Lumi giggled teasingly,
[You’re just excited to see Nyss and Arya again, aren’t you, Master. (≧◡≦)]
Orion laughed softly, shaking his head. ’I wonder how they would react if I told them I learned Runesmithing during this ti. I also managed to craft a Tier 1 sword yesterday.’
[Yes, Master! But then Grandma Selene requested you for it. You didn’t even hesitate to give it away! She seed very pleased too!]
Lumi replied brightly.
Orion smiled warmly, recalling Selene’s proud expression when he’d presented the flawless Tier 1 blade to her. ’She probably wanted it as a keepsake to mark my progress. And if Grandma wants it, how could I possibly refuse?’
The carriage rolled smoothly onward, and Orion turned his thoughts to the present day. ’Today marks the end of Vice Dean Hargan’s test.’
[Ah, yes! The one where everyone must successfully create their Affinity Rune within a month. But Master finished it so quickly—just within a few days! It felt like you barely started and were already done!]
Lumi exclaid excitedly, pride clear in her cheerful voice.
Orion chuckled softly, ’Well, that’s because it was . For most students, forming an Affinity Rune for the first ti is genuinely difficult. Even Elias took such a long ti, and he’s one of the best in our batch.’
He gazed thoughtfully through the carriage window, imagining the atmosphere that would soon envelop the academy. ’I wonder how many will fail and be eliminated today...’
[Do you think there will be a lot eliminated, Master? (・・?)]
Lumi asked curiously.
Orion’s expression turned thoughtful as he nodded slowly, ’Unfortunately, yes. Last I heard, one-third of the students get eliminated in the first year. I don’t know how many tests there will be, but quite a few commoners and low-ranking nobles will be eliminated.’
He continued quietly, sympathy clear in his voice, ’The academy isn’t a gentle place. Those who can’t et standards must leave. It’s harsh, but it also ensures the strength and talent of the remaining students. Vice Dean Hargan made it clear at the start.’
Lumi floated closer, her hologram expression turning serious for a rare mont.
[But Master, what happens to those eliminated students? Can’t they try again later?]
’Of course they can. And all of them will form their Affinity Rune later.’ Orion replied softly, ’That’s how the kingdom’s military works, and how low-ranking nobles survive.’
[Haa... Everyone has their own destiny, huh.]
Orion softly nodded but didn’t comnt further.
After a while of silence, Lumi spoke,
[Soul Path is so hard, Master. Even after trying for days you couldn’t ignite your Life Fire. (｡•́︿•̀｡)]
He softly chuckled inwardly, ’I can’t get everything easily now, can I? But I can feel it’s close. I should be able to ignite my Life Fire either today or tomorrow.’
The carriage slowed slightly as they neared the gates of Thunderpeak Royal Academy. Orion straightened, adjusting his uniform calmly and neatly.
’Regardless,’ Orion concluded gently, ’we’ll see when I ignite it soon enough.’
The carriage finally ca to a gentle stop before the academy’s grand entrance. Edgar pushed open the gate as Orion stepped outside, breathing deeply as he gazed at the familiar, bustling academy grounds.
Students moved hurriedly about, chatting excitedly or nervously, clearly aware of the day’s significance.
He turned around, "I will see you later, Uncle Edgar, Brother Lucan."
Edgar smiled calmly and nodded his head, "Have a good day, Young Master."
While Lucan took out his pebble to play, he looked at Orion playfully, "Break a leg, Young Master."
Orion shook his head with a smile and left toward the academy.
Edgar and Lucan, on the other hand, moved quietly aside, eventually finding a comfortable spot beneath the cooling shade of a grand oak tree nearby.
The leaves overhead rustled gently in the morning breeze, casting shadowed sunlight across their relaxed bodies.
Lucan stretched lazily before dropping onto the soft grass with a satisfied sigh, glancing sidelong at Edgar with a curious light in his eyes.
"Master Eldric left the mansion a few days ago," Lucan began softly, his voice relaxed but thoughtful. "Headed toward the Empire, from what I overheard."
Edgar, who had been gazing calmly at Orion’s retreating figure, slowly nodded his head, his expression turning more serious. "Indeed. It was inevitable. With the recent activities of the demons intensifying in the southern regions, Master Eldric must personally confirm their whereabouts and ascertain the true nature of the threat."
Lucan leaned back against the tree trunk, his eyes half-closed as he idly played with a small pebble between his fingers. "You think the situation is worsening?"
Edgar’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze distant yet alert. "Yes. The sudden spike in demon movents is troubling. Master Eldric ntioned the possibility of greater conflict erging soon. He cannot afford to be caught unaware, especially not now."
Lucan paused, twirling the pebble carefully. He then abruptly changed the subject, looking at Edgar with a faint, mischievous smile.
"Speaking of surprises, Young Master Orion’s growth lately has been truly monstrous. He’s barely begun learning Runesmithing, yet he’s already successfully forged his first Tier 1 weapon. At this rate, he’ll soon outpace both of us."
Edgar’s eyes brightened noticeably, pride clearly evident in his composed deanor.
He smiled subtly, a rare warmth spreading across his typically stoic face. "Indeed. Young Master Orion possesses talent beyond comparison, matched only by his extraordinary diligence. Watching him grow day by day truly fills with pride."
Lucan carefully observed Edgar’s expression, his playful deanor fading into sothing softer and more contemplative. He hesitated slightly before quietly asking, "Sir Edgar... Tell honestly. What do you truly think about Orion?"
Edgar turned slightly, raising an eyebrow in mild amusent. He chuckled softly, shaking his head gently. "What else could I possibly think about him? Our duty, as loyal retainers, is simply to guide and protect him to the best of our abilities."
Lucan shook his head, his voice lowering seriously as he looked Edgar directly in the eyes. "Co now, Sir Edgar. We both know it’s more than re duty. You train him more diligently and attentively than any retainer I’ve ever seen."
"You even shared Rina and Fiora’s sensitive pasts with , solely to ensure Orion receives the best possible support and training. Such actions go far beyond re obligation."
Edgar’s relaxed deanor faltered montarily, his calm gaze wavering slightly as he released a slow, deep exhale.
He glanced away, toward the distant academy buildings where Orion had disappeared, and his voice softened quietly. "I never had a true successor, Lucan. Swordsmanship has always been my path, my passion, and my greatest pride."
"But now, as I grow older, I find myself wishing to pass down every ounce of my knowledge and experience. I hope Orion will master all my teachings, ensuring my life’s efforts won’t fade away with my eventual passing."
Lucan regarded Edgar seriously, his tone gentle yet firm. "From the way you speak, from how your eyes follow him with pride and affection, you don’t see Orion rely as your successor, do you?"
Edgar paused abruptly, his body growing still as Lucan’s words resonated deeply. His eyes drifted slowly upward, quietly studying the gently swaying branches above, sunlight flickering softly between rustling leaves.
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