Chapter - Dynamic Duo

 Varian trailed behind Cevar as they emerged from the damp, suffocating darkness of the cave, stepping into the crisp night air. After defeating one of those monsters from the black dimension, as Varian called it, Cevar wasn't exactly keen on staying in his trusty cave much longer. The scent of damp stone and earth clung to them, but the world outside felt vast and open—a stark contrast to the suffocating abyss they had just left.

Varian stretched his shoulders, rolling out the tension. "All right," he muttered, adjusting his shirt. "Where are we going?"

Cevar didn't stop walking, hands casually in his pockets as he strode forward. Moonlight cast sharp shadows across the uneven terrain, the cool glow highlighting his sharp features.

"We're heading toward the Dacre Estate," he said simply.

Varian frowned, catching up to walk beside him. "Dacre? That's… your last name, right?"

Cevar nodded. "One of them."

Varian raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "So, what is it? A fortress?"

Cevar smirked. "It's home."

Varian glanced at the road ahead. "And after that?"

Cevar glanced at him, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You in a rush to leave already?"

"No, I said I'd follow you for now however, I will not walk into things blind."

Cevar chuckled. "Fair enough. The estate's just the first stop. If you're serious about getting stronger—about figuring out what you are—we'll need to go to the Magic Academy of Babylonia, it's where the best mages, warriors, and scholars in the kingdom train."

 "And where is this Babylonia Academy?" Varian replied

"In the heart of Assyria, the kingdom that controls this region." Cevar kicked a loose stone down the dirt path, watching it tumble into the tall grass. "Assyria is a land of magic, trade, and war. Its rulers are pragmatic, powerful, and utterly ruthless. If you can thrive there, you can thrive anywhere."

Varian frowned slightly. "And you, did you grow up there? It sounds similar to the black dimension." 

Cevar's smirk didn't quite reach his eyes. "Something like that."

The two walked in silence for a moment, the wind whispering through the grass as the distant glow of a city flickered on the horizon.

Varian broke the silence first. "And this Magic Academy—what's so special about it I've gone through training as an Einherjar It can't be that difficult?"

Cevar tilted his head. "Babylonia Academy isn't just a school—it's the proving ground of the powerful. It's where the best go to become legends. If you want to find out about your past, it's your best bet."

Varian narrowed his eyes. "If this school is as great as you say then there must be some type of entry requirements what are they?"

Cevar counted on his fingers. "One, a display of magical aptitude. That means demonstrating control over an element, an ability, or a trait that sets you apart. Two, a written and practical exam. They don't take in weaklings or fools. And three—" he glanced at Varian with a smirk "—you need a recommendation or proof of exceptional skill in combat."

Varian scoffed. "So I have to fight my way in. I'm starting to believe this world isn't so different after all."

Cevar grinned. "Please don't compare us to those monsters. I don't know if I would be able to sleep at night."

Varian's gaze drifted toward the sky, thoughtful. An academy filled with warriors, mages, and scholars... He wasn't one to play by the rules, but something about it intrigued him.

Cevar glanced at him. "You interested?"

Varian exhaled. "Not really, I'm thinking about it."

Cevar chuckled. "Good. That means you're already considering it."

The two continued walking, the road stretching long ahead. 

The Dacre Estate loomed in the distance, its towers stabbing into the night sky, a cold and indifferent monument to its master. The duo had been walking all day, and since the trees of the forest were so large, they weren't able to tell the time of day. Cevar exhaled slowly. It wasn't the first time he'd snuck back in, and it wouldn't be the last, but something about tonight felt different. Maybe it was the extra weight beside him.

"Are we supposed to be doing this?" Varian's voice was barely more than a whisper, but it carried in the quiet. His presence was oddly muted as if the darkness itself bent around him.

"Please," Cevar muttered, crouching low beneath the tree line. "This isn't my first time breaking into my own house. Third floor, my room. We jump, we land, we're in. Easy."

Varian didn't seem convinced. 

Cevar shot him a look. "unlike you, I don't just skulk in the dark and appear where I want. I have class."

Varian raised an eyebrow. "Jumping into a window that high up is classy? Humans are strange creatures."

Cevar smirked. "Only when I do it. I'm special."

Without another word, he bent his knees and launched himself upward, boots barely making a sound as he caught the stone ledge of the third-floor window. He swung himself through effortlessly, rolling onto the carpeted floor.

By the time he stood up, Varian was already inside.

Cevar blinked. "Okay, that's—"

 Varian said simply. "I don't need doors."

Cevar narrowed his eyes. "That is deeply unfair."

Varian shrugged. "So is Life."

Rolling his eyes, Cevar strode over to the light switch, flipping it. The hanging light fixtures flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the room's dark wood furniture and weapon racks. Bookshelves lined the far wall, and his closet—massive and slightly disorganized—loomed beside the bed.

Cevar turned back to Varian, arms crossed. "Alright, first things first—you need actual clothes. The whole 'I just crawled out of a haunted crypt' look? Not working."

Varian tilted his head slightly. "You're saying this while wearing half a cape."

Cevar placed a hand on his chest, mock-offended. "This is a fashion statement. You, on the other hand, look like an unfinished nightmare."

Varian sighed. "Fine."

Cevar walked over to his closet, rummaging through the hangers before tossing a bundle of clothes at Varian. "Try not to make it look depressing."

Varian caught the clothes, inspected them briefly, and then—without hesitation—began changing right there.

Cevar immediately turned away, hands raised in mock surrender. "Whoa—personal space, ever heard of it?"

Varian remained unfazed. "You're the one who gave me clothes. In the Black Dimension, this was common." His tone was flat as if Cevar was the strange one here.

Cevar groaned. "You are insufferable."

A few minutes later, Varian emerged wearing a simple black tunic, dark pants, and a fitted coat. The outfit was a little too refined for someone with his sharp, untamed presence, but at least he no longer looked like something that had crawled out of a tomb.

Cevar gave him a once-over, nodding in approval. "Not bad. Now, let's recap—what do you remember?"

Varian's expression turned thoughtful. "I remember… being trained by fully-fledged Einherjar warriors before they left to fight the Black Beast. Then… I was alone for a very long time. After that, I spoke with a very large being… and then I fell."

Cevar's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Trained by adult warriors, huh? Sounds intense. Maybe putting you through a fight will shake something loose."

Varian shrugged. "It's worth a try."

Cevar smirked, already heading for the door. "Then let's hit the training field. Time to see what an Einherjar is made of."