Departure

The day after receiving the letter from the Arcane Citadel, Alex felt the urgency to depart for the academy, eager to visit the capital and get settled before the official start. However, Rovena immediately rejected this notion, her maternal instincts taking precedence.

"The first day isn't for another 20 days. You just arrived from the country house after a three-year absence. You will stay for at least a week before leaving," she insisted with a firm but caring tone.

"You know, son, I have to agree with your mom here," added William, a smile playing on his lips.

Siesta, with her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and disappointment, couldn't help but voice her concern, "Why are you leaving so soon, brother?"

This realization overwhelmed Alex, prompting him to abandon the idea of heading to the academy so hastily. "I'm sorry, I didn't consider how important this time is," he confessed, looking at Siesta with a sincere expression. "I truly apologize, Si, but I have to go. Let's make the most of the week together, and we'll have all the fun we need."

This somewhat elevated Siesta's mood and seeing the smiles on his parents' faces assured Alex somewhat.

The Greymore family spent the week together, enjoying meals, picnics, and, of course, going shopping. Since Alex was gearing up for a new chapter in his life at Arcane Citadel, the shopping trip was a crucial part of their preparations.

Rovena, being detail-oriented, helped Alex pick out important things like his clothes, having grown quite a bit he was in dire need of some new casual as well as formal clothes. They went to the blacksmith, where William arranged for a special sword. This sword wasn't just any sword; it was made from Mithril-infused steel. The Mithril came from a unique monster known as the Mithril Lizard, found in caves abundant with Mithril supplies. Crafting a sword from this material ensured it was not only durable but also had a touch of something extraordinary. The Mithril while easily obtainable from caves did not have the same properties as the one obtained from the Mithril Lizard. The sword suited Alex perfectly and was adjusted for his height and weight.

The marketplace became a place where the Greymores prepared Alex for his new adventure with love and a bit of mixed feelings. Siesta joined in the excitement, choosing a protective charm for her brother as a small reminder of home. The shopping trip turned into a meaningful way for the family to show their support for Alex's upcoming journey.

On the day of departure, Alex woke up early for a final sparring session with his father.In these moments, Count William Greymore shed his usual jovial demeanor, transforming into the decorated war veteran and battlefield powerhouse that he was. His grey eyes gleamed with the intensity of a seasoned warrior, exuding an aura of intimidation that could make most legs tremble. However, Alex, a 3rd Circle magician, stood unfazed. With emerald-green eyes subtly glowing, he assumed a battle stance, ready for the impending clash.

The two locked eyes, neither making a move. Alex, with his heightened magical senses, couldn't discern any openings in his father's defense. After a brief standoff, he decided to initiate the attack. Swift and boosted by wind magic, his swings were faster than normal. Yet, William, proficient in both Water and Wind magic, effortlessly deflected each blow without resorting to his own magical abilities. The exchange continued, with Alex persistently attacking and William skillfully parrying.

In a sudden turn, Alex found himself on the ground, staring at the sky. However, before the spar concluded, he managed to launch a final attack that grazed his father's cheek, drawing the tiniest speck of blood.

"Not bad, Kid!" William remarked with a grin. "But you are a hundred years too early to properly face me in a fight." 

This had always been a crucial tradition, a litmus test for Alex's growing strength. Both, having recently experienced growth, were eager to see how the other had improved. The morning spar was intense, a clash of father and son pushing each other to their limits. After the vigorous workout, they decided to sit down together for a well-deserved breakfast. The camaraderie between them showcased not just a father-son bond but also a mutual respect for each other's strength and growth.

The morning sun bathed the Greymore estate in a warm glow as Alex prepared to embark on a new chapter of his life. The courtyard buzzed with activity as servants loaded his carriage with trunks filled with necessities for his stay at the Arcane Citadel. Rovena, though proud of her son's achievements, couldn't shake a mother's worry that clung to her heart.

"Alex, my dear," she said, her voice tinged with both pride and hesitation, "the Arcane Citadel is a prestigious institution, but it's far from home. You'll be surrounded by many different people all from different backgrounds. Never initiate a fight and if possible please don't engage in any fights at all."

Alex smiled reassuringly, his gaze meeting his mother's. "Don't worry, Mother. I'll be fine. Besides, Mr. Hound's training has prepared me for much more than this."

Rovena nodded, a mix of emotions playing on her face. "You have your father's resilience. Just promise me you'll write often."

"I promise," Alex replied, giving his mother a reassuring hug. "And I'll make you proud."

Siesta, standing nearby, couldn't hide her disappointment. Her big brother, her playmate, was leaving for a place she couldn't follow. Alex crouched down to her eye level and ruffled her hair.

"Hey, Si, don't be sad. I'll come back with lots of stories to tell. And who knows, maybe I'll bring you a surprise."

Siesta's eyes lit up at the mention of a surprise, but the lingering sadness didn't fully fade. She held onto her brother a little tighter, as if trying to make time slow down.

As the carriage pulled away from the estate, Siesta waved until it disappeared from her sight. Rovena stood on the steps, her hand on Siesta's shoulder, offering silent comfort. Change, even when necessary, wasn't always easy.

The carriage journey was a reflective one for Alex. Passing through familiar landscapes, he marveled at the world he was leaving behind.

Arriving at the newly established railway station marked a technological leap in Accelfabia. The sight of the iron tracks and the rhythmic chugging of the steam-powered train evoked a sense of progress. Alex boarded the train, finding a comfortable compartment in the train. As the train set in motion, he gazed out of the window, watching the landscape transform.

With the hum of the train as his companion, Alex contemplated his future at the Arcane Citadel. His skills leaned more towards magic-infused engineering rather than combat. The idea of creating, inventing, and contributing to the development of this magical world appealed to him. His mind buzzed with possibilities as the train sped toward the next chapter of his life.

The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks harmonized with the beating of Alex's heart as he sat alone in his compartment. Suddenly, a soft knock interrupted the sunlight filtering through the window "May I come in?" asked the young boy. The door inched open, and a silhouette stepped into the cabin, bathed in the golden glow of the sun. A mop of tousled blonde hair and piercing blue eyes emerged from the radiant halo.