Chapter 17 - The Academy (2)

Shin stared at Hendrick within the carriage as they slowly made their way towards the shopping district.

For some reason, Hendrick didn't question him regarding anything as he continued to just watch the scenary outside with a smile.

Shin turned to look out the small window besides him as well to be greeted by the mundane world that he had once been a part of.

Kids running around the streets, adults with dirt and soot on their faces and soldiers marching around in patrol.

A world which Shin had once been a part of but seemed very distant now.

They passed by the city center, a sight which Shin didn't get to enjoy often .Mainly due to the fact that the Baron's house near the outskirts of the noble district which was located rather far away from the city center.

A large fountain and a statue decorated the center of the city with the statue being of Emperor Leon Steelheart posing with his sword raised up high.

A grand statue gilded with actual gold in serveral spots with fountains of water reaching dozens of meter high. Various people busily moving around with over a hundred carriages rushing to and fro.

A busting city that was divided into 5 different sections and located by a mountainside. There wasn't a palace but just rather a large house which was the resident of Leon Steelheart and the district around it was labled the noble distrct. This was located in the north of the city near the mountains and was the innermost part of the city.

The commoners mostly lived near the south, if they were well off, or outside the walls. The merchants mainly dominated the west side there the shopping district was whilst the entire eastern side was occupied by the knights and the soliders.

Shin gazed upon the distance where high walls divided their city against the outside.

The capital of the empire was actaully located quite near the border to the deadlands of the west. Naturally, they were often attacked and were in a constant state of war. This also explained the wall and the sheer number of soldiers and powerhouses being stationed in the area as well as the frequest attacks and ambushes.

Despite the danger, however, people still flocked to this city in hopes of honor and wealth. Like insects who fly into the bright fire.

They approached the shopping district in silence as Hendrick and Shin left the carriage. "Let's go have a meal first, we can talk about it over the food."

They entered a small store where they were served some noodles as Shin finally asked the question that was bugging him the entire ride. "Why aren't you asking about the attack?"

"Because Shin." Hendrick stopped eating as he gazed into Shin's eyes. "As much as I care for you and want to keep you safe, the world is a harsh place and I cannot babysit you forever. I also know that everyone has their secrets and I do not want to force it out of you. If you wished to tell me, you would."

"..." Shin gazed down and stared at his now almost finished bowl of noodles.

"And sooner or later, you'll enter the Meister rank. Progress from this point on will be a struggle which will often threaten your being. All powerhouses within the world have gone through this, as have I and as will you. I'm now too old to barge headfirst into danger but I also have enemies. And you, being as young you are, will only continue to make more and more enemies." Hendrick continuned.

Shin thought about Hendrick's words. A small smudge of fear growing inside him as he thought back to the incident earlier. The thought of going through similar, or even worse situations, causing sweat to trickle down his back.

But causing his heart to beat faster at the same time.

Hendrick noticed Shin's reaction as he smiled and continued to eat the food.

---

"How strong is he exactly?" Shila barged into a sturdy as she questioned the duke.

"Oh my doll! How was the exam?" Duke Allflame smiled as he tried to hug the small girl who pushed him away before glaring at his eyes.

The Duke noticed the gaze in her eyes before realizing that look. It was a look of jealousy and rivalry.

Shila Allflame, the daugher between a man who was born of a mage family. Her grandfather a High archon, her own father a 6 circle archmage at the prime age of 40 and his mother a 5 circle high mage. A prowd lineage which had betrayed her with a body that was unable to process mana.

Thankfully, she was still found to be talented in the way of bodily training and had taken up this route at a young age. Her status as a noble and a prestigious family had always held her chin up high and caused her pride to skyrocket.

However, she had been shocked today.

"First of all Shila, remember what I always tell you about the world?" Duke Allflame smiled as he gazed at the small girl.

"Answer the question!" Shila pouted as she continued to glare at him.

"Shila... Sigh." Duke Allflame had always told his granddaugther that there was always a taller mountain but she had never taken his words to her heart. "He should be a step away, if not already, from being a high initiate."

"...How?" Shila was a mid iniate at the age of ten. This was already a feat within the empire and was one of the strongest out of other kids around her age. She couldn't simply believe the fact that a boy, who was even smaller than her, was stronger than her.

"I don't know." Duke Allflame raised his hands. "You might have to ask him directly but it's probably because of his father."

"Baron Silverwing... I did read about him in the history books..." Shila fell into comteplation. A war hero of tremendous talent who was, for some reason, now holed up in his small house despite his strength.

She then stomped out from the sturdy to check upon the books regarding the heroes of the empire once again as Duke Allflame simply watched her leave with a sigh.

"...It seems the boy will have a rival in the academy. Hmm... I should write Hendrick a letter...". He then quickly pulled out a piece of paper before scratching away at it with a pen.