Chapter 15: Departure

Lucian stood tall, arms crossed as he looked down at Kael. "You have until tomorrow to pack your things and say your goodbyes," he said firmly. "We'll wait here in the village until then."

Kael simply nodded, keeping his emotions in check. The first thing he did was seek out his father. When he found Garrick, he wasted no time. "Why didn't you do anything?"

Garrick sighed, rubbing his temple. "This was bound to happen. Thalor and I talked about it the moment I noticed that relic on you. We suspected you'd have to leave for Arcanum Athenaeum eventually."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "You knew? And you didn't tell me?"

"I wanted to," Garrick admitted. "But Thalor convinced me otherwise. He said you needed to learn about the world on your own, not have it handed to you."

Kael clenched his fists. He was frustrated, but at the same time, he understood. It didn't change the fact that he felt forced into this path, despite having decided against going to the academy.

He took a breath, trying to stay calm. "And why didn't you do anything when that guy grabbed me by the throat?"

Garrick smirked. "That's something you'll have to ask him yourself. But I'll say this—people like them don't kill someone with a relic so easily, especially not someone with your level of knowledge. The moment he saw you could control Gaianis, you were never in real danger."

Kael's frustration lingered, but he let it go for now. He spent the rest of the day saying his goodbyes. Thalor, of course, made a joke out of the whole situation, laughing at how priceless Kael's expression had been when Lucian grabbed him. Kael wasn't amused but still appreciated everything Thalor had taught him.

Elena, however, was a mess. Tears streamed down her face as she held her son tight, refusing to let go. Kael suspected that neither Garrick nor Thalor had explained the situation to her beforehand.

"I don't want you to leave so soon," she sobbed. "You're still just a child."

Kael felt a pang of guilt but forced himself to smile. "I'll be fine, Mom."

Garrick, standing nearby, placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. His eyes carried pride. "You've come far, Kael. I know you'll go even further."

The village children also came to see him off, though he hadn't spent much time with them in the past year. Still, their sadness at his departure was genuine. By nightfall, he had packed his things, ready for the journey ahead.

The next morning, Kael met Lucian and Edric at the village entrance. Without their cloaks and hoods, they no longer looked as intimidating as before.

Lucian was the first to extend his hand. "Sorry about yesterday," he said with an apologetic nod. "It's rare to find a relic, and even rarer to see someone bonded to one. Usually, if someone has a relic and we don't recognize them, there's a 98% chance they're a criminal."

Kael hesitated before shaking his hand. "So you just assume the worst?"

Lucian shrugged. "It keeps us alive."

Now that Kael could properly observe him, Lucian was an imposing figure—handsome, with short brown hair, and likely in his late twenties or early thirties. He carried an enormous greatsword on his back, a weapon that looked heavier than Kael himself.

Then the second man stepped forward, smiling warmly. "I'm Edric. Don't mind Lucian, he's always a bit too aggressive," he chuckled. Unlike Lucian, Edric wasn't heavily built. He was still strong, but nowhere near as physically overwhelming.

Kael noticed that Edric wasn't carrying any weapons, at least none that were visible. I bet he's a Gaianis user, while Lucian specializes in Inveris. The contrast between them was fascinating.

As they set off toward Eryndor, Kael took the opportunity to ask, "Why didn't you just kill me and take the relic?"

Lucian scratched his head. "You really don't know much about relics, do you? If someone bonds with a relic, it's pointless to kill them unless they're dangerous. Not just anyone can bond with one."

Kael's eyes widened. "So the fact that I found it means—"

"That it was meant for you," Edric finished. "It'll be with you until the day you die. That's why we didn't just take it. Instead, we're bringing you to Arcanum Athenaeum, where you'll learn to use it properly. A Legio Obscura with a relic is incredibly valuable."

Kael was stunned. He wasn't sure how to feel—overwhelmed, excited, maybe even a little relieved. Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought.

Still, one thing bothered him. "How long will it take to reach Eryndor?"

"Five days," Lucian answered.

Kael sighed. Great.

Trying to make the best of the situation, he glanced at his new traveling companions. "Would you two be willing to teach me more advanced Inveris and Gaianis techniques?"

Lucian and Edric exchanged a look.

"You know both?" Edric asked, eyebrows raised.

Kael nodded.

The two men smirked, and Kael could see the excitement in their eyes.

"We might've just hit the jackpot," Lucian muttered.

End of Chapter 15