Part 8:
As the day for Lucian's departure to Astradel Academy approached, he couldn't help but reflect on the reasons he needed to attend the academy in the first place. Strength was not a concern—he could have easily continued taking guild quests to become more powerful. But knowledge was different. The academy housed countless ancient tomes, secret magic formulae, and advanced techniques for swordsmanship, magic, and even spirit arts. These were things he couldn't easily access in the outside world.
However, the real reason Lucian had chosen to attend the academy was for the "Aetherial Pass." After the Great War had ended and a fragile peace treaty was signed, the superior races—elves, humans, dragons, demons, and dwarves—had come together, each contributing a small part of their land to create a new continent known as the Freehold of Aethor. This neutral territory served as a symbol of unity, home to the prestigious Astradel Academy, where children of all races studied side by side. The idea was that by fostering relationships from a young age, the hatred between races would begin to dissolve over time.
But the Aetherial Pass was the real prize. Only the top 100 graduates from each race could receive it, granting the bearer unrestricted access to every race's territory. Without it, crossing borders was nearly impossible—unless you were willing to resort to shady methods. And if caught traveling without the pass, the punishment was severe: immediate execution. The pass not only symbolized a high level of achievement, but it also signified trust from the race that granted it. However, if a bearer committed crimes or broke the laws of a foreign territory, their home race would be forced to take responsibility, which often led to severe penalties and public humiliation. Thus, the selection process for those eligible for the Aetherial Pass was extremely strict, with many tests of aptitude, discipline, and power.
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The morning sun began to rise, its rays casting a gentle glow across Lucian's room. The soft rustle of the wind blew through the open window, carrying a cool breeze that stirred him awake. As his crimson eyes opened, Lucian immediately felt a warmth pressed against him—Seraphina, nestled beside him, holding him tightly in her sleep. Her head rested on his chest, her breathing calm and peaceful. Since the night of her confession, Seraphina had become inseparable from Lucian, using every moment to be close to him.
They had fallen into a routine—cooking, eating, training, shopping, and even bathing together. Seraphina had grown bolder in her affection. She teased him constantly during their swordsmanship training, often making playful remarks, and occasionally pulling him close for a kiss. But no matter what she did, Lucian remained the same—distant, emotionless, and cold. To him, her actions were merely distractions, curious at best, but they never stirred any feeling within him.
During dinners, they sat together by the fire, the crackling of the flames the only sound in the room. Seraphina would speak about her day, her thoughts, and her hopes, while Lucian listened in silence. She would smile, leaning closer as she reached for his hand, but he could only return her affection with calm indifference. "Do you think I'll ever make you smile?" she had asked him once, half-jokingly, as they finished their meal. Lucian didn't respond, only giving her a slight nod.
At night, Seraphina would join him in bed, curling up against him. She had grown used to his lack of response but continued to stay by his side regardless. Sometimes, she would rest her head against his shoulder and speak softly about her dreams for the future. In those moments, Lucian would wonder what emotions felt like. Would he ever understand the warmth she spoke of, the love she claimed to feel? "Will I ever feel... anything?" he thought to himself as Seraphina slept soundly beside him.
Despite his void-like heart, Lucian had agreed to stay with her until it was time to leave for the academy. She had made it clear how much she would miss him and wanted to spend as much time as possible with him. For Seraphina, every moment with Lucian was precious, and she sought to create memories she could cling to in his absence. Whether they were out shopping, taking long walks in the evening, or enjoying quiet baths together, Seraphina tried to make each moment special. Lucian, however, felt none of it—though he allowed her closeness, he viewed it as a part of her process, something that seemed to bring her peace.
In the rare moments when they bathed together, Seraphina would playfully splash water at him, laughing as she tried to get him to react. But Lucian only watched, his face impassive as always. "I wonder if the academy will be as dull as everything else," he thought as she teased him.
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The academy itself was a vast place, a sprawling city filled with the best and brightest from all races. Each year, new students were tested rigorously—not only on their combat and magical abilities but also on their intelligence, discipline, and adaptability. Lucian knew that the academy's true value lay in its libraries, where ancient tomes held the secrets of long-forgotten magic and swordsmanship. There were whispers of forbidden texts—arcane arts that could rewrite reality, spirit arts that connected to the soul of the world. These were what intrigued Lucian. And yet, even they paled in comparison to his real goal: the Aetherial Pass.
Once he had that, he could finally explore the world, uncover its mysteries, and search for the missing pieces of his origin. The academy was merely a step in his journey, a means to an end. The time was nearing, and Lucian knew that the peace he had shared with Seraphina was temporary. Soon, he would have to leave, and though she had already shed tears at the thought, Lucian felt no sadness. He had promised to take her with him eventually, but for now, his path lay ahead—alone.
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To be continued~