Sentimental

Yuki nodded with a gentle smile. ''Yes, young master, you could. The academies offer special classes and programs for students who excel in such matters, but you pass a certain test. If I remember correctly, the previous emperor asked the Order of Hunters to send a representative in every school.''

She revealed before continuing, ''The empire celebrates them as heroes for saving countless towns from attack, but the profession is dangerous as Devils are sneaky beings that attack when you least expect it. Many of the best hunters have perished thanks to assassins sent by their leaders.''

''Don't I know it?'' he replied with a laugh. ''I've never read up on them, but I may look into it now since I can kill the creatures with my magic, and they seem to hate me, which I find amusing.''

''That would be a good idea young master,'' Yuki replied with a big smile as her blue eyes sparkled. ''Now would you like to continue with the Enhancement training? I know you can learn it.''

Raegar agreed with an excited nod before jumping up and learning the magic, but only after taking a beating until he could defend himself from the cat woman's speedy attacks, as he couldn't keep up with her.

Following that, the days passed by with him training with Commander Rodric, Yuki, and working on improving the spells he already knows. He hadn't practiced with his father as the two avoided each other, even though Victoria tried to have them speak.

His Grandfather would appear occasionally to train him with his dual wielding, which baffled the old man, but helped either way. By the time Raegar turned fifteen, he was now on the way to the province's capital, known as Dunmara, the province capital in the south.

Victoria, Yuki, and Griffin were accompanying him on the Kingsway in the family's carriage. He was busy reading up on monsters that dwell in the Bloodfang Forest, which caught his attention.

While sitting there, the old man spoke in his usual cheerful tone, ''So little one. We have to go to this church because an old friend of mine there controls the Aether Tests for his brother, who's the Duke of the southern province.''

''I know, mother told me about it before you arrived but the important question is, are you still taking me to Bloodfang Forest?'' Raegar questioned as the carriage went quiet. ''I've been learning about the place. There's many Tier One Monsters and some Tier Two which are interesting.''

When Victoria heard this, her face paled before shaking her head and went to open her mouth to protest. But Griffin raised a hand, cutting her off. He knew she was being protective of him.

Yuki started giggling at the scene. ''Sunshine,'' he said firmly, his tone calm but resolute. ''He needs to leave the manor and face some real challenges to grow in life. Most of the Vaelthorne children have done the same.''

Griffin glanced at him with a proud smile, ''Yes they would normally be older and have more experience with their Aether, but fighting monsters will do him good. And to prove it to you, once his test is over, he and I will fight to show you how skilled he's become. That should settle it, daughter.''

Following that, the three of them started talking as Raegar turned to the window while watching the beautiful grasslands with hill covered in a sea of colorful flowers. An hour later, his breath caught as he spotted a massive city that looked like it had leapt straight from the pages of a fantasy novel he used to read on Earth.

'Reminds me of the western castle walls, but on a massive scale that encircled an entire city,' he mused with excitement.

Towering thirty-meter-high walls stood there made of beautiful yellow stone that gleamed in the morning sun. Towers rose at regular intervals along the walls, their silhouettes punctuating the skyline.

Soldiers patrolled the ramparts, while others scrutinized the steady stream of people entering through the main gate. Raegar was busy watching the scene with wide eyes as Griffin climbed out of the carriage.

The old man pulled him along before speaking. ''You look like a country bumpkin grandson. Haven't you come to Dunmara?''

Raegar shook his head while giving his grandfather a dirty look. ''No. I went to Wildriver City when traveling to your home. Mother hasn't let me explore outside the manor thanks to the bandits.''

Griffin started laughing and slapped him on the back while explaining. ''That's a good thing, my boy. The roads are dangerous and the imperial guards are struggling to deal with the criminals infesting the woods.''

''I understand, but isn't the Bloodfang Forest full of bandits?'' he asked with narrowed eyes. ''But yet I'm going there.''

The older man studied him with a calculating gaze before speaking, his face alight with pride. ''You've got the strength to stand your ground and the speed to escape if necessary. I wouldn't put your life at risk over training.''

Raegar narrowed his eyes while speaking. ''That's because you were much harder on me than any of your children or grandchildren. You're an evil old man.''

As the words left his lips Griffin bonked him on the head, ''None of the other rascals are a Devil Hunter apart from Rhaelor, but even with that you're a Tetraarch Mage, the only one alive.''

''Stop hitting me on the head!'' Raegar snapped back, which made Victoria and Yuki giggle at his reaction.

''Then stop calling me old, I am a handsome mature man who all the ladies want,'' Griffin said with a chuckle just before he went to approach the city guards.

Victoria and Yuki shook their heads as the white-haired woman commented from the carriage behind them, ''Just like Darius and his narcissistic ways.''

Everyone laughed as Griffin and Raegar approached the guards, who noticed the older man and saluted him. Seconds later, a commander appeared. ''Good morning, Duke Vaelthrone. Here for the Aether Test?''

''Yes Darion,'' his grandfather replied before pointing a thumb back at him. ''I want to show the boy around the city. It's his first time here.''

The man named Darion nodded at Raegar with wide eyes before asking a question. ''Greetings, young master. Are you Jaspar Blackwoods sibling?''

''I am,'' he answered the newcomer. ''He's my big brother.''

''No wonder I recognized you,'' the commander said with a chuckle. ''You have the same face as him but less scarred.''

Griffin laughed before questioning, ''How is the boy? I heard he was fighting in the East against the bandit gangs that infest the area since the Eastern Wars.''

Darion glanced at the blonde man. ''That he is Griff. Some of the old boys are saying he's one of the finest commanders Dawnfire has ever produced. Word is, even High Command is impressed with him, and with your grandson, Rhaelor.''

The mention of that name made Raegar stiffen, a surge of irritation flashing across his face. ''Ugh, not that guy. I swear one day I will show him how weak he's,'' he thought bitterly.

His cousin was a year older than him. Their first and only meeting had been less than warm. They couldn't have been more different. Rhaelor was outgoing, charming, and the undeniable favorite of the entire Vaelthorne family.

Though he was loved by his grandparents and immediate family. Raegar, unlike his cousins, preferred spending time on his own and avoided the typical noble behavior of seeking attention or bragging about the family name, which always baffled him.

Their pompous actions and condescending attitudes annoyed him, especially when they directed their snobbery toward Yuki and Saki. It was a line Raegar refused to tolerate and got into an argument with one of his mother's sisters.

'Dumb bitch always insults Yuki whenever she gets the chance,' he thought in frustration before he was brought back to reality.

''Come on boy, we need to get to the church before the ladies get there,'' Griffin dragged him back to reality as the two were let into the city.

As Raegar stepped into the city, he couldn't help but be awestruck by the sights before him. Cobbled streets stretched in every direction, flanked by sturdy stone buildings decorated with colorful awnings and complex carvings.

The bustling roads crisscrossed Dunmara as Merchants called out their wares from market stalls that were set up along the walkways, and townsfolk moved with purpose, weaving through the crowds.

Dawnfire soldiers patrolled the streets in their polished armor. They greeted citizens with nods. Raegar watched this with a curious expression as Griffin suddenly spoke. ''You know, boy. You're are the greatest gift that your grandmother and mother have ever given me.''

''Why are you getting sentimental, old man?'' he asked his grandfather.

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