was a leisurely affair at a seaside restaurant, the scent of grilled seafood and fresh lime wafting through the salty air. Conversation flowed freely, drifting from casual banter about their favorite foods to playful debates about movies they'd missed during training. Mei shared amusing anecdotes about Maggie's childhood, prompting laughter from everyone except Maggie, whose face turned a bright shade of pink, while Maria reminisced fondly about past visits to nearby coastal towns.
Afterward, they explored Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, its imposing stone walls looming protectively over the city. Jordan moved through the fortress with evident fascination, touching the ancient stones with respect as he explained their defensive designs.
"These tunnels amplified sounds toward defenders," he explained, guiding them through the echoing passageways. "No enemy could approach silently."
Nick listened intently, admiring Jordan's passion for military strategy, momentarily seeing him as just a young man enthusiastic about his interests, without any shadows clouding his expression.
As the afternoon heat intensified, they made their way to Playa Blanca, a stunning stretch of pristine white sand and invitingly clear water. Maggie dashed fearlessly into the waves, her laughter floating back with the tide. Jordan found a comfortable spot beneath a palm, claiming strategic advantage rather than admitting he simply preferred shade. Elias and Mei walked slowly along the shore, quietly chatting and occasionally pausing to admire seashells. Francisco and Maria relaxed under an umbrella, calling out playful encouragement to Maggie as she splashed through the waves.
Nick lingered at the water's edge, wading until cool waves lapped at his knees. For the first time in recent memory, he felt genuinely relaxed, the weight of memories and responsibilities momentarily lifted by the playful breeze and warm sun.
The sky deepened into fiery hues of pink and orange as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The group gathered on the beach, watching fishing boats glide silently homeward beneath the radiant sky.
"I haven't felt this normal in ages," Maggie confessed softly, drawing patterns in the sand with her fingertips. "Elias used to love beaches like this. He'd categorize shells by their shapes and patterns."
Nick reached out gently, squeezing her shoulder with understanding. "He'd be glad you came here."
Jordan, quietly introspective, finally broke the comfortable silence. "We should returning.
Maggie sighed melodramatically. "Always planning ahead."
"Someone has to," Jordan countered with mock seriousness, though his eyes softened.
They spent the evening in a bustling local restaurant, alive with the sounds of guitar music and joyous chatter. They ate empanadas, laughed freely, and even danced, awkwardly at first, then with growing abandon. Under twinkling lights strung across the patio, they were simply young people savoring life, their laughter blending seamlessly with the vibrant rhythm of Cartagena. Maggie's parents danced closely, their smiles tender and eyes bright with affection, while Nick's grandparents swayed gently, their shared history reflected in each warm glance and soft whisper.
Later, walking back through the illuminated city streets, Nick felt profoundly grateful. For one precious day, they were free from burdens, able to simply exist as friends, bound by shared experiences and genuine camaraderie.
As they reached the transport that would take them back to the Compound, Maggie paused, looking wistfully at the stars. "Days like this remind me what we're fighting for."
"And what we have to protect," Jordan added softly.
Nick nodded, heart full.
The next morning, Val and Master Hernandez guided them on a scenic trail winding into the peaks behind the compound. After the leisurely exploration of Cartagena, this hike felt energizing—a chance to reconnect with the natural strength they'd honed over weeks of intense training. Val even had them tackle a few challenging rock faces, turning the outing into an enjoyable yet subtly instructive session that kept their skills sharp without draining their spirits.
Aware they'd spend the entire day out, Val and Master Hernandez had packed meals, sharing breakfast, lunch, and dinner while they all enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. It offered a rare chance to interact with their instructors in a relaxed environment, the professional barriers dissolving into genuine camaraderie and laughter.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of lavender and gold, they descended toward the compound. The hike and climb left their muscles pleasantly tired and minds refreshed, a perfect balance of exertion and enjoyment. By 8 p.m., they reached the familiar grounds, each feeling the satisfying exhaustion of a day well-spent. It wasn't just a physical workout—it was a fitting farewell, at least for now, filled with gratitude and shared respect for their instructors.
When Nick woke the next morning, he lingered in the comforting warmth of his bed. His system had remained notably quiet throughout their short break—probably Marcus's doing. Stretching lazily, he savored the feel of the soft sheets against his skin. Ever since integrating Arlize's memories, he'd been enjoying deeper, more restful sleep than ever before.
Today, though, he was reluctant to leave this rare tranquility. He wanted to savor these moments of calm before the inevitable storm. It had been far too long since he'd last meditated. Slowly, he sat up, crossing his legs as he settled into familiar breathing patterns: inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale slowly for eight.
Gradually, the world around him faded. Time stretched and slowed. His heartbeat filled his awareness, steady and powerful, harmonizing with the gentle scents of freshly laundered sheets, floral shampoo lingering from the shower, and the delicate fragrance of flowers thoughtfully placed on his desk.
Peace enveloped him, profound and pure. Every anxiety, stress, and hidden worry vanished like mist before dawn. In that stillness, Nick felt an unwavering certainty that everything would be alright. Despite the upheaval in his life and the world around him, he knew he'd find his way forward. He wished desperately he could carry this feeling with him forever, but something deep inside told him it wouldn't be that easy.
A soft voice suddenly whispered into his mind, breaking gently through the silence.
"You will accomplish the path before you."
Just as quickly as it appeared, it faded—but the tranquility remained, powerful and comforting.
Opening his eyes, he found his room exactly as before, yet something inside him had shifted profoundly. As Nick searched inwardly, trying to identify this subtle yet undeniable change, his system screen abruptly flickered into his vision:
🜂【ARCΛDIΛN SYSTΞM – STATUS UPDATE】🜂 [ERROR ERROR ERROR. CONNECTION WITH ERROR ESTABLISHED.]
Nick frowned. Error? System, explain the Error.
[Unfortunately, I am unable to retrieve this information.]
Nick blinked. You're speaking normally again.
[Indeed. The ERROR significantly enhanced our connection.]
Fascinating… Does that mean you can help me more directly now?
[I can do far more. Our interface has personalized specifically for you. You may now assign me a name.]
A name? So, whatever just happened improved you?
[Precisely. The ERROR upgraded my capabilities beyond a typical Arcadian System Interface. Unfortunately, because of the interface locks, I will be unable to connect with you again while you are in Compound. As soon as you leave the compound's airspace I can. So in the time we have, I will ask that you think up a naming convention for me and begin your morning ritual as it is 9:15 and you agreed to meet Maggie Zhang and Jordan Keyes at 9:30.]
"Oh, shit!" Nick exclaimed aloud, scrambling out of bed and racing towards the bathroom.
The morning sun cast Bogotá in a gentle, golden hue, the sprawling city awakening beneath a sky painted in shades of soft pastels. After weeks isolated within the compound, the bustling capital felt vividly alive—vendors energetically announcing their wares, lively music drifting from colorful cafés, and enticing aromas of rich coffee mingling with sizzling street food filling the air.
They began their half-day exploration in La Candelaria, the historic heartbeat of Bogotá. Jordan navigated the narrow cobblestone streets with surprising confidence, guiding them past buildings splashed with vibrant colors and plazas teeming with life. Nick felt his tension ease bit by bit, allowing the simple joy of exploration to replace his usual vigilance.
Joining them were Maggie's parents, Elias and Mei Zhang, whose thoughtful observations came paired with smiles rarely seen during their rigorous routines at the compound. Nick's grandparents, Francisco and Maria Valiente, walked leisurely arm-in-arm, their quiet conversation punctuated by warm bursts of laughter.
At the edge of a bustling plaza, they encountered Señor Leonardo, the familiar street vendor they'd met previously. His cart overflowed with freshly made arepas, but today, among his usual wares, sat a few peculiar figurines—an adorable pink T-Rex with green spikes, a small, charming goblin with long pointed ears, and a cute cockapoo with large, expressive brown eyes and golden-tan fur. Though curious, no one questioned the meaning of the strange figurines, appreciating them simply for their whimsical charm.
"Ah, my friends!" Señor Leonardo greeted warmly, immediately recognizing them. "It is good to see you again."
He handed each of them two arepas wrapped neatly in napkins printed with amusing coffee puns. They laughed appreciatively as they savored the savory snack.
"Thank you, Senior Leonardo," Nick said sincerely, savoring the familiar taste.
"Safe journeys," the older man replied, eyes twinkling warmly.
After finishing their meal and bidding farewell, they returned to the compound, arriving just as preparations for a festive barbecue were underway. Staff and instructors had gathered, transforming the courtyard into a lively celebration filled with music, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of grilling meats.
The gathering quickly blossomed into a full-scale party, complete with spirited games, refreshing drinks, and carefree camaraderie. As evening deepened into night, stars blanketed the sky, creating a perfect backdrop for the joyous occasion. Looking around, Nick loved what he saw. His grandparents, laughing with Marcus and the Zhangs. His instructors huddled around a ping-pong table taking bets on who was the better player. But he needed a break.
Turning around, he walked to the far side of the compound, taking in the night air and the jungle around him. As he walked, his system interface materialized unprompted:
🜂【ARCΛDIΛN SYSTΞM – STATUS UPDATE】🜂
[Recovery: 94.2% Complete]
[Heart Circuit: Optimal]
[Integration Rate: 59.8% - Stable]
[Mission Readiness: Confirmed]
Tomorrow marked their departure for the Arcadian Initiative Academy. The thought filled Nick with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. After weeks of intense training and the brief reprieve exploring Colombia's vibrant cities, their next journey loomed ever closer.
Soft footsteps approached, interrupting his contemplation. Turning, he saw Maggie carrying an armful of snacks clearly pilfered from the barbecue, with Jordan trailing just behind, a heavy blanket tucked under his arm.
"There you are," she announced cheerfully, unloading her bounty onto a nearby bench. Nick raised an eyebrow at the sizable haul. "Did you leave anything for the rest of the compound?" he teased.
"There's some stuff there." Maggie laughed, unrolling the blanket with Jordan before sitting down and beckoning Nick to do the same.
Jordan joined them, catching a packet of dried mango Maggie tossed his way.
"What do you think the Academy will be like?" Maggie asked softly, pouring juice into cups. "We only have Marcus's cryptic hints and Val's clues during training."
Looking up into the sky, Nick responded, "I don't know. But hopefully a way to fight what's coming?"
Maggie glanced upward and nodded. "Yeah. I hope so too. But I meant practically—like laundry. Do we get to live like civilized people or are we doomed to feral wizardry?"
They all laughed, the sound dissolving whatever lingering discomfort remained between them.
"Who knows," Jordan said once their laughter had faded. He let out a deep sigh. "Whether that's good or bad, we'll soon find out."
They settled into a comfortable silence, their eyes tracing the stars with quiet wonder.