Chapter 16: Arrival in Eryndor

As they traveled toward Eryndor, Lucian and Edric began Kael's advanced training. Since Edric specialized in Gaianis, he wasn't able to directly help Kael refine his abilities, as his primary elements were water and earth. However, he guided Kael in better understanding the flow of Gaianis, making him more aware of how to manipulate it with greater efficiency.

Lucian, on the other hand, was a master of Inveris, and Kael made rapid progress under his guidance. He learned how to circulate Ascen through his body faster and with more precision, focusing the energy into singular points for stronger, more controlled bursts of power.

Along the way, they allowed Kael to test his abilities in real combat. The monsters he faced were far stronger than those from his village, but with Lucian and Edric supervising, the battles were never life-threatening. Kael fought smaller ogres, living skeletons, mutated goblin-like apes, and massive tree-like creatures resembling humanoid sentinels.

Lucian and Edric were astonished by his rapid development. Most warriors of his age in Eryndor were noble-born children who received private tutoring from the best instructors money could buy. Yet Kael, without any of that, was matching—and in some cases surpassing—those levels of skill.

Curious, Kael asked them about Arcanum Athenaeum.

"The academy is divided into two specializations," Lucian explained. "Gaianis and Inveris. Students pick their focus at the start."

Kael frowned. "But what if someone wants to use both?"

Edric chuckled. "That's… not exactly common."

Kael crossed his arms, deep in thought. He'd have to decide soon.

Lucian added, "You'll be arriving just in time to witness the entrance exams. You don't need to take them, but you'll get to see your competition."

Kael wasn't thrilled. I'd rather participate than watch. But there was nothing he could do about it.

A day and a half from Eryndor, they encountered something massive—a serpentine beast, resembling a Titanoboa, but three times larger.

Lucian and Edric immediately stepped forward.

"This is far beyond you," Lucian said firmly.

Edric was the first to attack, causing thick trees to sprout from the ground, binding the enormous snake in place. He then launched high-pressure water droplets, each moving with the speed of a projectile, but the serpent's scales deflected them effortlessly.

Edric sighed. "Alright, Lucian. You take this one."

Lucian drew his massive sword, and suddenly, flames engulfed the blade. With a single, blindingly fast movement, he leaped through the air and sliced the serpent clean in half.

Kael was stunned.

Afterward, Kael asked Edric, "How can you control trees? I thought your elements were water and earth?"

Edric smiled. "Wood is a sub-element formed by combining water and earth. By blending elements, you can create entirely new ones, like mud, metal, or steam."

Kael's mind raced. What combinations could I create?

He then turned to Lucian. "How did your sword catch fire?"

Lucian smirked. "It's my relic, just like your blowgun. Every relic has an elemental affinity. Mine is fire, but the weapon adapted to me when I bonded with it—it only ignites when I fight."

Kael's eyes widened. "Wait… so you have to control the relic's element to use it?"

Lucian shook his head. "Not quite. A relic becomes an extension of you. If you wield fire and wind but your relic is attuned to earth, you'll be able to use earth-based powers as long as you have it in hand."

Kael's excitement grew. "So… how do I figure out my relic's element?"

Lucian grinned. "That's something you'll learn in the academy."

After five days, they finally arrived in Eryndor.

Kael stood in awe. The city was unlike anything he had seen. It rivaled the grand cities of his past world, with massive marketplaces, towering villas, magnificent cathedrals, and streets filled with people from all walks of life.

Lucian turned to him. "We'll need a place to stay for the night. Tomorrow morning, we'll head to Arcanum Athenaeum."

Kael nodded but hesitated. "Can I explore for a couple of hours?"

Lucian considered it before nodding. "Stay out of trouble."

Kael wandered through the city, absorbing every detail. He spotted groups of children his age, all likely here for the academy's entrance exams.

Then, down a narrow alley, he noticed a commotion—three boys ganging up on one finely dressed, blue-haired kid. The boy clutched a sword, but his stance suggested he wasn't fully prepared for a fight.

Kael frowned. I don't like bullies.

He stepped forward. "Hey!"

The three thugs turned. One sneered. "Great. Another Inveris brat."

The second thug nudged him. "Look at his clothes. He doesn't seem like much."

They laughed, before one casually launched a small fireball at Kael.

Kael didn't even flinch. He extended his palm, infused it with Ascen, and let the fire collide. The flames dispersed instantly.

The thugs froze, shocked.

Kael smirked. "Now, this—is a real fireball." He formed a much larger, swirling mass of fire and hurled it forward, sending the bullies flying backward.

The blonde-haired boy stepped forward. "Thanks for that. I'm Severian." He extended his hand.

Kael shook it. "No problem. Didn't want to risk them hurting you."

Severian chuckled. "I could've handled them. But I appreciate it." He paused, glancing at Kael. "Are you here to enroll?"

Kael smirked. "I think I already am."

Severian's eyes widened. "Wait… before that—did you just use both Gaianis and Inveris?"

Kael shrugged. "Yeah."

Severian's grin widened. "Then I don't need to ask how you got in."

He extended his hand again. "Let's get along from here on out."

Kael shook it once more. "Yeah. Sounds good."

End of Chapter 16