The Lost Brother and the Academy

Today was a day Aqua would forever remember. Standing tall and resolute before the doors of his room, he thought to himself, "This is it—the first step toward becoming stronger. For House Rein. For my brother." The weight of his legacy was heavy, but his determination was unyielding. With a steady breath, Aqua left his room, finding Allen standing outside as always—loyal, composed, and steadfast, as if his presence alone held the household together.

The early morning air was crisp, filled with the faint aroma of dew-covered flowers from the mansion's expansive gardens. The gilded black carriage, emblazoned with the emblem of House Rein—a silver hammer striking mana crystals—awaited him. The horses pawed at the cobblestone, their breath forming mist in the cool air.

Before Aqua could step inside, Kian emerged from the shadow of the entryway, carrying a small, ornate box. The Mage Division Commander, a figure both intimidating and reassuring, handed it to him with a solemn look. "Take this, Young master," Kian said, his voice a low rumble. "It's an artifact I created—a set of armor. But heed my words: use it only in dire circumstances. Its mana consumption is immense, though it will shield you from anyone below the 8th Circle."

Aqua nodded, his expression calm but his heart heavy. "Thank you, Kian. I'll use it wisely."

As the carriage began its journey through the Rein estate's gates, Aqua's gaze lingered on the lands he had sworn to protect. What had once been a humble viscounty was now thriving, thanks to the discovery of the mana mine ten years prior—a discovery that had brought both prosperity and peril. The war with Froy County had cost them everything: his father, Varsian Rein, had fallen in battle. It was Ray, only eight years old, who had risen to conquer Froy County and forge the business that made House Rein a leader in mana artifacts. His brother had been nothing short of a legend—fearsome, ingenious, and devoted.

The streets of the Arsia Empire's capital were bustling with life as Aqua's carriage rolled into the heart of the city. Children played, their laughter ringing through the air like a melody. Among them, Aqua noticed two siblings chasing one another, their joy so pure and uninhibited. It brought a pang of sorrow to his chest, a bittersweet reminder of his own childhood with Ray. Back then, their moments of solace were rare but cherished, tucked amidst the storm of responsibilities and battles.

The memory of Ray's disappearance surfaced once more, vivid and sharp. Aqua could see his brother's face—the shock, —as he vanished into a portal during their training. It was as if he had seen something that defied reality itself. Aqua clenched his fists. "I will find you, Ray," he vowed silently, "and I will protect the house you built. No one will take it from us."

The capital unfolded before him in grand splendor—gleaming spires that seemed to pierce the sky, the hustle of merchants calling out their wares, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with exotic spices. But Aqua barely noticed. His thoughts were consumed by the academy ahead, the challenges awaiting him, and the legacy that rested on his young shoulders.

"Sir," the driver called, pulling Aqua from his thoughts, "we have arrived at Arsia Magic Academy."

Aqua stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the towering gates of the academy. They loomed above him, both daunting and inviting. With one last glance back at the world he was leaving behind.