"Tok! Tok! Tok! Tok!" Sister Mary shouted to the boys, "Wake up, time for breakfast!"
They all woke up, and Rethrus quickly wiped his eyes before heading to the bathroom to wash his face.
"Lumine told me how worried Elizabeth's face was, asking where I was," he thought.
"She hugged me and cried on me."
"Maybe she likes m-" (as he inspects his face with the scar and holds it).
"Nah, maybe she panicked and knew that I'm the only one who can stop it."
"Yeah, that may be it,"
he thinks as he wipes his face and joins the others for breakfast.
Later, they train for the upcoming year, preparing for joining the academy.
Back in the kingdom, news of the King and Prince's experience with the incident spread throughout the country.
On the other side of the news, it's about a group of few soldiers and some dead ones led by General William Fitzroy.
The silence and then crying, and the faces of the citizens as they open the gate…
The general, his face a mask of stoic grief, didn't speak as he continued driving his horse onto the palace grounds.
A wave of raw, guttural sobs tore through the air as the mother, her face streaked with tears, stood in the middle of the road.
"Sir? Where's my son? His name is Joshua Bassett," her question to the lifeless General.
The general didn't say a word. He looked the poor mother directly in her eyes, his gaze unwavering, and continued towards the palace.
After the silent response, the mother started to shout while crying. Babies wailed, their cries echoing through the air, men stood stunned, their faces pale and drawn, and children huddled behind their parents, their eyes wide with fear.
The other mothers, their faces etched with grief, their bodies trembling with unspoken sorrow, pulled her into a tight embrace.
Their hands, calloused and rough from years of toil, gently stroked her back as if trying to soothe the pain that burned within her. The air hung heavy with the scent of smoke and ash, a constant reminder of the battle that had taken their loved ones.
The road beneath her feet, cracked and uneven from the recent battle, felt rough and unforgiving under her bare feet. The only sound besides her cries was the distant rumble of the general's horse, a stark reminder of the power and indifference of war.
A soldier, his face etched with sympathy, approached the mother.
"Don't worry, ma'am," he said, his voice gentle, "your son's duty will be rewarded, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten." He reached out to touch her shoulder, but she flinched away.
"Eat your medals and die you pieces of shits!"
she screamed, her voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd. "Can your medal bring him back?"
Her words, raw and unfiltered, cut through the air, a testament to the pain that consumed her. She was a woman broken by grief, a mother robbed of her son, and her rage was a testament to the unbearable weight of her loss.
As General William reported to the king.
King Darrios saw it on his face how broken he was.
"You can rest and stop fighting already, you've done enough, General," the King said, hugging him.
"Go home and rest, William, you're not done serving your country. You're gonna teach this new era of talents soon. Because it's their time to make a name for themselves and make their ancestors proud."
As the king said it, the scene shifts to Prince Ezra playing with the princess, a girl from a noble family flying already, a kid with blonde hair from a poor family who uses fire to light up what he cooks, a green-haired guy playing a Mana harp (Magic harp),
in an orphanage, showing every kid who will join the academy, Jack flirting on Elizabeth while Elizabeth is looking at Rethrus.
Rethrus was taking a nap, while Aethra is training with Xavier.
To the Silentvisk Family,
Where's Aether?" the master asked.
"Oh, we don't know, sir."
At the basement, someone's crying. It's an ogre being punched by a kid in the silhouette.
Deep within the heart of the Silentvisk house, a shadowed chamber hummed with ancient magic.
The Silentvisk family, their faces obscured by flowing robes, gathered around a flickering brazier.
Alaric said, his voice laced with anticipation, "Master, the academy begins next year. Do you have a plan to acquire him?"
The master, his form shrouded in darkness, chuckled. He held a human hand, its flesh slowly melting away, consumed by someone.
"Yes," the master replied, a chilling smile playing on his lips. "This time, he has a human face."
"Aether, his eyes burning like miniature suns, emerged from the shadows, his face etched with a yearning for power.
He gazed at his father, a question in his eyes. Father, you speak of this boy constantly. Is he truly stronger than me?"
The master chuckled again, a sound that seemed to echo off the chamber's obsidian walls.
"Of course not, my son," the master said. "You are far stronger than that boy. But he is essential to our plans. He holds the key to unlocking a power that will help us."
"How is your training progressing, Aether?" the master asked, his tone turning sharp.
"The bad ogres are gone. They were too weak," Aether replied, his voice filled with disappointment. "I need new creatures to test my skills."
"And how is your control?" Aether raised his hands, and a dazzling light erupted from his fingertips, illuminating the chamber in a blinding white. "It is… improving. I am learning to control the Light's power."
In some parts of the Starglade kingdom.
A chill wind whipped through the crumbling stone walls of the dungeon, carrying with it the faint scent of damp earth and decaying magic. "How's the dungeon cleaning?" a voice boomed from the shadows.
"It's going well, General Slade," a soldier replied, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.
General Slade Langly (The Fire), a man whose very presence radiated heat, stepped into the flickering light of a torch. His fiery aura pulsed around him, a tangible manifestation of his power.
"Good job, men!" he barked out an order. "You're doing well. Just remember, thoroughness is key in this task. The king needs this place clean and secure."
"General!" a messenger arrived, panting slightly. "The king requests your presence at the castle."
Slade sighed. "Of course," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance. The start of the academy classes are coming soon.
"Wrap it up, men. We're heading to the main city."
In the borderline between Avaloria and Starglade.
"Commander Xiu!!! They're coming!!" a soldier shouted, his voice laced with panic.
Commander Xiu, a veteran of countless battles, barked back, "What are you talking about?" "Attack them!" He was one of General Shin's, the Prince of Avaloria's, most trusted commanders.
"We did, Commander!" a mage exclaimed, his voice trembling.
"But we can't hurt them. They're… they're healing too fast!"
Commander Xiu's eyes widened in shock. "What? How?" The mage shook his head, unable to explain the impossible. "It's like they're impervious to our attacks."
Commander Xiu, a seasoned warrior, felt a shiver run down his spine. He recognized that aura, that inexplicable resilience. "Men, retreat! It's General Chan!"
The Starglade army surged forward, a tide of bravery and reckless abandon. Each soldier wore a silver flower, delicately woven into their armor, a symbol of their unwavering courage. But there was something else, something more… strange. The flowers pulsed faintly, their petals shimmering with an ethereal glow. The soldiers' movements seemed almost… superhuman. The flowers were connected, invisibly, to a small cottage far from the battlefield. Inside, a man with white hair and glasses slept soundly, his breathing steady and even.
"Tok, Tok, Tok." Someone knocked on the cottage door.
"General Chan," a messenger announced, "a message from the supreme general."
The tall man, his face shrouded in shadow, rose from his bed and opened the door.
General Chan, his figure radiating an almost ethereal glow, looked at the battlefield. Without a word, a perfect clone of himself materialized, a testament to his mastery as a mage. The clone, mirroring his every move, charged in as a beacon of hope and resilience for the Starglade army.
"Bring me my ride," General Chan commanded, his voice calm and confident.
"Let's go!"
The scorching sun beat down on the sands of Al Andalus, baking the earth until it shimmered with heat. Footprints marred the sand, leading nowhere, a ghostly echo of a journey taken. A flicker of magic, and a beautiful woman materialized from the shimmering air. She was tall, with skin as pale as moonlight and eyes that held the depths of the ocean. Her physique was strong, a testament to a life spent mastering the art of water.
General Jean, an expert water master, stood poised, ready to track the Boogeyman.
"A message from the king, General," a soldier announced, bowing his head. "He says the Academy will begin soon, and your presence is required."
General Jean frowned, her gaze fixed on the shimmering mirage in the distance.
"Tsk, fine," she said, her voice a low rumble that resonated with the power she wielded. "I was hoping to take action against the Boogeyman."
She turned to her troops, her gaze sweeping over the ranks of soldiers. "Let's use the water to be faster," she commanded. "We can reach Starglade in a matter of weeks."
"But Milady, what about the sea beasts?" one of the commanders asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Jean smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Don't worry about them," she reassured him. "They should be worrying about us."
Back in the Palace Princess Elaina, her face lit with joy, ran towards her brother, her arms outstretched. She wrapped him in a warm embrace, her laughter echoing through the grand hall. "Brother!"
"Ezekiel, my baby," Queen Mildred said, her eyes filled with love, hugging him tightly, kissing his cheek.
"Mom, please don't call me that!" Ezekiel groaned, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'm a General now."
"Don't be like that, son," King Darrios intervened, his voice warm and fatherly. "Your mother just misses you." He clapped his son on the shoulder, a proud smile on his face. "You've grown strong."
General Ezekiel, a master of water magic, stood tall and proud. He was a figure of strength and grace, his dark skin reflecting the sun's warmth. He had helped to establish the magical barrier that protected the kingdom, ensuring the safety of its people.
"Where's Ezra?" General Ezekiel asked, his gaze searching the room.
"He's training," the King replied. "I'm sure he wants to join the Academy."
"Alright," Ezekiel said. "Let's wait for the other Generals to arrive before we depart for the Academy."
"Rethrus, Rethrus," Lumine whispered, her voice tinged with worry.
"Wake up, it's important."
Rethrus, eyes heavy with sleep, mumbled a sleepy greeting.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice thick with fatigue.
"It's the devil again," she said, her voice trembling.
"It spoke to me when we were meditating (Rethrus didn't meditate that time and just took a nap). It whispered… something about needing me. It said, 'Something will happen to you.' Then you'll need me." He frowned, a flicker of concern crossing his features.
"Don't worry," he reassured her. "They'll seal it at the academy."
At night Rethrus, deep in thought and preparing for bed, was pleasantly surprised by Elizabeth's unexpected appearance.
"Rethrus!" she called out eagerly, breaking the quiet of the night.
"What is it?" Rethrus questioned, peering at her. "It's already bedtime."
"Let's take a walk," Elizabeth suggested, her smile infectious.
As they strolled beneath the night sky, Rethrus couldn't help but wonder about Elizabeth's intentions.
"Rethrus, you'll fight with us, won't you?" Elizabeth's voice held a hint of vulnerability.
Pausing for a moment to ponder, Rethrus considered his response carefully.
"Of course, I'll fight alongside you. It's for the sake of our country," he replied.
"Thank you!" Elizabeth said, grateful for his commitment.
"Lately, you've seemed distant and haven't joined our practice sessions. I feared another family might recognize your talent and strength, recruiting you as one of their elite soldiers, leaving us behind on the battlefield."
Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, Rethrus dismissed his own capabilities, silently musing, I am not talented; I'm just old. Aloud, he reassured her, "No, I'll stand by your side."
"Most of us want to fight. I, too, aim to gain wealth and fame, to defend our kingdom against malevolent forces," she confided.
Amused by her innocence and determination, Rethrus couldn't help but admire her resolve. She'll be remarkable one day, he concluded in his thoughts.
As they turned to head back, Elizabeth blushed, mustering the courage to pose a question.
"Just one more thing before we return," she hesitated.
"Do you have feelings for Lumine? Do you like her?"
Rethrus was taken aback by the unexpected query. His response was composed but tinged with surprise, "No," he stated firmly. Elizabeth's delight at his answer was evident.
Why would she think of that? Maybe she's a lesbian and likes Lumine, Rethrus pondered, considering the innocence and complexity of her thoughts.
"We share the same Element, which is why I guide her. She's like a little sister to me," he explained, unaware of Elizabeth's assumption.
"She's only a month younger than you," Elizabeth remarked.
"That may be so, but she's like family," Rethrus agreed.
"Let's head back," Rethrus suggested, satisfied with their talk. "Sister Mary may not be pleased if she finds we've sneaked out."
"Alright. Let's go back," Elizabeth responded, excited to comply.