William stood in the iron castle's hall, his bag slung over his shoulder and a book in his hand - the same book he had shown Daniel.
The sounds around him were familiar... the footsteps on stone, the creaking of armor, the commands of leaders. Everything seemed the same, yet he knew this moment was different.
A middle-aged man approached him, his features stern but his eyes holding a hidden warmth.
His uncle.
The man who had opened the castle gates for him when he had nothing but willpower.
He stood before him in silence for a moment, then placed his hand on William's shoulder.
"The academy is not a place for rest."
William smiled slightly.
"I didn't come here to rest."
His uncle nodded slowly.
"Good. Just remember... strength alone is not enough. Observe, learn, and don't rush."
"I will."
The two exchanged a brief look, no additional words needed. William bowed slightly in respect, then turned to leave.
Before heading to the carriage, he changed his course.
There was one last stop.
His family.
The house wasn't big, but it was warm.
His mother welcomed him with a silent hug, while his father patted his shoulder with obvious pride, and his little sister wouldn't stop asking questions.
He sat with them for a while.
Ate a simple meal.
Laughed a bit.
Listened a lot.
He didn't tell them about the weight of the academy or the harshness of the road ahead.
He left them with the image of a confident young man, not someone facing the unknown.
And when it was time to leave, he stood at the door for a moment.
Looked at them all.
Memorized their faces.
Then said calmly:
"I'll come back stronger."
They smiled.
And that was enough.
William returned to the carriage.
Sat down and closed his eyes for a brief moment.
Today, he was leaving the iron castle.
And today... the academy journey begins.
We arrived at the house, and I carried Sophia, who was asleep, up to her room. I placed her gently on her bed and turned to leave. I went downstairs and heard my mother's voice:
"Daniel, are you back? And where's Sophia?"
"She's asleep. She was a bit tired."
"Okay, well, your father is waiting for you in the training hall."
"Okay, thanks."
She approached me and said, "Don't push yourself too hard. You're strong enough already."
I looked at her in surprise, and she added with a smile:
"Do you forget how strong your mother is, little one?"
I couldn't help but smile. My mother was indeed strong, known as the "Sword Rose."
"So, I'll go now."
She patted my head slightly, and I headed towards my father's location.
"I've arrived."
"Good. Come and stand in front of me."
Hmm, why hasn't Father changed his clothes? And his sword isn't on his waist. What's going on?
"So... what are you going to teach me?"
"I'll teach you a very useful skill. People your age won't be able to learn it, but with your talent, you can. You're good at gravity magic, right?"
"Uh... yes, I am."
"That's good. It'll be easier for you to learn."
"Daniel, today I'll teach you how to fly."
Huh? Ha ha, I expected him to teach me something useful, but flying? It's really useful, and learning it now will be very beneficial.
Noticing the excitement on my face, he said:
"Don't get distracted. Let's begin."
To learn flying, the first time, you need to gather all your aether and magical strength and direct it towards the core, then spread it over your entire body and spirit. And also, learn to control your limbs and muscles. It might seem easy, but it's not at all.
This is the method I know, but... Father's explanation completely defies logic.
"First, gather your aether and merge it with your magical energy. Then, spread it around your body."
How will this be useful? Isn't this similar to wrapping yourself in an aura?
I did as he instructed, and then he added, "Now, add gravity magic to it."
That's it? Anyway, I'll try.
I did exactly as he told me.
"And now, redirect all of this inside your body."
I did as he said, and I started to feel something coursing through me. I'm lighter, but what's the point of this now?
"Close your eyes and release your consciousness. Imagine, or rather, feel like you're flying."
I closed my eyes, released my consciousness, and imagined flying, but this won't work. Sigh... what is Father trying to do?
And as soon as I opened my eyes, I noticed the ground was gone.
"Huh?! What's this..."
Am I really flying? So easily? I was tense, which made me fall.
"Whoosh" "Thud"
"Ugh..."
My head hurts. Damn.
"You learned quickly. That's good."
"Anyway... how did you master this technique?"
"I invented it."
"What? And what made you invent it?"
"The other method takes time. I didn't like it."
Ha ha, this isn't a matter of liking it. You've invented a flying method. And to think he came up with this method on a whim... how great is this man? In my previous times, I would spend about two to three months learning to fly completely, but to be able to float in my first attempt? This is crazy.
"This is enough. Just try to adapt and learn to control your directions."
"Tell me... why did you teach me this?"
"...It's the least I can do for my children."
"Huh... thanks."
He didn't answer, just turned and left. Whatever. Now that I've learned to fly, my abilities have increased significantly. I don't need to control it since I know how to do it.
I stood up, dusted off my clothes, and headed back to my room. I took a shower and put on comfortable clothes. Sylvia was sitting on a chair, reading a book.
"What's that book? Is it interesting?"
"It's okay, I guess."
"What's it about?"
"It's about an ant who was abandoned by her colony and is trying to survive."
"Sounds good, I guess. Let me read it."
I started reading, and with each line, my expression changed.
"Sylvia... what the heck is this book about?"
"What's wrong?"
"Why are you reading a book about an ant who's affected by dark magic and turns into a monster that rapes animals and impregnates women through horses?"
"It doesn't matter. I liked it."
Sigh... talking to her won't help. Anyway, I'll go downstairs. It's time for dinner. Dinner passed smoothly, and so did the next day, ending my vacation.
It's time to go to the academy.