Chapter 229: Rebuilding Astral Heaven Academy
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Celestial City bore the scars of war, its grandeur marred by crumbling structures and charred remnants of its once thriving heart. Despite the devastation, the spirit of its people shone brighter than ever.
Dabi stood at the heart of the city, watching as the citizens rallied together, determined to restore their home to its former glory. The central plaza, where the final clash had left its mark, became a hub of activity. Workers cleared rubble while architects sketched plans for a new monument dedicated to the fallen.
"This city isn't just our home," Loira said, standing beside Dabi. "It's a symbol of unity, of what we can achieve when we stand together."
Dabi nodded, his gaze following a group of children planting saplings in the gardens that had been destroyed. "We owe them more than protection. We owe them a future worth fighting for."
Aunt Nazu had taken charge of organizing supplies, her commanding presence ensuring that every worker was fed and rested. "Break time is over in ten minutes!" she called out, a mix of sternness and warmth in her voice. "And don't think I won't check every corner to make sure you're not slacking!"
Even Some scholar, who rarely left their research, was seen assisting with the reconstruction of the library. They worked alongside librarian, carefully cataloging the remnants of knowledge that had survived the destruction. "Knowledge is the backbone of any civilization," one of them said when Dabi offered to help. "We must preserve it, no matter the cost."
The rebuilding efforts were a collective endeavor, with some nobles and commoners working side by side. Stones were laid for new walls, streets were cleared and repaved, and the waterways were purified to flow once more. Loira used her magic to restore parts of the infrastructure, mending bridges and reinforcing weakened foundations.
At the heart of the city, a grand ceremony was held to honor those who had sacrificed their lives. Statues were erected in their memory, their faces etched with expressions of hope and determination. Dabi stood in silence, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "They remind us why we fight," he murmured to Loira.
"Not just to protect," she replied, "but to build something better."
As the days turns into weeks, Celestial City began to transform. The scars of war faded, replaced by vibrant streets, flourishing gardens, and the laughter of its people. New homes rose from the ashes, and the city's iconic spires were rebuilt to reach the heavens once more, a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants.
Many students and builders were called to the astral heaven academy by headmaster Raghnall Ferrin. It's a magical academy. So they can't just rebuild like houses and shops. They need proper builder mages to rebuild and make sure of the safety. That's why they are doing it at the last after the city started to go back to normal.
The morning air in Celestial City was crisp, filled with the hum of activity. Dabi stood at the gates of Astral Heaven Academy, his heart heavy yet resolute.
The academy, once a beacon of power and knowledge, now lay in ruins— a stark reminder of the recent chaos. Towers that once gleamed in the sunlight were reduced to rubble, and the grand courtyard, once alive with students, was marred by craters and fallen statues.
But despite the destruction, the spirit of resilience was undeniable. Students, teachers, and volunteers worked and builder mages tirelessly to rebuild. The sound of hammers striking stone and the crackle of arcane energy filled the air as enchantments and physical labor combined to restore the academy's grandeur.
Dabi adjusted his gloves and stepped forward, greeted by familiar faces. Among them was his classmate and best friend Zen, overseeing a group of workers, and Jeni, her staff glowing faintly as she used her magic to repair a broken fountain.
"Dabi," Jeni called, her voice warm. "We could use your strength over here."
He smiled faintly and made his way to her. "I figured as much. What's the task?"
Jeni pointed to a massive archway that had collapsed. "We're trying to reassemble this, but it's enchanted. The stones need to be in perfect alignment, or the magic won't hold."
"Leave it to me," Dabi said. He knelt beside the rubble, his hands glowing faintly as he tapped into his energy. With a sharp exhale, he began lifting the massive stones, positioning them carefully under Jeni's guidance.
For other students, They both were taking to each other in lovey- dovey way. Other students were watching them like they are looking a show or something. One of the student finally says. Hey you two, stop your flirting. We can't take it anymore. Go elsewhere if want to act like this.
Jeni get shy, she runs away from there. Dabi as usual, his dull non romantic didn't care about anything. I was just helping her. What's wrong with that?
One guy says dude seriously. You didn't notice how she was looking at you like a love sick girl. Either you are dumb or you are acting.
Dabi replied, stop wasting time taking about your imagination. There's nothing between us. She is my best friend little sister. You guys make her embarrassed. I have say sorry to her next time I see her. Let's just continue our work, we have don't have much time. We have finish this before noon.
As the hours passed, the academy slowly began to take shape again. Dabi worked alongside students and faculty, lending his strength where it was needed most. He helped hoist beams, clear debris, and even carved intricate patterns into replacement stones to match the academy's original design.
Aunt Nazu came to the astral heaven academy before noon to give Dabi some homework made food. She also help in the rebuild. At noon the goes to Dabi and say's-
"You're a natural at this," Nazu teased as she handed him a flask of water. "Maybe you missed your calling as a stonemason."
Dabi chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'll keep that in mind if the whole hero thing doesn't work out."
Nearby, a group of younger students watched him with wide eyes. One of them, a boy with a shock of red hair, hesitantly approached.
"Excuse me, Sir Dabi," the boy stammered. "Is it true you defeated the Warden of Dimensions?"
Dabi crouched down to the boy's level, a friendly grin on his face. "It's true, but I didn't do it alone. It was a team effort."
The boy's eyes sparkled with admiration. "I want to be strong like you someday!"
"You already have the most important part down," Dabi said. "Courage. The rest will come with time and hard work."
By late afternoon, the academy's main hall had been restored enough to hold a meeting. Headmaster Raghnall, a tall man with silver-streaked hair and piercing green eyes, stood at the center of the hall, addressing the assembled teacher, staff and students.
"Thanks to all of you, the academy is well on its way to recovery," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "But we must also look to the future." Thank you all for helping the academy. Todays work is done.
We will finish rest of the work tomorrow with builder mages. You guys help a lot today. I am grateful to you all. Let's say goodbye for today.
Everyone started to leave. After the crowd dispersed, Raghnall beckoned Dabi to follow him into his office.
"You've done well today, Dabi," Raghnall began.
"Just doing my part," Dabi replied.
Raghnall's expression grew serious. "The government has approved the revival of the International Academy Tournament. Our country/ kingdom didn't take part for last few years for some political reasons. But this year they are changing. They want to be a part of the tournament.
It's a chance to lift the spirits of the people and showcase our resilience." This is the main reason. Government want to give people this city a good time. Hopefully it will cheer up people. They can distract their mind from the painful memories.
You might have a question why I am saying you this? The reason is simple. I am telling you because I want to go and represent our astral heaven academy. Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire
Dabi raised an eyebrow. "And you want me to participate?"
"Not just participate," Raghnall said. "I want you to lead as captain of Astral Heaven Academy's team."
This is a big role headmaster Raghnall. Are you sure? I am saying I don't want to go. I need one thing. I will want choose my own team members. If you agree with that then I am ready to take the responsibility.
Headmaster Raghnall said. Of course. I trust you. You can choose your team but do it within one week. We don't have much time. One week later you and your team will be sent the tournament location.
With one week to select his team, he vowed to prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing that this tournament would be more than a competition—it would be a statement to the world that they would rise again.
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