The road beyond the city was quieter.
Not empty—
But calmer.
The noise of the streets faded behind them, replaced by the steady rhythm of travel. The path stretched forward, cutting through open land and scattered trees, leading toward a horizon that seemed just out of reach.
Kael walked slightly ahead.
Not by decision.
But by habit.
Aren followed behind him, hands resting casually behind his head, his pace relaxed despite the distance.
Seris walked beside them, her steps measured, her gaze occasionally drifting toward the surroundings.
For a time—
No one spoke.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable.
Just… new.
"So," Aren said eventually, breaking it, "you've never left your village before, have you?"
Kael glanced back slightly.
"No."
Aren nodded as if that confirmed something.
"Explains a lot."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Like what?"
"You watch everything," Aren said. "Most people don't. Not like that."
Kael didn't respond immediately.
Because it was true.
Out here—
Everything mattered.
The road.
The terrain.
The people.
"…You don't," Kael said.
Aren grinned.
"I don't need to."
Seris spoke before Kael could reply.
"He does."
Aren sighed.
"…You always ruin it."
Seris ignored him.
Her gaze shifted to Kael.
"You're careful," she said. "Not just observant."
Kael looked ahead again.
"…I don't like being unprepared."
A brief silence followed.
Then—
"That's a good mindset," Seris said.
Aren nodded slightly.
"Especially where we're going."
Kael's attention sharpened.
"…Aetherion."
"Yes," Seris replied.
Her tone changed slightly.
More serious.
"The academy isn't just a place to learn," she continued. "It's where talent is tested."
"And judged," Aren added.
Kael glanced at him.
"…Judged?"
Aren shrugged.
"Strength decides everything there. Not where you're from. Not your name."
Kael's grip tightened slightly around the strap of his pack.
"…Good."
Aren smiled faintly.
"I thought you'd say that."
Seris studied Kael for a moment.
"…You're confident."
"Not confident," Kael said.
"Certain."
Aren let out a low chuckle.
"…I like that more."
They continued walking.
The road stretched on, but the landscape began to change.
The open land gradually gave way to denser terrain. Trees grew taller, thicker, casting longer shadows across the path. In the distance, faint outlines of hills could be seen rising slowly.
"This road connects to the capital," Aren said casually.
Kael glanced at him.
"…Then why aren't we going there?"
Seris answered.
"Because Aetherion isn't in the capital."
Kael frowned slightly.
"…Then where is it?"
Aren pointed forward.
"Far beyond."
Seris continued.
"The academy stands on independent land. It doesn't belong to any kingdom or empire."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…That's possible?"
"Yes," she said. "Because no one can control it."
That answer carried weight.
Kael didn't question it further.
Instead, he asked—
"…How many people go there?"
"Thousands," Aren said.
"From everywhere," Seris added. "Different nations. Different backgrounds."
"…Different species," Kael said.
Seris nodded.
"Elves are known for magic."
"Dwarves for crafting and durability," Aren added.
"And beastkin…" he paused slightly, "…they're strong. Physically."
Kael absorbed that quietly.
"…Then competition will be high."
"Very," Seris said.
Aren grinned.
"That's the fun part."
Kael looked ahead.
The road felt longer now.
Not because of distance—
But because of what waited at the end.
"…Why are you going?" he asked suddenly.
Aren blinked.
"…What?"
"The academy," Kael clarified.
Aren scratched his head slightly.
"Well… it's expected."
Kael glanced at him.
"Expected?"
"I'm from a noble house," Aren said. "Training, academy, influence—it's the usual path."
Seris spoke next.
"…For me, it's different."
Kael looked at her.
"I want to see how far I can go," she said simply.
Her tone didn't change.
But her words—
Carried weight.
Aren glanced at her briefly.
"…She's serious about it."
Kael nodded slightly.
"…Good."
Seris tilted her head slightly.
"And you?"
Kael didn't hesitate.
"…I want to reach the top."
The answer came without pause.
Without doubt.
Aren's grin widened.
"…Yeah, I figured."
Seris didn't smile.
But her eyes sharpened slightly.
"…Then we'll meet there."
Kael met her gaze.
"…We will."
The conversation faded after that.
Not because there was nothing left to say—
But because everything important had already been said.
The road continued.
Step by step.
The sky shifted slowly as the day passed, the light changing as shadows grew longer across the ground.
And somewhere ahead—
Beyond the hills.
Beyond the distance they had yet to cross—
Aetherion waited.
Not just as a destination.
But as a beginning.
For all of them.