Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

"Like some kind of hunters?" He shot back, a quirked brow suggesting his interest.

"While we talk, why don\'t we go and grab a coffee?"

Arching an eyebrow, Charlize couldn\'t help but playfully challenge, "You\'re asking me out, sport?"

Not one to back down, Jaegar nodded with unwavering confidence, stating, "Yeah, you got it. Wanna?"

The last time he saw her, she seemed angry with him for some reason. But now, she was all smiles and talking to him as if nothing had ever happened. It was a stark contrast that left Jaegar intrigued.

With a hint of allure, Charlize leaned in and said, "Why the heck not? Let\'s roll." A free moment was a rare luxury for her. Between dashing around on errands for the head honcho and battling enemies left and right, her social life had taken a nosedive. The boys, once fearful of her fiery powers, now held her at arm\'s length. But here was Jaegar, showing some genuine interest, and she kinda dug it.

He might be a tad younger, but the attention felt good coming from a handsome young man like him.

The duo strutted down the block, arriving at a cozy corner cafe. Settling at a streetside table, they ordered two cups of steaming, fresh-brewed coffee.

Charlize\'s pick was her usual wake-up potion, and Jaegar followed suit. As they sipped their java, he brought the conversation back on track. "So, what\'s the deal with these hunters?"

Charlize leaned back, her voice steady with a hint of concern. "They\'re all about calling themselves \'hunters,\' thinking they\'re protecting the status quo. I think some folks out there are packing supernatural mojo, and they\'re hell-bent on snuffing it out."

A furrowed brow signaled his confusion. "So, they\'re gunning for people with abilities?"

Charlize gave an affirming nod, her expression grave. "Bingo. To them, anyone with off-the-wall talents is a walking time bomb, a break from the norm."

A charged pause hung in the air as the words settled between them. Charlize\'s gaze was a mix of battle-hardened weariness and unshakable determination.

Then a waitress brought them the two cups of coffee and placed them on the table. Charlize thanked the waitress with a polite smile before turning her attention back to the conversation. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, momentarily distracting them from the weight of their discussion.

"Thing is, they\'ve been growing in the shadows," she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Flying under the radar, they\'ve gained more clout than you\'d expect."

Jaegar was calmly sipping his coffee, absorbing Charlize\'s words. "And we—those of us with special abilities—are in their crosshairs."

Charlize met his calm gaze. "You got it. To them, we\'re like oddballs, disrupting the natural order."

"Well, for now, it\'s not exactly our pressing concern. However, that woman has proven to be quite the thorn in our side, taking down a significant number of our own," Charlize let out a weary sigh, setting down her now empty coffee cup.

"Say, what\'s your deal? Shouldn\'t you be back at the academy by now, kicking off your second year?"

Jaegar\'s lips curved into a boyish smile, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I had a strong urge to visit my aunt, so I decided to make a detour."

Charlize quirked an eyebrow, her tone tinged with curiosity. "Coincidentally, I was planning on heading back there myself, to catch up with the headmaster."

Jaegar\'s smile broadened, with a hint of challenge in his gaze. "Well, how about we make it a joint venture then?"

Charlize\'s lips twitched into an almost-smile as she nodded in agreement. "Fine, fine. Although, I do remember the last time I took you there, I was called a bitch by someone."

"And again, Whose fault was that?"

She let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh, please, don\'t tell me you\'re still holding on to that. You know, I saw your game, that final in the tournament."

"I was lucky, I guess."

Charlize leaned in, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Lucky, huh? Well, I\'m not so sure about that. Seems like you\'ve got some tricks up your sleeve."

He shrugged nonchalantly, a playful smirk tugging at his mouth. "Maybe I\'m just full of surprises."

She chuckled, leaning back in her chair and regarding him with a knowing glint in her eyes. "So, is this your usual approach, or am I just lucky today?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, you\'ve got that air of mystery about you. Figured a coffee date might help unravel it."

Charlize raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Unravel the mystery, huh? Well, you\'re more perceptive than you look."

"Guess I\'ve got hidden talents," Jaegar quipped, his tone dripping with amusement.

Finishing her coffee, Charlize leaned in, her expression conspiratorial. "Or maybe, just maybe, you\'re trying to get on my good side."

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with playful intent. "And what if I am?"

Charlize let out a mock, exasperated sigh. "You\'re really something, you know that?"

Jaegar chuckled, his voice laced with mischief. "Oh, I\'ve been told that a time or two." Charlize smirked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Well, don\'t think it\'s going to work that easily."

Charlize let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "You\'ve got quite the memory. Just make sure to say your goodbyes to your aunt and meet me at the square when you\'re done."

With a nod, Jaegar got to his feet, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned to leave.

Charlize watched him go, a fond smile playing on her lips as she muttered to herself, "Definitely more intriguing than most."

After departing from Charlize, Jaegar strolled along a couple of city blocks until he reached the bustling headquarters of the entertainment company, where his aunt, Diana Ambrose, worked as a manager.

The establishment was renowned for its collaborations with esteemed actors and actresses, and Diana\'s unwavering passion for her job was evident to all. He knew that she really loved working here. He was initially taken aback to learn that there were movies and television shows present as well. She took him to a couple of movies, they were good.

But he didn\'t show much interest back then as he was busy with his own research.

He stood before the grand entrance, greeted by a vigilant guard. He inquired, "Hello, can you inform Ms. Diana Ambrose that her nephew is here to pay her a visit?" With a nod, the guard promptly disappeared inside the building.

In a matter of moments, Diana emerged, her face radiant with a full-fledged smile, as she rushed towards Jaegar. "What are you doing here, you rascal? You remember this place!" Jaegar returned her smile and nodded, replying, "Yes, of course."

As the warmth of their reunion enveloped them after not seeing each other for a few hours, Jaegar conveyed his purpose. "Mom, I\'m about to head back to the academy, but I promise I\'ll come to see you again soon. You can send letters through the owl stationed at our place, and I\'ll make sure to visit whenever I get the chance."

He had his own owl bought by Charlize when they first went to the academy. He didn\'t use it much, but he thought if his aunt might want to get in touch with him,  then she could send the letter through the owl.

Diana\'s expression shifted to one of melancholy, and she held Jaegar close. However, their heartfelt moment was interrupted when a man, seemingly appearing out of thin air, addressed Diana.

"Diana, is that you?" The unexpected visitor was none other than Mr. Ralph Gilkes, a prominent producer within the entertainment industry.

Diana disengaged from the embrace and greeted him, "Mr. Gilkes!"

Mr. Gilkes glanced at Jaegar, the scene before him triggering his curiosity. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he teased, "Ah, who is this young man? A lover, perhaps?"

His comment left Diana flustered as she attempted to clarify, "He is my nephew, Mr. Gilkes!"

Ever the charismatic figure, Mr. Gilkes extended his hand towards Jaegar, his introduction accompanied by a hearty laugh. "Oh, I see! My apologies, young man. I\'m Ralph Gilkes, a renowned producer in the industry."

Jaegar, exuding an air of self-assuredness, shook Mr. Gilkes\' hand. The firmness of his grip caused a fleeting expression of discomfort to flicker across Mr. Gilkes\' face before Jaegar released his hand, his lips curving into a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

With a glint of excitement in his eyes, Mr. Gilkes continued, "Come now, both of you. Let\'s head inside and enjoy some refreshments while we converse. I\'d like to have a chat with you, young man. You\'ve got quite the striking presence."

Before Diana could interject, Mr. Gilkes\' insistence prevailed, and she shared a silent, knowing look with Jaegar. Resigned, Diana gestured for Jaegar to comply with Mr. Gilkes\' request.