The Feast
Sitting at a long, ornately decorated table, the entire family gathered for the grand feast. My grandparents sat at the head, their presence radiating authority and wisdom. Cousins, uncles, aunts, and relatives from both the Godsky and Blightfall families filled the room. It was rare for everyone to come together like this, and the atmosphere was lively, buzzing with laughter and conversation.
The Godsky and Blightfall families, united by blood, shared a strong bond. It was a bond that should have blossomed generations ago, but political struggles and other external factors had delayed it. Now, with old disputes resolved, the two houses worked as one, supporting and uplifting each other.
I sat near the center of the table, quietly observing everyone. I didn't interact much with my cousins, but my relationship with them was amicable enough. During the few times we had spoken in the past, they had always treated me with kindness and respect.
However, in this world, family relationships often took a backseat to personal growth and power. Those with talent or ability were consumed by their training and ambitions, leaving little time for casual bonding. That made moments like these—a rare family gathering—special.
As I sipped on a glass of fruit nectar, my uncle Zyrion, a towering man with fiery red hair and a booming voice, suddenly turned the conversation toward me.
"So, Arax," he began, his gaze sharp but warm, "I believe it's time we addressed your upcoming send-off to the Universal Academies."
The room grew quiet, and just like that, the attention of some of the most powerful individuals in the world was fixed on me.
I shifted slightly in my seat, feeling a pang of nervousness. Everyone here, from my youngest cousins to my great-uncle, was extraordinary. At their weakest, they were Rank 2 combatants—powerful enough to decimate armies. The strongest among them were at Ranks 6, 7, 8, and even 9. These were individuals capable of shaping the fate of the Entire World.
And here I was, a mere child, sitting among them.
---
"The Universal Academies," my grandfather, Lord Tiberius Blightfall, spoke. His voice was deep and commanding, instantly silencing the murmurs around the table. "Arax, do you fully understand the weight of the opportunity before you?"
I nodded, keeping my expression calm despite the weight of his words. "Yes, Grandfather. I understand."
He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze making it impossible to look away. "Good. The Universal Academies are not just schools—they are sanctuaries of power, knowledge, and prestige. Only the most talented individuals are admitted. The competition will be fierce, and the challenges you face there will be unlike anything you've experienced so far."
I nodded again, this time more firmly. "I'm ready for it, Grandfather."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "I believe you are. But remember, the academies are not just about individual growth. They are political and social battlegrounds as much as they are places of learning. Alliances will be forged, rivalries will be born, and every action you take will reflect upon our family."
"You're making it sound terrifying, Father," my aunt Lyria chimed in, her melodic voice breaking the tension. "Let the boy enjoy his youth a little before you burden him with all this talk of politics."
The table chuckled, and even my grandfather's stern expression softened.
---
As the conversation shifted, my uncle Zyrion explained more about the academies. "There are seven Universal Academies in total, each one specializing in different fields. The Elemental Citadel focuses on mastering elemental magic. The Ethereal Conservatory delves into spiritual arts and soul refinement. The Combat Dominion emphasizes martial prowess. And then there's the Aetherium Nexus, the most prestigious of them all. It's where those seeking mastery over concepts and laws go to learn."
My interest piqued at the mention of the Aetherium Nexus. "Is that where I'll be going?"
Zyrion nodded. "That's the plan. Your talents align perfectly with what the Nexus offers. Of course, the entrance exams are brutal, but I'm confident you'll pass."
"Confidence is good," my maternal grandmother, Lady Seraphina Godsky, interjected. "But do not let it blind you. The Nexus is home to the brightest minds and the most dangerous individuals. It's not a place for the faint-hearted."
---
As the feast continued, I couldn't help but think about the challenges ahead. The Universal Academies were renowned across the world for their rigorous training and high standards. Only a select few were ever accepted, and those who graduated became legends.
The food, though delicious, barely registered as I lost myself in thought. My mind wandered to the training I'd undergone with Uncle Kael, the countless battles I'd fought in the simulated arenas, and the knowledge I'd gained about concepts and mana. Would it be enough?
A voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "What's on your mind, Arax?" It was my cousin Duke, a cheerful young man with golden hair and an easy smile.
"Just thinking about the academies," I admitted.
"Don't overthink it," he said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "You're stronger and smarter than half the people who'll be there. Just do your best, and you'll be fine."
"Duke's right," my aunt Lyria added. "You've already accomplished more at your age than most do in a lifetime. The fact that you're even being considered for the Nexus is proof of that."
I smiled faintly, appreciating their encouragement.
---
As the evening wore on, the conversations became more relaxed, and the atmosphere grew lighter. Stories were shared, laughter filled the hall, and for a moment, it felt like any other family gathering.
But beneath the surface, I could sense the weight of expectations. The eyes of some of the world's strongest beings were on me, their gazes filled with both pride and hope. They believed in me, and I couldn't afford to let them down.
As the feast came to an end, my grandfather rose from his seat, raising a glass of golden wine.
"To Arax," he declared, his voice echoing through the hall. "May his journey to the Universal Academies mark the beginning of a new era for our family. May he rise to greatness and bring honor to the Godsky and Blightfall names."
The room erupted in cheers, and I felt a surge of determination. This was just the beginning. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but I was ready to face them.
With the weight of my family's legacy on my shoulders and the promise of greatness ahead, I silently vowed to prove myself worthy.
Afterall with so much hope and expectations on my back and how much both of these families supported me It's only natural i return the favor.