The morning sun bathed the Cromwell estate in a golden glow as final preparations were made for Aeros, Ellie, and Lys's departure. Servants bustled about, ensuring everything was in place.
As the trio approached the staging grounds, their designated chariot stood waiting—unlike any common carriage that trundled through Aetherion's cities. This was a masterpiece of craft and magic, a gleaming symbol of the kingdom's elite.
The body of the chariot was forged from midnight-forged mythril, polished to a mirror-like gleam that shimmered deep blue under sunlight, like it was absorbing the very sky. Intricate silver filigree ran along its sides—etched with glowing runes of protection, warding, and stealth—ancient sigils that pulsed faintly with ethereal energy.
The front bore the sigil of House Cromwell, interwoven with the Imperial Aetherion crest, a rare permission that only royally approved nobles could display. Twin serpents coiled in an eternal ouroboros design around a rising sun—representing rebirth and legacy.
Instead of common horses or wyverns, the chariot was drawn by a pair of Stormmanes—mythical beasts that resembled obsidian-furred lions with glowing manes of electric-blue lightning. Their hooves crackled with thunder at every step, held back only by enchanted harnesses of braided stardust leather.
The interior? Plush midnight velvet seats, embroidered with gold thread and warded for stability even in the roughest of skies. Inside, the air was calm and cool, subtly perfumed with calming herbs—designed to keep one's nerves still during long rides or anxious transitions.
Hovering slightly above the cobbled stone platform, the chariot gave off a faint humming sound—its levitation matrix already activated.
By the Chariot Stood Selene, Evelyn, Adrian, Leon, the Insructor darius and Lastly Aeros's Father Julius Cromwell
Aeros with a heavy heart approached them, not only these people not abandon him but also gave him all the support he needed during his time in training, Starting from the right Aeros approached Selene "So, this is it, huh? Off to become an esteemed scholar? Try not to burn the academy down, will you?" Aeros Chuckling Nervously "No promises. If they can't handle a little lightning, that's on them."
Next to Selene stood Evelyn with a soft smile and her hands clasped. "Stay safe, Aeros. The academy is full of brilliant minds and powerful individuals, but none of them is you. I expect you to outshine them all." Aeros Said, Grinning. "Outshining them might be much, but I'll do my best. Don't get too bored without me."
Hearing this, Adrian pretended to be hurt by Aeros's words. He said, "Oh, as if the world stops spinning when you're not around. I'll have you know, I have a very busy schedule—reading books, training, and, you know, not getting into unnecessary fights." And standing beside him, Leon scoffed, "Unlike someone here, I don't go around challenging everyone I meet. But don't slack off, Aeros. If you come back weaker than before, I will be disappointed."
Aeros gasped mockingly. "You? Disappointed in me? I don't think my fragile heart could take it."
Selene rolled her eyes. "Jokes aside, you've changed, Aeros. In a good way. Keep moving forward."
Acknowledging Selene's words, Evelyn spoke "And if you ever need anything, you know we're here for you."
Smiling at how caring his stepmother's were, he said, "I know. And I appreciate all of you."
"Alright, alright, enough with the emotional nonsense. Get going before I start missing you." Adrian spoke, Sighing Dramatically
"Like that would ever happen." Leon Grinned
"We'll see you soon, Aeros. Don't keep us waiting for news of your achievements." Selene Said
"You'll hear about me sooner than you think," Aeros spoke, saluting everyone mockingly.
Julius stood before his son, holding a small pendant in his hand.
"This belonged to your mother," Julius said, placing the pendant in Aeros' palm. "Keep it close. It may serve you well in times of need."
Aeros studied the intricate design, a faint engraving of lightning bolts etched into the metal. Before he could question its purpose, the system chimed in.
[Oho! Mysterious trinkets always hold secrets in fantasy stories. Kid, expect this to glow ominously at some point.]
Aeros nearly rolled his eyes but instead nodded, placing the pendant around his neck.
Aeros stepped onto the platform—and there it was.
Their ride wasn't just a chariot. It was an announcement.
________
He stared out of the window, watching the landscape shift from sprawling farmlands to dense forests.
Ellie, seated opposite him, smirked. "So, are you ready for academy life? Or do I need to start preparing your funeral?"
Aeros scoffed. "I should be asking you that. I bet you'll be too busy drooling over some noble brats instead of training."
Ellie gasped in mock offense. "Excuse me? I have higher standards than that! Unlike you, I don't go around picking fights just because someone breathes in my direction."
Lys sighed from his seat next to the driver. "Must you two always argue?"
Ellie and Aeros exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. Lys merely shook his head.
The system added its own commentary.
[This level of bickering is legendary. I should start keeping score. So far, Ellie: 5, Aeros: 3. Try to keep up, kid.]
Aeros groaned. "Not you too."
As they entered a secluded stretch of forest, a sudden rustling in the trees caught Lys's attention. He narrowed his eyes. "Something's not right."
Before anyone could react, a volley of arrows rained down, piercing the carriage's wooden frame. The horses neighed in panic as masked mercenaries emerged from the trees, weapons drawn.
"Bandits?" Ellie asked, already drawing her sword.
"No," Lys muttered. "They're too well-trained. Stay sharp."
Aeros jumped out of the carriage, ice forming around his fingertips as he prepared for battle. One of the masked men lunged at him, but a well-placed ice shard sent him tumbling back.
Ellie moved like a whirlwind, slashing through enemies with practiced ease. Lys, ever the composed warrior, countered every attack with precision.
One of the mercenaries sneered. "We only need the boy. Take the others down if necessary."
Aeros's eyes narrowed. "Oh, great. More people trying to kill me."
[Congratulations! You're officially important enough to have assassins sent after you! Achievement unlocked: 'Walking Target'!]
Aeros ignored the system and focused, summoning thunder in his palm. Electricity crackled as he dodged an incoming strike, countering with a lightning-infused punch that sent his attacker flying.
The battle lasted several minutes, but the trio's combined efforts turned the tide. One of the mercenaries, realizing their failure, tried to flee, but Aeros froze his legs in place with an ice spell.
"Going somewhere?" Aeros smirked.
Tied up and gagged, the captured enemy struggled as Aeros and Lys stood over him.
Ellie crossed her arms. "Let's make this simple. Who sent you?"
The mercenary spat at the ground. "I'd rather die than—"
Aeros leaned in. "Oh, don't worry. I can arrange that."
[Kid, intimidation is good, but let's not go full villain mode. Maybe a little more 'heroic badass' and less 'crazy warlord'?]
The mercenary paled slightly, but before they could extract more information, he bit down on something. Within seconds, he convulsed and collapsed.
Lys frowned. "Suicide pill."
Ellie sighed. "That confirms it. Someone wants you dead, Aeros."
Aeros rubbed his temples. "Great. First, a house conspiracy, now this. Can't I catch a break?"
Despite the attack, they pressed forward, and by nightfall, the towering walls of the Academy City came into view. Glowing lanterns lined the streets, and banners displaying various noble insignias fluttered in the evening breeze.
Aeros stared in awe. "So, this is where it all begins."
Ellie nudged him. "Try not to embarrass yourself on the first day."
Lys nodded. "Stay sharp. We don't know who our enemies are yet."
[System Reminder: Welcome to the Academy! Try not to die in your first week, okay?]
Aeros sighed. This was going to be one interesting journey.