Chapter 29: Farewell.
The morning air was cool, and the first light of dawn stretched softly through the windows of the Scytes household. The gentle rays illuminated the wooden floor and cast faint golden patterns across the walls.
The rhythmic chirping of birds filled the air as a calm silence enveloped the home. It was the kind of silence that was quiet yet heavy, peaceful yet uncertain.
The days since Elizabeth's arrival had passed by peacefully. For Aiden, it had been a rare time of warmth and serenity. His aunt had blended into their small family life as if she had always belonged there.
The gentle laughter during meals, the faint scent of tea at dusk, and the subtle warmth of her presence had added something comforting to their routine. Yet, as all peaceful moments ended, this moment too was drawing to an end.
Ten days had passed since the duel between Aiden and Elizabeth. Today was the day she would return to the capital. The sun had just risen when the family gathered for breakfast.
The clinking of spoons and the soft aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. It was supposed to be a normal morning, but the unspoken tension lingered among them.
Sara sat across from Elizabeth, her expression calm, but her tone had a hint of subtle sadness as she said, "Can't you stay for a few more days?"
Elizabeth stopped eating, her fingers pausing mid-air before setting the spoon down. There was hesitation in her eyes — a fleeting wish to agree, but reality weighed heavier. "You know that I've been away from the family for eight months," she said softly. "And you also know how they are. I will have to go back before they come looking for me."
Sara's expression shifted immediately; her eyes darkened with bitterness, her voice now laced with restrained anger. "They have always been like this — those good-for-nothings with their selfish rules," she said, each word spoken with a tone that carried years of resentment.
Elizabeth gave a faint sigh and leaned back slightly. "What can we do about it?" she replied quietly. "They are stronger than us, so we will have to listen to them."
Her tone wasn't one of submission, but of resignation. It was clear she had long accepted this reality.
Jonathan, who had been quietly eating on the side, raised his gaze and interjected gently, "Okay, now let's forget about this topic and eat our breakfast." His voice, calm and grounded as always, brought an end to the tense air that had begun to rise between the two women.
Sara nodded, still visibly irritated but choosing silence. Elizabeth lowered her eyes, returning to her food. Aiden, however, sat in thoughtful stillness. He had been listening carefully, his young mind trying to piece together what he had just heard.
'Mom does not like her family members very much... she even hates them,' he thought silently, glancing toward Sara. 'And Aunt Elizabeth has to listen to them because they are stronger than her… what stage must they be at for her — a Stage Four dual mana cultivator — to obey them?'
The thought lingered in his mind for a while, a shadow of curiosity mixed with unease. But he pushed it aside and continued eating.
The soft conversation resumed, lighter now, touching on trivial matters — the garden, the weather, Aiden's training. The earlier tension faded into the rhythm of spoons and cups until the breakfast ended.
After the meal, Elizabeth rose from her seat. She moved with graceful calm, though there was a quiet reluctance in her steps.
She went to her room to prepare her luggage, the faint sound of fabric folding echoing softly through the corridor. Aiden followed her shortly after, offering to help.
The small room was bathed in morning light, dust motes dancing lazily in the golden hue of sunlight. Elizabeth's belongings were spread neatly on the bed — simple robes, a few sealed scrolls, and a small chest containing various magical trinkets.
As Aiden folded her cloak, he knew that the moment of her departure was nearing.
"You've grown quite dependable," Elizabeth said gently, watching him pack as she continued. "It feels like only yesterday you were struggling to even hold your mana steady. Time truly passes faster than we realize."
Aiden smiled faintly. "That's only because you taught me well, Aunt Elizabeth."
Her lips curved into a soft smile, and for a brief moment, the stern teacher's aura she usually carried disappeared, replaced by warmth. "Perhaps," she said, "but your determination was the real reason. You've worked harder than anyone I've seen."
They packed in silence for a few moments. When everything was ready, Elizabeth closed her bag and took a slow, steady breath. It was time for her to leave.
All four of them gathered in the garden — the same place where Aiden had trained, fought, and grown stronger over the past years.
The sky above was bright and cloudless, and a soft breeze carried the scent of morning dew. Elizabeth stood tall, her dark hair swaying slightly with the wind.
Looking at Aiden, she said in a calm but affectionate tone, "Aiden, after I leave, don't slack off. Train diligently every day. Don't even think about wasting your talents or potential. Promise me that you will train."
Aiden looked up at her, his expression filled with respect and quiet resolve. "I promise that I will train diligently, Aunt Elizabeth," he said seriously, his voice steady.
Elizabeth smiled, a proud, gentle smile that reached her eyes. "Good boy," she said softly. Then she turned toward Sara and Jonathan, her tone shifting slightly. "I'll be going now. Take care of Aiden, okay?"
Jonathan nodded, his usual calm expression lightened by a rare smile. "Don't worry," he said warmly. "I'll take good care of your beloved nephew."
Sara stepped closer and smiled faintly, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "Come close," she said, her voice softer now. "I'll teleport you to the capital."
Elizabeth walked forward and stood beside her cousin. The two women faced each other for a brief moment. Sara then placed her hand gently on Elizabeth's shoulder.
Elizabeth turned her gaze one last time toward the small wooden house, the blooming garden, and Aiden standing there silently.
The boy who had changed so much in such a short time — her student, her nephew. "Goodbye, everyone," she said softly, her voice carrying faintly in the morning wind. "And take care of yourself, Aiden."
Aiden's throat tightened slightly as he replied, "I will."
The air shimmered faintly as mana gathered around Sara's hand. A pale blue light enveloped both women, distorting their figures for a brief moment before they vanished into thin air, leaving only the sound of wind rustling through the grass.
Aiden stood there, looking at the empty space where they had stood just moments ago. He didn't move for a while. The silence of the garden pressed against his ears.
Then Jonathan walked toward him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on," he said gently. "Let's go inside."
Aiden nodded silently, and the two returned to the house.
A few moments later, a soft hum of energy filled the air once again, and Sara reappeared in the same spot she had left. She exhaled quietly, her expression calm yet thoughtful. Then she turned and walked inside.
The day went on peacefully. They spent time together, sharing stories and laughter, the small joys of family life returning once more.
As the afternoon faded into evening, the golden sunlight poured gently through the windows. They gathered once again for dinner.
The table was filled with simple dishes — roasted vegetables, freshly baked bread, and seasoned meat. As they ate, Sara broke the silence.
"Aiden," she said, her tone serious but not harsh, "we've found a teacher for you — someone to teach you illusionary and parasitic mana. A few days ago, we contacted her, and she agreed."
Aiden's fork paused mid-air. His curiosity piqued instantly.
Sara continued, "Be prepared. She was the best student in the whole academy. Out of all the students, she always got full marks in both practical and written tests. She also never lost a fight. She was a true genius who even defeated a tri-elemental mage while being only a dual. But that was all thanks to her parasitic powers — and because the illusionary element directly complements parasitic mana."
She took a small pause, her expression thoughtful. "She is also the closest to becoming a Stage Five mana cultivator among all the people her age. But there's something you need to know — she doesn't talk much. It will be difficult to learn from her at first, but she's the only parasitic mage we can trust. Every other parasitic cultivator we know is twisted in some way. So she is our only choice."
Aiden listened attentively, his expression gradually shifting from surprise to excitement. The thought of training under someone stronger than his parents filled him with excitement.
'The strongest among all of their colleagues… and stronger than even Mother and Father…' he thought, feeling a rush of adrenaline. 'If I can learn from her, I'll truly grow stronger.'
He nodded slowly, a faint smile appearing on his face. "I understand," he said simply.
Jonathan smiled faintly at his son's calm resolve. The rest of the dinner passed in comfortable silence, the family quietly eating together under the soft glow of evening.
When the meal ended, Aiden went to his room. The faint sound of the night wind brushed against the window, and the moonlight painted pale lines across the floor. He sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes as he began to absorb mana from the surroundings.
The familiar warmth filled his body, steady and rhythmic. His breathing grew slower, calmer, more focused.
Time passed quietly. When he finally opened his eyes, the night was deep and still. The faint shimmer of mana particles hung in the air like drifting dust. Aiden lay down, his body relaxed as he fell asleep.
The house was silent. The world outside was asleep. There was complete silence.
Then, disrupting through that perfect stillness, came the sound of a heartbeat.
Thump... thump... thump...
It echoed faintly, yet it felt close — too close. It wasn't his heartbeat, but something else, something deeper. Each beat grew heavier, louder, more desperate, as though calling out from beneath the earth itself.
But it was even more intense this time, like it was calling for a someone or something desperately.
Aiden's eyelids twitched faintly, but he didn't wake. He slept peacefully, unaware of the darkness stirring beneath him — unaware of the faint whisper that rode on each echo of that heartbeat, waiting, calling, reaching out to him.
And as the heartbeat continued through the night, the moonlight flickered faintly on the walls, as if trembling in response.
The night passed peacefully — or so it seemed.
Author's Note:The echoes of the past fade, but the heartbeat remains. Whispers grow louder with every step Aiden takes on the path of mastery. Beneath peace lies the shadow of something vast and ancient, waiting.
— The Hymn of Evil