Valen Aurion

The days following the Awakening Ceremony settled into a new rhythm. While the other newly awakened youths were immersed in introductory lessons on basic elemental manipulation, Zephyr found himself summoned to his father's study.

The room was a reflection of Lord Valen himself: imposing, austere, and filled with an air of cold calculation. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, adorned with portraits of stern-faced Aurion ancestors. A large desk dominated the center of the room, cluttered with scrolls, maps, and official documents. Valen sat behind his desk, his expression as unreadable as ever. He gestured for Zephyr to sit in a chair opposite him.

"Now that your element has been revealed," Valen began, his voice deep and measured, "it is time to discuss your training."

Zephyr remained silent, allowing his father to continue.

"Darkness is a… unique element," Valen said, a hint of something akin to curiosity flickering in his eyes. "It is not one that is traditionally cultivated within our family.

However, it possesses undeniable potential. You will not be attending the Royal Academy for standard instruction."

Zephyr raised a mental eyebrow, though his expression remained neutral. He had anticipated this.

"Instead," Valen continued, "I have arranged for you to receive specialized tutelage. You will study under Master Elian, a renowned mage specializing in shadow manipulation and tactical applications of darkness magic. He will arrive within the week."

Master Elian… Zephyr recalled the name from the novel. A skilled, if somewhat eccentric, mage known for his ruthless efficiency and his unorthodox methods.

"He is… demanding," Valen warned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He will push you to your limits. I expect you to meet his expectations. Failure will not be tolerated."

"Understood, Father," Zephyr replied, his voice even.

"Furthermore," Valen continued, "I expect you to continue your studies in other areas. You will continue your lessons in history, strategy, and courtly etiquette. A noble must be more than just a mage. He must be a leader, a strategist, a diplomat."

"And what of cultivation, Father?" Zephyr asked, finally broaching the subject he was most interested in.

Valen's expression hardened slightly. "Cultivation is essential, of course. Master Elian will guide you in that regard as well. However, your primary focus will be on mastering the practical applications of your magic. Your cultivation will be… accelerated."

Zephyr understood the implication. Valen was more interested in immediate results, in utilizing Zephyr's power for the family's benefit. He likely wouldn't understand the intricacies of the 'Elemental Codex' or the importance of a solid foundation in mana cultivation.

System, what do you think? Zephyr thought mentally.

[The proposed tutelage under Master Elian could be beneficial in terms of practical combat applications of your Darkness affinity. However, it is unlikely to focus on the deeper aspects of cultivation, particularly those related to your Void affinity. Continuing your independent cultivation according to the 'Elemental Codex' is still recommended.]

Agreed, Zephyr thought.

He would continue his own cultivation in secret, using the West Tower as his sanctuary. He knew his father's motivations were far from altruistic. He had gleaned enough information from the novel and from observing his father's interactions with the rest of the family to understand the underlying dynamics.

Aeliana, his mother, had not been born into a noble family. She was a woman of exceptional beauty and gentle spirit, whom Valen had been captivated by in his youth. Their marriage had been a love match, a rare occurrence in the world of noble alliances.

However, Aeliana's lack of noble lineage had always been a point of contention, particularly with Valen's own family. They saw her as an unsuitable match, a commoner who had somehow managed to ensnare their heir.

Zephyr was the product of that union, and as such, he carried the weight of his mother's non-noble blood. This, coupled with the fact that Lucian was Valen's son from his first, politically advantageous marriage to a noblewoman of significant standing, placed Zephyr in a precarious position.

Lucian was the heir, the face of the Aurion family, while Zephyr… Zephyr was a tool, a resource to be utilized when needed. His dark affinity, a rare and potentially powerful element, made him valuable, but he was not the favored son. He was the son of the commoner, the second son, the one whose existence was tolerated rather than celebrated.

This understanding settled deep within Zephyr, a cold, hard truth that solidified his resolve.

He would not be defined by his father's expectations or the prejudices of the noble court. He would use their underestimation to his advantage, cultivating his power in secret, honing his skills in the shadows, and preparing himself for the day when he would step out of the darkness and claim his own destiny.

The conversation with his father continued, moving from the immediate subject of his training to broader matters of the family's standing and the political climate of the kingdom. Valen spoke of alliances and rivalries, of subtle shifts in power within the court, and of the growing unrest in the outer provinces.

He spoke as if Zephyr were a trusted advisor, sharing information that was usually reserved for those deeply entrenched in the family's inner circle.

Zephyr listened attentively, absorbing every detail, analyzing every nuance, and storing the information away for future use.

As the meeting drew to a close, Valen turned his gaze back to Zephyr, his eyes once again sharp and assessing.

"In two years," he stated, his voice firm and decisive, "you will return to the Royal Academy."

Zephyr maintained his neutral expression, though a flicker of anticipation stirred within him. The Academy would be a new stage, a new arena for him to navigate.

"You will have completed your specialized training with Master Elian," Valen continued, "and you will have demonstrated a sufficient mastery of your darkness affinity. At the Academy, you will interact with other young nobles, forge alliances, and prove your worth to the kingdom. You will represent the Aurion family, and you will not disappoint me."

"Understood, Father," Zephyr replied, his voice even and controlled.

"Prepare yourself well, Zephyr," Valen said, his gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before he turned back to his work. "The Academy is a proving ground. Only the strongest will survive."

With that, the meeting was concluded. Zephyr rose from his chair, offered a respectful bow to his father, and exited the study. As he walked through the long corridors of the Aurion estate, his mind raced with possibilities. Two years. It was a significant amount of time, time that he could use to further his cultivation, to master his skills, and to prepare himself for the Royal Academy.

As Zephyr walked away from his father's study, Valen's words weighed heavily on him. "Prepare yourself well… the Academy is a proving ground. Only the strongest will survive."

This phrase echoed in his mind, filling him with a mix of excitement and determination. The Royal Academy was more than just a school; it was the center of magical learning in the world, where the next generation of mages would be trained.

He thought about the continent where the Academy was located, Arcanis. Unlike other continents, which often faced political conflicts, Arcanis was neutral.

It was a place dedicated to the pursuit of magical knowledge, where mages from all over could gather and share their insights without fear of war.

The Royal Academy, sitting on a high mesa overlooking the plains of Arcanis, was the crown jewel of this continent, attracting students from every kingdom and nation.

Zephyr remembered details from the novel, "Blades of Eternity," about Arcanis. The land was rich in ancient magic, with powerful energies in the soil and air, making it perfect for magical study. It was also home to many ancient ruins and magical sites, each holding secrets waiting to be discovered.

The Academy itself was a stunning blend of architecture and magic. Its tall spires and intricate designs were filled with runes and enchantments, creating a strong source of magical energy. The grounds were vast, with training areas, research labs, libraries full of books, and even mini replicas of different environments for students to study.

Zephyr knew his time at the Academy would be important. He would have the chance to improve his magical skills and learn more about magic while meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. It would be an opportunity to build connections, form alliances, and gather information.