Trina Academy

Inside the cabin, Theo lay on his bed, recalling the deep feeling that overwhelmed him when Matthew told him he would go to the academy and become a host for a seed—just like Emperor Caren Valos.

Theo had always been fascinated by the Painter's Tree; that mystery and beauty had taken hold of his heart and mind every time he thought about it.

The feeling of challenge was burning inside him!!

Since losing his memory, Theo believed there was nothing he couldn't understand or do—until he saw it. He was struck by curiosity about it and how it was made. He asked Matthew, but Matthew couldn't tell him much.

There were strict restrictions surrounding the Painter's Tree, and only the Painter was allowed to know how to use it. Even Matthew didn't know much about it—so how could Theo?

The only way he could do so was by obtaining a noble title, and he wasn't even close to that.

Nevertheless, when Matthew told him he could become a seed host, Theo felt that the emptiness in his heart had suddenly vanished. He didn't fully understand why he felt that way, but he liked it very much.

"The Painter's Tree is my goal now… even after I achieve that, I will explore the world. I'm sure there are many exciting things out there like the Painter's Tree… I must also help Matthew if I can. It's a debt I must repay," thought Theo as he gazed at the moon through the window. He now had a clear plan for his life. He was no longer immature like before.

That night, Theo didn't sleep a wink. He stayed awake until morning, thinking about his future. It was a major turning point in his life.

....

The Next Morning

Matthew and Theo sat at the dining table and quietly had breakfast—unusually silent. Neither of them spoke a word. It was the last time they would eat together before Theo left for the academy, but it wasn't as dramatic as it should have been.

"This is better for both of us. I won't always be by his side, so he must learn to take responsibility and mature. I've given him everything I could. It doesn't matter if my words hurt him—what matters is that he stays safe," Matthew told himself, resisting the urge to talk to Theo. He knew he was doing the right thing, but his heart never felt comfortable about it. For some reason, he felt like he was truly abandoning Theo, lying to himself.

"Does he consider me his brother...? Of course not. No one would ever abandon their brother like this… Damn, why am I thinking about this now? I need to turn a new page in my life... Matthew helped me a lot when I knew nothing about this world—he even got me into the academy. I must repay this debt, especially since he doesn't consider me his brother," Theo's thoughts were a bit turbulent now. Sitting in front of Matthew placed a subtle pressure on him.

After finishing breakfast, Theo went to pack his bags and prepare to go to the academy. He waited for the carriage to arrive. After some time, Theo heard the sound of horse hooves approaching from afar. He stood up, took a deep breath, and opened the door to his room to find Matthew sitting at the dining table.

"From now on, you'll be on your own. It might be scary at first... but you're smart. I'm sure you'll manage. Become stronger, Theo. And when hardships come, face them with courage… Don't be like me," Matthew said firmly, yet with emotion, as he looked at Theo.

"Alright... Thank you for everything, Matthew," Theo replied, then walked toward the door. Just as he was about to open it, he heard a faint, barely audible voice.

"Take care of yourself."

Theo wasn't sure if it was Matthew's voice or just his imagination, but as he opened the door, he felt like he had lost something very precious.

He cast one last glance at the Painter's Tree and thought with regret, "It's a shame I won't be able to talk to you every day… It's alright. I'll come back one day, once I repay my debt to Matthew—after all."

The brown carriage pulled by a horse stopped in front of the Painter's Tree. The driver got down and said to Theo, "Are you Theodore Morgan?"

"Yes."

"I'm Fradike. Please come with me. Mr. Austin told me to take you to the academy," the man said formally.

Theo then entered the carriage, and his journey to the academy began.

Although the academy wasn't far, it took an entire day to reach it. Theodore was asleep during the trip.

"Hey kid, we've arrived!"

Theo woke up, shook off the sleep, and stepped out of the carriage. He looked at the academy gate.

"Trina Academy."

The weather was cold, and a gentle breeze stirred his hair. From this moment on, Theo knew that his life would completely change.